Jodi F. has worn a variety of hats in her almost 18-year Enterprise Holdings career – from Car Sales Accountant and Assistant Controller in Kansas City, to Business Manager and Finance Director in Colorado. But it’s her recent move back to Kansas City as Director of Fleet Management where Jodi is set to shine as one of the top female leaders in Enterprise Fleet Management.
As we continue celebrating the women at Enterprise who inspire us throughout Women’s History Month, read why this proud mom of three encourages others to ask for help, and never give up.
What women inspire you and why?
I am inspired by many women, but my mom has without a doubt been the most influential. She taught me the value of family and health long before COVID through her battle with ovarian cancer. She taught me the value of hard work as she worked multiple jobs as a single parent just to make sure we never went without. She taught me that doing the right thing is never easy, but always worth it in the end. And probably most importantly, she taught me that how we treat others is what will be remembered in the end. My mom was a 1st grade teacher for over 30 years. She never made much money, but the receiving line at her funeral will be something I will never forget. Those people, those stories and those tears drive me daily to ensure I live my life the way she did by serving others.
Who has helped you along your career journey? What have you done to mentor others?
The best thing about this company is the people, so the list of those who have helped me is long! I think of the many title clerks, account fleet coordinators and Enterprise Fleet Management coordinators who taught me transactional excellence. I also think of my managers who had the courage to identify my weaknesses and the knowledge to help me get better! Finally, I think of the colleagues who believed in me early in my career and ultimately changed my life!
I have always tried to be real in my engagement with others. We all face adversity. We are all hard wired for struggle, but without the encouragement from others it can be too easy to simply give up. I share with my team frequently, “don’t grow weary in the battle!”
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far in your career? Personally?
I am extremely proud of passing the Certified Public Accountants exam. I am also extremely proud of earning the opportunity to lead the Kansas City Fleet Management team. However, I will always be most proud of doing all this while also being a mom to 3 littles ones at home! I am far from doing it all perfectly, but it is a challenge I remain grateful for each day!
Admitting I can’t do it all has helped my kids be more well-rounded and helped me be able to enjoy this short journey of motherhood a great deal more.
What challenges, if any, have you faced as a woman in the workplace and how have you overcome them?
I have an extreme fear of failure! I want to be the best wife, best mom, best daughter, best boss, best mentor, best leader, best friend, and best aunt – just to name a few. I find I push too hard, fail to ask for help and don’t always just enjoy the moment!
Some of our greatest weaknesses are our greatest strengths. This fear has helped me reach some of my greatest accomplishments, but it’s something I have to be aware of and manage. When I became a working mom, I had to have help. I hired a nanny! While it was hard to let someone else do “my” work, she has blessed my kids in ways I never could! Admitting I can’t do it all has helped my kids be more well-rounded and helped me be able to enjoy this short journey of motherhood a great deal more.
What makes you feel supported at Enterprise?
I love the people at Enterprise! I am surrounded by experts that not only know their stuff, but that want to help. I learned early in my career to use my resources. I do want to give a big shout out to my Lean In circle. Those women help celebrate my successes and share my hardships. Our relationships have grown deeper each year and with each life moment.
