We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica To and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
This is an interesting one, because there are certainly more than one conventional advice that I like to disagree with. I believe that we, as human, should learn to not go with the flow sometimes, and it’s totally okay. I believe the problem with with bad advice is this–a lot of advice in the responses were all things most of us have heard before. This is also true for all advice we hear too. A lot of great advice are just reminders or reinforcers of what we already know. But since a lot of people say it and agree with it, that means it must be true, right? And especially if we believe it too? Absolutely not. I believe this cognitive bias, also called “confirmation bias”, we tend not to question what we already agree with. This can be a problem if we mindlessly share and believe advice that can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. This sort of thinking is really bad, in business and in life. This is why I usually say, I would like to agree with them, but then I’d be wrong also. I don’t believe we can change the world, if we become more like everyone in the world. We must think differently and do things differently.

So in regards to one of the conventional advice that I disagree with, even though there are so many that I have disregarded and not follow in my adult life, but I hear it all the time is: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

I can understand the good intentions behind this advice, but it’s also poorly worded. “Don’t cry over spilled milk” is better worded and have the same intent and meaning, emphasizing, that we shouldn’t overstress over unnecessary, trivial matters or unimportant things. However, I don’t believe we should ignore or overlook the “little things” either. It’s often the little things that make up the whole. So the little things DO matter. The small stuff actually is what matters. Even in our work, personal life and personal romantic relationships. It’s not necessarily about the grand display of affection, or one big moment or promotion at work. It’s the little things that we need to look at to see the big picture. I also think believe just because something is small, doesn’t mean it’s not important. The same goes for small act of kindness, giving, affection and being generous. Those small things are important and should be appreciated and noticed. I can appreciate people who are self-proclaimed “laid-back” but I probably won’t get along very well with people who are “extremely laid-back” borderline lazy and not having a care in the world, and they really do live in the moment, and not having any concrete plans for their future. I am a planner, so this way of living, is not the way I like to live my life at all.

Even in art, it’s not the picture as a whole that makes the art piece unique and beautiful, the artwork usually consist of little, intricate details the artist create to make their piece a masterpiece, uniquely their own, by giving them character, to stand out from other art pieces created by other artists.

I believe that if we take the same approach in our life, to only focus on the big scheme of things, then we are missing out on other important things, and that’s a life of mediocrity. A life filled with noticed and appreciated little treasures is a rich, fulfilled life.

I truly believe, Success is all about the small stuff, because in the end, if you pay attention to the small things and details that most people tend to ignore or not noticed at all, is what sets us apart from the rest.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I do not consider what I do as just a “job” but a career that I am passionate about and fortunate to have. I feel grateful to not have wasted any time figuring out what I wanted to do as a career right out of college like some of my friends. I believe nothing in life is clear-cut, when we are young. However, I believe it is important to have set goals, so we actually have something to work towards, instead of going through life, leaving our destiny to chance. Which is why I believe goal-setting is so important and it is imperative for success. The very successful individuals, always have goals, a mission and they also live life with purpose, they are also self-motivated and very driven. I personally have never met a successful person that isn’t inspiring, is lazy or unmotivated.

I work in a career that is mostly a male-dominated industry. So that alone, already sets me apart from most and my colleagues. However, I love my career and the people I get to work with. It can be challenging and even stressful sometimes, with the long hours, but in the end, I feel very fortunate to be in a career that constantly challenged me and keeps me on my feet. I don’t get a lot of free time, but I do make time for things I prioritized and important people in my life. Although, I have been in this career for almost 10 years, but I feel like I am learning something new everyday. I also feel very fortunate to be able to work with some of the brightest and best people in the industry. So I always have something I can learn from them.

There’s been a lot of challenges, since my career can be affected by how the economy is, how the market perform, regulatory hurdles and costs, since regulatory hurdles and costs can have a major effect on the value of companies that operate in a specific industry. If there are increased tax burdens or the potential for negative public perception, private equity firms will consider this when making a bid. Inflation is another challenge for us, precipitating several immediate challenges for Private Equity funds. Firstly, interest rate uncertainty and fear of impending recession is having an immediate impact on the cost and availability of credit for M&A.

I don’t believe anything worth doing is ever easy, or everyone would be doing it, not to mentioned, my industry isn’t for everyone, it’s hard to break into. This industry isn’t for those who lack self-disciplined and dedication. You also need great work ethics, but I believe this is required in any industry, for those who want to be successful in their field/industry. I have always enjoy learning science and math, and they were also my favorite subject in school. So I have decided to choose a major that I enjoyed, so I can have a career where I can applied these knowledge and skills I have learned. I do love math and science, not because I am Asian. haha. It’s not exactly true that Asians are good at math, I have Asian friends who are really bad at math and science.

So I do feel fortunate that this opportunity was presented to me before I even graduate from college, in retrospect, I never have to look for a job, right out of college, since I already have a job offer waiting for me once I graduate from university. I have been in the same or similar industry ever since and have not switch or change careers. Although, I have worked for a Hedge Fund Firm while I was attending Business School. It was also a great learning experience for me during those few years living in Northern California. There are always great lessons to learn, matter of fact, that is a daily progress. In the end, all the hard work will be worth it. It’s a challenging career/industry to be in, but in the end, it’s also quite rewarding.

I do have a word of advice for those who want to break into Private Equity, Venture Capital or even Hedge Fund, to really know why you want to get into the industry. These industries pays really well and can be quite rewarding, but these industries are also quite selective. Since only the best candidates will get hired by the top firms. Who you know is also very important, and I would say your work experience and skills will likely be more helpful than your degree. However, holding an M.B.A from a prestigious top university or C.F.A certification will give your resume a big boost, than just having a Bachelor’s degree.

Lastly, I would love to see more women get involved in motorsport, but there’s a very small percentage of us, since the industry is mostly male-dominated. I would meet other a lot of people at different events, but it always put a smile on my face, when I meet other car enthusiasts who share the same passion as I do. I love supporting and empowering other women. I also enjoy supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs. I also like invest in start-up that has great potential. It would be my goal, to build a strong community of like-minded, successful women who thrive in their career, who are also into motorsport.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Born and raised in this beautiful city, with wonderful weather almost all year round– there is certainly a lot to see and do in Los Angeles, CA! If my best-friend was visiting for the first time and they have never been to Disneyland, then I would certainly take them to the “Happiest Place on Earth”, or Universal Studios Hollywood for a fun filled day. It also depends on how long he/she is staying, since I usually like to plan my itinerary for a fun field day. If they arrived during the season, then I would probably also take them to watch a live football game at SoFi stadium, a baseball game at Dodger stadium or Angel stadium, and a live basketball or hockey game at Crypto.com arena, formerly Staples Center. On the weekend, I would take them to the Petersen Automotive Museum, so they can check out the cool collection the museum has. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is literally across the street also, if they want to check it out. In the evening, I would take them to a nice dinner in Downtown Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, CA. Then I will take them to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) in Downtown L.A. to see the urban lights and take some great photos, since a lot of locals, including tourists love taking photos in front of LACMA urban lights. There is also L.A. Phil and the Disney Hall, which has great concerts. If they are like me, who are into fast cars, I would take them to the Porsche Experience Center in Carson, and let them experience their fun track, and being coached by one of best driving instructors in the industry. After that, we can have lunch or dinner upstairs at Restaurant 917, which is one of my favorite places, the food is great, and the service is excellent.

If they are staying for the week, I would probably take them to a new place every day and eat at all the fine dining restaurant as well as some of the best hole-in the wall restaurant, depending on our mood and what we crave, but it will be something different every day. So they can experience all the best things L.A. has to offer. Lastly, I would take them to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, since it’s literally a tourists attraction, in the evening, I would take them to the world famous–The Magic Castle in Hollywood, just up a few streets on Franklin Ave. Since I have a few friends who are members. So they can get us into the Magic Castle. Where we would have dinner and also enjoy watching some close-up magic shows. So this would probably be their best and most memorable trip to Los Angeles, where they would want to come back again or even move here in the future. I believe the great weather alone, should be convincing enough.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I would like to thank, but probably won’t be able to list everyone. First and foremost– I would like to thank my grandparents and my parents, for raising me. I would not become the woman I am today, without their unconditional love and support, especially my Dad.

I feel very fortunately to have a wonderful uncle, who is not only a great mentor, confidant, uncle and second Dad to me. He is the epitome of a Renaissance Man. My passion and love for cars, penchant for whisky will be credited to my dear uncle. He is a collector of many fine things, so he taught me a lot about life and business, and how to become successful in all those aspects in my life. He was also the person who taught me how to drive a manual transmission vehicle. So my very first car has a manual transmission–it was a 2013 BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition. I do believe, once you learned how to drive a manual transmission, you can drive anything. So I am also adept driving a double-clutch/dual-clutch transmission, since my previous M4 vehicle is equipped with DCT.

My penchant for high-performance vehicles and racing started at a very young age. Since my uncle was a car collector. I have a few framed posters of Porsche vehicles on my wall growing up, which I still have time as an adult–from classic Porsches to the modern day Porsches, that I have collected over the years. Some of them were were gifted to me from other people, or special gifts I received from my Porsche dealer or Porsche Cars of North America directly, other gifts, I received from attending exclusive Porsche events.

I love the car culture and wonderful community that I have been a part of. It is crazy to think that a car community would have made such an impact in my life over the years. I primarily join, because I was hoping to meet like-minded people and other car enthusiasts. These strangers has became great friends of mine, we would go on fun drives, do fun activities and go on lot of fun adventures together and making lasting memories. I always look forward to going on adventures with them. The cars are great, but it’s the people that makes it wonderful. I am so grateful for my Porsche Club of America and BMWCCA M Chapter Community of wonderful friends, who became family.

I am also thankful for all the people I have met on this journey of life, who had made this life interesting. Another honorable mention is my late mentor Ivan, who is another Renaissance man, paratrooper and former WWII veteran. Unfortunately, he passed away almost 10 years ago, but his legacy will live on, through me and others he have mentored and whose lives he has touched.

Lastly, I want to thank my good friend Andrew for this nomination. I am beyond grateful, flattered and feel honored for this nomination and recognition. I also want to thank the Shoutout LA staffs for this opportunity and interview, to share my story.

Instagram: JessTaycan24

Image Credits
All the photos were taken from my personal iPhone or taken by other friends on their smartphones and sent to me.

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