Significant Career Lesson From a Director of Strategic Partnerships at Fintech Climate Start-up
Rebecca's most significant career lesson is that "people are people," a realization that empowered her to connect authentically with individuals across diverse fields—from diplomats to automotive engineers to finance professionals—by fostering genuine conversations and curiosity rather than intimidation. This approach, beginning with questions like "what brings you joy," helped level the playing field, unlock valuable insights, and ultimately advance her career.
Networking, Communication, Empathy, Curiosity, Executive/Leadership
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. Empathy and Approachability: Rebecca highlights the importance of treating everyone as individuals, regardless of their position or title. By showing genuine curiosity and asking personal questions (even seemingly simple ones), she builds rapport and trust, making it easier to connect on a professional level.
2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Rebecca shares her initial experience of feeling intimidated in professional settings and how she overcame this by embracing vulnerability and asking authentic questions. This demonstrates the importance of self-awareness and resilience in navigating challenging environments.
3. Building Connections Through Genuine Interest: Rebecca emphasizes the power of starting conversations with genuine curiosity rather than focusing solely on professional networking strategies. This approach helps uncover shared interests and passions, leading to more meaningful and productive relationships
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson that has proven significant is that people are people. At its core, that is what has gotten me to where I am.
My first job, I was around a bunch of diplomats and felt intimidated. I was meeting with Consuls General, and the ambassador was coming by. I was fresh out of college, had no idea what I was doing, and felt like I didn't belong at fancy parties.
I remember asking a random question like, "What brings you joy?" This would take people off guard and unlock something in them. They would start talking about their passions, things unrelated to their day jobs, and you could see them light up.
When you get people to unpack things and take off that corporate mask, you see they are just people, just like you. Entering rooms with that empathy was scary at first, but I realized I had nothing to lose.
I started by asking things like what they had for breakfast to see where the conversation went. When people feel safe and light up about something, it actually takes you back to business.
Starting with people as just people allows you to connect on a human level, and that will bring you back to their day job. They realize you're a person too. I've taken this from the diplomatic realm and applied it to automotive.
I've met with head engineers, admitting I didn't study engineering and don't understand cars. But being curious, asking about their drive and how they got into the industry, unlocks things in people. I've done the same in finance.
I ask what they like about it, what they're stressed about, and what their goals are. People want to talk about themselves. This has allowed me to learn, gather data, and level the playing field.
Especially as a new graduate or when facing an unexpected pivot, this approach diffuses the unnecessary fluff in the working world.