Based in New York, Daniel Selby is an underwriter at a private credit firm specializing in lending services for small and midsize businesses. His duties in this position range from risk management to the development of tailored financial solutions based on a client’s creditworthiness and financial history. Daniel Selby works extensively in areas of financial analysis and private credit investing.
Before joining the private credit firm as an underwriter, Dan Selby spent time as a private equity analyst at a Long Island, New York, private equity firm specializing in energy transition assets. He gained experience as a macroeconomic and energy economics researcher while supporting investments in hydroelectric facilities, renewable diesel production facilities, and emerging agriculture technology.
Daniel Selby received his economics degree from New York University. A dean’s list student and NYU Global Leadership Program fellow, he was honored with the NYU Founders Day Award, named a University Honors Scholar, and was selected by his professors as a flag bearer for the commencement ceremony. He also founded and led the NYU Pizza Club, which quickly grew to include more than 100 members.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I like to get to the office early before things get busy and start my day by reading the news to stay current on what’s happening in the markets and the economy. Then I set a clear plan for the day. Being organized early helps me stay productive through the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
The best way to bring an idea to life is to just get started. When I started the Pizza Club at NYU it was about building the right team, taking action, and gaining momentum from there. I’ve learned that if you take the first step, you’ll figure out the rest along the way.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend I researched deeply in college and during my first job as a private equity analyst that I find exciting is how AI can be used to improve the energy industry. AI is helping to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and even lower emissions. I think it’s going to change the way energy companies operate and create new opportunities that didn’t exist before.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying up to date with economic news. Understanding the bigger picture helps me make better decisions day-to-day. It’s become a habit to check key updates first thing in the morning.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to start something before you feel ready. You learn a lot more by doing than by waiting for the perfect moment. It’s better to take action and learn as you go.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
The best way to eat a NYC bagel is with nothing on it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I always take time to reflect. I ask myself what’s working, what’s not, and what I can improve. It keeps me focused and helps me adjust before small problems turn into bigger ones.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I get outside and go for a walk. Fresh air and a change of environment usually help clear my head and reset my focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Proactively taking initiative. Whether it’s starting something new or volunteering to take on additional responsibility, stepping up without being asked has helped me build skills and opened doors to new opportunities.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I was hesitant to ask questions because I didn’t want to look like I didn’t know what I was doing. Over time, I realized asking good questions actually shows you’re engaged and want to learn. Being curious and not being afraid to ask questions has made a huge difference in my growth.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’ve thought about is building an AI-powered news outlet designed to deliver fact-based reporting without human bias. Too much of today’s media is shaped by woefully uninformed or misinformed journalists’ opinions and agendas. I think there is a real opportunity to use AI to present verified facts clearly and consistently. With the right guardrails in place, AI journalism could help restore truth to the media.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Chat GPT –– it’s a great tool for writer’s block or organizing my thoughts.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience because he brings on such a wide range of guests, and even if I don’t always agree, it pushes me to think differently.
Book: When Bad Things Happen to Good People because it gave me a lot of perspective about handling adversity and keeping things in perspective, which I think is important both personally and professionally.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed the new season of Black Mirror. It’s thought-provoking and really makes you think about where society is heading with technology. What used to feel like dystopian science fiction now feels a lot closer to reality.
Key learnings
- Starting before feeling fully ready can lead to faster learning and better results.
- Taking initiative without being asked can open new doors and drive career growth.
- Regular reflection helps maintain focus.
- Embracing new experiences, even outside of one’s comfort zone, can lead to personal and professional growth.