Xenofon Pagoulatos

I moved to London in pursuit of a banking career. At HSBC, I worked alongside seasoned professionals and developed a structured approach to data analysis and mathematical modelling. I learned to effectively engage with stakeholders, understand their needs through best practices and validate solutions via proof of concepts. My expertise in analysing write-off assumptions and IFRS 9 / IAS 39 provisions on capital ratios led to my appointment as a Subject Matter Expert on the implementation team.

After demonstrating proficiency in gathering requirements, designing, coding, and testing features, I transitioned into Agile project management. I was entrusted with leading cross-functional teams, keeping senior stakeholders up to date, and managing global product rollouts. My inaugural project, a Stress Testing calculation platform on Google Cloud, not only reduced costs by 75% compared to our previous vendor but also significantly improved efficiency, enabling the shift from annual to monthly stress testing exercises.

HSBC helped me develop a comprehensive skill set spanning technical expertise and interpersonal acumen, gaining a holistic view of business operations. Fascinated by how startups can revolutionize traditional fields, I remained open to opportunities that would allow me to apply my skills in a more dynamic environment. When the chance arose to lead operations at a tech startup in Dubai, I embraced the challenge despite my limited experience in startups and the field of staffing. The role offered full ownership of strategic planning and financial-operational management, while also expanding my horizons into product development, marketing and sales initiatives. I was eager to demonstrate how structured corporate principles could drive significant impact in a fast-paced entrepreneurial setting.

Leveraging my analytics background, I implemented an array of business metrics that reshaped how the team measured success and operated. I introduced key methodologies such as prioritization techniques and A/B testing to enhance our product development process. Additionally, I spearheaded strategic marketing initiatives, crafted new sales pitches, and advocated for a more democratized bonus structure. My experience in stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership proved crucial in navigating the diverse team dynamics, vastly different from my corporate experience at HSBC. I found it deeply rewarding, to influence colleagues from various backgrounds, and to become a cohesive and high-performing team. Our initiatives drove a 2.5-fold increase in revenue, with parallel improvements in customer satisfaction and user adoption.

This experience solidified my competitive edge: the ability to dissect problems, leverage data for optimal solutions, and lead teams in developing and marketing these innovations effectively.