Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Arlette, a payments professional with over 20 years of experience in developing and launching digital and mobile concepts. Recently joining us as the Head of PaymentGenes Academy, she brings a wealth of expertise in driving innovation and building groundbreaking services for both consumers and businesses. In this interview, Arlette shares her insights on the value of continuous learning, the Academy’s vision, and the evolving payment landscape that businesses need to navigate.
1. A Path from Product Development to Education Leadership
I’m excited because it combines two of my biggest passions: sharing my knowledge of payments and helping others grow professionally. At the Academy, I get to empower people in their roles and help them find new opportunities, all while scaling a promising business proposition. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people gain confidence in such a complex field.
In startups, you have a broader impact across the organization but for a smaller, more focused user group, while in larger corporations, your actions are more narrowly defined but can reach a wider audience. At PaymentGenes Academy, I get the best of both worlds. The Academy operates like a startup, where I contribute in multiple areas from product development to go-to-market strategy, while PaymentGenes itself has a well-established network, particularly in Europe. This provides a great foundation to grow the Academy’s reach.
2. Benefits for Companies: Upskilling Over Recruiting
Upgrading the knowledge level of employees offers multiple benefits. First, it gives people the chance to shift into new roles or domains within the company, which boosts engagement and job satisfaction. When employees are invested in their own development, they feel more valued and are more likely to stay. Plus, knowing your position in this complex payments landscape improves understanding the value you offer to customers.
That said, businesses can also recruit talent from outside the payments sector, focusing on candidates with the right skill sets, even if they lack specific payment knowledge. Our Academy helps bridge this knowledge gap, equipping these new hires with the necessary industry expertise to be successful in their (new) payment roles.
“Upgrading the knowledge level of employees offers multiple benefits. Knowing your position in this complex payments landscape improves understanding the value you offer to customers. Also it gives people the chance to shift into new roles within the company, which boosts engagement and job satisfaction.”
One of our participants, who initially had a basic understanding of payments, shared that after completing our foundational course, they were able to ‘connect the dots’—gaining clarity on how different players and processes fit together within the payments ecosystem. This insight empowered the team to contribute more effectively and streamline their company’s payment operations.
The Academy is especially beneficial for newcomers to the payments space and for teams seeking to deepen their knowledge as they pivot to new areas of focus. It’s also ideal for companies expanding their role in the payments value chain and looking to better understand how they fit into the broader ecosystem. As employees gain a solid grasp of their company’s position in the payment landscape, they become better equipped to innovate and find their work more rewarding and engaging.
3. The PaymentGenes Academy Vision
“The payments landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead requires constant learning. Whether you’re new to payments or an experienced professional, investing in education will give you the tools to innovate and succeed in this dynamic field.”
What makes us unique is the combination of deep payments expertise and proven educational strategies. Most platforms offer either strong industry knowledge or a focus on learning methodologies, but we bring both to the table. Our courses are designed not just to share information but to ensure that participants can apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This practical focus makes our programs more impactful.
We achieve this through a blend of self-paced e-learning and in-person check-in moments, which sets our approach apart from traditional consulting models that often rely on half-day lectures. This format allows participants to absorb material at their own pace while still benefiting from personalized guidance and interaction.
4. Future Plans for PaymentGenes Academy
The foundational course we currently offer is a great starting point, but we’re already working on additional modules that dive deeper into specific topics. Our goal is to make sure that learning is accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, relevant to the rapidly changing industry.
5. Advice to Companies: Invest in Continuous Learning
The payments landscape is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead requires constant learning. For newcomers in the payments sector, having a swift start is crucial to navigating this dynamic environment effectively. Understanding the ecosystem in which they are working is essential for their success. By grasping how different players and processes interconnect, new professionals can quickly become valuable contributors to their teams and drive innovation within their organizations.
Our courses allow professionals to deepen their understanding at their own pace, ensuring that they can capitalize on new technologies and trends. Whether you’re new to payments or an experienced professional, investing in education will give you the tools to innovate and succeed in this dynamic field.
With continuous technological advancements and an ever-changing regulatory landscape, payments education is more important than ever. Arlette’s leadership at PaymentGenes Academy promises to deliver the knowledge professionals need to thrive, with practical, accessible learning experiences. For companies looking to upskill their workforce and stay ahead in the payments industry, the Academy offers a clear path forward.
Get in touch with Arlette today to explore how PaymentGenes Academy can help you or your team stay ahead in the rapidly evolving payments industry. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, our tailored courses are designed to empower your growth.
👉 Contact Arlette for personalized guidance.
📚 Download our Academy Catalogue to discover the full range of courses.
🔍 Learn more about our programs and start your journey!
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