Mony Zenou, CEO of Dejavoo sits with daughter Amit (the future VP of Marketing) on his knee, circa 1998
Leadership Lessons from My Father: Insights from Growing Up with a FinTech Pioneer
Growing up as the daughter of Mony Zenou, the founder and CEO of Dejavoo, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the world of FinTech from a unique vantage point. But more than the business strategies and industry insights, the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from my father are about leadership. His journey has been filled with moments of seizing opportunities, fostering genuine connections, and understanding the nuanced art of people management. Here are the top three lessons that have shaped my perspective on leadership:
1. The Art of Seizing Opportunities: The Ultimate Differentiator
One of the most profound lessons my father taught me is that success often boils down to the ability to see an opportunity, recognize its potential, and have the courage to seize it. In an industry as dynamic as FinTech, opportunities often come disguised as challenges or disruptions. The key lies in viewing these moments through a lens of curiosity and boldness.
My father’s career is a testament to this philosophy. He didn’t set out with a grand plan to revolutionize payment technology; instead, he remained open to the unexpected and capitalized on what others might have overlooked. This lesson is not just about being proactive but also about developing the intuition and insight to recognize opportunities that align with your strengths and vision. Leadership, therefore, is about not just waiting for the right moment but creating it.
2. Empowering Through Choice and Understanding
In leadership, it’s easy to want to sway people towards your perspective, especially when you believe passionately in your vision. However, one of the lessons my father emphasized is the importance of empowering others through choice and understanding. He always said, “There’s nothing more rewarding than someone choosing you because they genuinely believe in what you’re offering.”
This principle goes beyond business transactions; it’s about fostering a culture where people feel valued for their autonomy and insights. Encouraging choice means being transparent, providing clarity, and allowing others the space to make decisions. It’s a leadership approach that builds trust and loyalty, not because it’s demanded, but because it’s earned. In a world driven by metrics and targets, remembering the human element of choice sets great leaders apart.
Mony Zenou stands with two of his children, Amit (VP of Marketing) and Daniel (Product Lead)
3. People Are Everything: The Heart of Leadership
Perhaps the most important lesson is this: people are everything. Relationships, my father often reminds me, are the foundation of any successful endeavor. Building and maintaining them requires time, understanding, and patience. True leadership is about bringing out the best in others and guiding them toward their potential, even when it means stepping back to let them navigate their own path.
Great leaders recognize that managing people isn’t just about steering them towards goals; it’s also about empathy, listening, and knowing when to provide guidance versus when to give space. The ability to step back, to allow others the room to grow and occasionally stumble, is a nuanced skill that takes time and experience to master. My father’s approach to leadership is not just about achieving success but doing so while lifting others up along the way.
Conclusion
Leadership, at its core, is about influence, integrity, and the impact you have on those around you. The lessons I’ve learned from my father are not confined to boardrooms or business deals—they are life principles that can guide anyone looking to make a difference, whether in business, personal life, or the broader community. Observing opportunities, valuing choice, and prioritizing people are not just strategies for success; they are the essence of effective leadership.
These insights have shaped my understanding of what it means to be a leader in today’s world, and I hope they inspire others to reflect on the leadership principles they hold dear.
