Carolyn Edwards, senior vice-president of client success at LeasePlan USA, addressed the Australian Fleet Management Association (AFMA) in Melbourne earlier this year. She talked about founding a women in fleet group in the US, and her group’s willingness to help set up a similar style network in Australia. Fleet Auto News’ Caroline Falls was there and filed this report for our readers.
On the foundation of a women in fleet network in the US:
Edwards: I was the original founder in 2012. I would go to conferences like this and often there’d be women congregating in one area. I wanted to formalise this sort of get together. I called upon some good friends who were fleet managers. Automotive Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA), the local equivalent of AFMA, was willing to partner with us and bring women in fleet to the table.
On the goals of the women in fleet network:
Edwards: Our mission is to provide a resource for women-in-fleet leaders to fulfil career and personal goals. We provide personal mentoring, a fleet assistance community, involvement and networking.
On the reach of the network:
Edwards: We reach 1,700 fleets through membership. Our membership and programs are open to men and women. Our program is fully funded by sponsors. Some of the things we do are year-round programming to support women and members. We have networking receptions, a mentorship program and an annual session at AFLA which is overwhelmingly supported.
On being a part of the mentorship program, Edwards showed a slide with a quote from a mentor John Dmochowsky, senior global fleet manager at US-headquartered food processing giant Mondelēz International:
Dmochowsky: I feel honoured to be a mentor in the Women in Fleet Mentor Program. Being part of the most prestigious Women in Fleet organisation has enhanced my leadership skills in providing work-life balance principles among the diverse colleagues I work with. It also allows me to give back to the current and future women leaders in fleets.
An invitation to Australian fleet managers:
Edwards: You are welcome to join us. We have fun. We support one another. We educate one another. Please reach out to me. [carolyn.edwards@leaseplan.com]
— Caroline Falls is a freelance reporter for Australian and international publications. She can be contacted at carolinefalls@gmail.com
