Align Your Career Goals with Your Personal Values in 2025

Insights from Industry Leaders

In today’s fast-changing automotive industry, success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about ensuring that your work reflects what matters most to you—your values and priorities.

For Kerry Kolde, Vice President of OEM Incentives & Business Development, and Molly Kristick, Vice President of TrueCar Marketing Solutions, staying authentic to their principles has been pivotal. Their stories offer valuable lessons for women navigating this competitive, male-dominated field.

A Journey of Balance: Kerry Kolde

Kerry’s entry into the automotive industry came during a critical crossroads. “I was three years into a high-pressure sales job with long hours and little pay,” she shared. “I wanted a career where I could grow personally and professionally while getting paid what I was worth.”

When she joined cars.com as their first outside sales rep in Ohio, the company was small and relatively unknown. But it offered something essential: flexibility and a clear career path.

“This was in the midst of starting my family, and I didn’t want to choose between being a stay-at-home mom and having a career. Cars.com gave me the opportunity to do both,” Kerry explained.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, Kerry’s decision to prioritize flexibility wasn’t just about convenience—it was about reclaiming control over her career and personal life. Her choice to value family, authenticity, and growth laid the foundation for her success.

Quick Tip: “Know your worth and never compromise,” Kerry emphasized. “It’s a value that’s shaped every step of my career.”

Embracing Courageous Choices: Molly Kristick

Bold decisions defined Molly’s journey. After years in a legal job that felt misaligned with her creative passions, she made a daring move. “I quit my paralegal job and took a sales role in the automotive department of a Nebraska newspaper—a job I initially thought wasn’t for me,” she said.

But the unexpected happened. “I fell in love with it—the energy, the persuasion, the relationships. It was everything my legal job wasn’t.”

Her willingness to take risks didn’t stop there. When a new opportunity with PureCars arose, she left her lifelong home in Nebraska for a role in Ohio. “Tony Robbins inspired me to make bold, scary decisions—and they’ve changed my life,” she shared.

Now leading TrueCar Marketing Solutions, Molly credits her success to her values of creativity, connection, and purpose.

Quick Tip: “Trust your instincts. Courageous choices often lead to the most meaningful growth,” Molly advised.

Staying Focused in a Transformative Industry

Both Kerry and Molly agree that the automotive industry’s rapid evolution requires intentionality and adaptability.

For Kerry, this often means learning from experience. “Getting laid off after hitting a $4 million sales goal was devastating at first. But it taught me a critical lesson: negotiate terms that reflect your value, and always protect what matters most to you.”

Molly added, “In an industry driven by innovation, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Regularly reflect on what truly matters to you and let that guide your choices.”

Reflection Exercise:Take five minutes to:

List your top three values.
Write down one career goal that reflects each value.
Identify one step—no matter how small—that brings you closer to achieving it.

Culture and Connection

Both leaders emphasized the importance of company culture in career satisfaction.

A company with positive, ethical leadership is worth far more than one that pays more but doesn’t value its employees,” Kerry shared.

Molly echoed this sentiment. “Psychological safety at work is a treasure. Being part of a team that prioritizes collaboration over competition makes all the difference.”

For women from underrepresented groups, staying true to your values can feel especially challenging. Seek mentors and allies who understand your journey and advocate for workplaces that champion inclusivity.

Quick Tip: Before accepting a role, research company culture by:

Asking direct questions about diversity, flexibility, and mentorship.
Talking to employees for honest insights.
Checking reviews on sites like Glassdoor for potential red flags.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

The future of the automotive industry offers significant opportunities for those who align personal values with professional goals.

“Sustainability, AI, and ethical innovation are reshaping the landscape,” Kerry noted. “Opportunities in EVs, autonomous systems, and shared mobility will grow, especially for those passionate about green technologies.”

Molly added, “As dealers focus more on budget efficiency and quality data, the way we approach marketing is shifting. These trends offer incredible opportunities for growth and creativity.”

Currently, women make up only 26% of the automotive workforce, with even fewer in leadership roles. As the industry focuses on diversity and inclusion, now is the perfect time to carve out a path that reflects your values.

Pro Tip: Position yourself for the future by exploring certifications in EV diagnostics, AI-driven tools, or sustainability practices.

Advice For Women In Automotive

When asked how women can stay true to their values while pursuing ambitious goals, Kerry and Molly shared their insights:

Kerry’s Top Tip: “Surround yourself with ambitious, supportive people. Join groups like Women In Automotive, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to start initiatives that reflect your values.
Molly’sWisdom: “Stay authentic. Being yourself isn’t a weakness – it’s your strength. Never sacrifice what’s important to you just to fit in.”

WIA networking events happen all over the U.S.

Your Turn: Aligning Work with Your Values

Aligning your career with your values can redefine your life. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to refine your path, Kerry and Molly’s stories show that intentional choices and authenticity lead to meaningful success.

Action Step: Reflect on your values, set a goal that resonates with them, and identify a bold step you can take this month to move forward.

💬 What’s your next step? Share your journey in the comments and join the Women In Automotive community for resources, mentorship, and inspiration.

Your career is more than a paycheck—it’s an opportunity to reflect who you are and what you believe in. Let 2025 be the year you step into alignment with your values, take courageous steps, and thrive in a community of women who have your back.