👋Hey there,
In today’s episode, we’re featuring Annette DeYoung, a Senior FP&A Solutions Consultant at Datarails.
Early on, she aspired to be a teacher, fell in love with math, and took on a career in Accounting, Finance, and FP&A. Then eventually Sales? 🤔
She’s been a Cost Accountant, Controller, and a Director of Financial Planning.
On top of that, she’s involved in theatre, runs a non-profit called Children’s Theatre Project Youth Theatre Project, plays a bunch of instruments, and has 5 kids.
Want to get something done? Talk to Annette.
Tune in to hear what helps Annette stay organized, save time, and have fun during her FP&A career.
Listen on
🔥TIP: Here’s a guide to all FP&A job levels from Analyst to CFO.
Takeaways from Annette’s Interview
Seek to work for great leaders, figure out who those great leaders are by asking a bunch of questions when interviewing.
Great leaders turn followers into leaders, read Turn the Ship Around, by L. David Marquet.
If you work from home don’t just roll out of bed and start working, start your day preparing yourself (coffee and contemplation for 1 hour can help).
Take chances in your career, you may miss out on amazing experiences by taking the safe route.
When new formulas in Excel come out, learn how they work right away.
Less is more when presenting, word walls will bore and confuse your audience.
If you’re mad you’re had, speak to facts, not to your emotional opinion, to drive business change.
🔥TIP: Learn how to data tables to stay ahead.
🔥TIP: Here’s a guide to crushing your next FP&A interview.
🔥TIP: Negative feedback isn’t fun to receive, here’s an approach that helped us.
Show Notes
01:30 - If you want something done, find the busiest person you know
02:20 - A career in Accounting and Finance has led to — Sales?
05:20 - Tell your audience what they need to know—in a way they understand
06:24 - I had ZERO idea I would be an accountant—aspired to be a teacher
07:05 - 3 vs 5 kids doesn’t matter—you’re outnumbered and play zone defense
08:25 - My love for Finance and Accounting started in Intro to Accounting class
10:00 - Understand your data—key to getting good at FP&A
11:05 - Saved a large navy ship manufacturing +$50m—kind of a big deal
15:55 - Find data, clean it, and use it to move people in the same direction
16:46 - If you’re not replaceable, you’re not promotable—KISS
20:09 - Your job will get boring—unless you continuously improve
24:39 - Working with new people every day can be FUN
25:53 - Your time is precious—learn to say NO to save some
27:55 - Do you want it RIGHT NOW or do you want it RIGHT?
30:50 - Ask your future boss “Will you micro-manage me?”
33:10 - Lightning round full of FP&A wisdom—listen up
41:40 - Look for Annette on LinkedIn, webinars, and Super Bowl Commercials
42:25 - We spend a lot of time working—do what you can to find a job you enjoy
Conclusion
Annette is a great example of someone who constantly learns.
It doesn’t matter if it’s time management, software tools, or leadership.
She’s obsessed with always improving, saving time, and focusing on things that matter the most.
It helps her enjoy her career.
You can find Annette on LinkedIn.
THANK YOU Annette for sharing your career story with us.
How do you start your day to hit the ground running?
Share your experiences by replying to this. We read and reply to every email.
Now go have fun making an impact on your business and your career!
See you next week 👊
Cheers,
Drew & Yarty
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Disclaimer: This content is not investment advice or financial advice. The views expressed and stories told are our own. We may be investors in the companies discussed. Do your due diligence when considering applying what you learn.
Coffee, Contemplation, and Driving Serious Savings with Annette DeYoung