Our Meet the Journey Capital Team series introduces you to the passionate individuals behind Journey Capital who are dedicated to helping small businesses succeed.
Go behind the scenes to discover the personal journeys of our team members—from their first steps in the industry to the roles they play today. You’ll hear why they’re committed to supporting small businesses, learn about their most memorable moments, and gain valuable advice straight from the experts.
Get to know the people driving our mission to empower small businesses across Canada.
Nicoleta Borodulin, Risk Control & Credit Analyst
Q: Welcome to the team! You’ve been with Journey Capital for six months—how has your experience been so far?
Nicoleta: It has been a great experience so far! The team was very welcoming and supportive, which made it easy to settle in. I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of both fintech and funding mechanisms and was able to apply my skills quickly to contribute to the company.
Q: What drew you to the Risk Control & Credit Analysis team?
Nicoleta: I was drawn to this team because I enjoy using my analytical skills to assess risks and help make informed decisions. I also understand the importance of risk mitigation and I find it fulfilling to know our work plays an important role in helping small businesses thrive.
Q: Can you describe your role and how it helps support small businesses?
Nicoleta: In my role, I assess potential risks, help identify and create a clear picture of the company’s cash flow, and ensure all documentation aligns with the funding requirements. This process not only helps protect the company but also ensures small businesses receive the necessary funding and support in order to succeed.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Journey Capital?
Nicoleta: I really enjoy the collaborative and supportive team environment where everyone is focused on achieving common goals. The role also provides a mix of analytical challenges and the opportunity to make a real impact, which keeps me both engaged and motivated!
Q: Risk assessment is a big part of your job—what skills are essential for success in this field?
Nicoleta: Risk assessment requires attention to detail and the ability to think critically about potential outcomes. It’s important to be able to identify any patterns or spot potential risks before they become issues. Strong communication skills are also essential as you need to present your findings clearly to others.
Q: What’s been the most interesting or rewarding challenge you’ve tackled so far?
Nicoleta: One of the most rewarding challenges has been evaluating businesses in industries that I hadn’t previously worked with. Each industry has its own unique risks and understanding these nuances has been both interesting and rewarding.
Q: If you could give one piece of financial advice to small business owners, what would it be?
Nicoleta: My advice would be to focus on building and maintaining strong credit. Having a solid credit history opens doors to better funding opportunities and makes it easier to overcome financial challenges. Moreover, it’s important to manage debt responsibly and build a good relationship with lenders as this provides your business with the financial flexibility it needs to grow.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself—any hobbies or interests outside of work?
Nicoleta: Outside of work, I’m passionate about art and love creating it during my free time. I also enjoy reading, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Q: Looking ahead, what are you most excited to learn or achieve in your role?
Nicoleta: I’m excited to continue to develop my skills in risk management and learn more about how emerging fintech trends might impact funding in the future. I’m also looking forward to taking on new challenges that will allow me to contribute to the company’s long-term goals and continue to help small businesses reach their full potential.
Aboubakr Ndiaye, Business Development Representative
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming an Account Executive at Journey Capital?
Aboubakr: My journey started more than a year ago in the renewal sales team. I had just graduated from school eager to start my career in a dynamic environment. I wanted a role where I could learn and grow, and becoming an Account Executive was the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with small businesses and helping them secure financing?
Aboubakr: I enjoy working with small businesses because they are often the manifestation of people’s dreams and hopes. Helping them secure the financing they need is a way of supporting them in achieving their goals and turning those dreams into reality.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your role as an Account Executive?
Aboubakr: The most rewarding part of my role as an Account Executive is seeing our client portfolio grow, knowing that we are helping many people achieve their goals through the services and financing we provide.
Q: What advice would you give small business owners who are looking to finance their next big project?
Aboubakr: I would say understand your cash flow and be patient, consider working with a trusted financial partner who can guide you through the process. It’s important to choose the right financing option that aligns with your business goals.
Q: Can you describe a memorable experience where you helped a client overcome a challenge?
Aboubakr: I assisted a restaurant owner in consolidating his loans as the multiple payments were really affecting his cashflow and he didn’t have much breathing room. He always reminds me of how we helped him and offers me to come eat at his restaurant for free.
Q: What do you think sets Journey Capital apart in the online lending industry?
Aboubakr: What sets Journey Capital apart is our focus on aligning with the merchant’s goals first. We prioritize understanding their needs and provide real solutions to their problems, ensuring they get the support they need to succeed.
Q: What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work every day?
Aboubakr: The opportunity to learn as much as possible in a dynamic environment and to get better every day.
Pavina Trichanh, Sales Manager
Q: Tell us a little bit about your path to Journey Capital. What inspired you to help small businesses?
Pavina: My journey began over a decade ago as a Customer Service and Operations Representative. Upon learning about the high interest rates charged by other lenders, I felt compelled to educate our clients and ensure they were well-informed. Recognizing my dedication, the company promoted me to an Account Manager role, where I successfully helped thousands of clients reduce costs. Today, I lead the Renewal Team, guiding them to continue this mission.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job as an Sales Manager?
Pavina: The most rewarding part of my job is hearing a client choose to stay with us, trusting in my guidance, and saving thousands of dollars without any hidden fees.
Q: Can you share a memorable client story that highlights the impact Journey Capital has on small businesses?
Pavina: I assisted a small business owner who ran a cycling company by consolidating her business loans. She was so pleased with the improvement in her cash flow that she sent me a handmade knit scarf. I still have it to this day; it was the cutest gesture!
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you see small businesses face, and how do you help them overcome it?
Pavina: The biggest challenge I often see is managing business cash flow. Many businesses take on loans from multiple lenders with high interest rates and short terms, leading to non-sufficient funds (NSF) and decreased financial stability. Additionally, since COVID-19, delays in shipments have further exacerbated these struggles. We help businesses understand their cash flow and work to consolidate their loans into smaller payments with lower rates, ultimately improving their cash flow.
Q: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
Pavina: Manage your cash flow wisely. Avoid high-interest loans with short terms, as they can lead to financial instability. Since COVID-19, shipment delays have added to these challenges. We help businesses by consolidating loans into smaller payments with lower rates to improve cash flow
Q: When you’re not helping businesses reach their goals, how do you spend your free time?
Pavina: In my free time, I like to learn more about how we can assist businesses in the future.
Q: Finally, what’s one thing you’d want every small business owner in Canada to know?
Pavina: I’d want every small business owner in Canada to know that leveraging digital tools and online marketing can significantly boost their reach and efficiency. Embracing technology can open up new opportunities and help them stay competitive.