In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Cristina Alvarez-Barrett, CEO and President of Mona Payment Solutions, about her journey in the payments industry and how she has built a relationship-driven, service-focused fintech business. The conversation centers on growth through partnerships, leadership development, and embracing innovation in a highly competitive space.
What You’ll Learn
- How accidental career paths can evolve into long-term success when paired with persistence and adaptability
- Why partnerships and referral networks are critical drivers of growth in competitive industries
- The importance of delivering “white glove” customer service as a key differentiator in fintech
- How modern sales requires multi-channel outreach and consistent touchpoints rather than traditional cold calling alone
- The value of investing in internal talent development to build a strong, sustainable sales team
- How educational content and consistent branding build trust without relying on aggressive selling
- Why adopting AI tools early can significantly improve productivity, confidence, and operational efficiency
- The role of mentorship, peer groups, and structured systems in developing effective leadership skills
Cristina’s story highlights the power of resilience, relationship-building, and continuous learning in scaling a business. By focusing on service, empowering her team—especially women balancing professional and personal responsibilities—and embracing new technologies, she has created a company positioned for long-term growth in a fast-evolving industry.
To learn more about Cristina Alvarez-Barrett and their work, visit monasolutions.com.