Growth through opportunity: Shannon Langsford on leadership and mentorship
As part of International Women’s Day 2026, AIA Canada is recognizing women from across the auto care industry, highlighting the experiences, achievements, and successes in their careers. Throughout her career, Shannon Langsford’s journey has demonstrated the power of curiosity, diverse skill sets, and steadfast leadership in an evolving industry.
Getting started in auto care
Shannon’s interest in auto care was ignited at a young age by working on cars with her father and reinforced through shop and transportation classes in high school. Her passion for the field continued at university, where she participated in a solar car team, exploring innovative technologies and collaborative problem-solving. These early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the industry.
After graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce, with a focus on Human Resources from McMaster University, Shannon entered the industry professionally with a company that provided dealership software and support. She began her career in talent acquisition, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of the business, its people, and the intricacies of the auto care ecosystem.
Shannon’s early career reinforced a valuable insight: one does not need to be a technician or engineer to make a meaningful impact in auto care. Roles in human resources, finance, IT, marketing, and operations are integral to the success of the industry. Embracing this perspective early helped her see that one’s background should never limit passion or potential. Eighteen years later, Shannon remains committed to the industry because it continues to challenge, energize, and inspire her.
Career milestones shaping leadership
One of Shannon’s proudest career moments was transitioning from talent acquisition into an operations-focused human resources role with a significantly broader scope and a steep learning curve. This shift allowed her to grow professionally and expand her impact within the organization. What made this transition successful was the support of leaders and mentors who believed in her potential and encouraged her development.
That experience shaped her leadership philosophy, which centers on supporting her teams, encouraging growth through challenge, and creating space for learning and success. Shannon carries forward a “thank you for the opportunity” mindset that influences how she leads today.
Another significant milestone has been her role in helping build and sustain the UnstoppabElle Women’s Leadership Event over the past four years, connecting and empowering women across the industry. Presenting at AIA Canada’s Student Aftermarket Day also stands out as a meaningful highlight—sharing her journey and insights with emerging talent reaffirmed the importance of visibility and mentorship for women in auto care.
The impact of mentorship and advice for women
Shannon credits her success to the leaders and mentors who supported her growth, coached her through challenges, and modeled effective leadership. Their influence has inspired her to pay that support forward, helping others see the possibilities within the industry.
Her advice to women entering auto care is simple but powerful: remain curious, ask questions, and embrace opportunities before feeling completely ready. Growth frequently starts with courage rather than confidence. She urges women to build connections, seek mentors, and make their voices heard—visibility matters. By showing up and leading with curiosity, women not only advance their own careers but help shape the future of the auto care sector.
About Shannon Langsford
Shannon Langsford, CHRL, is director of human resources at Mevotech. With nearly two decades of experience in human resources and talent leadership, she is passionate about people-first leadership, mentorship, and building inclusive, high-performing teams across the auto care industry.