10 Questions - Q&A with Samantha Wenzel

In the world of cybersecurity SaaS companies, the role of a Chief Financial Officer extends far beyond number crunching and financial analysis. It's about being a strategic architect, a collaborative leader, and a visionary force that propels a company toward sustainable growth. Samantha Wenzel, the CFO of Verosint, embodies these attributes making her an instrumental figure in the company's journey. With her unique set of skills, Samantha is spearheading Verosint's mission to establish scalable processes as the bedrock for efficient growth, all while fostering a collaborative environment within the leadership team.

Tell us a little about your background and its relevance to your work here at Verosint.

I started my career in Audit and, ultimately, Accounting and Reporting Advisory at Deloitte & Touche. I worked with clients in a myriad of industries of varying sizes, from public SEC filers to private and pre-IPO companies. After leaving Deloitte, I became a fractional CFO, allowing me to work with clients in various industries focusing on Cybersecurity SaaS. This experience has positioned me well to serve the Verosint team as we look to scale the company in the coming years.

What kind of leadership do you bring to the team?

I bring a balanced approach of democratic and strategic leadership to our team. I value input from all members, fostering open communication and engagement to identify the best solutions. By blending diverse perspectives, we make informed decisions that align with Verosint’s vision and drive growth. I intend to support the creation of a collaborative, innovative culture that propels us toward success.

Why did you decide to join Verosint?

I was introduced to Verosint through one of Verosint’s investors, whom I highly respect. Their recommendation fueled my excitement to join and get in on the ground floor, helping to establish scalable processes as the foundation for efficient growth. Working alongside such a down-to-earth executive team with deep cybersecurity expertise was very appealing.

How do you approach building and leveraging relationships with key stakeholders?

Cultivating relationships with our stakeholders is pivotal for Verosint’s success. Drawing from my introduction to the company through an investor, I recognize the unique insights that our board members and investors bring as external contributors. They provide unique perspectives that the Verosint team doesn’t have. Collaborative engagement is my approach to nurturing these relationships. We tap into diverse perspectives by fostering a continuous exchange of thoughts and ideas, enriching our growth trajectory. It’s a symbiotic partnership that ensures Verosint remains attuned to external viewpoints while driving collective success beyond day-to-day operations.

What is your superpower that will help you succeed at helping our team put an end to account fraud?

My superpower is adaptability. Embracing change and variety, I hope to help Verosint stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of account fraud. I can empower the team to be a force that brings an end to this challenge.

What’s your favorite feature of the Verosint platform?

The Impossible Travel dashboard makes it easy to pinpoint accounts and events tagged as “impossible travel,” such as an account registration in New York followed by a login from the same account in Dubai five minutes later. This was one of the first Verosint features that was explained to me when I joined the company, and I think it is an excellent introduction to what Verosint does - we look for things that don’t make sense.

The idea of Impossible Travel made complete sense to me right away. I thought, “Of course, companies should be looking for that; it’s obvious!” Unfortunately, many companies today don’t have reliable methods for identifying critical indicators of account fraud, such as Impossible Travel, and that’s what Verosint is here to solve.

Have you ever been the victim of fraud?

Yes, I experienced identity theft. Fortunately, the banks intervened just in time, contacting me for final approval before issuing new credit cards. The culprits had all my details and were one step away from being able to accumulate debts in my name. I’ve since frozen my credit with the three bureaus, a precaution I highly recommend to everyone.

Share about your family or hobbies.

My fiancée and I love traveling, complemented by relaxing weekends at home with our dogs, providing a perfect balance. I enjoy outdoor activities like walking our dogs, soaking in lake time, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and even snow skiing.

Where do you live, and what’s your favorite part about your area?

I live in Houston, Texas. The city’s culinary scene is a standout for me. With a continuous influx of new eateries, I’m lucky to live in an area where walking to many of these restaurants is convenient. Houston is a very diverse city, and that is reflected in our food options, making it an exciting place to explore.

‍