AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
My first job in the field of automotive was at the advertising agency McCann Erickson working on the Opel account. It was part of my dual studies and it showed me the multi-dimensional opportunities and tasks of 360-degree marketing. Right away I felt the excitement of working within the automotive industry. Hyundai gave me my first opportunity to work directly for an automaker. That was nine years ago, and I was and remain impressed by the organization’s growth and high potential.

Your greatest achievement?
It’s finding my own voice, staying true to myself and my values regardless of the job I had or the challenges I faced. Developing my own opinion, owning it, understanding that it matters and trusting my instincts have helped shape my career. It allowed me to build and lead strong teams that contribute to the growth of the business.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
The misperception of stakeholder alignment when a big project was running into challenges. Although I had identified and flagged obstacles early on, I wasn’t aware of many issues myself. This showed me again that frequent communication and transparency with all stakeholders is key. That way everyone can collaborate effectively to anticipate challenges and find solutions. However, it also showed me that sometimes failure can be a valuable catalyst to further progress and growth, both for an organization as well as an individual.

What is your current challenge at work?
One of our main challenges is managing multiple priorities simultaneously. We are part of an amazing, fast-paced organization with a strong drive and immense potential. Our focus is on maintaining this momentum while continuing to develop our brand, establishing ourselves as a leader in electric vehicles and building a robust and reliable digital infrastructure that delivers personalized experiences. Staying ahead of the curve requires transformation from within. Change management, as well as aligning the needs of diverse regions are significant parts of our business. We need to consistently communicate why certain changes are necessary to meet our customers’ expectations.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
I once heard a quote from Swedish children’s book character Pippi Longstocking that stuck with me. "I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that." I believe in approaching new challenges and opportunities with an open mind, confidence and optimism, taking calculated risks that can lead to great achievements. It’s a powerful reminder to maintain a positive and can-do attitude, which is very much in line with the “Have you tried” spirit of our company.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
My advice is for every person who is ambitious and ready to drive change: Explore new fields and take on different kinds of challenges to understand the bigger picture. Think big and be open to challenging the status quo. That is especially true for our rapidly evolving industry. If you work hard and have confidence in your capabilities, you will grow. Seize opportunities when they come, even if you initially feel unprepared. In fact, if the job is just beyond your comfort zone, it might be exactly right. It’s crucial to have a voice, make yourself heard, own your decisions, your story and priorities. Be committed and don’t quit when things become difficult. Build strong and life-long relationships and a strong and confident team. Hire people who are better than you and foster an environment where everyone can learn from each other.

What job do you really want to have in the future?
I’m very happy where I am. I enjoy having a job where I can take action, build teams as well as develop strategies and processes. It’s great to see all this come to life. I like to work with challenging and ambitious goals, as well as a strong vision for the future. I like to roll up my sleeves and get things done.

What do you do to relax?
I need input and motion to relax. I love traveling and visiting different places. It can be far away or as close as exploring the city I live in. I enjoy meeting different people and experiencing new cultures, as well as art, design, interior and foods. Sometimes, I find the most calming moments come by just strolling around with no clear destination in mind.

What is your dream location to live?
My favorite places in the world are where water meets nature and city life. Vancouver, Canada would be perfect. It combines everything I appreciate in life and you can choose between a busy and quiet lifestyle.

What is your favorite driving song?
There are so many great songs to listen to in the car. It ranges from jazz to rock to house music. “This Is the Life” by Amy Macdonald reminds me of one of my craziest nights while driving through Mexico City ages ago. I felt alive and like anything was possible.

What was your favorite road trip and why?
After a long, busy time without a break, my partner and I decided to go on a spontaneous trip to Italy. We hit the road early and every hour it became warmer and sunnier. By chance, we took a small road and suddenly came upon a view of the Florence Cathedral bathed in beautiful evening light. We listened to a cheesy Italian playlist and had the windows rolled down, taking it all in. We lived in the moment, taking each day as it came and decided where to go next each morning. It was total freedom.

What was your first car?
The first car I owned was a 1991 Ford Fiesta. It only had 60 hp but to me that was a total luxury because the car took me where I wanted to go, whenever I wanted.

Current car?
I drive a Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid.

If you were a car, which one would you be?
I would be the Hyundai N Vision 74. It’s a stunning tribute to the Pony, which was the brand’s first independent car produced in Korea. This car embodies our brand’s DNA, heritage, and future vision. Valuing innovation, design and tradition, I’m drawn to the sleek and futuristic design. It perfectly reflects my belief in the importance of shaping the future while honoring the past.