What is your role as the founder of Capitalixe?
As the founder and Chief Growth Officer (CGO) of Capitalixe, my role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities.
Firstly, I am responsible for setting the overall strategy of the business. This involves defining our long-term vision, mission, and goals, as well as identifying the key market segments and target clients we aim to serve.
In addition to strategy, I focus on building new partnerships to expand our reach and enhance our service offerings. This includes identifying potential collaboration opportunities with other fintech companies, financial institutions, and technology providers. By forging strategic alliances, we can leverage complementary expertise, access new markets, and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.
As the CGO, I am also responsible for driving the growth aspects of our business. This involves analysing market trends and identifying emerging opportunities to stay ahead of the competition. I closely monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, and customer needs to ensure that our services remain relevant and aligned with market demands.
Building the brand is another crucial aspect of my role. I oversee the development and implementation of our marketing and branding strategies to enhance our visibility, reputation, and credibility in the fintech industry. This includes crafting compelling messaging, designing effective marketing campaigns, and leveraging various channels such as digital marketing, events, thought leadership, and media relations.
Furthermore, I play a role in ensuring that everything within the company is running smoothly. This encompasses overseeing day-to-day operations, monitoring key performance indicators, and implementing effective processes and systems to optimise efficiency and productivity. I work closely with our team members across different departments to foster a collaborative and high-performing culture.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My typical workday is dynamic and varied. I focus on implementing new ideas and strategies to drive business growth and maintain a competitive edge. Additionally, I provide support and guidance to our team, conducting training and coaching sessions to foster their professional development. Networking with industry professionals is essential for building partnerships, staying updated on industry trends, and exploring collaboration opportunities. I also prioritise brand building through social media, events, podcasts, including my own Success Secrets podcast powered by Capitalixe, and speaking engagements to increase our visibility and establish ourselves as a reputable consulting firm.
Throughout the day, I monitor key metrics and analyse data to ensure our strategies are aligned with our goals. Collaboration is a vital aspect of my work, as I engage in meetings with team members, partners and new service provider prospects. These collaborative efforts help foster strong relationships, align objectives, address challenges, and explore new business opportunities. By working together, we create synergies that drive our collective success. Our motto is “Team work makes the dream work” for a good reason!
What motivated you to build Capitalixe?
The motivation behind building Capitalixe stemmed from a combination of identifying a gap in the market and a strong desire to create a business that aligned with our core values and aspirations.
During our time working in the City of London, my co-founder Ivan and I noticed that there were certain industries and sectors that were underserved in terms of fintech payments and banking solutions. We saw an opportunity to address this gap and provide tailored consulting services to these industries. By focusing on the underserved market segments, we aimed to bring about positive change and help businesses in these sectors unlock their full potential.
Another significant factor that motivated us was the desire to build a business that embraced the benefits of remote working. We recognised that traditional office-based setups can be limiting and may not offer the flexibility and freedom that many professionals seek. By establishing Capitalixe as a remote-first organization, we aimed to create an environment where our team members could work from anywhere, allowing them to achieve a better work-life balance and leverage their full potential.
Also, I am very passionate about fostering inclusivity within the industry. I have noticed that the fintech sector, like many others in the financial world, had a gender imbalance, with fewer opportunities and representation for women. We wanted to challenge this status quo and build a business where everyone, regardless of their gender or background, would feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive. By creating an inclusive culture and actively promoting diversity, we could tap into a wider pool of talent and perspectives, driving innovation and success for our clients.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a founder at Capitalixe?
Firstly, witnessing the growth and development of my team members brings me immense satisfaction. Seeing them thrive within the company and witnessing their personal and professional growth is truly fulfilling. I take great pride in providing opportunities for their learning and advancement, and it’s gratifying to know that I have played a part in their success.
Another aspect of being a founder is having the freedom and ability to be a visionary in the business. I thoroughly enjoy exploring creative ways to take Capitalixe to new heights and expand our capabilities to better serve our clients. Being able to think outside the box and chart the course for the company’s future direction is invigorating. It allows me to continuously innovate and explore new opportunities, ensuring that Capitalixe remains at the forefront of the fintech payments and banking industry.
Lastly, being able to make a positive impact on our clients’ businesses is deeply satisfying. By offering high-quality, trustworthy, and reputable payments and banking services, we help our clients enhance their operations and expand their reach. Whether it’s assisting them in opening a bank account, providing access to a wide range of currencies, or offering cutting-edge financial technology solutions, we aim to empower our clients and facilitate their growth. Seeing our clients succeed and witnessing the tangible impact our services have on their businesses is genuinely rewarding.
What challenges do you face as the founder of a payments and banking consulting firm catering to high-risk industries?
One key challenge is aligning our services with the unique requirements and risk profiles of these industries. This involves staying updated on industry regulations, compliance obligations, and risk management practices. Tailoring our solutions to meet the specific needs of online gambling, cryptocurrency, and other high-risk sectors is crucial.
Building trust and credibility within these industries is another challenge. Overcoming the stigma associated with high-risk sectors requires a deep understanding of their challenges and showcasing our expertise. By cultivating strong relationships with regulators, financial institutions, and industry associations, we aim to establish ourselves as a reliable consulting partner.
Adapting to changing regulations is vital. We continually monitor legal developments, maintain close ties with regulators, and update our services to ensure compliance. Managing reputational risk is also critical, and we prioritise risk management, data security, and ethical practices to safeguard our clients’ and our own reputation.
What excites you the most about the advancements in fintech and their impact on payments and banking?
In the realm of finance, technological advancements have brought about a revolution that continues to reshape the industry in numerous incredible ways. Amidst this transformative landscape, one particular innovation that never fails to captivate my excitement is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The integration of AI in fintech is an exciting advancement that can have a transformative impact on payments and banking. AI-powered solutions can streamline compliance and onboarding processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual efforts. With the ability to analyse vast amounts of data, AI can enhance security measures, detect and prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud more effectively.
Additionally, AI enables personalised customer experiences by analysing data and offering tailored recommendations. Overall, AI in fintech brings the potential for faster transactions, improved security, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
What motivates you to exceed expectations for your partners and clients, even in the face of obstacles?
I believe that delivering a fantastic service is the cornerstone of building a great business. By going above and beyond to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations, we not only establish a strong reputation but also foster long-term partnerships based on trust and mutual success.
One of our primary goals at Capitalixe is to help our partners and clients obtain good solutions. We understand that they rely on our expertise and guidance to navigate the complex landscape of fintech payments and banking. By consistently providing exceptional value and delivering tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and goals, we not only meet their expectations but also empower them to achieve their objectives more efficiently and effectively.
Challenges are an inevitable part of any business journey, and it is during these moments that our true value shines through. By embracing obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation, we demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome hurdles and find creative solutions. This not only inspires confidence in our partners and clients but also strengthens our resolve to continuously improve and evolve.
Another crucial motivator is the satisfaction derived from making a positive impact on our partners’ and clients’ businesses. Knowing that our expertise and solutions have helped them streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainable growth brings immense fulfilment. The knowledge that our efforts contribute not only to our own success but also to the success of our partners and clients is a powerful motivator that fuels our drive to go the extra mile.
What are the key insights or lessons learned from founding and leading Capitalixe?
Lesson #1: Always keep your foot on the pedal and keep going, don’t get complacent when success comes. Building a successful business requires consistent effort and perseverance. It’s easy to become complacent or lose momentum once initial success is achieved. However, it’s important to maintain a proactive mindset and continuously push forward. This means staying updated on industry trends, innovating our service offerings, and consistently seeking new opportunities for growth. By staying proactive and not resting on our laurels, we can stay ahead of the competition and continue to drive the success of Capitalixe.
Lesson #2: When doing business, always ensure you have agreements and contracts signed first before commencing. Trust and good relationships are essential in business, but it’s equally important to have formal agreements and contracts in place. This helps to protect both parties involved and ensures clarity on deliverables, timelines, and expectations. By having agreements in writing, we can mitigate potential misunderstandings or conflicts down the line and maintain a professional approach to our engagements. This lesson has taught me the importance of effective communication, transparency, and documentation in all our business dealings.
Lesson #3: Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process. Building a business can be challenging and demanding, but it’s essential to find joy and fulfilment in the journey. Celebrating each achievement, no matter how big or small, boosts morale and creates a positive work culture. Encouraging a sense of enjoyment and camaraderie among team members fosters a productive and motivated environment. This lesson has taught me to appreciate the milestones, learn from the setbacks, and create a supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
What do you believe sets Capitalixe apart and makes it so unique?
Capitalixe stands out and offers a unique approach in the fintech consulting industry. We provide completely complimentary services to our clients through commercial agreements with providers. Our success is tied to our clients’ success, as we only thrive when they do. This client-centered approach ensures that our interests are aligned, and we focus solely on helping them obtain viable and reliable solutions. With our experienced team, extensive industry knowledge, and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to tailor our recommendations specifically to our clients’ unique needs, ensuring they receive the best-in-class payments and banking solutions available in the market.
What are your interests outside of Capitalixe?
Outside of Capitalixe, I have a diverse range of interests that keep me engaged and fulfilled.
One of my greatest passions is travelling the world. I have a strong wanderlust and enjoy exploring new cultures, experiencing different cuisines, and immersing myself in unique environments. I find that travelling provides me with fresh perspectives, inspiration, and the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. I often work remotely while travelling, allowing me to combine my love for exploration with my professional responsibilities. This year alone, I have had the opportunity to work from seven different countries, and at the moment, I am enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand while working from the beautiful island of Koh Samui.
Another interest of mine is property investment. I find the real estate market fascinating, and I actively seek opportunities to invest in properties. Property investment not only offers financial benefits but also allows me to contribute to local economies and communities by creating appealing and sustainable living spaces.
I am an avid reader who believes in the power of continuous learning. Through reading, I expand my knowledge, gain new perspectives, and stay informed about the latest trends and insights across various fields. I am always seeking opportunities to grow, whether it’s through attending conferences, networking with peers, or mentoring young entrepreneurs. I firmly believe that investing in personal development not only benefits me individually but also enhances my ability to bring value to my role as the founder and CGO of Capitalixe.
Maintaining a healthy body and mind is also very important to me, so I dedicate time to physical activities such as pilates and yoga. These practices help me stay centered and enhance my overall well-being, allowing me to maintain a balanced lifestyle and cope with the demands of a dynamic work environment.
I am constantly seeking ways to grow both personally and professionally. Lastly, I have a deep appreciation for culinary experiences and love cooking in my spare time. Thai cuisine holds a special place in my heart, with its vibrant flavours and unique blend of sweet, sour, and spicy elements (believe me when I say I can handle a hot spice). Experimenting with different ingredients, exploring new recipes, and creating delicious meals brings me joy and relaxation.
Want to connect with Lissele?
She’s frequently featured in media outlets like The Fintech Times, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and many others, but you can catch all her industry moves, including events and talks, on her LinkedIn profile.
