Today we’d like to introduce you to Deana Ismajli.
Hi Deana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really starts with family. While working as a branch manager in banking, I found myself raising my nephew and two nieces. That season of life taught me resilience, balance, and the importance of leading with heart.
A few years later, I made the leap into the automotive industry as a finance manager at Lexus of Clear Lake with Lindsay Casas. What started as a career move quickly turned into a passion, and I’ve now been with Group 1 for over 12 years. Today, I am the General Sales Manager at Advantage BMW Midtown as well as Director of Women Empowered at Group1.
Along the way, I’ve made it a personal mission to help open doors for others. I was asked by our C.M.O to lead our Women Empowered at Group 1, an initiative that’s all about recruiting, accelerating, connecting, and empowering women across our industry.
Looking back, every challenge and every transition has led me here. And while the journey hasn’t always been easy, it’s been full of growth, purpose, and people I’m grateful to walk alongside.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people, I’ve faced seasons where balancing work and life felt overwhelming. There were times I questioned if I could manage it all. Transitioning into the automotive industry was also a huge leap of faith. I had to prove myself in a field that hasn’t always been easy for women to break through.
But every struggle taught me something. How to stay resilient, how to lead with empathy, and how to push forward even when the path wasn’t always clear for me. Those experiences not only shaped me as a leader, but also inspired my passion for creating opportunities for others coming up in this industry. I’ve been blessed to have great mentors along the way. My former General Manager Lyza Postell played a huge role not only in my growth but confidence and now my addiction to fashion. My current General Manager Sebastian Olszewski is one of the best in the business so learning from him has been an honor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my role as General Sales Manager at Advantage BMW Midtown, I focus on more than just sales. I focus on people. I specialize in building strong teams, developing leaders, and creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued. I’m known for my ability to connect with people, whether that’s helping a customer find the right car or mentoring someone on my team to reach their next level. I’m also known for my involvement in the community and non profits in Houston.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Hmmm.. that’s a good question, I would say I love to game. I play a few rounds of Call Of Duty after work, I guess we can say it’s a stress relief.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.advantagebmwhouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dee_car_connect?igsh=aWhzdW1xY3IybjNv&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deana.ismajli/
