As a Chief Operating Officer in the fast-evolving payments industry, Pamela Hanna understands the importance of staying ahead through both experience and insight. Currently pursuing a dual DBA at Paris School of Management, she chose the program for its unique ability to bridge theory and real-world application.
What motivated you to pursue a Dual DBA at this stage of your career, and what goals are you hoping to achieve through it?
At this stage of my career, I felt the need to move from purely operational and strategic execution into deeper, research-driven thinking. Working in the payments and financial services industry exposed me to complex challenges especially around fraud detection and risk management that require more than practical experience alone. Pursuing a Dual DBA allows me to bridge that gap between industry and academia. My goal is not only to deepen my expertise, but also to contribute meaningful research that can be applied in real-world financial environments.
Can you briefly describe your professional background and the experiences that led you to this program?
I currently serve as a Chief Operating Officer in the payments industry, where I oversee operations, risk processes, and overall business performance within a PSP environment. My role involves managing complex financial flows and ensuring both operational efficiency and compliance. Over time, I became increasingly involved in fraud-related challenges whether in transaction monitoring, merchant risk, or financial reporting integrity. This exposure made me realize how critical it is to combine practical experience with structured frameworks and advanced analytical approaches. That realization is what led me to pursue a DBA, where I could formalize my knowledge, challenge my assumptions, and explore these topics at a much deeper level.
What attracted you to a dual DBA structure, and why did you choose Paris School of Management as part of your academic journey?
The dual DBA structure was particularly appealing because it offers a broader academic perspective and exposure to different methodologies and ways of thinking. In today’s global business environment, having that multi-institutional and international dimension is extremely valuable. I chose Paris School of Management because of its strong balance between academic rigor and practical relevance. The program is clearly designed for professionals who want to apply research to real business challenges, rather than staying purely theoretical. Additionally, the international exposure and the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of professionals made it a very compelling choice for me.
What aspects of the program have been most impactful so far?
One of the most impactful aspects has been the shift in how I approach problems. The program has pushed me to think more critically, question assumptions, and structure my ideas in a much more rigorous way. Another key aspect is the exposure to research methodologies and academic frameworks, which has added a new layer to how I analyze real-world challenges. It’s not just about finding solutions anymore, it’s about understanding the underlying mechanisms and validating them. Additionally, interacting with other professionals from different industries has been extremely valuable. It broadens your perspective and challenges you to think beyond your own sector.
The program has pushed me to think more critically, question assumptions, and structure my ideas in a much more rigorous way.
How would you describe the value of the Dual DBA experience to other professionals considering a similar path?
The Dual DBA is a significant commitment, but it’s incredibly valuable for professionals who want to go beyond execution and step into thought leadership. It allows you to formalize your experience, develop a structured way of thinking, and contribute knowledge back to your industry. It’s especially valuable for those dealing with complex, evolving challenges; where practical experience alone is not enough. I would say it’s ideal for professionals who are curious, driven, and willing to challenge their own thinking. If you’re looking to elevate both your strategic perspective and your long-term impact, this kind of program can be transformative.