Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Marca Wosoba, CCO at ZBD, shares how her first break into the industry was during one of the most hectic periods in financial history, the 2008 crisis, and how she built an attitude and resilience that lasted throughout her career. Wosoba also reveals why Serena Williams has become an inspiring figure in her professional and sporting career.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
Although I’ve been living in Europe for the last 25 years, I went to university at a small private college in the US. I majored in Biological Research and English Writing, with a minor in Chemistry. I loved the contrast between science and facts, and creativity and fiction; and continue to apply both elements of thinking in my career.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
Yes, I started playing sports at a very young age and this love for sports has continued throughout my academic and adult life. At seven, I was the only girl in the local baseball team and at university, I raced in cross country and track. I’ve continued to race in duathlons, triathlons, marathons, cross country ski marathons and Hyrox. In fact, I was incredibly proud to qualify for Hyrox’s World Championships in Nice last year!
Sports and racing have been a key influence on both a personal and professional level. It’s taught me so much about myself and life, as well as how to be a better teammate and handle wins and losses. Racing at university while getting two degrees also helped me learn how to really manage my time and energy. These are essential life skills that I continue to revisit and hone as an executive at ZBD, Supervisory Board Member at Brex, parent and amateur athlete!
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
I started my career in financial services at the Royal Bank of Scotland where I worked in a banking role during the financial crisis. This taught me many lessons including the need for a careful assessment of risk vs reward, opportunities that emerge with regulation, the need for a strong compliance culture, and the importance of innovating while maintaining controls.
In fintech, my first role was at WorldFirst where I led the company’s international expansion. This was the first fast-growth, hyperscaling business I worked in and I took away more lessons than I could count alongside incredibly positive memories.
Who was your biggest role model – inside or outside of your industry – who continues to inspire you in your current career?
Two names come to mind. The first is Mary Robinson; a true trailblazer. She was one of Ireland’s first female barristers, later becoming the president of Ireland and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her integrity and consistent application of her values are very inspiring to me and a reminder to remain authentic and stand firm on my own values.
Second is Serena Williams; there is no doubt that she is one of the most phenomenal athletes ever. What she’s achieved is beyond inspiring. As a mother and amateur athlete, I was both inspired – and delighted – by her Australian Open win while six weeks pregnant. It’s also truly incredible for Serena to return to the sport after having a baby and pulmonary embolism. Any athlete – especially female – will recognise what those achievements mean and what it took to get there.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you
Meeting Jonathan Quin (then CEO of WorldFirst) was a key moment for me. My first break came when he interviewed me for a role which later led me to oversee WorldFirst’s international expansion.
He was clearly a very intelligent, humble and fast-moving individual. I learned a huge amount working for him and in his business across four years. The experience was life – and career – changing.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
The financial crisis was one of the most challenging parts of my career, especially as it occurred just as I joined the industry and a bank that was materially impacted. I was new to financial services and saw how the crisis changed the regulatory landscape and established business models and careers – not always for the better.
I saw the need to continuously learn and evolve as a business and individual. I still carry that lesson and desire to learn and grow with me today.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
I’d call out attitude and resilience. Try to respond to every challenge or opportunity with a desire to learn and grow. Every industry faces setbacks and fintech is no different, but what makes this industry special is how quickly it responds to challenges. Pace is also important, the winners in this industry – and in life – are those that not only make good decisions, but also execute on them well and quickly.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
My main advice is to go hands-on with the industry. It’s as simple as trying out some of the services or apps of companies that pique your interest. If you’re enjoying the customer experience, then it’s a sign that the business model is working and it could be a company worth joining.
Learning is a constant process so I’d suggest signing up to newsletters, networking sessions, and webinars – I personally find Fintech Brainfood and FXC Intelligence to be useful reads. In terms of applying to jobs, I suggest approaching hiring managers directly with an amazing cover note or note – these still get my attention!
