Transaction Trends

We asked the 2022 ETA Forty Under 40, “What advice would you give to your younger self,” and we gained some insightful answers and diverse perspectives. One thing is clear: The rapid pace of our industry has made payments professionals wise beyond their years. Slowing down for self-reflection and building relationships is imperative. Here is a sampling of what they had to say.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone! Be bold, believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. You will do great things!”
— Amanda Beam, Director, Partner Relations, Humboldt Merchant Services

“Make deliberate investments in yourself — don’t wait for experience to happen to you. There are a lot of benefits in learning from your environment — but far more value in actively shaping that environment. The latter will take you right to the edge of possibility which is where you will learn your greatest lessons.”
— Dustin White, Global Head of Risk Analytics & Platforms, Visa

“Get involved in the payments community and network early. There is a wealth of knowledge and information sharing, mentor opportunities, and meaningful connections that are built by being involved and connected to the payments community.”
— Brittney Carlisle, Vice President of Operations and COO, CSG Forte

“Be patient. When I look back at the last 15 years of my career, every avenue I’ve gone down I’ve tried to find ways to accelerate my growth, both at work and in my personal life. What I’ve learned over time is that success is the byproduct of being patient.”
— Preet Patel, Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, North American Bancard

“Execute with excellence and discipline. Relationships matter the most. Spend time with those ahead of you and behind you, have some fun, and stop to celebrate the wins.”
— Ashley Usher, Chief Integration Officer, Fortis

“I would tell my younger self to ‘Slow down. Be present. Everything doesn’t have to happen all at once.’ I’m a go-getter who likes to say yes and have a strategic plan in place. Pre-pandemic, my calendar was always jam packed with after work commitments. The pandemic allowed me to slow down, breathe, reflect, take life’s moments as they come and be more intentional about the life I live.”
— Jewel Hazelton, VP Member Relations and Content Strategy, Wnet

“Talk less, listen more!”
— Joshua Silver, President, LaunchPath Group