I wake up every day asking God to show me who I can help. We were all given gifts for purposes outside of ourselves, and the legacy I want to leave is a life that proved that.
The Legacy She Wants to Leave Behind
Explore moreI loved her, and I still had to stop waiting for her to become someone she wasn't. Grief and growth aren't opposites most days, they're roommates.
Jessica Smith · In Her Own Words
I wake up every day asking God to show me who I can help. We were all given gifts for purposes outside of ourselves, and the legacy I want to leave is a life that proved that.
The Legacy She Wants to Leave Behind
Explore moreHer Story
Jessica Smith serves as Director of Account Management for Solera Dealer Solutions, where she leads efforts to retain customers, support their success with the company’s comprehensive dealership software solutions, and drive the growth and development of team members across assigned territories. A strategic sales and account management leader, she brings nearly three decades of professional experience and a strong background in customer success, team development, sales strategy, and leadership.
Smith began her career in the automotive industry in 2017 after relocating from California to Atlanta following the closure of the home remodeling business where she had worked for 20 years. She subsequently spent eight years at Cox Automotive, advancing through five to six leadership roles across various areas of the automotive industry before joining Solera in January. During this time, she continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership and a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She completed her graduate degree during the COVID-19 pandemic while balancing her professional responsibilities, family commitments, and homeschooling.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Smith is deeply committed to professional development, mentorship, and expanding opportunities for women in the automotive industry. She is a Toastmasters participant and previously served as president of the Cox Automotive chapter. She also serves as Vice President of the Women of Color Automotive Network (WOCAN), has spoken at Women in Automotive events, and remains involved with Women in Communications and Technology. Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to developing others, Smith continues to make a meaningful impact by empowering professionals, fostering inclusive opportunities, and helping the next generation of leaders thrive.
Her Interview
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit, perseverance, faith, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. As a teen mom who left high school and entered the workforce at 16, I learned early the importance of hard work, resilience, and creating opportunities for myself. After moving from California to Atlanta and transitioning into the automotive industry in 2017, I worked my way through five to six roles over eight years at Cox Automotive, ultimately becoming a Director of Account Management. Along the way, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in business leadership and master’s degree in psychology through the University of Arizona Global Campus, with Cox Automotive supporting my education. I am passionate about leading and developing others, and I believe my greatest success comes from empowering people, particularly women, to recognize their potential and achieve their goals. Through my podcast, Lead Like a Girl, my leadership, and my involvement in ministry and volunteer work, I strive to inspire and lift others while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
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