Finding Transferable Skills in Diverse Experiences

On episode 170 of The Route, Daniella Granzotto, the Head of VIP at Shopify, shared her extraordinary career journey. Moving from the arts to entrepreneurship, and finally to a significant role in one of the world's leading e-commerce companies, her story is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and the value of unconventional career paths.

The Start of an Unconventional Journey

Daniella's career began with dreams of becoming an actress. She attended the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. However, due to financial constraints, she had to defer her studies and move to Toronto. There, she pivoted to teaching ballroom and Latin dancing, a decision driven by her love for performance and movement.

Realizing that teaching dance wasn't enough to sustain her financially, Daniella explored various jobs, from working at Starbucks to bartending. This period of exploration was crucial as it taught her resilience and the importance of financial independence.

Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen

Daniella’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to start her own business in wedding hair and makeup. Her business acumen and ability to identify new opportunities allowed her to expand her services to include event planning. This venture not only honed her business skills but also demonstrated her adaptability and tenacity.

Climbing the Corporate Ladder at Shopify

Daniella’s journey with Shopify began in the recruiting department. Her ability to pitch her capabilities and her 'fake it till you make it' attitude helped her to progress quickly. She transitioned from an executive recruiter to the COO's executive assistant, eventually becoming the Head of VIP.

Daniella emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in her career progression. Her success at Shopify is attributed to her problem-solving skills and her proactive approach to providing solutions for executives.

Memorable Career Experiences

Throughout her career, Daniella has had several memorable experiences. Notably, she worked as a magician's assistant, which, while unconventional, added to her diverse skill set. She also organized a luxury event in Turks and Caicos, showcasing her event planning prowess.

Advice for Young Professionals

Daniella offers valuable advice for young professionals:

• Embrace Unconventional Paths: A career doesn't have to follow a traditional route. Embrace opportunities that come your way.
• Transferable Skills: Skills from different jobs and industries can be incredibly valuable. Look for how experiences can apply to new roles.
• Persistence and Tenacity: Keep pushing towards goals, even when the path isn’t clear.
• Adaptability in Business: Be ready to pivot and explore new opportunities in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Pitch Yourself: Believe in capabilities and don’t hesitate to pitch yourself for roles, even if lacking specific experience.
• Networking: Building strong relationships is key to career growth.
• Problem-Solving: When working with executives, focus on identifying problems and providing solutions.
• Learn Your Craft: Continuously improve skills and knowledge, regardless of current role.

Conclusion

Daniella Granzotto’s career journey is a powerful example of how unconventional paths can lead to remarkable success. Her story encourages embracing unique journeys, leveraging diverse experiences, and continuously striving for growth and improvement. Whether just starting out or looking to pivot in a career, Daniella’s insights provide valuable lessons on the importance of adaptability, persistence, and the power of believing in oneself.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insightful conversations on The Route.

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