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Diana Lee is a masterclass in leadership and determination, showcasing how personal history and professional challenges forges the leaders revolutionizing retail automotive.

The charismatic Founder and CEO of Constellation is a beacon of passion, aggression, and humility, and she shares her compelling journey from a timid immigrant child in Philadelphia to the powerhouse entrepreneur reshaping the automotive marketing landscape. Diana brings an energy to our podcast that makes you want to jump on your feet and applaud, discussing the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business as an immigrant in the competitive world of American enterprise.

Listeners are in for a treat as Diana delves deep into her roots, recounting the struggles of her early days in the U.S. and her initial experiences working in a dealership in the gritty environment of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her stories of survival on the sales floor, where she had to prove her mettle against all odds, and she shares stories of the cast of characters she met, including Don the Pimp and Bobby the Addict. In automotive, Diana found a family that supported each other. So when she started her agency, supporting the auto industry was at the front of her mind.

As the auto industry grapples with an increasingly digital-first approach, Diana envisions integrating AI to create a more personalized and efficient customer experience. Constellation is at the forefront of this revolution, developing AI-driven tools that not only enhance how dealerships interact with customers but also how they manage internal operations. Diana's goal is to tailor AI solutions that respect the unique culture of each dealership, thereby ensuring that technology amplifies their strengths rather than undermines the personal touch that defines the automotive selling tradition.

Timestamped Takeaways:
0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
4:14 - Diana's Recollection of the Dealership in 1989
8:44 - Diana's Immigrant Background
12:18 - How The Dealership Helped Bobby the Addict Get Clean
16:24 - Immigrants Are Filling The Recruitment Gap in Auto
18:43 - The dealership model is better than direct-to-consumer
20:21 - The potential for AI in dealerships
24:41 - The crucial role dealerships play in nurturing talent and giving back to their communities.

Diana Lee is the Founder & CEO at Constellation

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