Welcome to the Leader’s Insights, a place where The Future asks the simplest, yet, the most interesting questions to the executives of well-known companies, startups, and innovators.
This time, stepping into the spotlight is Thekla Paschali, Chief Technology Officer at payabl., a company revolutionizing financial services with cutting-edge technology and visionary strategy. With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, product innovation, and regulatory compliance, Thekla has been a driving force behind payabl.’s rise as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving fintech space. Her proven track record in spearheading transformative initiatives has been crucial in ensuring that payabl. stays ahead of the curve in the fast-moving world of financial services.
Under her leadership, payabl. has reached major milestones, including the launch of a scalable cloud-based product and the shift to a next-generation banking system—advancements that have not only boosted operational efficiency but also strengthened the company’s cybersecurity framework. Thekla’s strategic foresight has cultivated valuable partnerships within the fintech ecosystem, fueling mutual growth and innovation.
With a Master’s degree in Internet Technologies and Enterprise Computing and an MBA from CIIM, Thekla blends deep technical knowledge with strategic insight, allowing her to bridge the gap between engineering excellence and business growth. Her experience in managing diverse, cross-functional teams across global markets ensures that payabl. operates seamlessly on an international scale.
Outside of her role, Thekla is a passionate mentor, dedicated to advancing diversity in tech. Whether through her involvement in mentorship programs like Web Summit Lisbon or as a speaker at fintech conferences, she’s committed to empowering the next generation of leaders, especially on key topics like regulatory compliance, cloud innovation, and cybersecurity.
Now, let’s delve into Thekla’s insights…
1. Do you remember your first day on the job at payabl.?
Of course! It was a mix of excitement and nerves. Meeting new people, understanding the company culture, and getting up to speed with everything felt like diving into the deep end—but in a good way!
2. What is more difficult: being interviewed to join a team or doing the interviews yourself?
Honestly, doing the interviews myself is more challenging. Being on the other side of the table means you’re not only looking for technical skills but also trying to gauge if someone will fit well with the team. You want to make sure you’re giving them a fair shot while also thinking about the long-term success of the company.
3. What do you most value in your employees?
When it comes to employees, what I value most is integrity, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. Integrity builds trust, curiosity drives learning and innovation, and being collaborative ensures we can achieve great things together. Without these qualities, it’s hard to build a strong, united team.
4. Which is a motto/quote you use in your work?
A motto I often remind myself of is: “Stay curious and keep learning.” It’s simple, but it helps me stay open-minded and adaptable, especially in such a fast-paced industry.
5. If you were back to the start, what would you advise yourself for a great career?
If I could go back to the start of my career, I would tell myself to be more open to taking risks and to seek out mentors early on. Learning from others who have more experience can make a huge difference in how you approach your career and growth.
6. How do you pump up your creativity?
To get my creativity flowing, I take time to step away from my desk, go for a walk, or have brainstorming sessions with my team. Creativity is key because it helps us solve problems in new ways and push boundaries, which is essential in tech.
7. What is a talent you would like to have?
If I could instantly gain a talent, it would be public speaking. I’ve improved over the years, but I truly admire people who can effortlessly inspire large audiences.
8. How do you balance work and personal life?
Balancing work and personal life is tricky, but I’ve learned to set clear boundaries. When I’m with family or friends, I try to be fully present. Finding time to recharge helps me stay focused and productive at work.
9. What are the top five foods you like in Cyprus?
As for my favorite foods in Cyprus, the top five would be:
- halloumi,
- souvlaki,
- loukoumades (those delicious honey doughnuts),
- sheftalia,
- moussaka.
10. Can you name your top five favourite places in Cyprus?
When it comes to favorite places in Cyprus, I’d recommend:
- Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock),
- the Troodos Mountains,
- Nissi Beach,
- Kourion Ancient Amphitheatre,
- Larnaca Salt Lake.
Each place offers something unique and beautiful.
11. Which personality, throughout history, do you admire most?
One historical figure I admire is Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to blend art, science, and technology has always inspired me to think outside the box and stay curious about different fields.
12. Who is your favourite author/book that helped your career?
A book that really influenced my career is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It gave me a new perspective on leadership and what it takes to build something that lasts. The lessons from that book still guide me today.
13. Where would you advise our readers to go this winter globally?
Globally, I would recommend a winter getaway to Austria—Vienna for its festive markets and Salzburg for its beautiful alpine scenery. As for Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains are perfect during winter. You can enjoy the snowy landscapes, explore charming villages, and warm up with some local delicacies by the fire.
