Natalie Schubert, an accomplished business leader and visionary in the technology sector, serves as the CEO of Daida, LLC, a company renowned for its innovative approaches to data and information management systems. A proud alumna of Miami University, Schubert graduated in 1990 with a degree in Accounting and Information Systems, which laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Her journey began in the finance and accounting department of a Fortune 500 company, where she quickly demonstrated her knack for leadership and strategic innovation.
Driven by a desire for greater challenges, Schubert ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Financial Intelligence Network. Her firm specialized in providing expert consulting services on merger and acquisition strategies to mid-sized private companies and investment groups. Over nine years, she navigated the exhilarating yet demanding world of entrepreneurship, eventually selling her business to strike a balance between her professional ambitions and personal life.
Before ascending to her current role at Daida, Schubert refined her leadership capabilities at Ricoh USA, where she spearheaded teams through significant changes, including restructuring and the launch of new technological solutions. As CEO of Daida, Schubert merges her passions for leadership, finance, and technology, focusing on product and project innovation, investment, and acquisition strategies while leveraging the latest in data, AI, and information strategies.
Residing in Central New Jersey with her husband, three daughters, and three grandchildren, Schubert is a globetrotter, enjoying international travel and the rich experiences it brings. Despite her global experiences, she remains deeply connected to her roots, cherishing the strong ties and foundational values instilled during her time at Miami University.
Q&A with Natalie Schubert: Navigating the Path to Success
Congratulations on your recent appointment as CEO of Daida, LLC. What does success mean to you in this new role?
Thank you! For me, success in this role means driving Daida to new heights in innovation and market presence while fostering a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. It’s about setting a vision that resonates with our team and our customers, achieving our strategic objectives, and making a positive impact in the tech industry.
You’ve had a varied career from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and now leading a tech company. How have these experiences shaped your definition of success?
My career journey has taught me that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it evolves. Early on, success was about climbing the corporate ladder. As an entrepreneur, it became about creating value and sustainable growth. Now, it’s about leveraging my experiences to lead a company through change and innovation. These shifts have taught me that adaptability, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose are key to achieving success.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have they influenced your leadership style?
One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from an entrepreneur back into a corporate environment. It required a mindset shift and adaptation to different organizational dynamics. This experience has made me a more empathetic leader, attentive to the diverse perspectives and strengths each team member brings to the table. I’ve learned the importance of fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly impacted your path to success?
Selling my business was a pivotal moment. It was both a professional and personal decision, driven by a desire for work-life balance. This experience underscored the importance of aligning my career with my values and taught me that success also means being true to oneself and making choices that lead to fulfillment beyond professional achievements.
How do you incorporate mentorship and giving back into your definition of success?
To me, true success involves lifting others as you climb. I am deeply passionate about mentorship and believe that sharing knowledge and experiences can light the way for future leaders. Giving back by mentoring early-career professionals is not just a way to pay it forward but also enriches my own understanding and perspective. Success is more rewarding when it’s shared.
Looking forward, how do you plan to measure success in your role at Daida, and what legacy do you hope to leave?
Success will be measured by our ability to innovate and grow sustainably, the positive impact we have on our clients, and the strength of our company culture. I hope to leave a legacy of leadership that inspired others to pursue their passions fearlessly, take on challenges with resilience, and always remember the value of mentorship and community. I want Daida to be remembered not just for what we achieved but for how we achieved it, by empowering people and making a difference in the tech world.
Key Takeaways
- Adaptability and Resilience Are Key to Success: Natalie Schubert’s career journey underscores the importance of being adaptable and resilient in the face of change. Success isn’t static; it evolves with each career phase. Embracing change and learning from each experience are crucial to navigating the path to success.
- Leadership Involves Empathy and Empowerment: Schubert’s transition from entrepreneurship back into a corporate environment highlighted the importance of empathy in leadership. A successful leader recognizes the diverse strengths within their team and fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
- Mentorship Enriches Success: For Schubert, success is not just about achieving personal or organizational goals but also about giving back and lifting others. Mentorship plays a vital role in her definition of success, emphasizing that sharing knowledge and experiences not only supports the growth of future leaders but also enhances the mentor’s journey, making success a shared and more fulfilling experience.