Global Influencer - Fintech & Disruptive Tech |Zurich, Switzerland
Dr. Efi Pylarinou’s story is not just a narrative of success but a testament to the transformative power of dedication and expertise in the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology. From her roots in Greece to becoming a global influencer based in Zurich, Switzerland, Efi’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Years and Academic Prowess
Efi’s academic journey began at the University of Patras, where she earned a Diploma in Mathematics. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration led her to pursue an MBA and a Ph.D. in Finance at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. These formative years laid the foundation for her future accomplishments.
Wall Street Luminary
Efi’s professional journey commenced at Salomon Brothers in New York, where she served as Vice President, in fixed income derivatives research supporting the trading desk. She quickly made her a respected figure within the institution.
She later played an instrumental role at Bankers Trust in rebuilding the Latin American group post the Mexican crisis of ’94. Her ability to coordinate between economics research, trading, structuring, and sales showcased her multifaceted skills in the financial domain.
She held roles at SG Cowen in NY and at the California based hedge fund Dalton Investments.
Mother of two and a PEP Wife
Efi married a Greek diplomat who she met in New York and left her Manhattan career to have a family. They lived in France, Greece, Canada, and Switzerland, moving from country to country every 3-4 years. They have two children. Laoura 23yrs old who is a medical student in Lausanne and Panos 21 yrs old who is a biology student in Maastricht. As the wife of an ambassador, a mother of two and a finance professional who voluntarily took a backstep for 15 yrs, Efi faced and grew through all the challenges and the responsibilities of her multiple roles. Finding ways to express her own voice, Becoming, and fighting against stereotypes, has been an integral part of Efi`s journey.
Entrepreneurship and Global Advisory
In 2016, Efi founded Pylarinou Advisory, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and her passion for transformation. She diligently developed expertise in the global innovations in banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management.
Her firm offers B2B content services with a global reach, engaging a substantial audience of nearly 200,000 followers on LinkedIn alone. Efi is particularly passionate with building bridges between the old financial world and the dynamic new world. Her clients include Microsoft, NVIDIA, SEBA Bank, Checkout.com, Comply Advantage.
A Force in Fintech and a Love for Global Partnerships
Efi’s influence extends beyond entrepreneurship. She is a faculty member at The Fast Future Executive along with other global thought leaders, providing live executive education for businesses on the future of Money and Finance.
Her role as a member of the Evaluation Committee for Fintech startups for the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in India showcases her commitment to fostering innovation on a global scale.
She has partnerships with The Wealth Mosaic, a global knowledge resource for the global wealth management industry, and CFTE – the Center of Financial Technology and Entrepreneurship.
Academic Contributions, Book publishing
Efi’s impact is not confined to boardrooms and startups; she has lectured at McGill University and developed extensive online courses for e-Concordia, showcasing her commitment to education.
She is a contributing author in: The Spring 2024 upcoming Wiley book Fast Future Blur, the 2021 Springer book Theories of Change, the 2019 book 4IR, Reinventing a Nation, and the 2018 WealthTech Wiley crowdsourced book.
She is the co-author of the 2002 Wiley book on Investing in Emerging Fixed Income Markets.
Global Recognition and Digital Futurist
Efi’s influence transcends borders. In 2022, she earned a spot in the Top 50 Digital Futurists list and was recognized as a Top LinkedIn & Twitter Voice by Engatica. Onalytica listed her among the Top 20 Fintech Influencers for two consecutive years, and Refinitiv named her the No.1 Global Woman Influencer in Finance & the Data Conversation in 2019 and 2020.
She is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a prolific content creator. She publishes a weekly blog on Medium and a weekly video on Youtube (audio versions on podcast platforms) and recently celebrated 500 articles and c. 250 videos.
Business and Life – professional and personal – Inside out
Efi has trained as a Level I Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She strongly believes in self-mastery and continuous personal development. She is a proud member of BIP100 (Business is Personal) an intimate group of 100 small business owners supporting each other and focused on growth, friendship and innovation.
Efi loves board games, cooking, and swimming. Reading, traveling, and exploring new ideas gets her excited.
Key Takeaways
- Multifaceted Expertise: Efi seamlessly blends real-world financial expertise, creativity, and academic rigor. She is a big advocate of re-inventing yourself by mastering new diverse skills.
- Global Impact and Vision: Her roles span continents, reflecting a commitment to global financial innovation and a strong belief that everything is interconnected.
- Educator and Author: Efi’s dedication to raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action is evident in her roles as a lecturer, author, and prolific content creator.
5 Leadership Lessons
- Diversify Your Skill Set: Efi’s journey reflects the importance of a diverse skill set in the ever-changing business landscape.
- Global Vision: A successful leader thinks globally, as seen in Efi’s approach to content creation, partnerships, and roles.
- Collaboration is Key: Efi’s global partnerships underscore the value of collaboration even in competitive spaces. The speed of change is accelerating and being part of an ecosystem is paramount.
- Entrepreneurial Drive: The establishment of Pylarinou Advisory showcases the power of entrepreneurial spirit.
- Continuous Learning and Sharing: Efi’s commitment to executive education, to content creation and to self-development highlight the need of continuous learning.
Editorial Notes
Efi Pylarinou’s journey is a symphony of resilience, innovation, and global impact. Her story inspires not just professionals in finance but anyone with a dream to make a lasting mark on the world. As a global influencer, educator, and entrepreneur, Efi exemplifies the true spirit of leadership in the digital age.
