From Firefighter to Female Mechanic: Hannah’s Story of Reinvention, Resilience & Risk

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Hannah Gordon, a former London firefighter, semi-professional athlete, and now a female mechanic and TV presenter, to talk about daring career pivots, mental resilience, and what it's really like to work in male-dominated industries.

From her first night shift during the London riots, to dealing with loss, burnout, and the collapse of her own business during the pandemic, Hannah’s journey is anything but ordinary. We talk about how she rebuilt her identity, why failure is non-negotiable when you’re forging your own path, and how she’s navigating her next bold move.

What we cover:

• Life inside the London Fire Brigade during crisis
• Transitioning from emergency services to automotive repair
• The truth about being a woman in the car industry
• How Hannah handled her business going under
• Why chasing adrenaline can be both your power and your pressure
• Finding purpose after burnout
• Getting into TV presenting, e-scooter racing, and classic car restoration
• And the importance of allowing yourself to start again—at any stage

Timestamps

00:05 – From Pro Athlete Dreams to the London Fire Brigade

06:05 – First Night on the Job: London Riots and Culture Shock

08:40 – Coping With Trauma in Emergency Services

12:00 – The Wildest Firefighter Callouts (Yes, Curtain Rings Involved)

17:08 – Losing a Business in Lockdown: Hannah’s Honest Account

19:35 – Winning a World Championship and Closing a Business—In One Weekend

22:01 – The Truth About Being a Woman in the Automotive Industry

If you're navigating a career shift, feeling stuck, or wondering if it’s too late to chase something new—this conversation will hit home.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a woman who’s ready to take the leap.

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