Member Spotlight: Yvette Burke, Vice President Global Sales - Replacement & Leisure Division, Enterprise Mobility

This week, we’re featuring Yvette Burke, a Women Leading Travel member and Advisory Board member, in our Member Spotlight series. From her approach to authentic leadership and building trusted partnerships to the lessons she’s learned over a 31-year career, Yvette shares the values, experiences and perspectives that continue to shape how she leads.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

I’m an avid reader. I’ve read more than 26 books on my Kindle this year alone, and I appreciate any book that challenges me to grow as a leader and as a person. The latest was "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown. It reinforces something I deeply believe: Authentic leadership is the most effective kind of leadership. You don’t have to lead like someone else. If you’re a data-driven leader, embrace that. If you’re relationship-focused, lean into that. The key is to lead from who you truly are.

2. What do you love most about the industry?

The partnerships. I love the exchange of ideas, the relationships we build and the opportunities to solve challenges together. The most rewarding partnerships go far beyond a transactional conversation. They become trusted relationships where everyone is invested in helping each other succeed in the interest of our mutual customers.

3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?

I’m originally from Texas, but I’m also fluent in French and hold a master’s degree in French. Those aren’t two things people typically expect to go together.

4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?

Leadership comes with tremendous responsibility. Every decision you make has an impact on employees, customers, partners and your organization as a whole. By nature, I’m someone who likes to move quickly and make data-informed decisions, but leadership often requires balancing speed with thoughtful consideration. It’s about making the right decision, not just the fast one.

5. What are your non-negotiables when it comes to work-life balance?

Over the course of my 31-year career, my family relocated with me six times. Through this, I’ve learned the importance of honoring commitments to the people who matter most. If I tell my children I’m going to be somewhere, I show up. I try to bring the same level of accountability to my family that I bring to my colleagues, partners and team members.

6. What woman inspires you right now and why?

Our CEO, Chrissy Taylor. She has done nearly every job in the organization, from renting cars to leading a global company. What impresses me most is her ability to connect with everyone, whether she’s speaking on a national business program or mentoring an intern. She’s highly strategic, incredibly authentic and a powerful example of leadership in action.

7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?

Experiential travel. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences, and that’s shaping everything from consumer expectations to fleet strategy. I’m also closely watching how technology continues to transform the travel ecosystem and create new opportunities to serve customers more effectively.

8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?

Versatility. I look for people who can adapt, grow and contribute in different ways throughout their careers. At Enterprise Mobility, we encourage people to build careers across the organization, so I value candidates who have both the curiosity and capability to evolve beyond a single role.

9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?

I’ve always considered myself resilient, but the challenges our industry has faced recently reinforced just how important resilience is. Navigating periods of uncertainty while leading a global team reminded me that resilience isn’t only about enduring challenges yourself. It’s also about helping others successfully move through them.

10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Listen to learn. A commitment to lifelong learning starts with listening. Every conversation is an opportunity to gain a new perspective if you’re willing to approach it with curiosity.

11. What values are most important to you as a leader?

Integrity, accountability and ethics are foundational. I also believe strongly in authenticity, collaboration, resilience, inclusion and respect. At the end of the day, leadership is about doing the right thing for your organization, for your teammates and for your customers.

12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I’m a champion of people, reputation and ethics. Every decision I make is grounded in creating long-term value for employees, customers, partners and Enterprise Mobility. I believe growth is important, but growth should always be sustainable, responsible and aligned with our values.

13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?

Communicate clearly and intentionally. On a global team, not everyone works the same hours or in the same location, so clarity is critical. Equally important is creating opportunities for connection and fun. Strong teams aren’t built solely through work. They’re built through relationships.

14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?

France, without question. Between my passion for the language, the culture, the history and the people, it’s a destination that never stops inspiring me.

15. What is the top item on your bucket list?

I’d love to attend a Taylor Swift concert — experiential travel!

16. What do you do to recharge?

I enjoy walking and reading. While I love books about leadership and business development, I also make time to read purely for enjoyment. It’s one of the best ways for me to reset and gain fresh perspective.

17. What is your biggest accomplishment?

Personally, my greatest accomplishment is my two sons and the people they’ve become. Professionally, it’s the opportunity to lead a global team. I started my career 31 years ago renting cars in a branch and driving a shuttle to the local dealership. The journey from there to where I am today has been incredibly meaningful.

18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Lead authentically and don’t feel pressured to fit someone else’s leadership mold. Build a strong foundation of integrity, seek opportunities that stretch you and never stop learning. Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Sometimes the most valuable growth comes from experiences you didn’t originally plan for.

19. What gets you up in the morning?

These days, my son’s new puppy is getting me out of bed. But professionally, it’s the energy of my team and the opportunity to work alongside talented people across the organization to solve challenges and create value together.

20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?

Women Leading Travel creates a unique space for connection, collaboration and shared learning. The opportunity to exchange ideas with talented leaders across the industry, support one another’s growth and help shape the future of travel is incredibly valuable.

Connect with Yvette on LinkedIn to learn more.