Moving is career boosting

Having joined Enterprise 25 years ago as a management trainee in Nashville, Tennessee, Elizabeth Grant is now two months into her new role as UK & Ireland Liability Claims Manager, which meant moving to the UK.

DRIVE’s Clare Beynon caught up with Elizabeth to learn more about her new role, the move and how it feels to be heading up an exciting new project that may create many opportunities for UK/Ireland employees.

Tell me about your career so far?

Leigh Lafever-Ayer was my area manager when I started as a trainee. I soon discovered a passion for risk or what was called loss control back then, so I applied to become a loss control administrator. My manager agreed that I had all the right skills to succeed in this division and two years later I was promoted into ELCO.

ELCO is Enterprise’s in-house liability claims management division. It’s where we handle all thirdparty liability claims, whether personal injury or damage to vehicles and property.

I was later given the opportunity to help open up a new ELCO and transferred to Washington DC. Other promotions followed, and then I became a Regional Liability Manager in St Louis.

I am so proud that ours was the first Rental Insurance Service (RIS) office to win an Exceptional Achievement Award and we did this in both 2015 and 2016. I then moved to Phoenix and opened a brandnew RIS office.

When the company started to explore opportunities to improve our liability claims handling, including whether a similar model to handle our liability claims in house would benefit the UK and Ireland business, I literally could not resist the opportunity. Here is a brand-new venture that could create many new job opportunities in the UK and Ireland for those employees who may be interested in a career in risk/liability and conflict resolution, just like I was.

I think you have to grasp opportunities and not be afraid to make mistakes. Once I moved into liability, I knew it was a great career and a bit different from the branch rental route.

What have you learnt through your career so far?

I think you have to grasp opportunities and not be afraid to make mistakes. Once I moved into liability, I knew it was a great career and a bit different from the branch rental route. I’m a very driven and ambitious individual and not scared to take on a challenge. I have made mistakes, and I certainly learnt from them. As a manager I have a passion to see my employees perform. I believe it’s important to be tough and fair and will always communicate defined expectations. When they perform, they see results and we all benefit.

How have you found the UK so far?

I love it! Enterprise even helped me move my dog, Enzo. I have never regretted a move even though moving to take up an opportunity may not seem easy at first.

What is ELCO looking for in candidates?

First of all, even if you don’t think this is a department you are interested in, it’s worth exploring. We are such a strong team and the work is very rewarding. We look for top performers in their field with a strong work ethic and a great attitude. Your Enterprise reputation counts so always bear in mind your working ‘brand’ and present your positive skills at every opportunity.