Kayla Maza

I attribute my success to persistence, particularly my ability to remain focused and motivated despite early rejections. I am also committed to continuous learning, both in finance and equipment knowledge, which allows me to stay adaptable and effective in my role. In addition, I place strong value on emotional intelligence, which has helped me build trust and foster strong relationships with both teams and customers.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to go beyond your core role and develop a strong understanding of the broader business, including the collateral you are financing. For me, learning the equipment itself—how it’s used and what different customers prefer—gave me a significant edge and stronger credibility in conversations. I would also encourage women to walk confidently into any room, even when underrepresented, and to trust in the expertise they bring. That combination of technical knowledge, curiosity, and self-assurance can help you stand out, build trust, and create opportunities for long-term success.

One of the biggest challenges in equipment finance is that it remains a highly male-dominated industry, particularly in field-facing roles. When I worked as a territory manager, I was often the only woman present on job sites or in customer meetings, which sometimes led to discomfort or hesitation from clients who were not accustomed to working with women in business. In certain markets, including my experience in Utah, this was especially noticeable and required me to be more intentional about building trust and credibility in different ways. While these dynamics sometimes created barriers, they also strengthened my ability to navigate complex interpersonal situations and, in some cases, even worked to my advantage by setting me apart in a memorable way.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are building trust, emotional intelligence, confidence, continuous learning, and networking, along with a strong commitment to family. I prioritize trust in every relationship, as it is the foundation for long-term success and meaningful collaboration. Emotional intelligence and confidence guide how I communicate, adapt, and show up in professional spaces, while continuous learning keeps me growing and effective in a constantly evolving industry. Networking is also essential to building opportunities and connections, and at the core of it all, my family remains a grounding influence that shapes my priorities and perspective.