Strategy Advisor · Executive Leader
Strategy and leadership that drive growth & partnerships.
I work with leadership teams, growth-stage companies, and a handful of founders to get clear on growth, build partnerships that last, and make real change happen — in fintech and beyond.
I only take on a handful of clients at a time — and I keep it to senior-level conversations.
Companies I've worked with
20+ years across fintech, strategic partnerships, growth, and executive leadership.
Manager. Macher. Unternehmerisch handelnder Netzwerker. Jederzeit wieder!
Michael hat als EVP Partner Management bei Wirecard RatePAY als Partner gewonnen. Das Projekt war komplex und hat einen langen Atem gebraucht. Am Ende ist daraus ein gemeinsamer Erfolg geworden. Wer jemanden sucht, der strategisch denkt, Vertrauen aufbaut und Partnerschaften bis zum Markterfolg trägt, ist bei Michael genau richtig.
Michael geht gerne auf Menschen zu, knüpft Kontakte und bringt Gesprächspartner zusammen. Er erzählt mit Begeisterung von seinen Ideen und versteht es, andere dafür zu interessieren.
Michael arbeitet sehr zielorientiert. Er behält das Ergebnis im Blick und treibt Partnerschaften konsequent voran, von der ersten Ansprache bis zur erfolgreichen Umsetzung. Er kennt den Payments-Markt genau: die Akteure, ihre Interessen und die Hebel, mit denen sich Kooperationen tatsächlich zum Laufen bringen lassen.
Michael combines a strategic perspective with a pragmatic approach to partnerships and collaboration. I particularly appreciated his ability to connect different teams, markets and perspectives and move initiatives forward in an international environment.
Michael struck the perfect balance between guidance, mentoring and freedom. He has a rare talent for building teams in which everyone can bring their strengths to the table 100%, and that is exactly what makes his teams so successful.
Michael Brinkmann was a strong and inspiring leader in Partner Management at Wirecard, combining clear strategic thinking with a hands-on and results-oriented approach. He fostered strong relationships with partners, communicated effectively, and consistently motivated his team to achieve ambitious goals.
I was particularly impressed by his openness to improvement and innovative ideas. His leadership style was characterized by trust, clarity, and a genuine interest in developing both teams and individuals.
He constantly looks for new ways to connect-the-dots and create true synergy, and, more importantly, a true human connection between parties. He is an extremely genuine and reliable leader.
Michael is one of the most well known and established payments experts. We have worked together on many occasions over the last decade on payments and fintech projects and M&A.
Current Ventures
Entrepreneurial ventures and active advisory mandates.
Insights
Thoughts on partnerships, fintech & making change stick.
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