By: Angela Rios
Fintech is one of today’s economy’s dynamic and fast-growing industries. The race for innovation and technology is extraordinarily competitive. In this high-stakes environment, the Digital Products Vice President isn’t just a bridge between development teams and business clients—they’re strategists shaping the product’s success.
“To excel in this role, you need to combine technical expertise, advanced psychological skills, and innate creativity,” says Maya Novikova, Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the creator of a groundbreaking methodology for managing cross-functional fintech teams. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of USILACS specializing in International Business Etiquette and Protocol, Maya Novikova is a renowned professional with accolades such as Ukraine’s national award and the honorary title of “Great Ukrainians.” Her track record in driving operational excellence in the financial sector through SaaS speaks for itself. We spoke with Maya about the skills and qualities a Digital Products VP must cultivate to become effective in fintech management.
Cultivate Strategic Thinking
Fintech is an industry driven by innovation. According to Maya, an exceptional Digital Products VP must stay ahead of trends, anticipate changes, and make well-informed decisions quickly.
“Stay updated on technology, regulatory shifts, and advancements in AI. Build a foundation in data science and analytics. Learn to think several steps ahead, evaluating the long-term impact of your decisions. And always analyze your competitors’ successes to adopt the premier practices for your products,” Maya advises.
Lead With Empathy
Leadership isn’t just about managing processes – it’s about building relationships. Maya highlights that the unique edge in this role lies in inspiring people and understanding their needs.
“Listen to your team – understanding the challenges and suggestions of developers will make your work more efficient. Understand your clients – fintech customers have particularly high expectations for convenience and security. Empathy allows you to grasp their needs deeply. Motivate your team – this is the key to any successful product. Regularly hold one-on-one meetings with team members and test your product alongside customers,” she says.
The Qualities That Make You Indispensable
A standout Digital Products VP in fintech embodies adaptability, decisiveness, and accountability.
“The financial sector changes rapidly. Your ability to adapt to new realities, pivot without losing focus, and make swift, responsible decisions will set you apart as a flexible leader,” Maya explains. She also emphasizes the importance of psychological resilience.
“In fintech, staying calm and composed is essential. Learn to manage stress – not just your own, but your team’s – because tight deadlines and high stakes will be a constant. Master time management and develop critical thinking. A skeptical approach to seemingly obvious solutions and the ability to ask the right questions can help you avoid catastrophic mistakes,” Maya notes.
She also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence. “Being aware of and managing your emotions will make you a strong leader and a valued colleague.”
Moreover, according to Maya, an exceptional Digital Products VP must consistently grow their leadership skills and multidisciplinary knowledge.
“Fintech combines technology, finance, and user experience. To stand out as a leader, you must be a generalist. And to help your team thrive, you need to invest in your own growth,” Maya adds.
A Unique Digital Products Vice President
As we see, a remarkable Digital Products Vice President in fintech isn’t just a specialist with deep expertise in technology and finance. They are leaders who inspire their teams, understand client needs, and adapt to change with agility.
You can excel in this role by combining strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a multidisciplinary approach and creating products that redefine the financial world. Maya Novikova’s journey is a testament to this vision.
Published by Charlie N.
