With 12 years of experience in the equipment finance industry across diverse products and sectors, Melanie Rudiger has established herself as an expert in documentation and funding processes, with her background including extensive experience effectively leading processes in this area of expertise. Her industry and product knowledge make her a natural fit for her role at AP Equipment Financing, and she found that AP’s cutting-edge technology aligned perfectly with her operational expertise and desire to make a meaningful impact.
The forward-thinking and positive culture at AP, along with the team’s trust in her experience, empowered Rudiger to make strategic decisions, driving innovation and efficiency across the organization. Her contributions in streamlining processes and promoting solutions have helped take her team to the next level, preparing AP for sustained growth both in the present and the future.
One of Rudiger’s greatest accomplishments has been the development of her leadership style. Today, she embodies servant leadership by empowering her team, building trust and actively listening to their needs. Her commitment to open feedback, honesty and recognition has fostered a healthy and productive work environment.
She emphasizes the importance of learning from experiences and incorporating those lessons into her unique leadership approach. By reflecting on her experiences and focusing on growth, Rudiger effectively blends various strategies while remaining authentic to herself. She readily takes on tasks to support the team, using these opportunities to refine her skills and identify process improvements.
Rudiger’s passion for education is a driving force in both her personal and professional life. She believes that education is a powerful tool and is committed to continuous learning, not only for herself but for her team. Always eager to deepen her industry knowledge, Rudiger views challenges as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. This mindset has helped her continuously grow as a leader, pushing her to seek out situations that enhance her understanding of the industry and empower her to support her team’s development.
In addition to her contributions at AP, Rudiger seeks out opportunities to provide education for the equipment finance industry. She contributes her time to teaching and offering feedback to the documentation portion of the Academy for Lease and Finance Professionals for the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation. Recently, Rudiger joined the Book of Knowledge committee for the CLFP certification, taking on a significant role in shaping the resources available to future CLFPs. Her involvement in this committee helps ensure that professionals entering the field have access to valuable information and tools to succeed, fostering a strong community of knowledgeable leaders who can contribute positively to the industry.
Outside of her industry contributions, Rudiger is a passionate advocate for neurodiverse individuals. She is committed to promoting kindness, inclusion and awareness in the workforce. Rudiger envisions a world where neurodiverse individuals are embraced for their unique abilities, believing they are often misunderstood and overlooked. Through her advocacy, she strives to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all.
“Congratulations to Melanie on being named one of the Monitor’s Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance! This is a testament to her leadership as an operational manager and her forward-thinking approach,” Chris Lerma, president of AP Equipment Financing, says. “All of us at AP are proud to work alongside such a dedicated, positive and innovative professional. Here’s to her continued success!”•
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