Significant Career Lesson From A CEO At IRR Investments
Jessica, CEO of IRR Investments, emphasizes the significant impact of networking, stating that "you never know who you can help and you never know who can help you." This includes leveraging personal connections for both professional opportunities and even matchmaking, as well as using employee referrals to build trust and confidence in the hiring process.
Networking, Career Development, Executive/Leadership, Building Relationships, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Thumati
CEO
IRR Investments
University of Arizona
N/A
Business & Related, Finance, Accounting
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Finance
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The importance of networking in career advancement and business. Jessica highlights how networking can lead to unexpected opportunities, both personally and professionally, emphasizing the two-way street of helping others and receiving help in return.
2. The value of referrals in hiring. Jessica explains how she prioritizes referrals from current and former employees, demonstrating the trust and confidence built through existing relationships.
3. The significance of building relationships and connections. Jessica's anecdote about introducing two people who subsequently married underscores the broader point that networking extends beyond strictly professional benefits, highlighting the importance of building genuine connections
Transcript
What's one lesson you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
The one lesson that has been very significant is growing your network. Adding to your network and growing it is important because you never know who you can help, and you never know who can help you. This applies to both business and personal relationships.
I recall introducing my manager at PwC to a friend from college who worked at Deloitte. They ended up getting married, so there was a little matchmaking side hustle going on there. You just never know if it's going to be personal or business.
In business, you never know when you might be able to help a friend get a job. You might also introduce two people who really need to meet because they can do something cool together. That's a really awesome aspect of networking.
And then, of course, you just never know when someone is going to help you, especially if you're a business owner or just getting started. As an employer, I always ask my employees who they know who is awesome and needs to work here.
If I have a referral from someone I currently employ, or even someone I previously employed, I already know them. This builds confidence and trust, making me more likely to consider that referral over a pipeline of blind resumes. Your network and who you know are so important because you never know who you can help and who can help you.
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