Networking: the battle between what was once office politics in the new age of remote collaboration8/30/2023 It’s 1986 and I have just embarked onto a path that led me to the US Navy. Arguably my first professional job at the crisp and clueless age of 19 opened my eyes to doing everything in full view of people I didn’t know and knew nothing about. It was there that I quickly learned about making introductions, forming bonds based on the things we had in common, and sticking to those bonds to share empathy - and a few push-ups along the way. Having the ability to look back to that time today, I realize that I have always possessed the skill to walk up to folks I had never met and strike up a conversation. Fast forward to 1998 and I find myself as a clueless thirty-something working at a bank and needing to think through office politics and the importance of building a network. Like many others, I simply parroted the others around me, which sometimes was to my benefit and sometimes not. There was still a lot of Navy that I needed to brush off, and I learned through mentors how to act around other adults and to keep my head down and get the work done when needed. I served as the FX Investigations and Client Service manager at BBH&Co. When the day that I got my business cards came, I conceptually understood what they represented, but not much else. I was taught what side of my suit jacket to wear a name tag on and why, and how to properly introduce myself to others. Nice versus Kind; discovering the importance of emotional IQ and being of service to others. It’s funny to think back to the days when I would travel from NYC to Boston to meet with folks from Putnam, Scudder and Fidelity. The formality of it all, the never-ending exchanging of business cards and handshakes. To this day I have kept every single business card that was or is presented today. The process of adding them to my old Rolodex or to an Excel spreadsheet allowed me to understand the power and importance of relationship building, the exchanging of ideas, and learning who the gatekeepers were and those that would be mentors. In time, I learned the key to all of this, to the differences between nice and kind, to gauge relationships and even see them mature into friendships. I thought that being nice, polite, and engaging was the way to forge lasting relationships within my network, until I learned from a mentor about being kind, doing for others, and leading with emotional IQ as a practice and a way of living authentically. I have always been an emotional person, felt for others, had an ability to show and share empathy. Once I learned to properly utilize these skills for the betterment of others, my network grew, and those that came to rely upon me as a trusted servant grew. Being asked to mentor, guide, and help others replaced being known as a nice guy that would always show up. I enjoy being of service to others, working on common goals within organizations on a volunteer basis and when asked to step up, I always start with yes, how can I be of service. Office environment versus remote work; networking in a virtual environment As we move forward into remote, hybrid or in-person only careers, networking has become more important, and I believe required as we collectively stumble into the new reality of fully-remote companies. Where we are today versus where I was in 1998 seems otherworldly and almost impossible, yet here we are. I have been fortunate to have others mentor me and push me to do things I hadn’t before, challenging me to step up and out of my comfort zone. Admittedly, I was not the easiest person to mentor and at times I shut down and allowed self-doubt to take over. Only a few years ago, I was at SVB on a contract traveling between Arcadia and Santa Clara on fun-filled 5-hour drives, staying with a mentor and lucky enough to have him provide a space to sleep and commuting to work together. In the 6-ish months that I traveled back and forth, I never forgot that the reason I was able to get the contract, to have a place to stay, to grow, was because I was kind to my mentor, and we had become friends. COVID changed everything for many of us, for better or worse. I had come home and luckily had been allowed to work from home for the next two weeks. Remote working has become my new default since 2020, challenging me to keep my network growing and contacting my coworkers but without the luxury of the breakroom, café, or the outdoor ping-pong table for some grueling and semi-serious (I am always serio!) play time. So, what did I and others do? We went through many virtual events on Zoom, occasionally meeting outside appropriately distanced. To my surprise, I found others in the finance and payments space that also rode motorcycles and would have a ride and stop off at a taco truck to top off the freedom of fresh air and wind therapy. Today we have seen a return to a “new normal.” Events are back in person, some are hybrid and once again we can reconnect, share in person what we have been doing over Zoom calls and grab that cup of coffee and share in person our collective kindness. Much has changed in the last few years, but there is one constant: networking is connecting with others, sharing our authentic selves, and making each other better while holding each other responsible for being the change we want.
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Serio Payments Consulting: Enabling Enterprises with FX Services and Advanced Payment Solutions.8/16/2023 Serio Payments Consulting: Empowering Businesses with FX Services and Enhanced Payment Solutions in Partnership with Payments International Inc In the rapidly evolving world of commerce, businesses face an ever-increasing demand for seamless and efficient financial transactions. As organizations expand their global reach, foreign exchange (FX) services and secure payment solutions become paramount for sustained success. This is where Serio Payments Consulting steps in, offering a game-changing synergy with Payments International Inc (PIIFX) to deliver unparalleled FX and payment capabilities to businesses of all sizes. About Payments International Payments International Inc. is a specialist in foreign exchange and international payments. With over 100 years of combined experience, our staff ensure all clients receive the highest standard of support and assistance. Through our partners, Payments International Inc. provides business and individual accounts that allows our clients to covert 30+ currencies and facilitate payments to or from over 180+ countries. A Visionary Collaboration
Serio Payments Consulting, a trailblazing consultancy firm with a track record of empowering enterprises with innovative financial solutions, has partnered with the acclaimed Payments International Inc to further amplify their offerings. This strategic collaboration promises to revolutionize the way businesses approach foreign exchange and payment processes, driving growth, and minimizing risk in today's interconnected world. Enabling Seamless FX Services In an era of global trade and cross-border transactions, managing foreign exchange becomes a critical factor for businesses. With Serio Payments Consulting's FX services, companies can harness innovative technology and expert insights to navigate the complexities of currency exchange with confidence. Whether it's optimizing exchange rates, managing currency risk, or executing cross-border payments, Serio's FX services provide a competitive edge that drives success in the international marketplace. Enhanced Payment Solutions A seamless and secure payment process is the lifeblood of any successful business. Serio Payments Consulting, bolstered by the expertise of Payments International Inc, offers a suite of enhanced payment solutions that cater to a wide array of industries. From e-commerce to brick-and-mortar businesses, Serio's innovative payment solutions empower companies to streamline financial operations, reduce friction in transactions, and improve customer satisfaction. Customization for Your Business Needs One of the standout features of Serio Payments Consulting's collaboration with Payments International Inc is the ability to customize solutions to meet the unique requirements of each enterprise. Serio's team of experienced consultants takes the time to understand the specific challenges and aspirations of each client, tailoring their FX services and payment solutions accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that businesses can optimize their financial strategies while staying focused on their core objectives. Seizing Opportunities with Confidence With Serio Payments Consulting and Payments International Inc as trusted partners, businesses gain the confidence to expand into new markets and seize opportunities on a global scale. The partnership empowers organizations to navigate the intricacies of international transactions, adhere to compliance regulations, and minimize currency-related risks, all while providing unparalleled customer experiences. Building a Brighter Future Together As Serio Payments Consulting continues to pave the way for businesses to thrive in an ever-changing financial landscape, their partnership with Payments International Inc brings forth a new era of possibilities. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the immediate FX and payment needs of enterprises but also lays the foundation for long-term success and growth. Embrace the Power of FX Services and Enhanced Payments In a world where financial landscapes are continually evolving, Serio Payments Consulting's partnership with Payments International Inc stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability. By leveraging the combined expertise of these industry leaders, businesses can navigate the complexities of foreign exchange, enhance their payment systems, and secure a prosperous future. Discover how Serio Payments Consulting and Payments International Inc can empower your business with state-of-the-art FX services and innovative payment solutions. Step into the future of finance with confidence and embrace the opportunities that await on the global stage. As an individual with neurodivergence, including ADHD, Auditory Perception disorder, and Cross Dominant vision, navigating a professional landscape that demands reading, attentive listening, unwavering focus, and adaptability to a constantly shifting regulatory environment has been an illuminating expedition. My pursuit of equilibrium has led me to recognize that the tools required for my daily coping are always within reach. This narrative is not about seeking sympathy or empathy for my challenges, but rather an outreach to those who share a similar cognitive landscape—those whose mental terrain operates in distinct and non-conventional ways. Many of us already comprehend that our experiences, while unique, are shared by a community that knows how to find its kindred spirits.
The 90's marked my transition from the Navy, a chapter I departed with honor, to a remarkable new chapter at Brandeis University. This institution remains a recurring theme in my conversations, a constant source of gratitude and affirmation. During this transformative period, I grappled with transitioning from Sailor to Student and sought advice. I had the privilege of consulting a doctor whose name escapes me now, and she artfully unraveled the intricacies of my sensory and cognitive interactions—how my ears, eyes, and brain sometimes experienced dissonance. This moment of insight was a gift, a touch of grace that relieved me and unlocked a profound comprehension of my struggles with learning. I was endowed with a toolbox, housing insights, suggestions, and guides to enhance my learning journey. Armed with an understanding of my challenges and supported by someone who comprehended my unique nature, my journey commenced—a journey characterized by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an urge to share my distinct worldview. The rigors of coursework gradually became more manageable, although by no means effortless. My writing abilities flourished, allowing me to convey my thoughts coherently and embrace my voice, despite my less-than-stellar editing skills. In 1998, an unforeseen opportunity arose: an interview with BBH&Co within the foreign exchange department. Despite my background in History and East Asian Studies, vastly different from the traditional requisites of economics or business majors, I embarked on the adventure. My world travels and deep-rooted understanding of FX, acquired as a consumer of diverse currencies, coupled with my adeptness at executing tasks in succession due to military training, laid the foundation. Over 25 years, my trajectory led me through diverse roles—front office trading desk, middle office communication hub, and operations troubleshooter and preventer. As I reflect on the tools that empower me, I realize they have always been at arm's length: a pencil, paper, pen, highlighter, reference manuals like the Nacha Operating Rules & Guidelines, cheat sheets, a myriad of "For Dummies" series books, and fidget gadgets that help center my thoughts. These mechanisms are my allies in traversing the day, averting stress whenever possible. While perfection in their application is elusive, they serve as reminders of a time when I lacked such tools, when I felt isolated, and struggled to articulate my feelings and grasp the material—a feeling of understanding hindered by a different cognitive approach. I don't hold a PhD or an MD, yet I am an individual who has lived with these intricate faculties, sometimes referred to as disabilities, for 56 years. This journey has granted me the knowledge of how I best learn, hone critical thinking, and even perceive mathematics from an unconventional angle. Embracing the title of a "nerd," I find pride in contributing to the “payment’s community” participating in podcasts, panel discussions or webinars, constantly learning and sharing my insights. I am at peace with the distinctive operations of my cognitive processing unit, finding solace in the mosaic of my existence. Operational governance is an integral aspect of every company, regardless of its size or industry, though it may not always be explicitly labeled as such. It refers to the strategy and structure surrounding how decisions are made and executed within an organization.
During times of rapid growth and continuous evolution to meet business needs, a well-implemented and intentional governance structure plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes. By defining how decisions are made and identifying decision-makers, operational governance accelerates the pace of progress across the organization. Governance Model: Core Areas of Focus North Star: Establishing the infrastructure to determine which initiatives should be prioritized, guiding the organization's focus. Meetings: Enhancing collaboration and communication among teams, ensuring efficient information flow. Workflow: Defining the processes through which work is conducted and establishing seamless communication channels between different teams. The Goals of Operational Governance, Focused and Coordinated Action: Prioritize, Streamline decision-making processes, ensuring the highest-impact initiatives align with strategic goals and regulatory requirements, balancing global and regional efforts. Coordinate, Facilitate smooth collaboration between teams and departments, keeping all stakeholders informed and aligned, and guiding decision-making to resolve disagreements effectively. Operationalize, Create clarity and visibility around operational changes, ensuring smooth assimilation of change throughout the organization. Clearly define decision rights and authority limits for employees and prioritize adoption and rollout strategies for effective implementation. Understanding business processes and operations facilitates the development of an approach that is fully aligned with goals and quickly adopted by stakeholders. Finally, in operational governance, communication is essential. Moreover, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are vital components of operational governance. Regularly assessing the implementation of the guidelines allows for course corrections and adjustments to be made, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the governance approach. While policies may be defined, if they aren't communicated and understood, the problem of failed execution may still exist. The final step is to share the guidelines and then monitor and evaluate whether and how well they have been completed. To summarize, a comprehensive understanding of business processes and a well-aligned approach are necessary in operational governance. However, successful implementation relies on effective communication of policies, followed by diligent monitoring and evaluation to ensure adherence and effectiveness. By emphasizing communication and evaluation, operational governance can drive positive outcomes and foster continuous improvement within the organization. Serio Payments Consulting is proud to announce the addition of a trusted mentor, Darrold Wagner.8/3/2023 Dear colleagues and clients,
We are thrilled to announce a significant addition to our team at Serio Payments Consulting. Please join us in congratulating Darrold Wagner, CAMS our newest trusted mentor, compliance officer, and friend. Darrold brings a wealth of experience and expertise in compliance and anti-money laundering (AML)/Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) matters. Having previously served as a Title 31 Compliance Officer with the US Treasury and worked with renowned institutions such as Schwab, Casinos, Money Service businesses, Credit Unions, and PayForward, Darrold's extensive knowledge in the field is truly commendable. One of Darrold's standout achievements was his role as the AML/BSA Officer for PayForward, where he single-handedly designed their compliance policies from scratch, creating robust and effective frameworks. Additionally, his recent consulting position with the Federal Reserve Bank demonstrates his commitment to staying updated with the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices. With Darrold Wagner CAMS now part of the Serio Payments Consulting team, we are confident that his guidance, mentorship, and expertise will help us navigate the complex world of financial regulations, foster a strong compliance culture, and proactively mitigate the risk of financial crimes. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Darrold as we embark on this exciting journey together. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in enhancing our services and supporting our valued clients. Wishing you all the best, Anthony Serio Founder & CEO Serio Payments Consulting |
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