Introducing 2010 Inspire Fellow: Tiffany Goh
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I’ve always had an interest in helping to improve the lives of people who, for reasons beyond their control, do not have access to basic resources and opportunities that the rest of society has. More recently, I’ve had a compelling desire to make a difference in a more impactful way than volunteering allowed, especially as I became more informed about global poverty and sustainable solutions, such as microfinance, to drive international development and enable the poor to participate in the economy. I also felt equipped with the business skill set I had developed at Credit Suisse to more effectively drive social impact. Ultimately, the Inspire Fellows opportunity prompted me to make the switch into nonprofit, as the program offered the opportunity to work with passionate, like-minded peers dedicating their careers to meaningful missions as well as valuable training and support that would help me maximize my value add to building sustainable, self-sufficient societies.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I currently work at ACCION International as an analyst with the Frontier Investments Group, an impact investing fund whose mission is to invest early stage equity in catalytic technologies and disruptive business models that extend the reach and expand the scope of financial inclusion at the base of the economic pyramid. There really is no “typical day” here, as I work in a small team that requires us to wear multiple hats and be flexible to shifting priorities – something that has been challenging but very exciting and rewarding. Broadly speaking, I am focused on exploring fundraising efforts, substantiating our investment strategy through analysis and research, and evaluating investment opportunities.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
Prior to joining ACCION, I worked as an analyst within Credit Suisse’s private equity arm, focused on secondaries investing. Through my professional experiences I have become more knowledgeable about the private equity/venture capital industry and fund management, and developed expertise in financial analysis, evaluating business models and valuing companies across a variety of industries, and making and executing investment decisions based on analysis.
What are you involved in outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy being an active volunteer with community service and mentoring opportunities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters. I also stay involved as an alumna of Cornell and as a member of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, participating in recruiting and mentoring initiatives.
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
Through past formal and informal roles, I developed a breadth of leadership experience ranging from motivating and supporting a team, to problem solving and creating innovative solutions, to managing and driving a process from start to finish. My leadership experiences provided exposure to all aspects of running a business and an understanding of the viewpoints of various stakeholders, especially with respect to fund management and deal evaluation and execution. Together, my experiences have helped me build a holistic view and approach that has helped me bring more structure and contribute effectively in my current role at ACCION.
What blogs or websites do you read on a daily basis?
NYMag is a favorite, and I also keep up with CNN, NYTimes and several microfinance and VC/PE blogs – RSS Feeds are great!
What is your dream career if money was not an option?
One of my great passions is to travel the world and experience/understand different cultures and ways of life (and cuisines!), especially in developing countries. In an ideal world with no restraints, my dream career would incorporate such travel in the endeavor to achieve large scale impact to alleviate global poverty. I would love to be out in the field witnessing firsthand the impact of my work.
What book are you reading right now or what is your favorite book?
I’m currently reading Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus which I received as a gift from the ProInspire winter holiday book exchange!