Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Magdalena Schmid-Debska, Head of Marketing at PXP Financial, shares how garnering different perspectives from a range of countries has helped mould her views on bringing forth payment and tech innovation.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I attended the Warsaw School of Economics, where I studied Management and International Business. During my studies, I also had the opportunity to do two student exchanges — one in Taiwan and another in Switzerland.
These experiences had a huge impact on shaping my career trajectory, particularly in understanding different global perspectives and ways of thinking. From very early on, I knew I wanted to work in a fast-paced, international space, and my education and these experiences set me on that path.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
Before university, I was very much involved in sports like basketball and tennis, often representing my school in competitions. I always valued extracurricular activities for the discipline and balance they brought.
However, during university, I quickly took on work commitments, leaving less time for formal sports participation. That said, my early involvement in athletics played a significant role in shaping my approach to both education and professional life.
Sports taught me the importance of ambition, accountability, and teamwork, as well as how to work toward a common goal — values that have been integral to my career and leadership style.
Did you have any jobs outside of the industry before making your start in it and was this experience a motivation to get into the industry you aspired to be in?
I always had a clear vision of working in either finance or tech. Early on, I gained experience with a retail bank and later with the National Bank of Poland. These roles provided valuable insights into the financial industry and allowed me to transition smoothly into payments and fintech.
The exposure to traditional banking was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the financial ecosystem, and it reinforced my motivation to pursue a career in the dynamic and innovative fintech space.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first job in the industry was with a startup bank in 2008, before it had even launched on the market. I began in private banking and later moved into the credit card department.
It was an incredibly valuable learning experience, and I’m grateful for it to this day. Not only did I gain deep insights into the process of building a bank from the ground up, I also had the privilege of being part of something truly innovative — what we might now refer to as a neobank, but this was 16 years ago!
The lessons I learned about adaptability, innovation, and customer-centric solutions are still relevant in my work today.
Who was your biggest role model outside of the payments industry who continues to inspire you in your current career?
I’ve always been inspired by female leaders, especially in fields like finance and tech, where representation is still limited. This is a topic that’s very close to my heart.
One of my biggest role models is Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Her work to empower young women to enter tech has been incredibly impactful and continues to inspire me. Her drive to challenge the status quo and create opportunities for women in underrepresented industries is something that resonates deeply with me and motivates me in my own career.
When was your first big break in the payments industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
There wasn’t one single “big break” for me, but rather a series of key innovations and projects that have shaped my career. I’ve been with PXP for many years, but thanks to the constant evolution and innovation within the company, it has always felt fresh and dynamic.
Some of the standout innovations include Kalixa Pro, one of the early solutions for accepting payments on the go, and Watch2Pay, a payment-enabled watch, among many others. Each of these projects showcased the vast possibilities within the payments industry and reaffirmed my belief in how innovative and transformative this space can be.
Most recently, being entrusted with the task of building and overhauling the entire marketing and communications function to position us for future growth. That responsibility not only pushed me professionally but also reinforced my passion for driving meaningful change.
That brings us up to date, but I certainly hope it won’t be the last pivotal moment in my journey!
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was leading multiple rebrands under tight deadlines. These weren’t just about visuals — they required creating a meaningful story that resonated with our merchants and showcased how we could positively impact their businesses.
Balancing this with the task of building up the marketing and communications function was demanding, but incredibly rewarding. I’m proud that we not only delivered on time, but also crafted a brand identity that truly aligned with the needs of our clients and positioned us for future growth.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
My advice to anyone aspiring to enter the payments or fintech industry is to embrace continuous learning and remain adaptable. This space is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and innovations, so being open to change is crucial.
It’s also important to cultivate a mindset that seeks out different perspectives—whether through international experiences, working on diverse teams, or exploring various roles within the industry. Early in your career, don’t shy away from challenges. The obstacles you face will teach you how to be resourceful and resilient.
Finally, always keep an eye on innovation. The industry thrives on new ideas, and being part of that innovation will help you make a meaningful impact in your career.