#WomensHistoryMonth at Cox Enterprises: Get to Know Grace Huang

In celebration of Women's History Month, female leaders from across Cox Enterprises are sharing insights from their experience throughout the month of March. Grace Huang is Manheim's senior vice president of inventory services.

What women inspire you and why?

The women in senior leadership positions within Cox have really inspired me because they’ve shown me that there are multiple paths and styles that are embraced at Cox which put you in a position to succeed and make a lasting impact.

I’ve had the privilege of working across several business units within Cox and some of these women may not even know that they have been an inspiration to me along the way. In particular, they are Deborah Thomas, retired SVP of HR at Cox Media Group; Jane Williams, EVP at Cox Media Group; Lacey Lewis, SVP of Finance at Cox Enterprises; Maria Friedman, SVP of Tax and Treasury at Cox Enterprises; Carol Larner, VP of Investments at Cox Enterprises; and Janet Barnard, President at Manheim North America.

Each one is an expert in their area and so good at what they do. And beyond that, it’s how they carry themselves; the way they conduct themselves. There is a confidence in their ability and easy way they connect with people. Watching them do this with such authenticity made a real impact on me, and I suspect many others aspiring to leadership roles like theirs. 

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I think the biggest barrier is the belief that women have to act like men. Women often believe that they have to adjust their natural leadership style to be more “masculine.” The women I mentioned above did it their way and demonstrate that while a woman’s leadership style may be different, it is no less effective. And, by the way, there is plenty of research and data from various industries that supports that as fact. 

What will be the biggest challenge and opportunity for the generation of women behind you?

Today’s young women are growing up in such a different world and seeing women accomplishing things no woman before them ever has. From a women CEO and Chairman of the Board of a major automotive manufacturer and a full-time coach in men’s professional sports, to women completing Army Ranger School and being named the United States Chief Technology Officer, women are creating opportunities that were once unimaginable. Within all of that opportunity, I think the biggest challenge for women (and men for that matter) will continue to be finding the balance between work and life that works for them and their family.

What are the best and worst decisions you've ever made?

The best decision I’ve made is to have a spouse that is supportive of my career and encourages me to say “yes” to all the different opportunities presented to me.

What is your perspective on work/life balance?

It’s always a balance and the sweet spot of that balance is different for everyone. I think women tend to want to do everything perfectly and be all things for all people. Some things you just have to let go. One of the women I noted in my answer to question one once told me that there are three parts to life: family, work and social. As a woman, in general, you can only give 100 percent to two out of those three. So you have to be really clear on your priorities and just acknowledge that fact.

About Cox Enterprises: 
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.