F1 Academy: Susie Wolff On Insane Career Milestone - "I Don't Try To Act Like A Man"

F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff has made the Marie Claire Power List for 2023.
F1 Academy: Susie Wolff On Insane Career Milestone - "I Don't Try To Act Like A Man"
F1 Academy: Susie Wolff On Insane Career Milestone - "I Don't Try To Act Like A Man" /

F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff has been honoured on the Marie Claire Power List for 2023, a recognition of her influential role in a traditionally male-dominated world. In an empowering statement, Wolff asserts, "I don't get intimidated and I don't try to act like a man. Authenticity is key."

Key Takeaways:

  • Empowerment in a Male-Dominated World: Susie Wolff, standing out in a field dominated by men, emphasises the importance of authenticity. Her approach challenges traditional norms, highlighting that being true to oneself is crucial for success.
  • Advice for the Next Generation: Wolff shares her experiences of facing gender-based questions and prejudices. Her advice to the younger generation is to focus on performance and let gender-related noise fade away, asserting that true skill naturally brings power.
  • The Marie Claire Power List: This list for 2023 celebrates individuals from diverse fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports, who redefine power. Wolff joins other notable figures like Michelle Obama.
Susie Wolff - F1 Academy

Susie Wolff, the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, has been named on the prestigious Marie Claire Power List for 2023. Wolff's journey has been marked by her unwavering authenticity and refusal to conform to stereotypical norms. "I don't worry that I am very different to those sitting around me," she states. This mindset has been a beacon for many, illustrating that success is not about blending in, but rather about standing out through genuine self-expression.

Her advice to the next generation, particularly to women, is poignant and powerful. Reflecting on her own experiences, she recalls the gender-based challenges she faced, including questions about her qualifications and her ability to balance motherhood with a high-profile career. Her response to these challenges was not just verbal; it was demonstrated through her success and dedication. 

susie-wolff

"I don't worry that I am very different to those sitting around me. I don't get intimidated and I don't try to act like a man. Authenticity is key. You need to be authentic, because it's when you're not, you get called out very quickly.

"I joined Formula E team as a principal and at my first media round table I was asked, 'Did your husband get you this job? You've just had a baby, how are you going to manage travel?'

"That was the moment where I realised how much work there was to do, but also that the biggest way to change perceptions is to be successful, focus on the performance.

"I tell the younger generation, let the noise around your gender fade away because the minute you perform, everything else fades away. If you are really good at what you do, that naturally gives you power."

The Marie Claire Power List serves as a platform to showcase how power is perceived and utilised by influential figures across various domains. Wolff's inclusion in this list, alongside prominent personalities like Michelle Obama, Eva Longoria, and Kris Jenner is a testament to her influence and the evolving concept of power in contemporary society.


Published
Lydia Mee
LYDIA MEE

Lydia is the lead editor of F1 editorial. After following the sport for several years, she was finally able to attend the British Grand Prix in person in 2017. Since then, she's been addicted to not only the racing, but the atmosphere the fans bring to each event. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry.