Profiles on Leadership: ETA Celebrates Black History Month & 2023 Forty Under 40

Let’s continue to make it an exceptional 2023 by honoring the diversity of leaders amongst us.

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of trailblazers who have made significant impact in the electronic payment space, by highlighting a few of our current stars, future stars, and award winners we plan to honor at TRANSACT. We’re proud to feature three of our stand-outs in the payments industry.

Following are interviews with Amanda Estiverne-Colas, Kera Logan and David Robertson. Click on name to jump to interview.

AMANDA ESTIVERNE-COLAS
DELIVERY PARTNER, STRATEGY NA
Endava
LinkedIn Profile

Q. How can companies expand their pipelines to bring in diverse candidates?
A. I think one of the most effective ways to promote the pipelines in diverse candidates is lead from within. Organizations should lean in on the internal resources, such as data on the current diverse pool. Utilizing internal surveys, applicant tracking, and data can really pinpoint the areas of opportunities. Once that has been assessed, organizations can create initiatives that enhance tools, such as an inclusive job listing, internal resource groups that create mentors/sponsors (this can help track top potential internal candidates) and create diverse referral programs.

Q. What does leadership mean to you?
A. Leadership is leading my example. Taking the responsibility to pull the team forward and get to the end goal. As a black professional who leads teams and have been part of the payments industry for some time, I find it rewarding to share my story. I take pride in actively working on the diverse pipeline by mentoring or sponsoring top potential future leaders.

I am currently a Women in Payments Global Mentor and I have led initiatives throughout the organizations I have worked in that helped skill building such as public speaking, financial acumen, and key building relationship. I enjoy giving back to this community as there has been mentors and sponsors of all areas that have poured into me.

Q. How would you describe your leadership style?
A. I lead with intention and help build out our strategic goals and identify where we can be profitable. When it comes to my teams my goal is to lead with influence and empathy. I pride myself on being able to pull out the best in everyone by identifying key strengths and traits.

Q. What books are you currently reading?
A. Embedded Finance: When Payments Become an Experience
by Scarlett Sieber and Sophie Guibaud

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
by Nedra Glover Tawwab

KERA LOGAN
DIRECTOR, PCI COMPLIANCE
North American Bancard
LinkedIn Profile

Q. How can companies expand their pipelines to bring in diverse candidates?
A. Companies can expand their pipelines to bring in diverse candidates by targeting their recruiting efforts towards HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).  As an HBCU alumni from Hampton University, I can attest to the wealth of talent that develops in these environments and attracting candidates from these prestigious institutions will be an asset to the future workforce.

Q. What does leadership mean to you?
A. Leadership means having the ability to empower others to produce their best work and realize their full potential, even when they may initially doubt themselves.

Q. What motivates you to continue to grow professionally?
A. I am naturally self-motivated with an internal drive that pushes me to continuously evolve professionally and consistently become a better version of myself.  If you set small, realistic goals each month you will be surprised at what you can achieve within a year.

DAVID ROBERTSON
DIRECTOR, ENTERPRISE ONBOARDING
Shift4
LinkedIn Profile

Q. What does leadership mean to you?
A. To me, leadership is the ultimate achievement that an individual can attain. It is not something that is handed to you, but rather earned through hard work and perseverance. Before you can become a leader, you must first know how to follow and learn from other great leaders. It is a character-building process that requires guidance from those who have come before you. Leadership involves living your life in a way that inspires and serves others. The best leaders are driven by a sense of purpose and can overcome challenges and obstacles. It is a great responsibility and should not be taken lightly. If you are called to be a leader, it is important to approach it with wisdom, care, and honor.

What motivates you to continue to grow professionally?
A. For me, it’s a combination of my family, my aspirations, and my desire to make a positive impact on the world. I firmly believe that each of us has a distinct and significant purpose on this planet, and it’s our obligation to identify and pursue it with determination until we do.

Q. How would you describe your leadership style? 
A. I believe in leading by example and showcasing the unique strengths of each individual. By taking the time to get to know each person on a personal level, I aim to break down any barriers that may divide us based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. By valuing and celebrating our differences, I strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel comfortable collaborating toward a shared goal.

Beyond just dreaming big, I actively work to make those dreams a reality and approach leadership with an extremely positive attitude, motivating others to bring their best efforts to the table. Service is a core value of mine, and I aim to empower others to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. I am skilled at communicating with people, making them feel comfortable, and expressing my thoughts and feelings effectively.

I place a high priority on valuing and considering others’ ideas and opinions, even if they differ from my own. Ultimately, my leadership style centers around leading by example and utilizing my natural ability to bring people together, break down barriers, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Q. What books are you currently reading?
A. Strength to Strength
by Arthur C. Brooks

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
by Christopher McDougall