1. Can you tell us about your current leadership position and what your company does?
I am currently vice president of product management at Fiserv. I’m based in Coral Springs, Florida and I have 27 years of financial services and technology experience. I serve as Fiserv’s Merchant Acquiring product leader for the National Automated Clearing House Association (Nacha) network relationship, enabling 38 million transactions worth over $10 billion dollars in my role, in which I focus on rules compliance, implementation, transaction monitoring, annual audits, risk assessments, risk avoidance, performance measurement, network program, and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, I spearhead a team responsible for Third Party Operations which is committed to client de-conversions, platform conversions, and merchant issue resolution.
Fiserv is a global leader in financial services technology driving innovation in Payments, Processing Services, Risk & Compliance, and Customer & Channel Management.
2. How would you describe your leadership style and what do you focus on most?
I’m a transformational leader who encourages participation, builds trust, and explores new ways of thinking in teams, resulting in the broadening of minds and ideas toward the shared mission and vision. I’m known in the payments industry as a people, product, program, and relationship builder. I focus deeply on compassion and emotional intelligence in order to understand and inspire teams to count on each other, which ultimately generates positive results for individuals and organizational growth.
3. What were some of the challenges you faced during your career? How did you overcome those challenges?
Over my nearly three-decade-long career, I’ve been challenged by the lack of mentors and sponsors. Both have become exceedingly essential, with the former providing feedback while the latter use their influence or leadership status to advocate for your career progression. Despite not having these connections, I’ve become the vessel for change — developing, mentoring, and sponsoring professional women and professionals of color through employee resource group forums as well as through professional membership organizations such as the National Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Sisters breaking Glass Together, and the Hibiscus Girls.
4. Did you have a role model to emulate? What attributes did they have that you found most impressive?
My parents are my role models. My father was a charismatic leader with the ability to light up a quiet room through laughing and speaking. I learned how to be an effective public speaker by attending many of his speaking engagements, and I learned the power of connecting with people. My mother was a visionary leader who possessed open-mindedness, persistence, and resilience. Her magnetic personality brought many to her for counseling and encouragement, and her convictions allowed her to face challenges and adversities. I’ve grasped her resilience and relied on this attribute to be an overcomer after personal and professional disappointments.
5. What advice would you give to women who are early in their careers seeking to make a name for themselves?
Bloom where you are planted. Far too often, we are seeking to be in a different seat — that time will come. While you are where you are, make it your priority to flourish. Be a continuous learner and make the role your own by presenting your highest, authentic self.