Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Sourcing Analyst At NASCAR
Giovanni learned the importance of immersing themself in their field, even when initially unfamiliar, as it allowed for strategic thinking beyond their role. This led to a well-received idea pitched to senior leadership at NASCAR, demonstrating that "don't just stick to the ins and outs of your role...immerse yourself in whatever company you're working for" to potentially impress others and contribute meaningfully.
Company Culture, Strategic Thinking, Proactive Learning, Industry Knowledge, Cross-functional Collaboration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Giovanni Pieve
Senior Sourcing Analyst (former)
NASCAR
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey: MBA
Engineering - Aerospace
Sports & Fitness, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Immerse yourself in your job and field: Even if you're not initially passionate about the industry, learning the ins and outs, understanding the fans, and studying the demographics can lead to valuable insights.
2. Don't limit yourself to your role: Go beyond your core responsibilities and explore other areas of the company. This broader understanding can help you identify strategic opportunities and contribute innovative ideas.
3. Share your ideas: If you have a well-thought-out idea that could benefit the company, don't hesitate to share it with someone. Even if it's not immediately implemented, it can make a positive impression and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One significant lesson I've learned is the importance of immersing yourself in your job and field. It was easier for me at NASCAR because I found the sport interesting.
However, when I first interned and then started at NASCAR, I'll be honest, I grew up a diehard sports fan. I followed baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, everything. I never really watched NASCAR or cared for it.
But after I started working there, I told myself I would learn about the sport, regardless of whether I became a fan. I committed to understanding its intricacies, how fans operate, and our demographics. I decided to learn everything, even if it wasn't directly relevant to my role.
I think that was really important. It allowed me to come up with potential strategic ideas. I had one idea that I pitched to my boss, which had nothing to do with my role, but was something I thought the company could do to help the sport. She liked it so much she pitched it to her boss.
He then told me I should pitch it to the senior Vice President of innovation, which I did not expect. Because my idea wasn't just a casual thought like, "it'd be cool if NASCAR did this," it was a well-thought-out concept with marketing and spending ideas. I was able to present it.
I'm not sure if it's something they can implement immediately, as it might be more long-term. But the fact that I got that face time, that people got to meet me because of this idea, was invaluable. This idea came not from just being a fan watching on Sundays, but from really diving into every part of the sport.
I spoke to people in other areas of the company as well. So, I'd say the biggest thing I learned is don't just stick to the ins and outs of your role. Make sure you get your job done and do what you were hired to do, but also immerse yourself in whatever company you're working for.
Learn everything about it. If you have a strategic idea that you think could benefit the company, talk to someone about it. It may go nowhere, but at the very least, if it's a well-thought-out idea, people will remember you. They'll say, "That person has good ideas; I like how they think about the company and the industry."
So, just immerse yourself. It's like learning a language; the best way is to go to that country and speak it. When you're in a new company or industry, immerse yourself in it. Learn as much as you can beyond your role and about other areas of the company. You'll never know who you can impress by doing that.