Meet Tianna Mick

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tianna Mick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tianna, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned to turn what some people might call my “disadvantages” into my biggest competitive edge. In the automotive industry, being the only woman in the room isn’t uncommon; it’s the standard. Early on, I realized that instead of trying to blend in, I could stand out by being exactly who I am.

As a gay Hispanic woman, I chose to embrace everything that made me different. I leaned into my identity and began building real connections within my own communities: the LGBTQ+ community, the Hispanic community, and women in general. I wasn’t just selling cars; I was creating a safe, welcoming space for people who often felt overlooked or intimidated by the car-buying process.

What made me “different” became my greatest advantage. My authenticity built trust. My perspective brought representation. My presence showed others that this industry isn’t just for one type of person; it’s for anyone willing to work, connect, and serve people with honesty.

Being “the only one in the room” taught me how to own my voice, stand in my truth, and turn my uniqueness into my superpower! Now, I’m not just in the room; I’m changing what that room looks like.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Tianna Mick, but most in the industry know me as T Got Your Keys, and I take pride in that name. I began my career in the automotive industry as a salesperson, searching for my place in a business that wasn’t meant for someone like me – a young, gay, Hispanic woman. Instead of trying to fit in, I broke the mold. I created a brand focused on being real, open, and building connections. I want to show people that sales doesn’t have to feel pushy. It can revolve around trust, community, and empowerment.

Today, I’m proud to be part of Dealer Synergy, where we support dealerships across the country in growing through training, technology, and video strategy. I also speak at events nationwide, from NADA and Digital Dealer to Canada’s Used Car Week and Europe’s Women Automotive Network. I teach automotive professionals how to use personal branding, social media, and authenticity to achieve real results.

What excites me the most right now is the direction the automotive industry is taking. We are finally seeing more women and minorities stepping into leadership, sales, and creative roles. For a long time, this industry looked a certain way, but now it is changing to reflect the real world. It is becoming diverse, bold, and full of unique perspectives.

I am inspired every day by women, LGBTQ+ professionals, and people of color who are breaking barriers and reshaping what success in automotive means. Our differences are not obstacles; they are our greatest assets. The way we connect, communicate, and care about customers brings something fresh and needed to the industry.

As for me, I am continuing to build on that momentum. Through my T Got Your Keys brand, motivational speaking, and consulting, my mission is to help others see that their uniqueness is not just valuable – it is powerful! When we show up as our true selves, we don’t just change our careers… we change the culture of the entire industry!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were authenticity, resilience, and connection. Authenticity was the foundation. In an industry that often pushes people to fit in, I chose to stand out by being myself! Once I stopped trying to be what I thought a car salesperson should be, and started being ME, everything changed. People buy from those they trust, and trust starts with realness… authenticity. My advice is: highlight what makes you different. Your story and personality are your brand’s most powerful tools.

Resilience is what kept me going. Being the only woman, and often the youngest, in the room came with challenges. Every “no” taught me how to reach a “yes,” and every challenge made me better. My advice is to stay consistent, even when you don’t see results right away. Hard work always pays off if you focus on the mission, not just the moment.

Lastly, connection is crucial because relationships matter. Whether it’s customers, coworkers, or your community, success in sales and leadership depends on how well you make people feel seen and valued. I built my career by creating genuine relationships, especially with people in my own communities, which led to loyalty and long-term success. My advice is to be a connector, not just a closer. The stronger your relationships are, the stronger your results will be. Just be YOU… the rest will follow.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One of the most impactful books in my life has been The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. That book opened my eyes to the power of manifestation, mindset, and energy, and it completely changed the way I approach both my career and my life.

When I first read it, I realized that everything I wanted, success, happiness, confidence, and abundance, had to start within me first. The idea that your thoughts attract your reality hit me hard. I started visualizing the life and career I wanted, speaking it out loud, and aligning my actions with that energy. And little by little, I watched those visions turn into reality.

In automotive, it’s easy to get caught up in competition, numbers, and pressure, but The Secret reminded me that your energy is your most powerful tool. When I walked into the dealership believing I could help someone, connect with them, and change their day, that belief showed up in my results.

A few lessons that have stuck with me:
1. Gratitude multiplies growth. When you appreciate what you have, the universe gives you more to be grateful for.

2. Focus on what you want, not what you fear. Where your attention goes, energy flows.

3. You are the creator of your reality. Once I understood that, I stopped waiting for opportunities, I started creating them.

The Secret taught me that success isn’t just about skill, it’s about alignment. When your mindset, heart, and hustle are all working toward the same vision, there’s nothing you can’t attract.

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