From Junior Specialist to Leader: What Decisions Accelerate Growth in the Fintech Sector

If you had to introduce yourself beyond official titles, who is Hristo Dimitrov and what was that "first spark" that directed you towards the dynamic world of the fintech industry?

I am a person who believes that title is not the most important thing and that everyone can contribute with their experience or a good idea. I also believe that everyone can teach us something new. What "ignited" my interest in the fintech industry is precisely the dynamics - the feeling that something which today is just an idea on the board, in days or weeks becomes a real product used by millions of people around the world.

Do you remember your first day as an intern? What was the most valuable illusion you had to let go of back then to make room for real success?

It was quite a few years ago, but the first real encounter with a product used by millions of people around the world was extremely sobering. Right from one of the first functionalities I implemented, a problem arose, and then I realized how much influence each of us has on the final product. This was also one of my most valuable lessons - anyone can make a mistake, but it is crucial how we react as a team and how we turn that mistake into an opportunity to improve.

We often say that "leadership is not a title, but behavior." When did you first feel that you were no longer just an executor, but the person setting the direction?

After one of the transformations at Paysafe, I found myself in a completely new team - both engineering and product - and it quickly became apparent that there was a lack of leadership. Naturally, I began to fill that role, and then I realized that in this way I could contribute much more to the team and the company. Over time, I started to intentionally develop these skills and help those around me grow, until eventually my role naturally transitioned to a leadership position.

In the era of technology, which soft skills turned out to be your "hidden ace" in managing teams and innovations?

For me, building trust with the people I work with is fundamental. I believe that my team can handle the tasks ahead of us, and even when someone makes a mistake - as I have done and continue to do - we can find a solution together. This is what creates psychological safety, which gives us the freedom to experiment, adapt, and grow in an ever-changing environment.

If today you had to give just one piece of advice to a junior specialist dreaming of your position, what would it be: "Work more on..."?

"Work more on your development" - both from a technical perspective and in understanding people, clients, business, and the "big picture." Especially with the rise of AI, it is no longer enough to just be executors. It is increasingly important to actively participate in building the vision and product of the company we work for.

What is the next big "wave" in the fintech industry that you are already preparing for, and how will it change our perception of leadership?

In my opinion, the fintech sector has reached a key moment in its development. On one hand, banks and large card companies have successfully digitized and modernized in recent years. On the other hand, regulations and risk management requirements have significantly shrunk the space for classic fintech solutions. The next big wave, in my view, will be a much deeper integration of financial services into all digital products. AI agents using embedded finance will be able to independently and in real-time make financial decisions and help users make payments without even leaving the application or platform they are using. In this environment, it will be even more important for leaders to build adaptive organizations, as well as transparency and trust with end customers.

Finally - what is your personal definition of success today, and has it changed over the years?

Definitely, the definition of success is something that changes not just over the years, but constantly. With every goal achieved, I set a new one, and that keeps me motivated and engaged - whether it is about work or personal life. We live and work in a world that is constantly changing, and I believe that success comes precisely from our ability to adapt and grow along with it.