Most Important Skills For A Director Of Strategic Partnerships At Fintech Climate Startup
Rebecca, a Director of Strategic Partnerships at a Fintech Climate Start-up, emphasizes the importance of "relational" skills like "listening, building rapport, and asking good questions" in their role. The ability to be "resilient and pivot," prioritizing tasks effectively amidst the dynamic nature of a startup environment, is also crucial for success, according to Rebecca.
Relationship Building, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Prioritization, Open-mindedness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rebecca Saletta
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Fintech Climate Start-up
UCLA
N/a
Communications
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Relationship building skills are crucial, encompassing listening, rapport building, asking insightful questions, and curiosity.
2. Resilience and adaptability are essential for navigating the dynamic nature of startups and pivoting when necessary.
3. Strategic thinking and prioritization skills are important for effectively managing multiple tasks and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
Skills for a job like this are probably relational, first and foremost. The ability to build relationships is key.
This is something that often gets put in sales positions or seen as softer skills required in different areas. But a lot of my job is listening, building rapport, asking good questions, and being curious. These things all fall under relationship building.
Additionally, an open-mindedness and the ability to be resilient and pivot are important. Startups change often. If you get locked into a process or following rules, you'll get frustrated.
You'll wake up and something will have changed, requiring you to totally change direction. Being resilient in that situation is like a muscle. I entered this role feeling resilient, but the role required more and more of it.
I've been learning resilience and figuring out when to pick your battles, when to ask a follow-up question, and when to simply say something won't work. A lot of that discernment is something so important.
So, relationship building, some resilience and pivoting, and some discernment for wisdom. Maybe that's a more strategic thinking approach. Being able to prioritize quickly is also an important skill.