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Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2021 Women in Remarketing honorees in the March issue of the magazine, and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.

Next up is Emily Kim, who is senior director of auto valuations at Ally.

Auto Remarketing: What do you enjoy most about working in the remarketing industry? But, also, what aspect(s) of the business would you change – and how?

Emily Kim: Remarketing is as unique as it is complex. It is fast-paced, dynamic and never stands still.  The second we think we have uncovered some novel industry insight; it quickly morphs into something new. It has been an exciting journey being part of the evolution within the marketplace as the traditional approach is melded with rapid innovation and new technologies. The biggest challenge is that many outside our immediate industry do not understand what it is we do.

AR: What are some improvements that need to be made in the industry from a diversity and inclusion perspective? What are some examples you’ve seen of D&I programs that have worked?

EK: I’ve noticed substantial improvements in the recent years in the remarketing industry, but we still have significant work ahead. It would be great to see more diversity, especially in leadership positions. D&I is part of everyone’s job.  It is up to each of us to do more: check our blind spots and seek to understand each other.  Ally has been an advocate of these ideals and challenges us to do more for D&I efforts. 

AR: Describe a time when you were either a mentor or a mentee, and how that has shaped your career.

EK: Early in my career I was fortunate to be surrounded by many wise individuals.  These mentors didn’t just teach me the business, they taught me a new way of looking at the world and the people in it.   For example, creativity is using what you already know in a new vein, and that “we” is more effective than “us” vs. “them.” 

AR: Describe a time in your career where you were challenged and how you overcame that challenge.

EK: I have been challenged many times in my career.  At first, I fought it.  Now I see how important those challenges are.  I have learned that perseverance is fundamental.  We cannot control our circumstances, but we can learn to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

As a result, we grow, we thrive and we become stronger.  The next challenge we can handle with more dexterity, wisdom and composure than the last. 

AR: What is the top trend/storyline in the remarketing industry that you’re watching this year?

EK: The used-car market, supply and COVID-19 recovery.  It was a wild ride in 2020.  We saw many things we thought we’d never see.  We witnessed market fluctuations that I would have considered implausible at any previous time.

AR: What is something you would tell your younger self if you could go back to when you started your career in remarketing?

EK: I wish I had been more patient with myself in learning the industry.  Just as Rome was not built in one day, remarketing is too complex to be grasped on the surface. It takes time to learn the details.