Biggest Challenges Faced by a Principal Business Strategist at an Investment Management Company
James, a Principal Business Strategist, cites the challenge of persuasion as the biggest hurdle in his role, needing to "navigate the different voices" and overcome negativity within a large organization to successfully champion innovative ideas. This requires repeatedly re-articulating proposals, addressing concerns, and ultimately pushing through resistance to gain buy-in for new concepts.
Communication, Persuasion, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
James Wallace
Principial Business Strategist
Investment Management Co.
Hiram College
Not Applicable
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
Video Highlights
1. Successfully navigating internal organizational challenges to implement innovative ideas.
2. The importance of persuasive communication and articulation of opportunities to overcome resistance.
3. Demonstrates the ability to handle negativity and push through objections by understanding diverse viewpoints and iteratively refining proposals.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
My biggest challenge as an individual contributor is being persuasive. I'm asked to identify great opportunities and articulate why they're good.
Not everyone in a larger organization will agree. You have to be able to navigate different voices, some of which can be very negative, especially with innovation.
Some people will say, "We've never done it that way," or "Another firm tried it and it didn't work." There are voices that feel like they just want to suck all the oxygen out of the room.
You have to be able to push through even in the face of negativity. It doesn't take too many naysayers to kill a concept.
Sometimes this means coming back three or four times, listening to objections, and trying to intellectually understand why people feel that way. Then, you re-articulate, acknowledging their viewpoint.
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