Quarterly Goal Check-In
You’ve conquered challenging quotas, mastered consultative selling, and built a reputation for excellence in automotive sales. Every deal closed is proof of your resilience and skill in an industry that’s traditionally been a boys’ club. But here’s the question that even top performers sometimes forget to ask: Are you investing the same energy in your career strategy that you put into your sales strategy?
This isn’t just another article about goal-setting—it’s your guide to taking control of your professional journey in an industry that’s finally recognizing the power of diverse voices in leadership.
Breaking Barriers Spotlight
Meet Felicia Barr, whose journey from service greeter to Service Director at Bertera Auto Group exemplifies the power of strategic career planning. “When I started, I didn’t even know how cars worked,” she shares. “I just knew you put gas in them and changed the oil once in a while.” Today, she oversees two Chrysler dealerships and has launched a standalone Commercial Auto Service Center. Her secret? “Grit is perhaps one of the most important traits. It’s the ability to stay committed and resilient in the face of obstacles.”
The Power of Pressing Pause
Remember Lilian Murugi‘s journey from selling vehicle accessories on the street to managing pre-purchase inspections at Peach Cars KE? Her story teaches us something crucial about career growth: every step forward matters, but only if we’re intentional about recognizing and learning from it.
“I never concentrated too much on the negative—I used the stones thrown at me as my stepping ladder to the next staircase,” Lilian shares. Her wisdom reminds us that reflection isn’t just about celebrating wins—it’s about transforming challenges into opportunities.
Why Quarterly Check-Ins Matter Now More Than Ever
The automotive industry isn’t just changing—it’s transforming at lightning speed. As Kerry Kolde, Vice President of OEM Incentives & Business Development, points out in her interview with Women In Automotive, “Sustainability, AI, and ethical innovation are reshaping the landscape.” For women in automotive, this evolution presents both challenges and unprecedented opportunities.
Think about it: Are you positioning yourself to ride this wave of change, or are you at risk of being left behind?
Your 90-Day Reality Check: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Review Your Brag Book
Remember that Brag Book we discussed in our milestone-tracking guide? It’s time to dust it off. But let’s go deeper than just listing achievements:
- Projects completed: What skills did each project highlight?
- Customer feedback: What patterns emerge in positive interactions?
- Team dynamics: How have you influenced your workplace culture?
- Personal growth: Which challenges pushed you outside your comfort zone?
2. Assess Your Value Alignment 
Emily DeStefano’s six pillars approach to leadership offers a powerful framework for self-assessment:
- Work hard
- Work out
- Be kind
- Have fun
- Don’t get messed with
- Family over everything
Ask yourself:
- Which of your values are getting enough attention?
- Where do you feel misaligned?
- What boundaries need strengthening?
3. Measure Progress Against Milestones
Remember Felicia Barr’s journey from service greeter to Service Director? Her story teaches us that progress isn’t always linear. When reviewing your goals:
- Celebrate unexpected wins
- Analyze setbacks for hidden opportunities
- Identify patterns in your success stories
- Question assumptions about your “ideal” career path
4. Check Your Industry Pulse 
The future belongs to those who prepare for it. Consider:
- Which emerging technologies are reshaping your role?
- What skills gap exists between your current position and your dream role?
- How can you leverage industry changes to create opportunities?
Making Adjustments: The Strategic Pivot
Take inspiration from Molly Kristick, who left a stable legal career to pursue her passion in automotive sales. Sometimes the bravest move is changing course. Here’s how to pivot strategically:
1. Identify the Gap
- Map your current skills against industry trends
- List resources needed for your next big move
- Consider what’s holding you back—is it external barriers or internal fears?
2. Adjust Your Strategy
- Create 30-60-90 day action plans
- Build in flexibility for unexpected opportunities
- Develop contingency plans for potential roadblocks
3. Build Your Support System
- Seek mentors who challenge your thinking
- Connect with peers facing similar challenges
- Join professional groups that align with your goals
Your Power Plan for the Next 90 Days
1. Schedule Monthly Mini-Reviews
- Block 30 minutes for reflection
- Use a consistent review template
- Track both metrics and mindset shifts
2. Set Three Priority Goals
- Align each goal with industry trends
- Break them down into weekly tasks
- Build in accountability checks
3. Plan Your Professional Development
- Research emerging certifications
- Schedule skill-building workshops
- Find opportunities to cross-train
4. Build Your Network
- Attend industry events
- Contribute to professional forums
- Share your expertise through mentoring
Championing Change
Your success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about paving the way for other women in automotive sales. Each goal you set, each milestone you reach, helps reshape industry expectations. As Kerry Kolde demonstrates, finding a career path that aligns with your values while pushing industry boundaries is possible when you combine ambition with strategic planning.
Remember: You’re not just building a career; you’re helping build an industry where women’s leadership is the new normal.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As Suzie Randall reminds us, “Prove yourself through your work and your knowledge, and you will earn the respect you deserve.” Your quarterly check-in isn’t just a reflection exercise—it’s your opportunity to take control of your career narrative and claim your seat at the table.
Think of each quarter as a chapter in your professional story. What do you want this chapter to say about you? How will it set up the next part of your journey in redefining industry standards?
Ready to take control of your career journey? Join our Women in Automotive community, where sales professionals like you are sharing strategies, celebrating wins, and supporting each other’s growth. Together, we’re not just meeting quotas—we’re setting new standards for success in automotive sales.
Pro Tip:
Create a "Future File" where you collect articles, job descriptions, and industry trends that interest you. Review it during your quarterly check-in to spot patterns in what drives your passion and shapes your leadership journey.
