Women's Spotlight- Tara Aasand

Women's Spotlight

This Q&A series is brought to you by the ELFA Women’s Council

Tara Aasand

VP, Sales & Relationship Management
LTi Technology Solutions

What different roles have you held throughout your career?

I have had a great amount of opportunity to dabble in different roles throughout my career. My very first role in the equipment finance industry was as an Administrative Assistant to the General Manager at Great American Insurance, formerly known as Premier Lease & Loan Services. I spent 12 years there and stepped into a variety of roles including marketing, account management and sales. In 2014, I joined LTi as an Account Manager and eventually moved into managing the Account Management team. Currently, I manage our Sales and Account Management team.

What traits have made you successful in the various roles you have had?

Each of the positions that I have held has challenged me. The biggest traits that have helped push me along in my career is being adaptable and open to change. There are always different perspectives and better/more efficient ways to do things. Being open minded to stepping outside of your bubble and adopting change has been key in my roles. I also try to stay as positive as possible.

How did you start your career in the Leasing Industry?

As mentioned above, I started my career as an Administrative Assistant to the General Manager. I had very little experience and appreciated the opportunity that was given to me. I was able to participate in many strategic planning meetings led by our organizational leaders and that gave me great exposure to how leaders think and how to set strategy and execute on it. It really helped shape me for future leadership roles.

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self not to forget to take time for my personal well being too. Life passes in the blink of an eye so being sure that you are cherishing the NOW and not sacrificing too much of yourself for your career is important. Work/Life balance is essential!

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?

Honestly, the one piece of advice that has stuck with me is to believe in myself and take on challenges even if they make me feel uncomfortable. Many of my roles were “firsts” for me and I would, at times, doubt my ability or question if I was “qualified” to step into the role. Having confidence in yourself and being willing to put yourself out there is great advice.

Where do you envision your future self?

I am forever learning. I have been in my current role for a little over two years and I still feel that I have so much room to grow. I envision continuing to challenge myself and to always be open to learning!

What do you think are the most effective characteristics of a leader are?

My most effective characteristics as a leader are being supportive and direct, as well as being an open communicator. I have been fortunate in that every manager that I have worked with has been like a mentor to me providing constructive feedback and encouraging me along the way.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and most of my family is still here. I happily celebrated my 20-year wedding anniversary this past January. I have a 20-year-old son and a 19-year-old daughter. I am going to become a grandmother for the first time this month. I have two crazy dogs who are my fur-family too! My biggest motivators are my family! They are my everything.

What do you do to relax / unwind?

I like watching comedy movies and love watching sports…. specifically football. Maybe watching football has the opposite effect of unwinding (LOL).

Submitted by: Jerrie Carter,
Retail Credit Manager, US North and South Regions,
Volvo Financial Services

Visit the Women’s Leadership page for additional resources from the ELFA Women’s Council.

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Investing Forward

Women's Spotlight

Tara Aasand

VP, Sales & Relationship Management
LTi Technology Solutions

What different roles have you held throughout your career?

What traits have made you successful in the various roles you have had?

How did you start your career in the Leasing Industry?

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?

Where do you envision your future self?

What do you think are the most effective characteristics of a leader are?

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

What do you do to relax / unwind?

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Women's Spotlight

Tara Aasand

VP, Sales & Relationship ManagementLTi Technology Solutions

What different roles have you held throughout your career?

What traits have made you successful in the various roles you have had?

How did you start your career in the Leasing Industry?

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?

Where do you envision your future self?

What do you think are the most effective characteristics of a leader are?

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

What do you do to relax / unwind?

VP, Sales & Relationship Management
LTi Technology Solutions