From young age through college and grad schools, I don’t recall anyone ever calling me “stupid.” I was a good student, attentive and curious. At my various jobs as a scientist and management consultant I wasn’t considered “dumb.” My bosses complimented my analytical capabilities and my ability to quickly understand complex issues.

I then transitioned to principal investing: private equity, structured debt, and now SBA lending. And all of a sudden, I was being told “you don’t get it.” Sometimes accompanied by indecipherable jargon, fast-talking, eye-rolling and hand-waving.

Case in point: cryptocurrency.

As part of our jobs as lenders we have to evaluate opportunities and make investment decisions on businesses we may know little about. We take the task seriously, we study, and we ask questions. Many of these opportunities are funded once we understand them.

Advice to entrepreneurs: Be patient with us. We are smart but we don’t know your business as well as you do. Expect “dumb questions” and as you prepare to speak with us know that we are genuinely interested to learn.

Note to underwriters: Don’t approve loans to businesses you don’t understand.

I have so much to say, so much to talk about. But not today.

Today, I welcome you to our new website and to the little corner of it dedicated to my musings. Once or twice a month I will use this space to write about what’s on my mind, more likely than not the economy and how it impacts our SBA lending business. So, watch this space, follow me on LinkedIn and if you’d like to suggest a topic, get in touch!

— Nimi