Championing Women’s Voices in Motoring: Sandy Myhre’s Inspiring Journey
Long before the automotive world began embracing diversity and inclusion, Sandy Myhre, a distinguished New Zealand motoring journalist, author, and motorsport advocate, was already paving the way for change. Recognizing the need for women not only to be behind the wheel but also to have a substantial influence on the conversations shaping mobility, Myhre’s vision was both revolutionary and timely.
This vision gave birth to the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), the only global automotive award judged exclusively by women motoring journalists. From its humble beginnings as a bold idea, WWCOTY has blossomed into an influential international organization, with jurors representing over 50 countries spanning five continents. This initiative has not only amplified women’s voices in the automotive industry but also spotlighted the importance of women’s perspectives in shaping vehicle innovation and consumer trends.
My personal association with Sandy began when she recognized my role as the region’s first and only female motoring jury member on a regional car awards panel. Invited to join WWCOTY as a judge, I quickly found myself among an extraordinary group of women united by a passion for cars, driving, and responsible automotive journalism. Working alongside Sandy has been a testament to the power of shared vision and dedication.
One Lady Owner: A Memoir of Confidence, Opportunity, and Belonging
Now, Sandy Myhre shares her remarkable story in her new book, One Lady Owner: Memoirs of a Motoring Madam. This work is a unique blend of memoir, history, and celebration. Drawing from decades of experience, the book delves into practical advice for buying cars confidently, understanding emerging automotive technologies, and unearthing the often-overlooked contributions women have made throughout motoring history.
With warmth and humor, the book’s underlying message is clear: women should never feel intimidated by the automotive world. Instead, they should embrace it with confidence, recognizing their rightful place in an industry historically dominated by men.
Having witnessed Sandy’s impact through WWCOTY, it was a privilege to discuss the motivations behind her book, her career lessons, and her hopeful vision for the future of women in the motoring and motorsport industries.
In Conversation with Sandy Myhre
- What inspired you to write One Lady Owner and share your journey now?
“It had been building for a long time and the time availability wasn’t there. But over the past two years that time availability manifested and I thought, why not?”
- Was there a defining moment that convinced you this book needed to be written?
“Again, it was a time thing but I had finished a biography of a motor dealer in Australia (which isn’t going to be published!) and I thought, it’s about time – so that’s how it started, I just sat down and began. It took about two years to finish.”
- How much of the book reflects your own experiences in a male-dominated industry?
“Quite a bit reflects that but there are other parts to the book that reflect the female experience with the industry. Also, there are the educational parts such as chapters on alternative fuels, natural car parts, motorsport women and design women, when to buy a car and so on.”
- What message did you most want readers to take away from the book?
“I hope the message is for all women that they do not need to feel intimidated or insecure when buying a car, driving one, in fact, with anything to do with cars or the motor industry.”
- How did your work with WWCOTY influence the stories and themes you chose to include?
“Not very much. But WWCOTY is really important in the collective voice it has. This book is for all women.”
- What surprised you most about yourself while writing this book?
“How long my career was! I had to dig a long way back to remember some things but, really, it was my life story and I was in a unique position to tell it. There are not many women as members of the NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild, still not (only two) and when I think how the book panned out, I realise I am still in a unique position.”
- How have opportunities for women in motoring and motorsport changed since you began your career?
“Change is happening. Sometimes it feels the pace is glacial but at other times the industry, in particular, is noting the influence of women customers and that’s, in part, due to WWCOTY. As for motor sport, more women are participating now than ever before but they are still by far in the minority. I hope this book encourages those women who want to race, to race! And encourages women not to feel insecure when buying a car or driving one.”
- What advice would you give to young women hoping to build a career in the automotive world?
“Just go for it! There are so many opportunities open to women to join the industry, to become mechanics, to be a part of the management team of a dealership or even to become part of a motor sport team in whatever role they feel they could do. They just need to think a little more expansively.”
- Which chapter or story is closest to your heart and why? Absolutely Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year. I start and finish with that so it’s very close to my heart. It has grown and grown and that’s due to Marta Garcia getting more and more judges every month, she has done a spectacular job.
- If you could sum up One Lady Owner in one sentence, what would it be?
“I hope this book makes women realise they can be anything they want in the motor industry and they can venture into motorsport if they choose, without feeling insecure in either.”
Having worked alongside Sandy through Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, I have seen first-hand the generosity and determination that have defined her career. She has created opportunities for women who may never have crossed paths otherwise, building a global community bound by professionalism, respect, and a shared love of motoring. One Lady Owner is a reminder of how one person’s vision can inspire countless others to find their own voice behind the wheel.
WHERE TO BUY:
Austin Macauley : One Lady Owner | Austin Macauley Publishers
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/One-Lady-Owner-Memoirs-Motoring-ebook/dp/B0GX2ZYM8L/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Lady-Owner-Memoirs-Motoring/dp/1037110889/
Paperplus: (NZ) One Lady Owner by Sandy Myhre | Paper Plus
Read more about Sandy Myhre and her influential work Here.
