Azurdee Ramasar

Assistant Vice President - Portfolio Manager, Engs Commercial Capital

40 Under 40 Category: Operations

Biography:

Azurdee Ramasar is the assistant vice president, portfolio manager with Engs Commercial Capital. Over the past decade, Azurdee has worked directly with businesses to help leverage their cash flow and working capital needs by providing accounts receivable financing, inventory financing and other forms of asset-based lending.

Azurdee started her factoring career in 2006 as an accounts receivable specialist with LSQ Funding Group. During her time with LSQ, she played a fundamental role in building the accounts receivable and collection teams, developing risk management parameters, and creating training and development programs for both internal employees and clients.  She was able to grow within the organization in operations and risk management roles of increasing responsibility.  Azurdee’s most recent role with LSQ was as an account executive, overseeing risk management, credit and daily operations for an $80MM portfolio. 

Is there a piece of professional advice that you would give yourself if you could go back in time?

I know now that change is inevitable, and my attitude towards it will determine everything. While it is very easy to complain about change, throw a pity party or even run from it, I’ve learned, and continue to learn, that change should be embraced. My career, as many can relate, has ebbed and flowed, and deviated from any set “plan” that I may have had. Nonetheless, change is not a road block; it is an opportunity to grow and a stepping stone to the next level. Every change that I thought would set me back, propelled me forward to milestones in my career that I would have never imagined.

What role has mentoring played in your career?

I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable industry leaders, even from my very first day in finance. Over the course of my career, my mentors have surrounded me, taken me under their wing and invested considerable time and effort in my professional growth, and still do. Their guidance has been critical to my career. In turn, I am passionate about providing the same dedication to others. I love to see people feel empowered and watch them grow to their fullest potential. Knowing I have support in my role has been invaluable to me, and I want to provide the same for any team I work with. Mentoring is, and always has been, one of my favorite aspects of my career. Team members and employees are not just cogs in a wheel; we are all real people with real lives and being able to help someone advance in their career is the true reward.

How did you wind up in the industry? We know most kids don’t say, “I want to be in commercial finance when I grow up.”

Eleven years ago, I stepped into the commercial finance industry after hearing about an open position at a local factoring company from an associate. Quite honestly, I simply needed a job. On my first day, I had absolutely no idea what factoring was. I quickly recognized the opportunity that was in front of me and became a sponge. I asked every question I possibly could and became hungry for more knowledge. Within a few short years, I began working my way up within the company and industry, and have been determined to keep growing in my career ever since.

How do you think the commercial finance industry can attract more young professionals?

I have personally witnessed an unfortunate stereotype around the commercial finance industry. More than a few young professionals see the industry as close-minded and old-fashioned. Very simply put, if you want to attract up-and-coming talent, you must change your mind, and then follow through with supporting change. That could mean using updated software and technology, providing more competitive benefits and pay, or even reevaluating a strict dress code; nonetheless, there are steps that can and should be taken to draw in a new generation of professionals. Contrary to what many people think, changing your outlook does not mean you must sacrifice professionalism or risk management. On the contrary, you set the goals, establish and nurture the culture, and acquire young, driven, talented and ambitious individuals who are eager to leave a legacy.