Frederica Sherwood’s Post

1st July 2024 officially marked 5 years since I joined #Visa. Storytime … Back in 2019, I had no idea what I was joining to do🙈. I just said “yes” to a role I had no idea how to perform, a new industry I was yet to learn about. I had zero expectations... All I knew was that I wanted a change. I NEEDED a change. That was it. At the time, I was driven by the desire to live and be happy in the moment, and to not overthink far beyond the present (some books just make you to do crazy things) Needless to say, it’s been an incredible journey being part of Visa and in particular Visa Acceptance Solutions/ Cybersource team. The best 5 years of my 17 year career journey so far!Thank you Shazana and Pritesh for your leadership and for trusting me, when I wouldn’t do so myself. Thank you both for creating a safe environment to strive in. Thank you to all my unnamed sponsors - there are so many of you. I see you and I appreciate you. And to my colleagues, thank you for being part of my growth at Visa! Some lessons I would like to share from this experience for anyone who might be at cross roads in their career: 1. Don’t be afraid to start over. Get out of your headspace and find a new purpose. Don’t get stuck in what you’ve known or always done. The working world is full of endless possibilities outside your tiny circle! 2. Choose your manager as much they choose you. Indeed that will determine the narrative of your experience in that company. (manager > company ). If you work with the right manager/leader, they will make a bigger impact on you than the company brand logo itself. 3. Don’t let the pursuit of work titles damage your or your family’s well-being. Seek to be free in your work, get time off and make sure you are indeed replaceable. 4. Your salary has more meaning to your family than your title. Pursuit value and not titles. 5. Your work title won’t be engraved on your tombstone. So … Get over yourself! 6. Pursue purpose & fulfilment and when you find it, stay put. No amount of work “challenges” is worth damaging or neglecting your health or your family. 7. Chill, it’s just work! Don’t be a pain to others while trying to navigate your way up. If your growth is not organic, you are not cut for where you are trying to go. Stay where you are(for the sake of others!) 8. Above all, pursue excellence in your work anyway - you are paid for it! You are not doing your company or colleagues a favour by performing your duties! 9. Last but not least—- Indeed, patience is a virtue ❤️ 🎥: Went down memory lane and found this clip. One 1 yr in, Covid19 at its peak, home schooling a 1st& 3rd graders, new company, new role(based alone in SSA), new industry(ecomm at its peak demand on the continent… and 3DS2.0 showing us flames 🔥) …the universe had over delivered on my need for a change!! Testament of our resilience as human beings!

💙 💛 Yesterday marked 90 days of #LifeAtVisa 💙 💛 I still can't believe how quickly the last three months have flown by! I absolutely love this quote by Visa founder Dee Hock because I have seen and felt this in my first three months here. So why am I loving #LifeAtVisa so much? 1️⃣ THE PEOPLE 🙌 My leader Gen Harrison-Doss, PHR who is holy grail of leaders 🏆 not only does she teach me something new daily, but she also offers thought partnership and truly empowers me. My teammates who are incredibly supportive and always open to answering my questions, brainstorming or having non work genuine human conversations James Baird , Jamie Daring, & David Torres. My "Visa Mentor" Arlene Brown and "On Boarding Buddy" Taylor Holden YES! those are a THING! For providing me structure and space to learn, grow and ask questions. 2️⃣ The Opportunity for Growth: From pre boarding, to onboarding to everyday opportunities Visa believes in investing in its people, particularly in their growth & development. Through conversations with leaders, mentors and peers, VisaU and the endless supply of resources, this lifelong learner is THRIVING. 🌻 3️⃣ The ability to be myself: those close to me know the first 30 days of my new job was classic chaos- a marriage, a new puppy, and the non-stop curve balls the Army threw at our family week after week..... but I was able to feel comfortable showing up as myself every day and continue to do great work with great people. Exactly why hiring #Miltiary is important to me 😉 For those in the #MilitaryTalent community, who are pivoting.... transitioning... feeling stuck....defeated...wherever you are in your journey or whatever season of life: know that you have everything you need to build the life you want, it may just look a little funky to get there. You have already done the toughest job now embrace the excitement of your next mission. If you had asked me 5 years ago where I would be in 5 years...... "Military Program Manager at Visa" would never have crossed my mind- but this is exactly where I am meant to be 🙏 The road to here was paved with ALOT of blood, sweat, (tons of) tears, burnout, rejection, heartbreak and redirection, but it was absolutely worth it. 🛣

Approaching my 8th year as a People Leader for Visa, I reflect on the opportunity to lead different teams within our organization. I am extremely fortunate to work for a company who empowers leaders like me to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I lead, the organization I belong to, and the community where our employees live and thrive. But what exactly do I love about leading people.  Here are my top 5 reasons: 1.     Problem Solving – As a leader in the Disputes space, I face all kinds of challenges. It’s very exciting! They keep me on my toes and keep my brain sharp by studying, analyzing, digging deep into them until I find a solution. And when my team and I overcome these hurdles, we just proudly say “We did it!” 2.     Encouraging Collaboration – Building and leading a group of unique and diverse individuals and leading them to become a cohesive and effective team is such a rewarding experience. Visa being a global organization, I have worked and led teammates from all over the world, and I smile on the inside every time I see them build relationships through mutual respect. 3.     Learning and Growth – Being a leader means continuous learning and improvement – from my team’s experiences, from their personal stories, and from their success and even their failures. Thankfully, Visa allows us a healthy appetite for risk so we can think outside the box and try new things. 4.     Empowering Others – It’s a special kind of high when I help others achieve their full potential and guide them towards their career goals. And yes, this includes tapping into the hidden talent and strengths of team members who would otherwise not recognize they have it in them. Leveraging our learning platform, Visa University, makes it easy for me as my teammates are provided free learning opportunities so they can continue to build on their skills that will prepare them for future growth, and lastly 5.     Making A Difference – A leader has a significant impact on the individual members of the team, the business and the organization. Positively influencing and driving change can be very meaningful, especially if you can also impact society. As site lead of our Social Impact Pillar, I am extremely proud of the opportunity to lead initiatives that extends this positive change to our community so all of us can truly live our purpose of uplifting everyone, everywhere. Bonus: In Visa, we firmly believe EVERYONE IS A LEADER! Regardless of our level or role, we are all leaders. We are all given the opportunity to make a difference. I am proud to say #MyVisaStory continues as I strive to empower people while powering payments as a People Leader.  #LifeAtVisa

The article explores Visa's upcoming "Skills in Demand" initiative, focusing on new visa pathways for high-demand skills. It highlights how these changes will help businesses fill critical talent gaps and boost global mobility in key industries. The new Visa "Skills in Demand" initiative is set to launch by the end of the year, with more specific details still to be revealed. Stay tuned for updates as the rollout approaches! #Visa #SkillsInDemand #GlobalTalent

📧 I frequently receive messages from potential candidates asking for 15 minutes so they can connect and learn about #LifeAtVisa. I wish I could answer them all but unfortunately, I don’t typically have the time. So for those seeking this information, here are my thoughts: 🌟 I am grateful to be part of a company that is on a mission to uplift everyone everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. At Visa, we are not just in the business of payments; we empower businesses and individuals through access to the global economy. 🔹Visa has a relentless focus on accelerated growth and development. Our People team is continually investing in new development tools to aid leaders in this work and Visa University connect us to incredible content across a variety of learning paths. We have opportunities to grow not just up but outward through our GoShares program. 🌟 The people here are AWESOME! I am honored to work alongside talented and kind colleagues who share a common goal of making a difference in the lives of people everywhere. Together we are not just shaping the future of payments - we are shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 🔹But what I think truly sets Visa apart is its unwavering commitment to employee wellness. Here, I have the time and space to do the things that make me a healthy friend, daughter, wife and mother. I love being a part of a company that values not only professional success but also personal fulfillment, health and wellness. 🔗 Want to join me? https://lnkd.in/eV7VQwhs #LifeAtVisa #PurposeDriven #AcceleratedGrowth #MakingAnImpact #BestPlacetoWork

Is getting a Global Talent visa DIFFICULT? The answer to this question is very subjective to a lot of things. But let's be real - the path to securing this visa isn't always a walk in the park. The process varies based on your unique circumstances, qualifications, and the criteria set by the country you're eyeing. From showcasing your exceptional talent to navigating through heaps of documentation, it's definitely a journey that requires dedication and perseverance. Some countries set the bar high, ensuring that only the best and brightest talent make the cut. You might need to prove your track record of achievement, gain recognition from peers, or even snag an endorsement from reputable organizations in your industry. It's no cakewalk, but for those with true promise, the rewards are boundless. Yes, it's complex. Yes, it's time-consuming. But here's the thing: it's absolutely worth it. Imagine the doors that could swing open once you hold that coveted Global Talent visa in your hands. From groundbreaking research to creative endeavors that captivate audiences worldwide, the possibilities are endless. So, if you're ready to take the plunge and embark on this journey, remember - you're not alone. Seek guidance from professionals like GLOTALE, tap into resources offered by government agencies, and arm yourself with the knowledge needed to ace the application process. Want to get started with us, then send a DM today or visit www.glotale.com. #GlobalTalentVisa #UnlockOpportunities #CareerGrowth

🎉 This Leap Year, I'm taking a huge leap in my financial journey. For the first time ever, I've invested in stocks, and of course, it's Visa shares! After being a part of the Visa family for 3 months and witnessing the company's dedication to growth, I'm confident in our enormous growth potential. 🚀📈 This bonus day is a golden chance to focus on my finances. 💰🔍 Visa's consistent growth over the years, as shown in the attached picture, convinces me that this investment is one of the best financial decisions I've made. 📊💪 But let's sprinkle some fun into this extra day! 🎈🎉 Did you know Leap Year was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC to align our calendar with the seasons? 🌍🌞 And people born on Feb 29 are called "leaplings" or "leapers". How fun is that? 🎂🥳 Here's a quirky fact: In Ireland, Leap Year is "Bachelor's Day", a day when women propose to men! 💍💘 And the twin cities of Anthony, Texas and New Mexico, celebrate with a huge festival, claiming to be the "Leap Year Capital of the World". 🤠🎊 So, let's leap into action and make this bonus day count! 🐸💪 #LeapYear #Visa #FinancialPlanning #MakeEveryDayCount #LifeAtVisa

🌍 Exciting news for J1 visa participants! The U.S. Department of State has released a revised Exchange Visitor Skills List, which notably removes countries like China and India, impacting many exchange visitors. The change is retroactive, potentially easing the path for those focusing on cultural exchanges, research, and global collaborations. These modifications open up 🌐 new opportunities for a diverse group of students and professionals aiming to create connections in a harmonious global environment. For individuals from China and India, no longer being on the skills list means fewer restrictions and more freedom to explore career-enhancing opportunities in the U.S. This represents a significant improvement in the capacity for international exchange, fostering an atmosphere perfect for learning, working, and thriving. Wondering how to navigate these changes and make the most of your time in the U.S.? Onthemove Inc is here to help! 🌟 From assisting with your J1 visa application to offering consultations on your career plans after your exchange program, Onthemove Inc is your ticket to advancing your journey in vibrant New York City. 🗽 With a focus on culture, research, and professional growth, Onthemove Inc provides the expertise you need to ensure your J1 experience is as enriching as possible. Reach out for guidance and embark on this incredible adventure! 🚀 For more information, visit [www.onthemoveinc.net](https://lnkd.in/eMgYwdTc). #onthemoveinc #nyc #j1visa #visa #applymyvisa #newyorkcity #work #travel #vibes #usa

RE: Global Talent Visa The first email that truly found me well. It has been an enlightening, transformative, and empowering journey working towards being recognized as an Exceptional Talent and acquiring the prestigious Global Talent Visa. Yet, this journey has also been tiring, anxiety-inducing, and deeply challenging. These are pressures only an expat can truly understand: the feeling of not belonging, the sense of being dispensable, and the persistent shadow of uncertainty. Today, I can proudly say: I belong. I am here to contribute to the economy of this country. I am here to drive Product Management. And I am here to champion the development of AI technologies. That being said, no journey is undertaken alone. I owe this achievement to the immense support system that has carried me here: James Maloney, a mentor in Product Management and a steadfast friend. Olga Norremo (Polnyi), our fearless leader, who has set the benchmark and inspired me to be better—at work, in life, and as a person. Alessio Ricco, whose invaluable insights into AI have reignited my passion for technology. Ilya Feige, who unveiled the depths and heights of AI's potential, both in today’s world and the near future. Vivek Goyal, who demonstrated how compassion and technology together can change the world for the better. And to every single person I’ve had the privilege to work alongside—you have shown me what a united, collaborative community can achieve. Right. So, what’s next? Something… exceptional. #GlobalTalentVisa #ProductManagement #AI

Ever felt stuck and blamed your VISA situation for it? I know it can feel like a huge barrier when you move abroad. You might think you need a JOB or BUSINESS to really thrive on a dependent visa. I used to feel the same way, like success was out of reach without those things. It’s easy to focus on why things won’t work, or hope for a quick fix without really digging deep. But maybe you’re at a point where you’re ready to take control of your life – to feel confident and proud of yourself, with or without a job. Maybe you’re open to learning, growing, and exploring options that actually work for you (there are more out there than you might think). And maybe, just maybe, you’re excited to take charge of your story abroad in a sustainable, real way. You’ve got two paths: stay stuck or step into your power. What will you choose? 🌟 #DependentVisa #WomenAbroad #Confidence #CareerGrowth #Empowerment #H4Visa #h4ead #spousevisa