DiAne Reed

EVP, Director of National Sales, Marquette Transportation Finance

Biography:

DiAne joined Marquette in 2002 and assumed duties as EVP, director of national sales in 2005. In her capacity, she is responsible for the overall marketing and sales activities of the company. She has more than 30 years of finance and sales management experience. Prior to her role at Marquette, she had the opportunity to learn and grow while working in several successful leadership roles at Metro Financial, Associates, Citicapital Business Credit, Systran Financial Services (Textron), Transfac and Schneider National Carries.

DiAne is involved in many industry associations including the American Trucking Association (ATA), Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Truckers Against Trafficking, Women In Trucking, Secured Finance Network, Turnaround Management Association, the International Factoring Association and the ATA Communications and Image Committee. In addition, she is involved with several state and regional trucking associations. Finally, DiAne has won numerous industry awards including: 1999 Citi Capital Top Sales Award; 1999 Associates Commercial Award for Outstanding Sales/Top performer; 2001 Recipient of Associates Commercial – High Performance Achievement Award; 2005 Recipient of Marquette Financial Companies President’s Circle Award; 2007 Recipient of Marquette Financial Companies President’s Circle Award and 2008 Carl R. Pohlad Award in recognition of outstanding achievement for Marquette Financial Companies.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

A few of my favorite pieces of advice include:

•    Work with your team

•    Arrive early and stay late

•      Be passionate about what you do, realizing there will be sacrifices along the way

•      Look to the future and believe in yourself

•    Speak up, but don’t get caught up in office minutia

•    Network and be relentless always.

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

Don’t be intimidated by powerful individuals and circumstances. Speak your ideas and know your voice is valued and appreciated. Finally, keep a file of all your accomplishments big and small that you have on hand to share when needed.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

I wish I had known a career is a process and not just a job. Every place you go will expand your horizons and position. I wish I knew to ask for what I need to be successful. Finally, I wish I knew to attend every event and take advantage of every training session in order to be visible and relevant in the financial community.

How have you approached big career decisions?

Close your eyes and jump! Be fearless! It will work out.

What is your approach/advice to change in the workplace?

Our workplaces need more face-to-face interactions and collaborative teamwork.

What do you enjoy most about your role? Least?

I enjoy getting the deal signed and working with people. I am proud to carry the banner for Marquette Transportation Finance as we work to find solutions to client funding needs. I greatly enjoy everyone I get to work with, and I am proud of the sales team I built. On the flip side, my least favorite part is having to play the game when up against uncooperative people.

How do you balance work/personal time?

At work, you have to have fun and enjoy what you do. Then, when you leave for the day, remember not to dwell on the stress. Take the time to recharge and connect with family and friends before heading back to the difficult situations and problems at work. For me, I enjoy spending time with my husband who helps me relax and take a step back when needed.

How can commercial finance organizations offer meaningful professional development and career advancement?

Associations should continue to offer workshops and ongoing educational opportunities for our industry. Providing breakout networking groups that serve as more casual settings to discuss a topic or session can facilitate great dialogues and opportunities for development. Finally, groups should continue to offer opportunities to join committees and plan special campaigns to give people a more personal satisfaction while getting their name out there.

Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

When I was 11 years old, I wrote, produced and starred in my own school play. I also wrote and illustrated a children’s book that was published.

Walk us through a typical day in your life.

My day is non-stop. I am in constant contact with my sales team, assisting in getting deals over the finish line and working as a liaison between the office and the sales team. I am also in regular contact with my peers and industry association groups supporting them as well. Finally, I am often out on the road as my position requires a lot of travel.