Palak Seth

I attribute my success largely to my willingness to step outside my comfort zone and embrace opportunities, particularly as an international student who moved from India to the United States. I have never been afraid to try something new, even when I did not know exactly where it would lead. That curiosity and willingness to experiment have opened doors that I may not have otherwise encountered, and over time, I have been able to see how those experiences connect and contribute to my broader journey.

I also believe in being an all-around professional. Even when people may doubt you at certain points in your career, bringing versatility and the ability to contribute across different areas can become a significant strength. My experiences across finance, analytics, consulting, operations, and strategy have allowed me to approach problems from multiple perspectives and ultimately create more value for the organizations and teams I work with.

The best career advice I have received is to never treat one thing I am pursuing as though it has to become a lifelong commitment. Instead, I was encouraged to think of it more like a boyfriend—you are trying something, seeing whether it works, and giving it a fair opportunity before deciding what comes next.

That perspective helped me take the pressure and emotion out of career decisions. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the idea that every choice has to define my future, I can approach opportunities rationally, learn from them, and determine whether they are the right fit. It has allowed me to remain curious, adaptable, and open to discovering where an experience may lead.

For young women entering STEM, analytics, or technology, I would encourage them not to believe that there is one standard background or qualification that determines whether they belong in the industry. There are many non-traditional paths into STEM, and your existing experiences and strengths can become valuable assets.

I would also encourage women to pay attention to where the world is heading, particularly with the rapid growth of AI. Do not hesitate to experiment, learn new technologies, and explore opportunities simply because you do not come from a traditional STEM background. At the same time, stay connected to your passions and find ways to bring different interests together.

My own journey is an example of that. I started as a student consultant doing pro bono consulting and eventually progressed into a Director of Finance and Business Analytics role, while being the only woman on my startup team. My advice is to embrace what makes your background different, remain curious, and give yourself permission to pursue more than one dimension of your potential.

The biggest topic in business analytics and financial analysis right now is artificial intelligence. There is a misconception that AI will simply replace business analysts and financial analysts. While AI can automate much of the foundational work, such as basic Excel-based analysis, that does not eliminate the value of human expertise.

There is still a tremendous need for people who have an eye for detail, understand business context, recognize when an AI-generated analysis contains mistakes, and can incorporate the human component required to make sound decisions. Data alone cannot determine every business decision; judgment, context, and critical thinking remain essential.

I also see significant opportunities in predictive analytics, particularly within startup environments. Early-stage companies often need predictive models even when they do not yet have extensive revenue histories or large datasets. Finding innovative ways to develop meaningful predictive models and use quantitative analysis to support strategic decisions represents an important opportunity for analysts who can combine technical skills with business judgment.

Respect is one of my absolute non-negotiables, whether I am in the workplace, with family, among friends, or working with colleagues. Constructive criticism is important and can help people grow, but there is a clear difference between providing feedback and being demeaning or disrespectful. I believe the tone and manner in which we communicate with others matter tremendously.

The second value that is equally important to me is integrity. I believe that integrity, honor, and a strong work ethic should guide the way we conduct ourselves and make decisions. It is important to remain grounded, do your work honestly, and avoid allowing success or ambition to make you overvalue yourself. Respect and integrity provide the foundation for the kind of professional and personal relationships I want to build.