Driving Racecars, Leadership and Inclusion (Part 2) with Christina Nielsen and Peter Zaballos

Unwritten Podcast - Episode 11: Racing, Leadership, Equity & Inclusion

Hosts: Deli Moussavi and Deneen Bowen

Special Guests: Christina Nielsen, Two-Time IMSA Race Car Champion, and Pete Zaballos, Fractional CMO

Episode Summary:
In this riveting second part of our two-episode segment, we delve deeper into the themes of equity and inclusion within the high-stakes world of car racing. Christina Nielsen, a champion in resilience and persistence, and Pete Zaballos, a fractional CMO, provide their unique insights on leadership, overcoming adversity, and the importance of team dynamics.

Key Highlights:
•Equity and Diversity in Racing: Christina and our guests discuss the importance of expanding opportunities for diversity in racing, emphasizing the need to encourage more inclusive environments.
•Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Christina’s journey exemplifies the essence of resilience. Despite facing numerous setbacks, her determination and ability to rise again set a benchmark for aspiring racers.
•The Power of Teamwork: A recurring theme in this episode is the significance of a strong, empathetic, and communicative team. Christina’s quote, “You can’t win with a slow car, but you definitely can’t win with a bad team,” encapsulates this idea.
•Leadership Lessons from Racing: The episode sheds light on lessons from the racetrack that apply to leadership, including knowing your audience, managing external factors, and maintaining team cohesion under pressure.
•Gender Equity in Racing: Addressing gender disparities in racing, the conversation pivots to systematic issues and the need for more equitable treatment and opportunities for women in the sport.
•Embodying Leadership and Power: The episode explores how individuals, especially women, can own their power and stay grounded in their convictions, reshaping dialogues and challenging the status quo.
•Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments: Pete Zaballos shares insights on cultivating environments that foster personal growth, equality, and higher performance.

Memorable Quotes:
1.Christina Nielsen: “It’s not a matter of if we run into issues and problems; it’s when we do and HOW we handle them. That’s the differentiator.”
2.Pete Zaballos: “The world is more or less defined by male behaviors. The world is set up where men are 2-3 steps ahead of women.”
3.Christina Nielsen: “When someone says something to you, imagine them throwing a ball at you and remember that you DON’T have to catch the ball. You don’t have to absorb what they say.”
4.Deli Moussavi: “It’s not about men are bad or women; it’s about a system that has done tremendous harm to both our men and women. We all need collective help to come out of this system into a new era.”

Closing Thoughts:
This episode offers a profound look at how principles from the racetrack can inform and inspire leadership, equity, and inclusion in all areas of life. Our guests, through their experiences and insights, have demonstrated the power of resilience, teamwork, and creating a culture of empowerment and safety.

References:
Esmee Hawkey
IG: @esmee_hawkey
https://www.esmeehawkey.com/

Drive to Survive - Netflix Docuseries
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_1:_Drive_to_Survive

Dr. Kelly Moore, Parent CARE
https://liveparentcare.com