Veronica Crisafulli, the dynamic CEO and founder of MO. A seasoned entrepreneur with a global perspective, Veronica’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of credit inclusion. Veronica’s odyssey in the fintech industry began in 2016, fueled by a profound mission to foster credit inclusion. With a background in strategic consulting within the TMT sector in emerging countries, she assumed the strategic reins of MO, laying the groundwork for a transformative venture. We at CIO Global, are proud to have Veronica Crisafulli as one of the Promising CEOs in 2023.
In 2021, the mantle of CEO fell squarely on Veronica’s shoulders, marking a pivotal moment in her professional trajectory. This transition demanded unwavering self-accountability and dedication, traits that define her leadership style. Her journey embodies continuous improvement, a commitment to innovation, disruption, and an unwavering focus on execution.
Since assuming the role of CEO in August 2021, Veronica and the MO team have achieved remarkable milestones. The first major change involved redefining MO’s market positioning, shifting from a B2B2C lender to a cutting-edge technological enabler of credit products. The second pivotal achievement was transitioning from a project-focused company to one with a unique, innovative, and scalable core product—a testament to the team’s dedication and Veronica’s strategic vision. The third milestone involved enhancing the company’s cap table, simplifying the structure, and securing investments from backers who share MO’s vision.
And, as a sneak peek into the future, the company is gearing up for a rebranding initiative in the coming year, showcasing the culmination of their transformative journey.
“Ideas are crucial, but execution is key. Start small, gather feedback, and scale wisely. Action fuels progress.” – Veronica Crisafulli
Veronica Crisafulli is not only steering but is also deeply attuned to industry trends. In her view, several impactful trends are shaping the tech landscape in 2023:
- Advancements in AI: Generative AI and machine learning are driving faster automation and data-driven decision-making processes, revolutionizing how businesses operate.
- Remote Work Dynamics: The widespread adoption of remote work has prompted companies to adapt tools and frameworks, ensuring effective collaboration and productivity within distributed teams.
- Innovations in Cybersecurity: The tech industry is actively countering digital threats through continuous innovations in cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.
Edge Computing and IoT Integration: The seamless integration of edge computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) is improving data processing speed, resulting in quicker responses and reduced latency. Veronica’s insights into these trends reflect her astute understanding of the evolving tech landscape, positioning MO at the forefront of innovation.
Innovation is at the heart of MO, and Veronica Crisafulli’s leadership ensures that it permeates every aspect of the organization. The company thrives on an open and collaborative environment, fostering a culture where team members feel empowered to share their ideas. Regular brainstorming sessions and sustained investments in research and development are vital components of MO’s innovation strategy. Veronica’s rallying cry to her team is clear: if we are passionate about our product, let’s keep pushing the boundaries, brainstorming ways to make it even better, and then making those ideas a reality.
Veronica’s leadership philosophy is grounded in a commitment to leading by example. For her, being a good person, conducting oneself with honesty, respect, and integrity are non-negotiables. The overarching goal is fostering growth for all, emphasizing the importance of shared success. Additionally, she places great emphasis on having a clear vision that aligns with the company’s direction, which she consistently communicates to the entire MO team. Adaptability to diverse circumstances, people, and clients is another key tenet of her leadership philosophy, recognizing its critical role in navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape.
Veronica acknowledges that entrepreneurship, especially in the role of a CEO, is an ongoing challenge. From convincing investors about the company’s change in direction to navigating the challenges of fundraising in a tough market, she has faced numerous hurdles. Veronica’s success in overcoming these challenges lies in her unwavering conviction, clarity about the company’s phases, purpose, and goals, dedicated and consistent work, and sheer persistence. Her resilience and insistence have proven invaluable in steering MO through turbulent times, solidifying her role as a Founder CEO. One of the toughest decisions Veronica faced involved acknowledging a hiring mistake for a senior role within the company. Despite harboring early uncertainties, she chose to give the individual more time, a decision she now reflects upon as a crucial learning experience. The lesson learned—swiftly recognizing mismatches in the scaling phase of entrepreneurship and making decisive personnel changes. Veronica’s transparency about this experience underscores her commitment to continuous improvement and sharing valuable insights with her team.
“Success is not just about what we gain, but also about what we give back. It is about leveraging our resources, innovations, and capabilities to make a tangible, positive impact in the lives of people.” – Veronica Crisafulli
Looking ahead, Veronica envisions an ambitious future for MO under her leadership. The goal is clear: to elevate MO to the forefront of the Latin American and Caribbean market, emerging as the leading credit management platform for the future. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to cutting-edge product development, consistently delivering value to customers through regular feature enhancements, and providing unparalleled client servicing. Veronica’s strategic foresight and dedication to excellence position MO on a trajectory toward industry leadership in the next 3-5 years. As the company evolves, it’s evident that Veronica Crisafulli’s leadership will continue to be a driving force in shaping its success.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
Veronica Crisafulli imparts invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and future leaders in the industry. Her key recommendations include the importance of continuous learning to stay abreast of industry developments, building strong connections through mentorships and networks, and becoming a problem-solving expert by addressing real market needs. Veronica underscores the significance of resilience, urging entrepreneurs to navigate the inevitable challenges with fortitude and learn from setbacks. Taking action, leveraging technology wisely, leading with empathy, and staying committed to the vision are additional pearls of wisdom she shares with those embarking on the entrepreneurial journey.
Balancing multiple roles as a mother, wife, CEO, and founder, Veronica emphasizes effective time management, organization, and prioritization. Regular exercise, meditation, and breaks are part of her strategy to stay focused and reduce stress. Acknowledging the challenge of fully disconnecting, she sets it as her next goal, recognizing the importance of a healthy work-life balance. Veronica believes technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for growth and sustainability. At MO, technology is ingrained in every aspect of their operations, driving both company growth and ensuring business sustainability. Veronica sees technology as a powerful enabler, empowering businesses to evolve, innovate, and adapt to the changing landscape.
A particularly proud moment for Veronica is the successful collaboration between MO and a traditional financial institution. Navigating through complex compliance levels, the team’s diligence led to a groundbreaking BNPL credit program in a Latin American country. This achievement is not just a milestone but a testament to the potential collaborations between traditional finance and fintech. Looking ahead, Veronica is enthusiastic about exploring new opportunities and collaborations.
For Veronica, success is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond financial gains. It’s about giving back to society and creating a positive impact. MO´s success is intertwined with achieving credit inclusion through technology, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Veronica defines success for the company as crafting a triumphant exit strategy that enriches all stakeholders, including the dedicated MOvers, generating substantial value for each of them. Her aspiration is to inspire more entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs on their journey.
Veronica Crisafulli’s journey as the CEO of MO is not only a narrative of business success but also a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and a commitment to social impact. Her leadership philosophy and insights showcase not only the qualities of a successful CEO but those of a visionary leader dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the tech and fintech industries. Veronica’s story, coupled with her valuable advice and unwavering commitment to social responsibility, serves as a compelling source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike. As she steers her team toward new horizons, Veronica Crisafulli undeniably stands as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscapes of technology and fintech.
“If we are crazy about our product, let’s keep brainstorming ways to make it even better and then let’s make it happen!” – Veronica Crisafulli
