Significant Career Lesson From A Director Of Strategic Finance At Tala
Zu, Director of Strategic Finance at Tala, emphasizes the importance of "soft prep"—briefly preparing for meetings, even informal ones, to anticipate questions and ensure a smoother, more impactful interaction. This approach, honed during Zu's time at Uber, allows for a more natural and engaging presentation of ideas, ultimately leading to better outcomes and career advancement.
Communication, Executive/Leadership, Preparation, Problem-Solving, Strategic Thinking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zu Daya
Director of Strategic Finance
Tala
University of Toronto
MBA, University of Toronto
Biology & Related Sciences, Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
International Student, Honors Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The importance of "soft prep" in professional settings, such as meetings or informal conversations with superiors or colleagues. This involves preparing talking points and anticipating potential questions to ensure a smoother and more impactful interaction.
2. The value of demonstrating preparedness and knowledge, even in seemingly casual settings. Thorough preparation, even for informal meetings, can significantly improve outcomes and build credibility.
3. The significance of proactive learning and understanding of the context surrounding any engagement. Taking the initiative to learn about the team, product, or market involved before a meeting or discussion demonstrates initiative and enhances engagement.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I've learned many lessons, but one I love to share is the idea of soft prep. Soft prep, as I categorize it, is something like what you do when you go to a meeting or are about to talk with a boss, an executive, or even a direct report. You're going to share information, and it's important to be softly prepared.
A good example is when I was at Uber. We'd have ideas like giving incentives or implementing marketing strategies, but when I brought them up, they sounded nice, yet I lacked answers to follow-up questions. Without those answers, the excitement and reaction weren't as strong.
I learned that when I have an idea or something to share, even if it feels casual like a lunch or coffee chat, I should sit down, write quick notes, and do a soft preparation. This way, if questions arise and there's a positive reaction, I feel more prepared.
There's an art to it: if it feels natural and not overly prepared, it seems nicer, more charming, and seamless. So, I think this soft preparation goes a really long way.
This applies even to meetings you have no information about. If someone sends a calendar invite for a 30-minute kickoff meeting, doing some reading or understanding about the market, the product, or even the team involved will take you much further.