HCA’s Ting Cui talks navigating barriers at Women in Auto Finance Luncheon

In the male-dominated auto finance industry, Ting Cui , executive director and department head of corporate strategy at Hyundai Capital America , is challenging women to take the wheel in their careers. [caption id="attachment_58345672" align="aligncenter" width="8862"] Ting Cui, executive director and department head of corporate strategy at Hyundai Capital America, speaks during Auto Finance Summit 2024. (Photo/Auto Finance News)[/caption] “It wasn’t until I worked as a sales leader in a sales division, and later started working in a top leadership team, that I realized that I'm usually the only woman in the room,” Cui said during her keynote address at the Women in Auto Finance Luncheon on Oct. 7 at Auto Finance Summit 2024 in Las Vegas. This “issue and challenge” spans industries beyond auto finance, she said. Female representation, though higher in lower-level roles, often fizzles out in the managers, directors, vice presidents and C-suite level roles, Cui said, noting that it’s important to ask: “Why don’t we have more women at the table?” Women are sometimes less likely than men to apply for a job and "have a higher tendency to screen themselves out of conversations, underestimate their abilities and feel insecure unless they have the full picture,” Cui said. Building a support system One way to overcome industry challenges, Cui said, is to build the right support system. “Have the courage to propose big plans, build the right relationships and don't underutilize the power of advocacy, because it is a critical driver to get your ideas taken seriously and ultimately implemented,” she said. A support system can help women gain access to data they need to move up, Cui said. “Unfortunately, because of our disproportionate underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, women face systemic challenges in accessing top-level information that is more accessible to men,” she said. “This information is often crucial for connecting your ideas to the strategic value of the organization.” Be mindful of what you tell yourself Women in auto finance should also be “smart about the stories” they tell themselves, Cui said. “Often, we are our own worst enemy,” she said. “It's critical for us to be very self-aware of when we tend to judge ourselves too harshly and are quick to doubt ourselves. We have to reject those stories.” Being mindful of the narrative and rejecting that harshness is crucial to find your footing in an industry in which women in leadership roles already face added pressures, from themselves and others, Cui said. Outside the comfort zone Cui also encouraged women to push past their comfort zones in every role and at every table through their own efforts and the help of those around them. “Be bold about defining the new vision and be bold in setting ambitious targets and goals for your department and your division,” she said. “Don't settle for incremental improvements.” Leaders can encourage women in auto finance to “speak up on their point of view in front of the chief executives and top leaders and tackle strategic topics head on,” Cui said. “We need our women to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Mentorship and industry connections are key to women pushing beyond their comfort zones. “The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions won't get any better if we don't take up the responsibility to engage actively, to drive and to push,” Cui said. “We need a network of women who encourage us.” Hyundai Capital America ’s portfolio grew 18.9% year over year as of yearend 2023, making the captive the ninth largest auto lender by outstandings , according to the latest Big Wheels Rankings data. Follow all the latest news from the recent Auto Finance Summit here.

HCA’s Ting Cui talks navigating barriers at Women in Auto Finance Luncheon

Auto Finance Summit 2024

Ally Financial originations down 11.3%

Podcast: Q3 bank earnings offer mixed results

Related Posts

Ally Financial cuts 2% of workforce

CAC’s Ken Booth to retire, new CEO named

IRS: Auto lenders must provide interest information with new tax deduction

Podcast: Q3 bank earnings offer mixed results

Stay Informed with Our Newsletters

The Roadmap Podcast

SPONSORED

Driving Innovation in Automotive Refunds: How Onbe and Allied Solutions Are Modernizing the Payment Experience

Navigating the Margin Squeeze: EVs, Tariffs & Pricing — A Q&A with Earnix

Enhancing credit approaches to boost conversion and dealer loyalty

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password