Driving change and innovation with a discussion from Director and Vice President of Honda Australia, Carolyn McMahon, and Director of Women in Automotive, Rachel Butler
Director and Vice President of Honda Australia, Carolyn McMahon sat down for a candid chat with Director of Women in Automotive Rachel Butler, to share with each other thoughts on their journey as women in the automotive industry.
What followed were key insights on driving change to increase gender equality and how women in the automotive industry are continually pushing boundaries, transforming our perspectives on cars, mobility, and sustainability.
Women like Carolyn and Rachel have demonstrated that leadership and success in this sector are not limited by gender. Carolyn’s appointment as Vice President and Director at Honda Australia is the latest achievement in a career marked by groundbreaking roles across the business.
Carolyn McMahon spoke fondly of the key aspects of her role that she loves, “First, it’s the Honda philosophy, which I carry with me everywhere. This philosophy, established by Mr. Soichiro Honda over 70 years ago, is built on several core principles."
Since its founding in the 1950s, Honda has continuously raised the bar with innovative and advanced products. In 1969, Honda expanded to Australia, and its products have been enjoyed by millions across the automotive, motorcycle, power equipment, and marine engine sectors for over 55 years.
One of the core Honda principles is ‘respect for the individual,’ which resonates deeply with me,” shared Ms McMahon. “The fact that Mr. Honda emphasised the importance of respect, trust, equality, and initiative so long ago is something I find incredibly inspiring.”
As the first female Sales and Marketing General Manager, and the first woman to oversee Honda Centres, Carolyn broke barriers and paved the way for other women to excel in their careers.
Ms Rachel Butler, a director of national organisation Women in Automotive, said “Women in the automotive industry represent a niche, and what we’re seeing is that people want to be part of a community, to engage with us, and to connect with women in the industry.”
Founded in 1999 as a program under the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), Women in Automotive is now an independent organisation that continues to support thousands of women through apprenticeships, education, and networking opportunities.
Ms. Butler spoke about the growing push for progress toward equality in the industry: “We often tell women to take the initiative—ask for the next opportunity, invest in upskilling, enrol in leadership courses, and apply for leadership roles. Yet, it’s crucial for automotive brands to support women within their organisations. They can do this by offering mentorship, upskilling, and job opportunities. Diversity in the workplace isn’t just about gender; it’s about cultivating diverse thinking.”
Carolyn echoed this sentiment as she spoke passionately about empowering women and boosting their confidence within the business: “I want to ensure that the next generation of leaders has the same opportunities to continuously learn, gain experience, and be well-prepared to take the baton when the time comes. This way, they can guide the company forward into the future,” says Ms. McMahon.
The impact of women in the automotive industry extends to the next generation. As more women take on roles in automotive, motorsport, engineering, technology, and management, they serve as role models for young people aspiring to pursue these careers.
This not only broadens career opportunities for future generations but also helps bridge the gender gap in fields that have long been underrepresented by women.
Through organisations like Women in Automotive, and with inspiring leaders like Carolyn McMahon, we can better empower the next generation and make the automotive industry more accessible to girls and young women.
Ultimately, women in the automotive industry are not just participants—they are leading the way to a more innovative, diverse, and sustainable future.