FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR DIGITAL BANKING AND FINANCE ,
We all know the companies , but what about the people behind them ? Here , we find out more about Panzarino ’ s background , why she ’ s an advocate for entrepreneurs , and her take on US community bank heroism .
Q . WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO , AND WHY ?
» My dad . It may seem a bit of a cliche , but for someone who left school aged nine , he instilled in me the value of education and self-belief . He also had enormous pride and confidence in me and my abilities . He was my biggest supporter and a wonderfully innocent and kind person who helped shape the person I am today .
“ I DISCOVERED MYSELF THAT IT ' S MUCH HARDER FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO FIND TRUE ADVOCATES , SO THIS IS SOMETHING I TRY TO DO FOR OTHER PEOPLE ”
Q . WHAT ' S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED ?
» ‘ Mentors are great , but advocates are better .’ I discovered that it ' s much harder for entrepreneurs to find true advocates , so this is something I try to do for other people .
Q . WHICH ACTIVITY ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING WHEN THE PANDEMIC IS OVER ?
» I can ' t wait to go to Terroni Brothers in Clerkenwell , London , for some authentic Italian pastries and an espresso that I haven ' t had to make myself ! I wrote most of my books in cafes , and I find a change of scenery also helps me think outside of the box on all my projects .
Q . IS THERE A PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT FROM 2020 OF WHICH YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD ?
» I am most proud of having my second book , Reinventing Banking and Finance : Frameworks to Navigate Global Fintech Innovation , published by Kogan .
This book ' s schedule was very tight , and I was fortunate to have Alessandro Hatami , a good friend and industry peer , as co-author . We ' ve received industry accolades , powerful endorsements and many compliments on the clarity of thought and content , so it made it even more worthwhile .
20 June 2021