From Setbacks to Speed—Rally Driver Rhianon Gelsomino on Resilience, Risk & Rising to the Top | EP162
Driving Vision Podcast: From Setbacks to Speed—Rally Driver Rhianon Gelsomino on Resilience, Risk & Rising to the Top
This week, we go backstage at Zeigler Honda in Kalamazoo with VP of Talent Development Mike Van Ryn and special guest Rhianon Gelsomino—world-class Subaru Rally co-driver and partner to motorsport legend Travis Pastrana.
Rhi’s story is nothing short of extraordinary: from growing up in a motorsport family, to overcoming devastating accidents that left her learning to walk again, to carving out her place as one of the best in a male-dominated industry.
🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear how grit, preparation, and passion fuel both rally racing and the culture at Team Zeigler.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Resilience in Action: How Rhi turned broken bones, burns, and setbacks into fuel for an unstoppable career.
- Preparation Under Pressure: Why success in rally—and business—comes down to relentless preparation and multitasking.
- The Power of “Why”: Rhi’s inner drive to compete, inspire, and challenge herself every day.
- Breaking Barriers: Her message to women in male-dominated industries: make no excuses, work hard, and prove you belong.
- Leadership & Giving Back: How Rhi combines her passion for teaching with racing through Aus Rally Pro, training the next generation of drivers.
- Culture & Community: The surprising ways Subaru, Zeigler, and the rally community share values of teamwork, positivity, and giving back.
Memorable Quotes
“If you work really hard and make no excuses, you’ll get there—regardless of being male or female—because of how good you are at your job.” – Rhianon Gelsomino“Preparation is everything. In our sport, if we don’t prepare, we could die. That’s how high the stakes are.” – Rhianon Gelsomino“Gratitude and positivity are game-changers. A smile—even on your toughest day—can create a customer for life.” – Rhianon Gelsomino
Why You Should Listen
Whether you’re chasing your next sales goal, leading a team, or facing down life’s toughest challenges, Rhi’s story will inspire you to set goals, take risks, and push beyond limits.
🎧 Listen now to learn how YOU can drive vision in your own life and career.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment with your biggest takeaway!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment with your biggest takeaway!
