Chief Operations Officer
ActivEngage
What is one of your proudest accomplishments of your career?
I actually have two proud accomplishments. The first was in 2000 when I traveled across the U.S., training dealership managers to use a CRM and staff new internet departments. I also happened to be pregnant with my third child, so walking through the aisles of the New Horizon computer training rooms could be quite challenging, especially during the last trimester! Some people in the training program faced technical anxieties, difficulties understanding — or learning — computer technology, and even struggled using a mouse. Nonetheless, I built fantastic relationships and am proud to have served as a valuable resource, helping them enter the world of eCommerce.
The second was assembling our very first ActivEngage team of associates who came to us without automotive experience. It was incredibly gratifying to witness their transformation as they learned about the automotive industry and grew more comfortable and joyous engaging with shoppers online while helping form strong consumer-dealership connections.
What is your best advice to other women who want to excel in the automotive industry?
Know you can make a difference and have the power to shape your own path. Embrace your uniqueness, believe in your abilities, and be confident in what you bring and how that can solve problems. Be open-minded to learning while also discerning enough to identify what needs to change. Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know and seek mentorship that can help guide you along the way.
Advocate for yourself. Don’t shy away from asking questions and inquiring about positions when you are interested. Networking is crucial for career growth — do this thoughtfully and strategically. Also, keep in mind it is often not a straight line that places you where you ultimately thrive. As you go through your professional path, know your priorities for you as a whole person. At one point, I requested a step back based on how we wanted to raise our family. It was the right choice for us; we feel fortunate to have had that balance. Finally, remember experiencing success and setbacks are expected, so invest in your professional development.