Cindy Balint

Spending one's entire career at a single company—a "lifer," so to speak—can have complicated consequences. Is the experience and deep dive one gets enough to overcome feelings of insecurity around knowledge of the industry and the "real world"? If you ask Ally's Cindy Balint, executive director of consumer credit operations, it all comes down to a focus on the customer.

"Of course, I have the fear that I am not up to speed on everything because I've spent so much time at Ally, and prior to that GMAC. [GMAC rebranded as Ally Financial in May 2010.] But I know if I focus on the customer—who I make sure I interact with on a daily basis—that's what keeps me grounded."