Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Bioconnect Vice President, Strategic Marketing & Global Alliances Bianca Lopes, who is working to bring biometrics to fintech (payments), education, wearables, healthcare and more. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I work with our CEO on BioConnect’s Global Strategy & Partnerships. I also run our brand and marketing strategy to redefine identity globally!
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I have by no means taken a traditional route. I worked in a restaurant, started a painting and drywalling business, managed retail stores, started a tech loyalty business, worked in banking, and built a social enterprise in fashion. And I think that has happened as a reflection of my personality.
I have never been able to fit into a specific box or category. I learned the hard way as a child how to be an outlier. I still find comfort in being uncomfortable.
At the same time, I wasn’t destined to work in a single industry. I always had this vision of me working in a tech company that was on the verge of something disruptive and was agnostic of industry. My role at BioConnect is the balance of those things.
This outlook of saying “yes” to pretty much anything has single-handedly allowed me to propel my career forward.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The day my first business broke even in 2008. I will never forget that day!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I have no idea and that is what I find fun! I remember growing up reading about these esteemed professionals that seemed to have their whole life planned. That actually caused anxiety for me. I want other young people to understand that you don’t have to have it all figured out. I wouldn’t want to!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I would say demonstrating your values through your actions will guide you toward an incredible future. And make a vision board – I’m a big fan. I do one every year. I’ve also learned that if you don’t share with others, you won’t hold yourself accountable. There is something magical about telling the universe. Dream BIG!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Absolutely. Too much, according to my accountant. WWF is a big one through my social enterprise e-commerce fashion business, EzzyLynn. I also support a few that focus on main passions of mine: inclusion, mental health, accessibility and women.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
All my working life I have been one of the few women in a man’s world. Learning how to be myself in male-dominated industries where they expect you to be like them has been one of the biggest challenges. I am privileged to work with an incredible leader, Rob Douglas, who I know will help me change this story for women in tech. Still, I don’t think I have completely overcome this challenge and I unfortunately don’t think it is going away anytime soon.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable people are those who recognize their responsibility to keep pushing for change.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Probably Cluny Bistro. It reminds me of Europe, home, and my grandpa!
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Twitter for sure. It’s where I get all my news and breaks. Songs? It changes every week. I am one of those people that gets obsessed and plays a song on repeat 500 times and then moves onto the next one.
This week: Talk to Me by Rainer + Grimm. Check them out (Toronto guys!)
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Shameless plug: EzzyLynn.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Brasil! Home. I was raised in Rio de Janeiro and my whole family is there. I had major FOMO during the Olympics. And come on, have you seen the place?
I travel loads for work – SF and London are always favourites.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Mmm… sweets! I have a major sweet tooth. You name it: ice cream, chocolate, donuts… I love them all.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Probably shoes. I kind of have a collection… whoops! As for spending more, nothing, save it! I tend to pour all of my money into business or shoes apparently.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is such a tough term – it can mean so many different things. For me, I would define success as finding purpose in what you do, why you do it, and who you do it with.
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