The website First Round posted a list of 40 Favorite Interview Questions from Some of the Sharpest Folks We Know.
I thought it would be interesting to share my answers to these questions.
I’ve learned that I’m most successful when I don’t try and pretend to be someone I’m not. In past roles, I’ve tried too hard to play the part of the “finance guy” without bringing my authentic self to work. I’ve dressed a certain way, behaved a certain way, and talked a certain way to give the impression that I was an awesome finance guy. The truth is that I am an awesome finance guy, but more importantly, I’m an awesome guy who can do a lot more than finance stuff really well.
The important thing is that authenticity breeds trust. People have an innate ability to sniff out someone who isn’t being authentic, and they instinctively do not trust them. When people trust each other they can accomplish great things together. In my last role, I started to hit my stride in putting my true self forward. I was part of a great team that built a great business. I was able to contribute in areas beyond finance including customer service, warehousing and logistics, and even marketing. This was only possible because I was able to build strong relationships, both personal and professional, with my colleagues.
In my next role, as a finance and operations leader, I will continue to work at bringing my authentic self forward. Starting in my first days on the job, I will lay the foundations for developing trust with my colleagues. I’m confident that we can leverage this trust to build something great together.
