What Type Of Person Thrives In The E-commerce Tech Industry, According To A Partnerships Team Lead At Okendo
Adena, a Partnerships Team Lead at Okendo, explains that success in the e-commerce tech industry demands "a hustle mentality," internal drive, and a belief in the product or mission—a stark contrast to their previous experience at Oracle, where a lack of belief led to low motivation. The interview highlights the importance of finding fulfilling work, a sentiment underscored by Adena's current enthusiasm for Okendo and their products.
Self-Starter, Motivated, Passionate, Resilient, Research-Oriented
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Adena Merabi
Partnerships Team Lead
Okendo
UCSB
UCLA
International Relations & Affairs
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. It's important to have an internal drive and desire to succeed, pushing boundaries and not being afraid to be a self-starter.
2. In the e-commerce tech industry, believing in the mission and the product is crucial for job satisfaction and motivation.
3. When starting your career, if something isn't working, don't be afraid to leave and find something you're passionate about. Actively seek out new opportunities and find a role that is fulfilling and aligns with your skills and values.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
I would say you kind of have to have a hustle mentality. What I mean by that is you have to find an internal drive and desire to succeed and push forward.
You have to be groundbreaking and push boundaries and barriers. You shouldn't be afraid to be a self-starter.
There are two levels to this. One is as a founder in the e-commerce space. Another aspect is working at an e-commerce company, such as Okendo, specifically in tech.
As a founder, you need courage to leave a stable job and pursue something with no definite outcome. You don't know if people will want to work with you, your tech, or invest in you. You also have to understand the market.
This means doing a lot of research, understanding market gaps, needs, and pain points. You need to know what you're solving and if you can get backing.
As an individual contributor or team member at an e-commerce tech company, you have to believe in the mission and what you're selling or solving. If you don't, it will be very difficult.
When I worked at Oracle, I didn't feel valued, and my work didn't seem to accomplish anything. I was at the bottom and lacked drive and motivation. I didn't believe in the tool or the work, which involved a lot of cold calling that didn't lead anywhere.
That's why it's so important, especially coming out of college, to find that spark and internal motivation. If something isn't working, leave. Figure out what you didn't like and what you'll do next.
Find that hustle and internal drive to find a new job, do your research, talk to people, find a mentor, understand your skills, and pursue it. Now I love my job, the tech we sell, the people we work with, and the brands that use our technology.
It's fulfilling to see brands using our tech and share that with friends. You really need that hustle drive and belief in what you're doing to thrive in this industry.
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