Donna Lanzillotti Lee

CEO at DriveStrong

“I’d like to thank Donna Lanzillotti Lee for providing a glimpse into her role as CEO at DriveStrong. Donna, with a background in Business Administration and Finance, transitioned from a traditional Fortune 100 career to follow her passion for motorsports. A key turning point came during her maternity leave, leading her to explore motorsports more deeply. This shift opened opportunities to work with a professional race team and eventually oversee driver training programs, while also managing a race team with her son.

Donna highlighted the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, including overcoming stereotypes and assumptions. She balances work and family life by working remotely and integrating her son into her professional life, which she finds both fulfilling and enjoyable. Donna noted the growing presence of women in the industry and advised young women to pursue their passions while leveraging their skills. Looking ahead, she aims to continue enjoying her work, especially collaborating with her son, and she shared that naming her cars is one of her personal joys.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role; responsibilities at that position?

Oversee driver training programs.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

Business Admin and Finance. Career in traditional Fortune 100 business then passion for motorsports led me in different direction.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Maternity leave! Rethinking of aspirations, interests. Participation in amateur motorsports as a hobby led to opportunity to work for professional race team. Asked to lead initiative for driver training at a private motorsports track

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in sports business; how have you overcome them?

Few women in the industry. Assumption was in social media role or “is your husband a driver”. Just as in business world with glass ceiling, do your job. Helped to be one of the guys Thankfully, not prevalent today.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Fortunate that can work remotely except for races, events. Brought my son along; fantastic exposure to sportsmanship, performance, managing a lot of moving parts. I didn’t mention but also own a professional race team which I do with my son Very blessed!

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Mentors are wonderful; regardless of gender. Always admired women who conducted themselves professionally and didn’t draw attention to gender. Seems that it’s swung the opposite way today where can be interpreted that special consideration is given women; perhaps those who may not be as qualified.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

Seen a seismic shift in recent years, with more women in the industry overall, and in key roles (management, engineering). Don’t know if that’s due to more women being interested in motorsports and/or more opportunities open to women

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

Love racing and the adversity – never the same! The people are great. Love training drivers; giving them skills to stay safe and maybe discover they like motorsports as a hobby or career.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Find something you love and go for it! Maybe combine a sport you have a passion for with a skill set you have?

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I am in my mid 60s – not a long runway of time left but more discretion! Like being my own boss, participating in what gives most satisfaction, with people I enjoy, and being comfortable with saying no. Not about me. Working with my son is the best part

Any fun facts you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, # of kids, pet peeves, etc. The more the merrier!!

I name my cars.