Fleet Management Weekly is pleased to introduce a new feature series, WIFM Member Profiles, to introduce our readers to Women in Fleet Management (WIFM) members.
As recognized fleet professionals, their stories – professional and personal – can offer unique experiences and perspectives about WIFM, the fleet industry, and what it takes to make a difference in the fleet industry. Each member’s story offers insight that can help other professionals in their careers and in their day-to-day fleet performances.
In this first column, Karyna Zarate, CAFM, Corporate Fleet & Equipment Manager for Jacobs, the global technical consulting company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, answers a series of questions beginning with her start of her professional career through her views on the industry today.
What was your very first job?
My first “real job” was in the License and Title Department at Wheels back in 1999.
What I love best about my current position is…
The list of what I don’t love would be much shorter to write about because there is so much that I love about my current position. First and foremost, I love the people I work with. I love the fleet industry and I love that my current role allows me to take such an active role within it.
I also love the variety that comes with managing a fleet, whether it’s keeping up with industry trends, or working on replacement analyses, or coming up with innovative ways to improve processes, there is always something new and exciting to do and learn!
What do you think are the secrets behind getting to where you’ve gotten?
I initially felt overwhelmed in this industry and that led to me being disheartened about my work, my career choice, and I questioned my future in fleet. I felt lost at times, but I had really amazing people supporting me every step of the way. They believed in me. It was time for me to believe in myself. Easier said than done!
I did believe that this industry was for me though, so I asked myself was I for the industry? What I realized was that I absolutely was all in, I just didn’t know how or where I fit in. So I tried new things. I figured out what I liked and what I didn’t. I figured out what I was good at and what I wasn’t. And I came to terms with the fact that I am always going to be a work in progress.
My likes and dislikes will change over time. My skill set will continuously evolve. And that is OK. Stay the course. Stay committed. Stay true to yourself. And remember it’s much easier to be kind to others when you are kind to yourself. That’s the secret to getting where I’ve gotten.
Do you see your glass as half empty or half full?
Neither. I see my glass as always full. And that’s a good thing. When I stop and think about it, sometimes my glass is kind of empty (but an empty glass is full of air no?), sometimes my glass is overflowing, and sometimes it’s just the right amount of air and water. That may seem like a very literal response, but I believe that each situation is different and as a result, each merits its own outlook. Overall, l seek out the positive in every situation.
What life lesson has your profession taught you?
Time is the most precious asset we have. Use it wisely.
What are your best practices to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
My best practice is keep normal business hours but take it a step further – I block out one hour in my calendar first thing in the morning and one hour in the evening. I need that time to set intentions for the day and then to wrap up any loose ends so that I don’t take my work home with me. But, more important than that, it’s so that I don’t become anxiety ridden. I protect that time so that I can protect my mind.
What are your recommendations for someone new or interested in this industry?
Get involved. Most people don’t know this about me, but I struggle with public speaking. Getting involved with various task forces and committees in a small group setting, has really helped me develop my knowledge and my self-confidence.
If networking appeals more to you, then attend local industry meetings and conferences whenever possible, host or visit vendors, and make it a point to talk to at least one person each time that you’ve never met before and just chat them up. You can also pair up with a mentor one-on-one. There is something to get involved with whatever your preference is, but the point is get involved.
What are the top issues that you must deal with in today’s fleet environment?
The problem of new vehicle shortages is the top issue I am faced with for a slew of reasons. But namely without new vehicles arriving to replace old, high mileage vehicles, it gets more and more difficult to optimize our fleet operations. But also, without new vehicles, it is very difficult to meet sustainability goals, which is another issue top of mind.
What actions are key to successfully navigating these challenges?
Being aware of what is available when and being able to act on quickly securing whatever is available as soon as you can. Also, having a backup plan is essential. Plan for worse case, and then communicate the steps your organization needs to take to reduce the negative impact on your fleet. If that means extending replacement parameters and repairing vehicles you would normally replace, make sure stakeholders are aware that they need to budget for rising maintenance costs, but also remind them that vehicles may be down longer than normal so that may mean drivers or crews need to be scheduled accordingly.
Get with the subject matter experts in the industry and continue to track and forecast trends at least 12-18 months out.
What are your personal hobbies/interests?
I love to fix up old furniture! I am currently working on flipping an old dresser. It has good bones and like many of us, sometimes we just need a refresh to be good as new.
Do you like to travel? If so, what is the most memorable place that you have ever visited? Have a bucket list trip?
I love to travel! The most memorable place for me was Italy. I was studying abroad and I lived with my host family in Pisa for about 3 months. I don’t speak Italian, yet I learned so much from my time there! Yes, I have a bucket list trip. I have several actually!
What do you prefer to listen to while you drive?
I call them sing-a-longs. Basically, anything that I can belt out the words to! Bonus if I can sing the backup chorus, too.
