Driving success: From Carolina to NASCAR

When Emily Woodward (BSBA ’97) graduated from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Undergraduate Business Program, she was confident she had the knowledge and skills to succeed. Armed with a comprehensive business education and a penchant for project management, she set out in search of the perfect opportunity.

In short order, Woodward secured an interview with NASCAR and was offered a job as an executive assistant at the company’s offices in Charlotte. At first, however, she wasn’t sure it was the right role and considered turning it down. Fortunately, in large part due to encouragement from people like her father to take a chance, she reconsidered.

That advice proved prescient.

In accepting the job, Woodward embarked on a career at NASCAR now spanning more than 25 years. During that time, she’s been regularly promoted and positioned to learn and grow new dynamics of the business. From coordinating events while traveling the NASCAR circuit to helping negotiate their first TV rights deal, Woodward built a thriving career and emerged as a key figure within the organization.

Woodward’s NASCAR career has spanned over 25 years. 

“It’s been very fulfilling to work at NASCAR while being empowered by the confidence from senior management that I could handle new challenges,” says Woodward. “Feeling valued and appreciated are so important for building the confidence in yourself to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things.”

As managing director of business strategy, Woodward most recently oversaw the construction of a 58,000-square-foot facility for NASCAR Productions in Concord, North Carolina.

“Being involved in such a significant project has been incredibly rewarding,” Woodward says. “This building is going to be a cornerstone for what NASCAR does in media production, and the opportunity to help bring that vision to life is something I’m really proud of.”

Setting the pace

Woodward points to her time at UNC Kenan-Flagler as the foundation of her ability to take on the many roles and challenges she’s encountered during her career at NASCAR.

“The UNC Kenan-Flagler curriculum gave me a well-rounded business foundation,” she says. “From marketing and sales to operations and data analysis, I’ve been able to lean on what I learned to adapt and succeed in a wide variety of different roles. That’s been key to my ability to help NASCAR evolve and grow as a business over the past 25 years.”

While her career has taken her across the country in support of numerous NASCAR business ventures, Woodward’s roots remain firmly planted in Charlotte, where she’s resided since graduating from college. And with UNC Kenan-Flagler recently launching its Charlotte Executive MBA Program, she’s excited about the School’s potential to shape the next generation of business leaders in the Charlotte region.

“I love that UNC Kenan-Flagler is investing in Charlotte,” Woodward says. “The new facility is amazing, and it’s exciting to think about how many future leaders will come through the city thanks to the MBA program. “

“UNC Kenan-Flagler has been key to my ability to help NASCAR evolve and grow as a business over the past 25 years,” says Woodward. 

Full speed ahead

Woodward’s success at NASCAR is a prime example of how graduates from UNC Kenan-Flagler have contributed to the growth and vitality of the Charlotte business community.

“I’m one of many UNC Kenan-Flagler grads who’ve had the privilege of building a career in Charlotte,” says Woodward. “This city is thriving, and I believe UNC Kenan-Flagler will play an even bigger role in shaping the Charlotte region.”

Even before the new Charlotte campus, the School’s connection to the city was significant, with about 5,500 alumni living and working in the area.

“The networking opportunities that come with being part of the UNC Kenan-Flagler family are invaluable for helping you grow both personally and professionally,” says Woodward. “Charlotte has a dynamic business community and being able to tap into that is a great resource for people looking to push their careers to the next level.”

As Woodward’s journey shows, the right connections and a solid business education can set the foundation for an impactful, fulfilling career — one that drives success in every direction.