Michael Olson

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Chief Operating Officer at Tala

United States

Overview

Michael Olson is a seasoned tech and media executive with 20 years of experience scaling global companies. As COO of Tala, he oversees global operations, drawing on his extensive background in general management and commercial leadership at firms like Linktree, Twitch, and Microsoft. People he has worked with describe him as dedicated, insightful, and exceptionally talented.

He has broad international experience, having managed and grown businesses in North America, Europe, LATAM, and APAC. Michael is currently based in Portland, Oregon, where he leads Talas global operational teams.

Unique fact: Michael has consistently focused on empowerment throughout his career, from enabling the creator economy at Linktree to now driving financial inclusion for the Global Majority at Tala.

Personality Overview

Optimistic

Amiable & Agreeable

Consensus Focused

They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word.  They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional. Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.

Topics They Care About

Financial Inclusion
As COO of Tala, he is dedicated to leveraging technology for financial inclusion and empowerment for the 4B+ people in the "Global Majority. "
Creator Economy
During his time as President of Linktree and at Twitch, he focused on building platforms to help creators get paid and connect with their audiences.
Global Expansion
Has a 20-year track record of growing companies in international markets, including North America, Europe, LATAM, and APAC, a key part of his current role.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2024
Chief Operating Officer at Tala
8-2024 - 4-2025
Advisor to CEO, leadership team at Linktree
8-2024
President at Linktree
SVP, General Manager at Twitch
VP, Strategy, Operations and Partnerships at Pandora

Education

Michael has no verified education history

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 1 Location : United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Operating Officer at Tala
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible
  • Ask them how their day is going or exchange some other pleasantries
  • Compliment them about their personality if you get a chance

DONT's

  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively
  • Don’t push them for a direct ‘no’, take lack of ‘yes’ as ‘no’ after some time
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They probably won't say no directly.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • They are not the ones to make fast decisions, even while they stay committed.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.