What is your professional background and what led you to become VP Solutions at D3 Banking Technology?
It is amazing to look back on my career and realize that all stops along the way were uniquely positioning me for the role that I now fulfill at NCR Digital Banking D3, that of vice president, solutions consulting. I began my career at ACI where I gained extensive knowledge of payments before moving to Baldwin Hackett & Meeks Inc. (BHMI), where I learned more about the back-office environment at banks and credit unions, a different perspective.
My move to D3 Banking Technology as a product manager and then vice president of product management brought me to digital banking. The earlier work in my career allowed me to understand the digital platform ecosystem and the business and functional requirements a platform must meet. In my current role, I am able to spend time with prospects, listening to their objectives and goals and in turn, speaking to the strength of the D3 platform and solutions. Leading solutions consulting allows me to spend more time working on what I love most – interacting with people and hearing more about the collective world of digital banking
Can you please speak about the FinTech space in Omaha and how it has affected the city as well as the rest of the nation?
Omaha NE is extremely strong in FinTech. It has roots associated with Offutt Airforce, the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). The telecom infrastructure in the Omaha area benefitted not only the job market in terms of engineers positioned at Offutt but fostered the development of call centers in Omaha, such as West Corporation. The largest card processor, Fiserv (formerly First Data Corporation) and a global leader in front end authorization ATM and point of sale systems, ACI Worldwide further fostered engineering talent and expanded the job market. Each of these company’s services and products impacts were further reaching than Omaha; they are recognized as national and world leaders in their respective spaces.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far and how have you overcome it?
Having the patience to guide others and accept that an idea of mine can be fostered and promoted without looking exactly as I pictured it in my mind once fully realized. There are many ways to the finish line and not everyone has to choose the same path to arrive at the same end goal. If you empower your staff and guide them as necessary, everyone succeeds.
What advice do you have for women who are looking to enter FinTech?
My advice to women entering FinTech is to search out mentors (both female and male), informally or formally, to use as a sounding board and to ask for advice. Also, I would encourage you to show up at events, be approachable, and work on building out your network. Networks are an investment and a support system that prove invaluable as time goes on. As a side benefit, I have made amazing and long-lasting friendships through my business network.
What drew you to FinTech and what about this industry is motivating you to stay?
While working my way through college, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do but could not have put into words how I would get there or even what the end goal exactly looked like. I always loved math and solving problems; FinTech was a natural extension of that passion. To this day, I continue to be motivated by FinTech. It is a rapidly changing space in so many areas and on so many levels. In the short time I have been with D3 Banking Technology, I have seen an “online” means of banking transform into a digital landscape that is powered by FinTech, banks and credit unions, but also by the public. Consumers have gained knowledge of technology largely through their smartphones and continue to increase their expectations as well as challenge why banking and commerce should function as they have in the past.
Reach out to Christina on LinkedIn.
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