A resident of Venice, FL, Michael Cemovich has worked in financial services and FinTech since 2022. Prior to his work for a Florida-based FinTech company, Michael Cemovich served in the US Marines from 2020 until 2022.
In 2022, Mr. Cemovich left the service to work for Benchmark International, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions on the sell side. In 2023, Mr. Cemovich moved to PLS Logistics Services, where he served as an account executive until Fidelity Information Systems (FIS) hired him in December 2023.
As a sales development representative for FIS, Mr. Cemovich provided support for FIS clients and helped resolve their tech issues. In 2024, FIS promoted him to digital solutions executive, and subsequently to digital sales consultant II. In this capacity, he provides financial institutions and corporate business with various FinTech products.
Mr. Cemovich earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stetson University. Additionally, he has certifications in CompTIA Security+ and AWS Cloud. In his personal time, he enjoys football, which is his favorite sport.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I wake up and pray. I find the little things to be grateful for. The day begins with this, and then I proceed to walk and feed my dog. This gives me purpose that I am looking after someone other than myself. Then this translates to my work. I service my clients with the exact same attitude. Once work is completed, I then transition to studies for self-paced courses. On the weekends, I visit my grandma, and I attend church on Sundays. During downtime, I am either getting information related to my industry or I am learning new things to strengthen my skills.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Working with others. I read a social media post by a UCLA software engineer, and it was spot on… He stated that during his time as a student, the business majors would bombard the computer science majors with “ideas.” He stated that their lack of effort and imagination contributes 0.01 percent of actual innovation. You have to be practical if you want change.
What’s one trend that excites you?
My generation is willing to forgo the traditional path of “get a degree and then get a job” and is discovering better ways to achieve success without the burden of financing secondary education. It’s brilliant. Who knew you could start a business making YouTube videos?
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Asking questions and seeking knowledge.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enlist in the military after high school, then go study finance and IT. Also, stay involved with the church.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read the Bible and pray. You have nothing to lose.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I read the Bible and pray.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Ask questions. Consult with the experts. Chances of you progressing is entirely based on your reliability for the people around you. Your degree, if it is like mine, is not designed to get you ahead in life. You must adapt to the changes, so do not stop studying and getting certified. Then, find a side hustle. If it means building your own PC or booting a version of Linux so you can design your own program, then DO IT.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I needed help with my mental health while in the Marines, and I neglected it. I learned that if you let these issues build up and don’t talk about it, you are prone to greater mistakes. I eventually went on a lot of prescribed medications. Those did not work. What got me through these things was flushing that crap down the toilet and going to church. Best decision I ever made.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Teams. Specifically Teams. Without the ability to communicate, you are pretty much stranded.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Favorite book is the Bible. I read it cover-to-cover and as you grow in life, you learn more lessons.