In the modern era where technology shapes destinies and innovation steers progress, the age-old adage ‘transform or perish’ takes on new dimensions of significance. And in the realm of digital payments, this truth reigns supreme. Led by Maner Puyawan, Xentra Solutions has not only understood this truth but also embraced tech transformation to offer an exceptional customer experience and exorbitant security in payment technology.
The inception of Xentra Solutions was driven by Maner’s desire to address real-world problems with smart, practical solutions. His inspiration stemmed from his experiences across various companies, where he observed gaps in existing technologies and processes.
“My goal was to create solutions that help clients work smarter, not harder”, Maner Puyawan reflects. The challenges of establishing a new company, including building credibility and managing limited resources, were met with resilience and a focus on delivering exceptional products and services.
When It All Began
Before venturing into the payments industry, Maner began his career in technology with a manpower recruitment company in the Philippines. This company, one of the largest in the country, was responsible for deploying thousands of Filipino workers across the globe. However, despite its size, the company’s processes were largely paper-based. Maner saw an opportunity to streamline these outdated processes.
At a time when the internet was still in its infancy in the early 2000s, Maner pioneered one of the country’s first e-recruitment systems. His solution allowed job applicants to submit their applications online rather than traveling to Manila, thereby saving significant time and resources. This online recruitment system not only revolutionized how the company operated but also earned them the People’s Choice Award for Online Services.
Reflecting on this period, Maner recalls the challenges of introducing a digital solution in a market where internet access was both expensive and limited. Nevertheless, his early experience in solving complex, real-world problems laid the foundation for his later success in payments and technology.
For Maner, harmonizing the strategic and tactical aspects of his role is a daily challenge that he loves to address. His approach revolves around effective delegation and empowerment. “Balancing business management with technical development is a delicate balancing act”, Maner explains.
He continues, “I focus on mentoring my team and delegating tactical tasks, which allows me to concentrate on the broader strategic vision. This balance ensures that while I am deeply involved in solving complex problems as the lead solutions architect, I can also drive the company towards future growth and innovation”.
Maner’s journey in the IT field is marked by a commitment to customer-centric innovation. “The cornerstone of our success in payments technology is listening to our customers”, Maner says. By addressing user pain points and adapting to market changes, Xentra Solutions remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
Maner emphasizes the importance of embracing change, experimenting with new ideas, and continuously learning from both successes and failures. This mindset has been instrumental in Xentra Solutions’ ability to remain agile and innovative in a competitive landscape.
Unique leadership
Maner’s leadership is characterized by leading by example, vision, collaboration, and empowerment. He leads by setting a clear vision and inspiring the team with excitement about new opportunities. His approach includes empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and contributing meaningfully to the company’s success.
Speaking of his philosophy he states, “If you teach a person how to fish, they can feed themselves for a lifetime”. By fostering talent and allowing his team to make mistakes and grow, he has built a culture of empowerment and innovation.
Transitioning from a technical expert to a visionary founder, Maner’s leadership has evolved over the years. He describes his leadership style as a blend of leading by example, collaboration, and empowerment. “I trust my team”, Maner states, emphasizing the importance of giving his employees ownership of their roles.
By setting a clear vision and fostering excitement about new opportunities, he creates an environment where innovation thrives. At Xentra Solutions, he fosters a culture of experimentation, encouraging his team to brainstorm and test new ideas through proofs of concept.
Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements
In an industry driven by rapid technological advancements, Maner ensures that Xentra Solutions stays ahead by investing in continuous innovation and research. The company’s commitment to understanding market needs, embracing new technologies such as blockchain and AI, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity keeps it at the cutting edge. “We stay abreast of industry trends and prioritize upskilling our team to remain competitive”, Maner adds.
One of the key strategies employed by Xentra Solutions is its focus on agile methodologies. Maner is a strong advocate of adaptability, whether it’s in technology or business processes. “We’re always thinking about continuously improving the products we build, and the processes we use”, Maner notes. This agile approach allows Xentra Solutions to quickly pivot and adapt to market changes, regulatory shifts, or new technological developments.
Prioritizing Security
As the founder and chairman of his company, Maner’s vision has been clear to deliver cutting-edge payment solutions while adhering to the highest security standards. His company meets this demand through a robust security infrastructure, continuous education, and a culture deeply rooted in safety.
Xentra Solutions’ commitment to security, and passion for innovation ensures it will remain a leader in the digital payments space for years to come
Since the outset, Maner’s strategy has been focused on the security of payment systems. His company implements a ‘training the trainer’ model, sending key team members for advanced security training, who then train others in the organization. This model ensures that security is not only a priority but becomes a habit, ingrained in the company’s culture.
Xentra Solutions’ focus on security extends beyond internal education. The team actively keeps up with the latest industry trends, adopting best practices like the zero-trust model, encryption training, and keeping their systems equipped with advanced security features like firewalls and antivirus software.
Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Maner envisions Xentra Solutions expanding its reach into new markets. The company has already established a branch in the U.S. and is ramping up marketing efforts to promote its services. Maner believes that the U.S. market, particularly in outsourcing, presents significant opportunities. “Our cost structure allows us to remain competitive while delivering high-quality products”, Maner asserts.
In addition to his role at Xentra Solutions, Maner Puyawan serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Koin, where he has been instrumental in driving technological innovation. He leads the rapid development of Koin’s cutting-edge payment solutions, enabling seamless transactions for gaming, retail, dining, and more through the Koin Pay solution. His expertise in translating complex technical challenges into practical, user-centric solutions ensures Koin remains a leader in digital payments.
Beyond traditional retail payments, Xentra Solutions is exploring opportunities in the gaming and hospitality sectors. “We’re looking to enable mobile wallet payments in environments like casinos, which present exciting new possibilities”, Maner shares. Additionally, Xentra Solutions aims to venture into lending solutions, targeting the growing demand for buy-now-pay-later products and expanding into the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Through his visionary leadership, Maner continues to push the boundaries of innovation in both companies.
Maner Puyawan, Founder & Chairman, Xentra Solutions
Maner is a seasoned leader in IT with over two decades of experience and stands as a prominent personality in the payments technology domain. As the Founder and Chairman of Xentra Solutions, he has carved out a reputation for balancing strategic business management with hands-on technical expertise.
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