Thinking Like an Analyst: How to Strengthen Your Career with Financial Mindsets

Careers don’t always follow a straight line. Just ask Joel Anderson, Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. Anderson began his professional life studying art history and working in museums, worlds away from the financial strategy role he holds today. That pivot wasn’t accidental, though. Along the way, Anderson discovered that the skills he relied on in the arts, like curiosity, problem-solving, and the ability to connect dots across disciplines, were the very traits that would enable him to thrive as a financial analyst.

Today, he uses those same instincts to lead teams, shape business strategy, and encourage others to think critically about their own careers. For Anderson, the key isn’t about having a finance degree; it’s about cultivating an “analyst’s mindset.” By asking better questions, testing assumptions, and balancing data with creativity, he believes anyone can strengthen their decision-making and unlock new opportunities—no matter their industry.

Defining the Mindset

To Anderson, being an analyst isn’t about running the most complicated models or impressing people with numbers. It’s about being clear on how you got to an answer.

“That's something that I definitely ask in interviews,” he says. “When you ask someone why they believe in something or why they do something a certain way, an analyst's mindset will be able to clearly tell you the method.” 

Analysts don’t just present opinions; they explain their assumptions and are willing to update them when new data proves them wrong. That balance of confidence and humility is what makes the mindset so powerful. Wrong assumptions aren’t failures if they push thinking forward. 

For people outside of finance, this mindset can show up in everyday work, like presenting your reasoning in a meeting or walking colleagues through why you made a particular choice. It’s not just the “what,” but the “why.”

Leadership Through Analysis

Anderson’s leadership philosophy mirrors his analytical approach. He doesn’t want teams that just follow directions; he wants them to feel like creators.

“I believe that teams need to feel like they’re creating something and taking ownership like an entrepreneur would,” he says, “We’re not just following a program.”

That means giving his staff independence and room to think big. But he admits, not everyone thrives with that much freedom. “Most people don’t want that level of autonomy,” Anderson says. Some employees prefer structure; others do best when they can innovate. Strong leaders, he notes, need to balance both.

For aspiring managers, his advice is clear: delegate, empower, and keep the bigger vision in focus. Leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about building a team that can problem-solve and move the business forward together as you delegate.

Using Analytical Skills Everywhere

Anderson believes analytical thinking is for everyone, not just finance professionals. Whatever your role, the mindset starts with one question: what are we really trying to solve?

Too often, teams jump straight into the specifics without pausing to define the actual problem. Analysts flip that process, clarifying the objective first, so the work connects to a real outcome.

Breaking down complexity into smaller, more manageable questions is another hallmark. “Data is directional, rather than derivative,” Anderson says. Numbers point the way, but they aren’t absolute truths. They need interpretation.

And above all, it takes courage. “You need to be brave. You need to not be afraid to make assumptions and to have opinions,” Anderson advises. Putting your thinking out there, even when it’s challenged, and following through shows engagement and builds credibility.

Courage, Curiosity, and Clarity

Joel Anderson’s journey from the art world to financial analysis demonstrates that anyone can strengthen their career by thinking like an analyst. It’s not just about crunching numbers or memorizing formulas. It’s about curiosity, courage, and clarity of thought. By framing assumptions, testing ideas, and balancing data with intuition, professionals can sharpen their decision-making and unlock new opportunities.

Anderson’s advice is simple but powerful: keep putting your ideas forward, even when it’s uncomfortable. In doing so, you’ll not only grow in your own career but also inspire those around you to think more critically, communicate more clearly, and lead with confidence.