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Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser: Advize Career Interview

A career in sports technology is highlighted in this interview with Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder of Preciser.

A Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics background led to roles in business intelligence and product analysis before co-founding a company using AI to analyze sports video.

The interview details the daily demands of a CEO role, including business development, sales, and customer management, emphasizing the importance of time management and prioritization.

The most rewarding aspects are seeing customers succeed with the product and witnessing the adoption of new technologies in a traditionally resistant market.

Success in this field requires passion, adaptability, networking, and a comprehensive understanding of business, beyond technical skills.

The interview offers advice to undergraduates, suggesting entry-level analytics roles in major sports leagues and highlighting the value of networking and developing strong communication skills.

Shirley’s journey emphasizes the impact of strong connections, self-directed learning, and participation in extracurricular activities such as business clubs, culminating in a fulfilling career built on a shared passion.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Shirley Chen

CEO and Co-Founder

Preciser

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey

Engineering, IT, Math & Data

Sports

Business Strategy

International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Shirley's career path began with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, followed by a master's in Business Analytics, and a focus on machine learning and AI. This academic foundation led to roles as a business intelligence analyst and product analyst before co-founding a company that uses AI to "break down video into stats" for sports organizations.

Career Path of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Main Responsibilities of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

As CEO and Co-Founder of Preciser, Shirley's main responsibilities encompass "everything," with a primary focus on business development, sales, customer success management, and finance; product management and engineering fall under the co-founder's purview.

Main Responsibilities of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

A Day in the Life of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

A typical day for Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, begins with a morning check-in with the US team, handling immediate customer tasks, followed by afternoon focus time engaging with customers and managing sales. The workday extends to nine in the evening, encompassing team catch-ups across US and Asian teams and investor meetings, highlighting the demands of a global leadership role; "I work nine to nine".

A Day in the Life of a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Most Important Skills For A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

As CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, Shirley highlights "time management" and "prioritization" as crucial skills, given the numerous competing demands of the role. The ability to effectively manage projects, including "business system development" and customer relations, is also vital for success in their position.

Most Important Skills For A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

Favorite Parts Of Being A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, finds the greatest satisfaction in "seeing our customers really enjoying using our product," highlighting the impact of their work and the value it brings, allowing clients to "see in the future."

Favorite Parts Of Being A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

Biggest Challenges Faced by a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Shirley's biggest challenge as CEO and Co-founder of Preciser is the immense responsibility for "everyone, like...my team, my co-founder, my team members, like customers and also investors," demanding long hours and requiring a constant balancing act between work and personal life. This highlights the significant demands placed upon leadership roles in startups, even with the rewarding aspects of building something new.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Sports Tech Industry As A CEO And Co Founder

Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser in the sports tech industry, finds the most rewarding aspect to be witnessing "how people adopt new tech knowledge," specifically machine learning and AI, in a traditionally resistant market. This adoption of new technology within a "really traditional market" is particularly enjoyable for Shirley as it signifies a positive shift in the industry.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Sports Tech Industry As A CEO And Co Founder

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry, According To A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

Success in the sports industry, according to Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, hinges on being "passionate, adaptable, and good with networking," a challenge Shirley herself faced starting their company two years after graduating with a master's degree. Experience and extensive pre-existing networks are significant advantages, as illustrated by Shirley's observation that those who "already work in the industry for like 30 or 40 years" often thrive.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry, According To A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

What A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Sports Industry

Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, learned the crucial importance of "networking and building connections" for success in the sports industry, a lesson Shirley wishes they had known earlier in their career. This realization highlights the significant impact strong relationships have on securing opportunities, including "talking to potential customers" and closing deals.

What A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Sports Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Sports Analysts

Many professional sports leagues, such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB, offer entry-level analytics roles like "data analyst" or "performance strategist" for undergraduates. These positions allow students to "learn how to break down game stats or creating different reports or support coaches with different insights," providing valuable experience in the sports industry.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Sports Analysts

Significant Career Lesson From A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

Shirley, CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser, learned that a "hundred percent understanding about everything"— encompassing business development, design, product, finance, and fundraising—is crucial for successful leadership, unlike their initial focus solely on data analytics and AI. This realization led to a pivot in their company's projects, highlighting the importance of comprehensive business knowledge before delegating responsibilities.

Significant Career Lesson From A CEO And Co-Founder At Preciser

College Experiences That Helped a CEO And Co-Founder at Preciser Succeed

Shirley's path to success involved significant self-directed learning in machine learning and AI, complemented by collaborative side projects with a future co-founder. Furthermore, participation in a business club helped overcome a fear of public speaking and develop crucial networking skills, demonstrating the importance of both technical expertise and soft skills in career development.

College Experiences That Helped a CEO And Co-Founder at Preciser Succeed

CEO and Co-Founder at Preciser

Shirley's most impactful experience at W.P. Carey was "connecting with people who share [their] passion," specifically leading to a meeting with their co-founder. This experience, fostered by a shared love of sports and like-minded individuals, shaped their approach to building "a strong and passionate team" at Preciser.

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