Melodi Carter, Executive MBA
Melodi Carter, Executive MBA, is a seasoned Regional Sales Manager at Holman, bringing over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. Known for her strategic approach to relationship-building and customer advocacy, Melodi has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive growth, improve processes, and deliver exceptional results. Her career journey spans automotive retail, digital platforms, and commercial vehicle solutions, where she has excelled at cultivating long-term partnerships and navigating complex business environments.
Throughout her career, Melodi has shown a deep commitment to leadership, mentorship, and diversity. She has held pivotal roles in organizations such as ADESA and KAR Global, where she co-led the company’s first LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, fostering an inclusive culture and championing human rights. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, persistence, and humility, empowering her teams to achieve goals while building strong, respectful relationships across the industry.
Melodi holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of East London, graduating with honors, and has completed executive programs in leadership, management, and psychology. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she actively contributes to her community through organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, Habitat for Humanity, and KABOOM!, reflecting her enduring commitment to advocacy, equality, and social impact. She resides in California with her family and continues to inspire others through her dedication, resilience, and passion for people and results.
• ELVTR – Management, Psychology and Leadership
• ELVTR – Women in Leadership
• American Red Cross – CPR & AED
• MBA
• University of East London – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management, General
• William Woods University – Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration and Management, General
• Graduated with honors, University of East London
• Human Rights Campaign
• Co-Leader, LGBTQ+@KAR Employee Resource Group (KAR Global)
• Coordinator, KABOOM!
• Builder, Habitat for Humanity
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, curiosity, and the belief that relationships matter. Twenty years ago, I stepped into the automotive industry without knowing exactly where the road would lead, but I was committed to building something meaningful. That guiding principle still shapes every decision I make today.
Early in my career, I learned that success isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or the most aggressive closer—it’s about listening, understanding what people truly need, and advocating for them, even when it takes extra time. My experiences in retail automotive, through organizations like CarMax and DriveTime, taught me the importance of trust, patience, and consistency, which ultimately helped me transition into commercial vehicle and equipment sales—a defining shift that required adaptability, learning a new language, and earning credibility in challenging environments.
I also credit my openness to continuous learning for my success. My educational journey was non-linear; I once held a full college basketball scholarship but had to step away due to personal circumstances. Recently, I completed my Master’s in Business Administration from the University of East London, graduating with honors. This accomplishment symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and the reminder that growth doesn’t have an expiration date. Ultimately, my success comes from combining adaptability, humility, relationship-building, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Leadership, I’ve learned, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask for help, admitting when you’re wrong, and staying humble enough to keep learning. Don’t rush the process. Learn the business, learn yourself, and never underestimate the power of relationships built on respect. Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In a constantly shifting global economy—marked by tariffs, leadership changes, and uncertainty—relationships are the real currency. Collaboration across borders, cultures, and perspectives is no longer optional; it’s essential. For women in traditionally male-dominated industries, building a personal brand can feel daunting, but it is also empowering. Visibility comes with challenges, but it creates space for others to follow.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Beyond my professional life, advocacy has always mattered to me. For more than a decade, I’ve supported the Human Rights Campaign, an organization whose mission aligns closely with my values and my family’s lived experiences. My wife and I have children, ages 9 and 13, and for us, human rights aren’t abstract concepts—they’re everyday realities that shape how people live, work, and show up authentically in the world. My involvement isn’t about recognition; it’s about responsibility. Understanding human rights as a whole, especially for those entering any industry, is essential. We don’t work in a vacuum—our choices impact real people.