Doriene Viera

Global Vice President, Business Development
Apak Group

Doriene joined Sword Apak in 2011 as VP of Operations. She brought significant industry experience and knowledge from her previous positions at major captive auto finance companies. In 2016, Doriene became VP of Global Business Development, providing her the opportunity to use her extensive experience to help new and existing clients increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their business. Doriene identifies how Sword Apak can support the growing demands of the market and work with lenders globally by providing expert industry consulting on solutions and technology.

Areas of Expertise
Executive Leadership and Management, Team Building, Solutions for Clients

Areas of expertise upon which I would like to continue learning.
Expertise, especially with technology, is a rapidly moving goal post so if you want to thrive, you must be in a constant learning mode. Every day there are opportunities to learn, both professionally and personally.

What three keywords best describe you?
Funny, Smart, Driven

Personal Motto
Don't whine, do something about it

What are you passionate about?
Dogs and cats, well, pets in general

What is something interesting about you that members might not know?
I rode in horse shows and rodeos when I was growing up in the Central Valley of California.

Who has been a role model for you?
I have been fortunate to have great bosses and company leaders who have taken interest in my growth and success. I have also had negative leadership experiences. There are things I definitely do and things I will never do, having seen examples of both. Although we see role models as traditionally positive, I have learned a great deal from those more negative experiences of how not to work with others!

What are you most proud of?
Seeing those that I identified as future leaders develop over time, by working with them, nurturing and supporting their development.

MENTORING
What would you say are the key success factors for a mentoring relationship?
Willingness to listen and try new approaches to situations. Mutual respect. Learning from each other, not a one-way street.

What advice would you give yourself as a young executive?
Always say yes, especially to the tough assignments, and then go collect your team and get moving. Do not fear stepping out of your comfort zone for the first time in any discipline. Every time after that it gets easier and easier.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Always be ready for change. Be a catalyst for positive change. Help the organization move through change via the most appropriate mechanism, whether a strategy, workforce, etc. Change happens, get comfortable with the idea and jump in!