From Brazil to Beyond: My Wild Ride in Payments and Tech (and Why You Should Care)
Hi, everyone !
Wanna hear a story about a guy from Brazil who found his passion in the most unexpected place: the payments industry? Yeah, me neither — at first. But buckle up, because this isn’t your average career journey. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, a sprinkle of self-discovery, and a whole lot of “never give up” spirit. Let’s dive in!
Born Near São Paulo: Tech Geek with a Traveler’s Heart
Spanish by heard and name, Growing up near São Paulo, Brazil, I was practically surrounded by innovation. Imagine airplanes soaring overhead and spacecraft blasting off (well, almost!). This techy environment definitely rubbed off on me, sparking a love for all things new and exciting. São José dos Campos, my hometown, nestled amongst the mountains and close to the beach, wasn’t just beautiful, it fueled my desire to explore new horizons.
Maybe that’s why I dream of retiring in a place like New Zealand or Canada someday!
. . . “the voice of truth had a different story”
One early career move almost took me down a different path, but let’s just say it wasn’t the right fit. Thankfully, Kodak stepped in and offered me an incredible opportunity to travel around Brazil, US and Canada while representing the company. This experience eventually led to a relocation to the amazing city of Curitiba, where the real adventure began!
Globetrotting with Kodak and Building a Family
My Kodak years were an incredible journey. I crisscrossed Brazil, the US, and Canada representing the company, soaking up diverse cultures and experiences. One of the highlights was a four-month training stint in the US, where I delved into the world of digital printing. Canada truly captivated me with its peaceful atmosphere — a place I still hold dear.
A few years latter Returning to Curitiba, my life took another exciting turn. Samuel and Joshua were on the way, and our little family was about to blossom. However, a period of reevaluation” that allowed me to refocus your priorities awaited — a period of unemployment.
While waiting for Samuel’s arrival, I found myself in a situation that didn’t align with my values. Refusing to compromise my principles, I decided to step away and focus on finding a new opportunity. This period of unemployment, although challenging, allowed me to re-evaluate my priorities and ultimately led me to a more fulfilling path.
This period of unemployment, although challenging, allowed me to re-evaluate my priorities and ultimately led me to a more fulfilling path. There, I truly discovered my strength. The fire only forged a stronger foundation, built on my faith, ethics, and principles — a foundation set in the Rock, the Cornerstone. Reborn, stronger, my anger transformed into a burning desire to conquer. I remade myself, determined to pursue what I love most: impacting people’s lives. This experience ignited a new path, a path where I can achieve my goals and make a real difference.
C’est la vie! But Never Give Up! Life throws curveballs, that’s for sure. In Curitiba, I faced a few setbacks, even missing out on opportunities because I wasn’t yet graduated — even though I had the skills and was already doing the work (contractors, anyone?). But instead of letting those “becauses” hold me back, I used them as motivation. I kept pushing forward, kept learning, and never gave up on finding my place. That’s how I landed a chance in a totally new industry — the payments industry — and guess what? It turned out to be the perfect fit! From there, my experiences have shaped me into the professional I am today.
“These setbacks only fueled my determination to find the perfect fit, which ultimately led me to the payments industry.”
2019 ushered in a new chapter — back to my familiar stomping grounds and a deep dive into the world of payments!
Worldline welcomed me as an application specialist, and there I quickly grew after demonstrating my leadership leading the turnover with the most important client in the region and implementing multiple enhancements in the existing processes and I dove headfirst into the exciting world of fintech. Sweden, Paris… New environments, new challenges — I embraced them all, even with a Stockholm adventure that almost came to be! But the plot twist? A competitor, the mighty Worldpay, came calling!
This homecoming wasn’t just about location; it was about reigniting a passion.
Worldpay offered me the chance to return to the product management role I’d always desired. Having honed my technical skills at Worldline, I was now ready to soar. LAC, France, EU, Asia… the world became my oyster! I onboarded new merchants across Latin America and the Caribbean, implemented alternative payment methods in France, and even helped roll out the new acquiring platform across the entire EU and Asia, including Japan. Oh, and did I mention becoming an airline payments, global distribution services, and authentication specialist along the way?
Through dedication and hard work, I earned recognition as an expert in Ecommerce, Payment Gateways, Card Schemes, Global Acquiring, Issuer, and Merchant implementations. Yes, finally — it all clicked!
Worldpay was a fantastic springboard, but my heart yearned for a role that truly aligned with my long-term vision. The one sparked back in Curitiba, the one that dared me to shift from Industry Management to Systems Development, having the chance to be the very first one to implement the New Acquiring Platform and Multiple Airlines in addition to the alternative payment method with their clients and latter on working their performance improvement have been amazing.
The wait wasn’t easy. Six years of focused effort, 38 applications, and a seemingly endless nine-month recruitment period tested my resolve. But through it all, that Curitiba vision burned bright.
Finally, the stars aligned. Mastercard offered me a position that felt handcrafted for me — a role no one else could quite fill. It was as if they’d peeked into my future and designed the perfect fit. Here’s the kicker: some of the products I’d be working on didn’t even exist yet! But fueled by that Curitiba spark, I’d been studying them anyway — behavioral biometrics, authentication, digital identity, the whole spectrum of cybersecurity solutions for fraud prevention. This self-directed learning prepared me perfectly for this pivotal moment.
Just as I was settling into my new role at Mastercard, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event turned my life upside down, and I found myself in the intensive care unit (ICU), battling for my breath.
It was a time of immense fear and uncertainty. The threat of the virus loomed large, and the prospect of not seeing my loved ones again weighed heavily on my mind. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope remained. My faith in a higher power grew stronger, and I drew strength from the unwavering support of my family.
Despite having over 50% of my lungs compromised, I miraculously recovered without ever experiencing a shortage of breath. This experience served as a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith.
A new chapter: Miami and Visa
As I emerged from the ICU, I was greeted by an unexpected opportunity — a position with Visa’s risk and identity solutions team in Miami. Initially, fear gripped me. The thought of tornadoes and a new life far from home filled me with apprehension.
But then, I remembered the bigger picture. I had faced far greater challenges, and I knew I had the strength to overcome any obstacle. With a renewed sense of determination, I accepted the offer, embarking on a journey that would transform my life once again.
Navigating challenges and embracing new beginnings
The move to Miami was a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. Finding a home, enrolling my children in school, and adjusting to a new culture were just a few of the hurdles I faced.
On top of these external challenges, I was also grappling with the lingering effects of my illness. Hair loss, itching, depression, difficulty thinking, memory loss, shortness of breath, and chest pain were just some of the symptoms I had to contend with.
Despite these setbacks, I refused to give up. With each passing day, I took small steps forward, gradually regaining my strength and relearning the skills I had lost.
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The COVID-19 storm and the resilience of the human spirit
Just as I was settling into my new role at Mastercard, the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event turned my life upside down, and I found myself in the intensive care unit (ICU), battling for my breath.
It was a time of immense fear and uncertainty. The threat of the virus loomed large, and the prospect of not seeing my loved ones again weighed heavily on my mind. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope remained. My faith in a higher power grew stronger, and I drew strength from the unwavering support of my family.
Despite having over 50% of my lungs compromised, I miraculously recovered without ever experiencing a shortage of breath. This experience served as a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith.
A new chapter: Miami and Visa
As I emerged from the ICU, I was greeted by an unexpected opportunity — a position with Visa’s risk and identity solutions team in Miami. Initially, fear gripped me. The thought of tornadoes and a new life far from home filled me with apprehension.
But then, I remembered the bigger picture. I had faced far greater challenges, and I knew I had the strength to overcome any obstacle. With a renewed sense of determination, I accepted the offer, embarking on a journey that would transform my life once again.
Navigating challenges and embracing new beginnings
The move to Miami was a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. Finding a home, enrolling my children in school, and adjusting to a new culture were just a few of the hurdles I faced.
On top of these external challenges, I was also grappling with the lingering effects of my illness. Hair loss, itching, depression, difficulty thinking, memory loss, shortness of breath, and chest pain were just some of the symptoms I had to contend with.
Despite these setbacks, I refused to give up. With each passing day, I took small steps forward, gradually regaining my strength and relearning the skills I had lost.
The unwavering support of loved ones
Throughout this challenging time, I was blessed with the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife and children. Their love, understanding, and encouragement were my constant pillars of strength. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering belief in me. They are the reason I was able to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
Beyond my family, I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible medical professionals who cared for me in the ICU. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication were instrumental in my recovery. Additionally, I want to thank my friends, colleagues, and even those who offered support from afar. Their well wishes and positive energy gave me strength during my darkest hours.
The power of resilience and faith
My journey from the ICU to Miami has been a testament to the power of resilience and faith. I have faced adversity head-on, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before.
I am forever grateful for the lessons I have learned and the opportunities I have been given. I am excited to continue my journey, embracing new challenges and making a positive impact on the world.
Visa: Revolutionizing Identity and Security
My journey at Visa has been a whirlwind of innovation, transformation, and impact. From my initial role as a Solutions Engineer to my current position as Director of Risk and Identity Solutions, I’ve had the privilege of shaping the future of identity and security for Visa’s customers across Brazil and Latin America.
Spearheading a Data-Driven Authentication Revolution
At the heart of my work lies a passion for leveraging data to enhance security and customer experience. I’ve been a driving force behind Visa’s adoption of Visa Secure Data Only (VSDO), a revolutionary authentication solution that relies on data-driven insights to streamline the authentication process without compromising security.
Leading the Charge in Brazil and Latin America
My leadership has been instrumental in implementing VSDO across Brazil and Latin America, transforming the region’s authentication landscape. This initiative has significantly improved security, reduced friction for customers, and created a smoother checkout experience.
Expanding Product Reach and Driving Revenue Growth
My strategic vision has not only enhanced security but also expanded Visa’s product reach and revenue. I’ve developed and implemented a product strategy that has resulted in a 35% growth in the penetration of risk and identity solutions across the region.
Optimizing Implementation Processes for Efficiency
As a seasoned professional with experience in gateways and global acquiring, I’ve brought a wealth of knowledge to streamline implementation processes. My efforts have led to a 10% reduction in implementation time, driving significant efficiency gains.
Industry Leadership and Thought Sharing
I’m actively involved in industry forums and events, sharing my expertise and promoting Visa’s leadership in identity and security solutions. My passion for innovation and continuous improvement has been instrumental in shaping the future of Visa’s security offerings.
A Commitment to Impact and Continuous Learning
My journey at Visa has been a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. I’m constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow, ensuring that my contributions remain relevant and impactful in the ever-evolving world of identity and security.
Here’s a summary of my key accomplishments at Visa:
- Revolutionized cardholder authentication with Visa Data Only (VSDO)
- Led a transformative journey in data-driven authentication across Brazil and Latin America
- Championed a strategy centered on VSDO, RBA, AI-powered risk models, and customer-centric fraud prevention
- Enhanced security and reduced friction for customers, creating a smoother checkout experience
- Managed authentication solutions with technical expertise and strategic vision
- Expanded Visa’s product reach and revenue, driving a 35% growth in risk and identity solutions
- Optimized implementation processes, achieving a 10% reduction in implementation time
- Actively represented Visa in industry forums and events, sharing leadership thought and promoting the Visa brand
My Visa journey has been an incredible experience, and I’m excited to continue shaping the future of identity and security for Visa and its customers.
So Who am I?
I’m not defined by the limitations of my upbringing or the circumstances I faced. I’m not just another face in the crowd.
I am humble, objective-driven, a fighter who constantly strives to overcome challenges and sharpen my skills. I embrace innovation, resilience, and the constant push to rebuild myself and create something new.
I am grateful to those who have shared this journey with me so far, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with those who will join me on the path ahead.
The new normal has taught me a profound lesson: I already possess everything I need to achieve anything I set my mind to.
This is just the beginning. There’s certainly much more to come. . .
About my background:
A seasoned leader with a proven track record in the payments industry and a passion for innovation.
Extensive Experience in Identity and Security Solutions:
- Currently serve as Director of Risk and Identity Solutions at Visa, leading the transformation of cardholder authentication across Brazil and Latin America.
- Spearheaded the implementation of Visa Data Only (VSDO) for data-driven authentication, enhancing security and streamlining customer experience.
- Possess deep expertise in authentication protocols (3DSecure, SCA, PSD2), network platforms, identity solutions, and alternative payment methods.
- Proven ability to analyze complex scenarios and develop solutions for various industries, including Telco, Pharma, and Logistics.
Technical Expertise and Business Acumen:
- Strong background in payments technology with experience as an Implementation Specialist at Worldpay from FIS, supporting e-Commerce Gateway and Acquiring integrations across LAC.
- Adept at managing teams and fostering collaboration between internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including C-Suite executives.
- Experience with data analysis and business intelligence tools like Kibana, Splunk, Tableau, Power BI, and TIBCO solutions.
- Proven ability to implement process automation and utilize machine learning for improved efficiency.
Passion for Continuous Learning and Growth:
- Actively engage in the industry, following thought leaders and trends in #IdentityServices, #NuData, #Ethoca, #SCA, and #PSD2, #TheatMatrix #VCAS #dCVV2 #Biometrics #FIDO #EMV3DS
- Committed to self-improvement and staying at the forefront of the evolving payments landscape.
This revised background section reflects your current experience at Visa and highlights your expertise in identity and security solutions. It also incorporates your technical skills and business acumen, showcasing your well-rounded experience. Finally, it emphasizes your passion for continuous learning, making you a valuable asset in the ever-changing payments industry.
Enough about me, What about you?
— Vinnie
