The Women in Fleet Profile series introduces fleet managers to some of the most influential women in fleet. Every month, we will get to know another positive force in the fleet industry.

This month, we spoke with Kimberly Fisher, global manager, fleet and travel for National Oilwell Varco.

Getting Into Fleet

Being a member of the fleet industry for more than 17 years, starting at Cardinal Health, Fisher has spent the past seven and a half years at National Oilwell Varco. She currently manages the company’s global fleet, which consists of the U.S., Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. 

"We will continue our global expansion in 2019 and are very excited. I manage the relationships with our suppliers as well as work with our internal customers to make sure we are providing the vehicles and service they need to make our business successful," Fisher said.

And, like most of us, Fisher simply "fell" into fleet, accepting a job as a fleet administrator. In her own words "I didn’t really understand what that meant at the time but have loved the industry ever since!"

Fisher is most proud of her ability to find solutions for fleet in both companies she has worked with.

"This is especially true around upfitting. Finding the right upfitter for a specific need, working with the field and the upfitter to build a solution that will best meet the needs of our business, is challenging. And, when you get it right, so satisfying!" Fisher said.

Fleet is ever-changing, which is one of Fisher’s top motivators for success.

"Just wait a second and some new challenge will come along that you never in a million years thought would be an issue that needed to be resolved. I also love learning about the new technology for fleet. Be it in the vehicles themselves or items such as telematics and how that makes us more efficient and safer, it’s fascinating," she said.

Fisher’s advice for women currently in fleet or considering it as a career is simple: "You need to be tenacious because it can be a tough in the beginning as a woman. So many people still look at me and are amazed I am in this role and know what I am talking about. Second, learning is key, because if you feel you have nothing left to learn it is time for you to look for a new career. As I noted, this is an ever-changing industry and you need to always be learning and aware. Finally, you should build a network of peers because they will be an endless source of information and encouragement. They have been where you are. This industry is so generous with its knowledge; embrace it!" she said.

Get to Know Me

Experience is only part of our story and what someone likes to read, watch, and listen to can help paint a fuller picture of their personality. Here are some of Fisher’s favorites:

• Book: "Jane Eyre. I had always loved reading, but it was my first classic and I developed a lifelong love of the classics as a result."

• Movie: "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – I mean how can you not like elves, dwarves, Hobbits, etc., on an epic adventure!"

• Songs: "I am an ‘80s girl … and then there is country music and southern rock … it is endless!"

• You May Not Know: "I needlepoint. It is a great stress reliever."