For Helen Ku, the value of information cannot be understated, as it can be both a source of capital and power. When information is withheld, it can put colleagues at a disadvantage. In this light, Ku is grateful to have worked with leaders who are willing to share information that strengthens teams. “I know that I am indebted to my mentors who were kind enough to share their expertise with me,” Ku says.

Because Ku’s base education was in commercial design, when she entered the specialty finance space, she had to expand her knowledge of the industry through online courses, webinars and proactive participation in local networking events. This experience enhanced her industry-related competence by allowing her to develop a deeper familiarity with the language of commercial finance.

Ku has almost 20 years of experience in the factoring industry, and joining Express Trade Capital in 2015 was a big step in her career, expanding her scope of understanding from simple accounts receivable lending to various lending facilities like purchase order financing, inventory loans and letters of credit. Armed with this knowledge, in her current role as senior vice president and portfolio manager, Ku’s duties involve credit underwriting, portfolio monitoring, training account executives and overseeing the onboarding of new clients.

Although she believes in sharing information, Ku often runs into the challenge of working through communication barriers, whether due to differences in language and terminologies or even distinct cultural expectations between colleagues. These barriers also can present themselves in client relationships as well. For Ku, patient and empathic listening allow her to overcome such barriers to address concerns in creative ways.

In her professional future, Ku wants to draw on her rich work experience by contributing her talent and knowledge toward developing an effective supply chain solution that will enhance Express Trade Capital’s ability to accomplish clients’ goals.