Dec 8, 2022
Analyst Spotlight: Daniel Poleshchuk
Investment Analyst, Summer 2018
What is your PDC journey?
My time working at PDC was a formative and eye-opening experience (I came from a background of non-profit work, and PDC was my first for-profit job). To apply, I had to create a draft investment memo, have an interview, and was selected from a decently competitive pool of applications through my university platform.
My summer at PDC opened up a lot of doors for me, introducing me to the finance world as well as some incredible, deep-thinking mentors. The following summer I worked in banking, an industry I was historically curious about, but quickly realized it was not for me. I ended up full-time at Silversmith Capital Partners in Boston, where I do work similar to my role at PDC.
Silversmith Capital has a slightly bigger team than Palm Drive and invests at a later stage, but it embodies the same sort of concept – that anyone can be an innovator.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt working for Palm Drive?
When I was caught in a moment of confusion, trying to decide what to do next and which direction to go in, I went to the Partners for advice because I felt aligned with their values. One thing they said that has really resonated with me is to work with people that I like and care for, and that would lead to more genuine and deeper relationships and make life more enjoyable. If people you are close to are doing well, it is hard for you not to do well. This lesson is something I use to view my work opportunities, growth, and to be truly happy at my job.
Another valuable lesson I learnt (mostly via sourcing) was to continue going even if things aren’t going well. There’s a lot of rejection in this industry. You work hard and it can often take a while before you see any results. I think that’s an important lesson that can translate to all aspects of life.
What was your most challenging experience?
The work itself was challenging, which provided me with plenty of opportunities for growth. I once found a company that we ended up not investing in, but we did diligence on the company for a long time. I attended a conference with members of the PDC team, and even though at the time I was studying and wasn’t an official employee, I was engaged in the process and felt like I was doing real work. I was doing diligence and getting closer to a company that might be doing really important things for the world. It was a really exciting time for me.
What did you like most about working for Palm Drive?
I appreciate true meritocracy, and felt a sense of immediate welcome in the way Seamon and Hendrick treat their team. Even though I was a rising college junior and had never worked in the industry, I felt comfortable sharing ideas at team discussions and was valued as a team member. This approach made working, learning, socializing, etc. at PDC not only motivating, but also natural and fun. It’s rare to find a work environment like this one.