Why My Network Is My Greatest Asset

By Jairo Riveros, Managing Director for the Americas, Paysend

I’m often asked: “How do you seem to know everyone?” or “How do you keep so many relationships active?”

The truth is, I don’t treat networking as a numbers game. For me, it’s not about collecting contacts — it’s about nurturing relationships, staying genuinely curious, and serving as a connector.

When I joined Paysend as Head of the Office of Strategy Management, and later became Managing Director for the Americas, I brought that same mindset to our mission. In Latin America especially, our work — enabling the underbanked to receive money through virtual cards — depends on more than technology. It requires the trust and collaboration of community leaders, local banks, regulators, and fintechs.

In the end, my greatest asset isn’t the size of my network — it’s the strength of the relationships within it.

My “superpower”: Sustaining Connection — Even at Scale

Over the years, I’ve learned that real impact doesn’t come only from what you know, but from how well you stay connected. Managing dozens — even hundreds — of relationships is possible when you approach it with intention:

• Be deliberate with touchpoints. Meeting once is never enough. I schedule regular check-ins, share relevant insights, celebrate others’ milestones, and ask for their latest perspectives. These small gestures go a long way in showing genuine interest.
• Listen before you speak. Before proposing a partnership, I focus on understanding the other side’s priorities — their challenges, goals, and constraints. When you help others succeed, they want you alongside them.
• Play the role of connector. More often than not, someone in my network can benefit from meeting another — whether it’s a partner, investor, or policymaker. Making the right introductions strengthens not just relationships, but the broader ecosystem.
• Respect local context. From Miami and Latin America to the U.S. and Europe, every region brings unique cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics. Strong relationships demand empathy, adaptability, and localization.

For me, sustaining connection isn’t transactional — it’s transformational. It’s how trust is built, opportunities are unlocked, and ecosystems grow.

Why Global Partnerships Matter Now More Than Ever

At Paysend, we’re not just moving money — we’re building the world’s largest digital payments network, making cross-border transfers simple and accessible for everyone.

But delivering on this vision takes more than technology. It requires weaving together a global ecosystem of partners:
🌍 Payment networks like Visa®, Mastercard®, China UnionPay, and local schemes
🏦 Banks, fintechs, and regulators
🏛️ Governments and community organizations
📡 Media networks and mobile telco providers
💡 Local innovators across Latin America, Asia, and Africa

The reality is clear: no single company can do this alone. Partnerships are the foundation to co-create, scale, and drive lasting impact.

This was a central theme in our recent Paysend Series conversation with our longstanding partner, Visa. Together, we explored how trusted collaborations enable us to deliver solutions that are faster, simpler, and more cost-effective — especially for underserved communities worldwide.
 

👉 You can watch the full episode now on Paysend’s YouTube channel. 

Paysend Series 2025 Ep.1 - feat. Justin Zhao, Visa Direct, and Rick Castello, Paysend 

A Call to Invest in Connection

If there’s one takeaway I’d leave you with, it’s this: a well-nurtured network is a launchpad. It’s how bold ideas take flight, how new markets open, and how meaningful impact spreads.

So, the next time you scroll through the contacts on your phone, don’t see them as just names on a list. See them as future collaborators, sources of insight, and bridges to new opportunities.

Start building those connections today — and let Paysend be part of your journey.

Click here to talk to a representative and explore how Paysend can power your business >> Simple Global Payments—Just One Integration Away

The materials on this blog are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions of Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC. Blog posts may contain links to content on third-party websites which are provided for your convenience; please note that linked sites may have a privacy and security policy different from our own, and we cannot attest to the accuracy of information. Central Bank of Kansas City does not guarantee nor expressly endorse any particular business, product, service, or third-party content.