Voice of Experience: Karen Leetzow, Deputy General Counsel and Vice President, NASCAR
By Caroline Shannon (Dayton, Ohio)
When it comes to hocus pocus potions for success, NASCAR Deputy General Counsel and Vice President Karen Leetzow says it wasn’t a magic wand that led her to success. Instead, she claims the male-dominated sport has taught her to listen — that is, if you can hear above the roar of the firing engines.
“If you listen – you learn,” Leetzow said. “If you learn, then you know your stuff. And if you know your stuff, and work hard, then you will get the respect, assignments and the success you deserve — whether you are a man or woman.”
But it’s her role as a woman that has added the diversity Leetzow likes to see in her workplace. She’s proud of the fact that world-popular organization has taken on the idea that “women can do what men do in every area of the business.” Take a look at the company today, and one will see women not only in corporate positions, sales and marketing, but also hitting the track officials, engineers and team owners.
“I do think there are pockets where the standard male prejudices that women are too ’emotional’ or that ‘racing isn’t a place for women’ remain,” Leetzow said. “But NASCAR does not have a monopoly on sexism. I can find that at a car dealership or post office, too.”
And when that happens, Leetzow, a half-marathon and relay runner, takes her “emotions” to the street by going for a run.
It’s that fiery perspective that led Leetzow to her successful career. Prior to joining NASCAR in 1999, she kicked off her legal career in Washington,
“If you had asked me 15 years ago what I’d be doing today, I would have never said I would be a lawyer for a major sports league,” said Leetzow of her current position, which includes overseeing litigation for the company, as well as intellectual property matters, such as brand protection. “I more or less fell into this job because of my interest in the power of brands. The NASCAR brand and the growth it was experiencing in the late nineties and early two thousands was what interested me. It was only after I got here that I became a fan of the sport itself.”
When she’s not enjoying her work, Leetzow is an even bigger fan of her family at home. In addition to her husband, Michael, her three daughters are her favorite “hobby”. She also has a passion for reading — one that makes her feel like she can never read enough. Leetzow said her Kindle is filled with material ranging from the New York Times to her current read, A Course in Miracles by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
“As a working mother, work-life balance is key issue for me,” Leetzow said. “I am particularly passionate about taking advantage of technology that helps people live more balanced lives. NASCAR has made great strides from a company where face time was demanded to a tech- and family-friendly environment.”
Leetzow said those NASCAR doors continue to open wide, lending more opportunities for women to prove their abilities and become successful.
“As with any situation, I think having a variety of people with a variety of backgrounds adds perspective,” Leetzow said. “My perspective as a woman is usually a pragmatic one. I like problem solving and finding the win-win situation if at all possible. I do believe women are generally more likely to keep talking and try to build consensus as a way to solve problems, and I bring this to my work.”
And, of course, when all else fails, Leetzow said she is sure to keep her sense of humor and not take herself too seriously.
“At the end of the day, our lives should never be defined solely by our work,” she said. Perhaps, that’s why her words of wisdom to live by include a quote from the late Ray Charles: “You had better live each day like it’s your last day ’cause one day you’re gonna be right.”
“Now,” Leetzow said with a smile, “If we could just get more women driving race cars . . .”
