20 Questions With Diana Saadeh-Jajeh, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Ryvid

Diana Saadeh-Jajeh is the chief operating and financial officer at the electric vehicle company Ryvid. She’s also a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member! In this member spotlight, we asked Saadeh-Jajeh a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman that inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   As I prepare for my next chief financial officer position, “The Lean CFO” by Steven M. Bragg has been invaluable. It offers fresh insights into financial leadership and strategic decision-making.
2. What is a tip you have for productively leading a WFH or hybrid team?
   Communication is key. Regular check-ins and fostering an open dialogue with the team have been essential for productivity in a remote and hybrid work environment.
3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
   Early in my career, I sometimes underestimated the importance of mentorship. I’ve since learned that seeking guidance from experienced professionals can accelerate personal and professional growth.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Balancing the responsibility of leadership while maintaining a collaborative and approachable demeanor is challenging. It’s important to lead with empathy and transparency.
5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
   I find that recognizing individual achievements and providing opportunities for professional development are powerful motivators. Celebrating small wins is equally important.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   Sheryl Sandberg continues to inspire me with her dedication to gender equality in the workplace. She’s a trailblazer in the corporate world, advocating for more women in leadership positions.
7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
   I’m excited about the integration of innovative technologies into corporate business and finance, especially in the e-commerce sector.
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?
   I value candidates who exhibit a strong ability to adapt, a passion for learning, and a collaborative spirit. These qualities align with my vision for effective leadership.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   In the past year, I’ve realized that my resilience is one of my greatest strengths. Embracing challenges and change has been a defining aspect of my career journey.
10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I’m currently enjoying “The Indicator from Planet Money” by NPR. It offers insightful economic perspectives that complement my background in finance.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Transparency, inclusivity, and a commitment to fostering growth in my team members are my core leadership values.
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    People should know that I’m not only a finance professional but also an advocate for diversity and women’s leadership in corporate finance.
13. What practices or boundaries have you implemented in your personal life to create more work/life balance?
    To maintain work/life balance, I’ve embraced a routine that includes dedicated time for family, self-care, and personal development. Boundaries between work and personal life are crucial. It is always a work in progress though, right?
14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a resilient finance leader with a passion for innovation, mentorship, and fostering change in the corporate world.
15. What’s your favorite app?
    My favorite app is LinkedIn, as it enables me to connect with a global audience, engage in meaningful conversations, and share insights from my journey.
16. What do you do to recharge?
    I find solace in reading, particularly books that expand my knowledge and perspective. It’s a way to recharge and stay inspired.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    While I’ve had several career milestones, I consider my ongoing journey as a minority woman in a male-dominated CFO landscape to be a continuous and significant accomplishment.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    My advice is to be fearless in pursuing your goals, seek mentors, and build a supportive network. Your unique perspective is your strength.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The opportunity to make a difference, whether through mentorship, innovation, or breaking barriers, is what motivates me every morning.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women in Retail?
    Women in Retail provides an invaluable platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the industry and empowering women in leadership roles. It’s a supportive community for growth and networking.