In the fast-paced world of fintech, adaptability, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of business dynamics are essential for success. Elisa Ollino, a 2019 graduate of ESCP Business School’s Master in Management (MiM) programme, embodies these professional qualities. Now serving as Manager of Strategic Projects in the CEO Office at Satispay, Elisa plays a key role in shaping the company’s growth and operational strategy.
In this interview, she shares insights into her dynamic role, the challenges of scaling a fintech business, and the trends shaping the industry’s future. She also reflects on how her time at ESCP helped shape her professional approach.
Elisa, you work on strategic projects at Satispay. What does a typical day in your role look like, and what are your main responsibilities?
As part of the Strategy team at Satispay, I lead the Project Management efforts within the Project Management Office (PMO). Our primary goal is to drive the execution of the company’s strategy through two key activities: project delivery and strategic support.
Project delivery focuses on execution: managing project plans, coordinating multiple work streams, and ensuring deadlines are met. A big part of my role involves facilitating collaboration across teams to keep everyone aligned and ensure smooth progress.
On the other hand, strategic support is more medium- to long-term. It involves conducting in-depth analyses, assessing the business impact of new or evolving initiatives, and providing insights to guide critical company decisions.
A typical day includes gathering team requirements, creating deliverables, and discussing project progression with different teams. We also dedicate time within the team to share best practices and address blockers, and with the executive group to continuously prioritise our efforts.
What has been the most rewarding project or challenge you’ve worked on so far, and why does it stand out for you?
Every project brings its own set of challenges and learnings, and that’s what makes my job so engaging.
Right now, one of the most exciting projects I’m involved in is helping scale Satispay into the Employee Benefits market. In 2023, the company launched Meal Vouchers, and since then, we’ve introduced a new product each year within the Employee Benefits ecosystem, receiving great feedback from the market. It’s a company-wide effort where every team contributes to its success. My role is to ensure we scale fast while building a solid foundation.
The biggest challenge? Executing at high speed while maintaining top quality, a delicate balance that makes the work both intense and incredibly rewarding.
The fintech world is growing fast. What are some key trends you’ve noticed shaping the fintech industry recently, and where do you think this sector is headed in the future?
Fintech is an ever-evolving space, many trends are shaping its future and how businesses and consumers interact with financial services. I’ll highlight three that stand out for me:
1- AI Applications to Credit and Risk Assessment (accelerating funding decisions and identifying financial stability patterns even for those with limited past data), Fraud Detection & Underwriting (making fraud prevention more efficient, improving security while reducing manual work), Customer Service (streamlining sales and customer support functions, allowing human teams to focus on complex cases rather than routine inquiries). Hopefully, the increasing regulatory scrutiny—especially in Europe—won’t hinder innovation but instead help fintechs leverage AI for compliance and risk management.
2- Embedded Finance: this has been around for years, and adoption is slower than expected. Financial services are increasingly being integrated into non-financial platforms, allowing businesses to offer payments, lending, or insurance directly within their ecosystems—essentially embedding fintech into everyday touchpoints.
3- The “Glocal” Payments Industry: while digital payment methods are scaling globally, local payment networks tailored to specific markets remain crucial. They improve accessibility and can make cross-border transactions smoother, particularly in emerging economies.
Thinking back to your time at ESCP, what lessons or experiences have stayed with you and helped you most in your career?
Looking back at my time at ESCP, three key lessons stand out:
1- Adaptability & Cultural Awareness: Studying in a multicultural environment taught me to approach problems from different perspectives and collaborate effectively.
2- Practical & Results-Oriented Thinking: The hands-on, case-based learning at ESCP helped me connect theory to practice and develop a pragmatic, outcome-driven mindset.
3- Entrepreneurial & Leadership Mindset: ESCP encourages curiosity and initiative, which pushed me to embrace challenges and continuously seek growth opportunities.
These experiences have shaped the way I approach both strategic decisions and daily problem-solving in my career.
From your experience, what skills and personal qualities are most important to succeed in this exciting field?
Succeeding in fintech, and startups in general, requires a mix of technical skills and personal qualities. Leadership plays a crucial role – though I wouldn’t say I’ve fully mastered it yet! One of the most important skills is problem-solving, as the ability to analyse challenges, think critically, and find practical solutions is essential in such a fast-moving and evolving industry. Clear and structured communication is equally vital, helping to align teams and effectively present complex ideas to senior stakeholders.
Another key aspect is the ability to influence and build consensus across teams or departments, which is crucial for driving initiatives forward. Managing multiple priorities in a high-speed environment requires strong organisational skills, ensuring that execution remains efficient and focused. Drive and resilience are also fundamental, as fintech and startup environments demand high energy and perseverance to maintain momentum over the long term.
Beyond these skills, adaptability and a willingness to continuously learn and evolve are just as important as any technical expertise.
What advice would you give to students or young professionals who want to follow a similar career path to yours? How can they best prepare for the fintech world?Â
For those looking to build a career in fintech, my advice would be:
Build a Strong Foundation in Business & Technology: Fintech sits at the intersection of finance and tech, so understanding both is essential. Learn about payments, financial services, and emerging technologies like AI and crypto. Subscribe to fintech newsletters, read industry reports, and listen to podcasts featuring founders and executives.
Stay Curious & Keep Learning: the industry moves fast, so continuous learning is key. Stay on top of trends, explore different fintech models, and be proactive about expanding your knowledge.
Develop Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, and problem-solving are just as important as technical knowledge. Fintech is full of ambiguity, so being able to navigate uncertainty is a valuable skill.
Get Hands-On Experience: Internships or side projects will give you a huge advantage. Whether at a fintech or a traditional financial institution, real-world exposure helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Network & Seek Mentors: Fintech is a dynamic and collaborative space. Connecting with professionals in the field can open doors and provide valuable insights. Don’t be afraid to reach out for advice —it can be a game-changer in the early stages of your career.
Elisa’s journey from ESCP to a leadership role at Satispay exemplifies the impact of a strong business education combined with a proactive, results-driven mindset. Her experiences underscore the importance of adaptability, structured problem-solving, and continuous learning, essential traits for anyone looking to thrive in the fintech space.
For students and young professionals considering a career in fintech, she emphasises the value of understanding both finance and technology, honing problem-solving abilities, and staying informed about industry trends.
Inspired by Elisa’s story? Explore how ESCP’s Master in Management programme can equip you with the skills and experiences to shape the future of finance and technology.
2019 graduate of ESCP Business School’s Master in Management – Manager of Strategic Projects in the CEO Office at Satispay