Welcome to another episode of Women Driving the Industry, where we celebrate the inspiring stories of women making significant strides in the automotive sector. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Katie Gattuso Duncan, Assistant General Manager of Mohawk Chevrolet in New York. Katie’s journey from selling office supplies to becoming a key leader in the automotive industry is a testament to her determination, resilience, and passion for the business.
Key Takeaways
1. Duncan’s journey into the automotive industry began unexpectedly. Initially, her job in outside sales led her to Mohawk Honda, where she received a job offer that changed her career trajectory.
2. Growing up in a sports-oriented family and playing college basketball taught Duncan essential skills such as teamwork, handling adversity, and maintaining a competitive spirit. These attributes have been crucial in her automotive career.
3. Additionally, Duncan started in an entry-level position and worked her way up through various roles, including sales, finance, and sales management. Mentors like Greg Johnson and Andy Geltcher played significant roles in her professional development.
4. Moreover, Duncan’s career wasn’t without its challenges. A brief departure from Mohawk Honda to another company gave her valuable insights and reaffirmed her passion for the automotive industry. This experience shaped her leadership style and reinforced the importance of company culture.
5. Despite the demanding nature of her role, Duncan finds balance through hobbies like horseback riding and spending quality time with her family. Her commitment to being present and prioritizing personal time underscores the importance of work-life balance in sustaining long-term career success.
"Through experiences, I learned a lot about how I wanted to be a leader, where I wanted to be a leader, and the importance of culture." – Katie Gattuso Duncan
