Q&A with Jessika Lora - March 27

How would you proceed with switching what industry you work in? I am focused on healthcare technologies but want to switch to retail tech in my exit ops

Hi everyone! I’ll be on again today to answer remaining and newly incoming questions. So far this has been really fun so keep them coming!

Hi Jessika - what made you make the jump from a well paying job and comfort to being an entrepreneur? Thanks in advance!

In the early stages of your start up how common were 80-100+ hour weeks? Do you also think you needed to step into an executive client role after your time at Deloitte? How do you feel abt b-school?

Just posted a bunch of responses! Keep those questions coming. I am answering based on priority which I’m interpreting as number of Hearts on someone’s question. ❤️

Jessika - very interested in launching my own product and have some compelling ideas I’m stuck at not having an income... Is it feasible to obtain seed funding to maintain some normalcy?

Hi Jessika. My question is, why tech/business vs. ay other field? Did you know that consulting would be the first step to the rest of your career? What other professions did you consider?

How did you get your idea for your startup? How long have you been working on it?

Lots of people talk about the “sexier” strategy-only consulting and the lucrative exits. How do you view operational consultants and their value in exit opps?

Hi Jessika, What would be a good exit opportunity for a tax person after 5 years? Industry? Global company? Or what is the latest skill set that a tax professional should have to ace in future?

How did you break free from the “safety” (perceived and real) of the traditional work world to pursue entrepreneurship. Did you take tangible steps like saving, networking, building client list?

What were the worst habits that learned in consulting that you had to unlearn?

Hi Fishbowl community! Let the Q&A commence! Wednesday is off to a great start and I’m excited to be here to answer your questions. Keep them coming 🙌🏼

I sometimes feel stuck in consulting - I’ve moved up fast and am unsure how to network out and how well my skills transfer. Did you ever feel this way? Any recommendations on how to conquer?

Hi Jessika! I am curious, in what ways do you feel consulting prepared you to be an entrepreneur? And flip side, what did it not prepare you for? Thanks!

Hi Jessika, Thanks for your time. How would you recommend ways to plug into desired fields and how to network outside of Deloitte? (Esp if you already know the industry you are interested in)

I’m interested in entrepreneurship, but not convinced I would want to start a business “from scratch,” are there options somewhere in between “corporate job” and starting your own business?

Hi Jessika, great to hear from you! I am wondering, how did you get your job after consulting? Headhunter, job offering, “blind” initiative from your side, personal recommendation? Thx a lot!

- what made you stay at Deloitte? - at what point did you decide to make a career pivot? - how you find fulfillment in your professional life?

Thanks for doing this, Jessika! You have done so many great things and have a lot to be proud of - looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

Hi Jessica! Thanks for taking the time for this! What motivates you? What drives you to succeed in life, and how do you define success?

How’d you know when you were finally able/willing to take the jump? It’s easy to keep collecting skills but was there something specific that happened that you knew you were ready for yours startup?

Kudos Jessika, much respect!. How did you get your business ideas, and/or stay current on the needs? Also can I join your team :)

Glass ceiling is alive and well - how do you suggest breaking it in corporate America?

Hi Jessika. Thanks for giving up your time for this. What was the motivating force behind leaving the corporate world, and starting your own business?

Hi Jessika! Did you always envision yourself as being an entrepreneur and what was the defining moment when you told yourself that you wanted to finally break out and create your own company?

Hi Jessika, what are specific things (skills, experience) which prepared you to take on these challenges and be successful?

Hey Jessika - thx for your time. What would you say is the most useful skill or skill set you developed at Deloitte that has helped you in your current positions?

I’m so excited for this - thanks for your time Jessika. I’d love to know what made you decide that it’s time to leave Deloitte and go to eBay and then start carforce.