As part of our Employee Spotlight series, we’re excited to chat to Ozone API employees from various departments and countries around the globe. This series aims to give you a closer look at the diverse and talented individuals who make our company thrive.
From colleagues in our product team to our sales managers, in each article we’ll be posing a series of questions to a different team member. Join us as we celebrate the people who drive our success and make Ozone API a great place to work.
This time we’re featuring Carol Heath, our Partnership Success Manager. Carol was one of the first people to join Ozone API—way back when the team was so small we could fit around one table—so of course we wanted the inside scoop on her experiences and expert opinion!
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Prior to joining Ozone API, have you always worked in the finance industry?
I have always worked in finance, at first with Lloyds Bank Access and then for the bulk of my career with Visa where I was responsible for introducing the first Travel Prepaid Card.
What does your role as Partnership Success Manager at Ozone API involve?
Mine is a networking and relationship role. I’m always looking for good partners who can provide Ozone API with opportunities to grow our business globally. The key to success for us is working with companies who either integrate our solution (and sell it themselves) or can refer us to their clients who need our service. I also support our partners post contract, enabling them with all the tools and support to be successful once onboard.
How do you help partners understand the full potential of open banking?
I believe that it’s all about education, when I first started on my open banking journey I quickly realised that people did not understand open banking, and were baffled by the technology. By explaining the process simply, partners can understand where they fit, and how we can work together.
Can you give an example of a recent win?
Through a networking event I met a company based out of Cyprus who deliver cutting edge digital solutions. They did not have an open banking solution, so we joined forces and they were able to win significant business by including our SaaS as part of their proposal.
What are the most exciting trends you’re seeing in open banking right now?
As we move from open banking to open finance, the opportunities are endless, and I’m excited about the future. Imagine having your pensions, insurance and loans all accessible in one place, it’s already started in LATAM and is coming in Europe and MENA.
What challenges are you seeing partners in the open banking space face, and how can Ozone API help?
The various standards around the world will always be a challenge for partners, especially those who have a presence globally as they need to be aware of the different versions. Ozone API has the ability to support any global standard, which is particularly beneficial for clients looking to expand beyond their home country.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work within a partnership role in Fintech?
Build your network. People work with people they trust, so keep in touch as you never know when an opportunity might arise again. And be kind!
What brought you to Ozone API?
Huw Davies, our CEO, and I knew each other from his days at Token, he asked if I could help grow our partner base and help promote the Ozone API platform. I was a contractor for Ozone API for a while, and then when the company was officially formed I was asked if I would like to join. I jumped at the chance to work with a fantastic group of thought leaders and experts.
What do you enjoy most about working at Ozone API?
I love the flexibility and variety of work and every day is different. I also love the culture and the support from the top down, even as the company grows (we’re now more than 80 strong). How we work together is as important as what we do, and I feel very lucky to work for such a great company.
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Connect with Carol Heath on LinkedIn or book a meeting if you want to discuss becoming our next partner.
