Shivani Lala

Yes, but it’s the absolute truth! When I was 16, I worked at my dad's friend's accounting firm in Mumbai. I was preparing tax returns for mom-and-pop shops. I somehow fell in love with the intricacies of the tax rules and decided to major in taxes. I then got a job at Arthur Andersen, which is where I got exposure to international tax, and there was no going back. It's just the complexities of the rules, and the uniqueness of each problem. You get to talk to so many people internationally, and they’re all eccentric, like me!

That was just good luck. They announced the Vision Fund right after I was recruited for a job with SoftBank Group. At first, I worked on a mix of things, but the Vision Fund was the most exciting, because I got to play a very active role in structuring it—putting processes in place, designing what the tax functions should look like. At this point I feel very, very connected with the Fund.

Yes! Each and every one is driven and wants to do the right thing for Softbank Investment Advisers and the Vision Fund. It’s exhilarating to watch the team in action—whether it is discussing the specifics of a particular operating structure, having a healthy debate on the application of new international tax regulations, or considering changes we would like to make to the Fund's structure in response to new developments in the field. Each team member brings something special to the table, and we are all constantly stretching ourselves by leading projects outside our comfort zone.

Before you embrace the tax geek in you, you have to be a team player. You need to be passionate and hardworking. You also need to be creative. International tax is all about seeing the big picture and discovering what’s actually possible. You cannot put on your blinders and just focus on one thing, because you’ll make huge mistakes if you’re thinking only about solutions for a small part of a larger scenario.

Well, my family, of course. And also dance. I started Indian classical dancing when I was six, and I danced all through university. I still do it whenever I get the chance. I got to perform on stage recently at a friend's wedding in India, doing some Bollywood numbers. I loved it.

It's actually been a dream of mine to start a Bollywood dancing school for kids here in London. I had so much fun dancing when I was little, and I'd love to give kids that same opportunity to get lost in the moment.