Snappi’s Journal is a new series of interviews about life and the people behind Snappi. Because ultimately, it’s people who make brands and companies—not just roadmaps, quarterly results, and processes (though those matter too! 😉). We’re building a service with a soul, and through this series, we’d love for you to experience it firsthand. Behind Snappi’s Journal is Piret! She’s our Head of Global Brand & Communications, originally from Tallinn, Estonia. So don’t be surprised if you come across a few Estonian hints here and there. Stay tuned! 

We’re sitting down for this interview with Maria Dalavika, Snappi’s employee number 100, at the very end of her first working day. My VoiceMemo amusingly names our COO’s office—where we’re having this conversation—as “a Romantic House Studio.” We laugh, and I instantly think of the LinkedIn post I never published—the one that asked followers to drop a ❤️ emoji if they believe emotions belong in banking. At Snappi we wholeheartedly believe that, because at the end of the day, banking is run by humans, for humans. 

Maria is one of those warm, magnetic humans. That’s clear from the moment we meet. With her curly long hair, a radiant smile, and a voice made for TV and radio, you instantly want to listen to what she has to say. And when she tells me that she has chosen to be a positive person—that she has chosen to trust people, even if it sometimes means getting hurt—I believe her. It’s who she is at her core. 

The two other words Maria uses to describe herself? Enthusiastic and curious. We laugh, reminiscing about the wild place’s curiosity has taken both of us. 

From High School Business Class to AI Innovator  

Maria’s career path is both straightforward and unconventional. She always knew she wanted to do something creative. A business administration course in high school introduced her to company management, and she thought she’d end up in marketing in the private sector. But then, a single person changed everything: her math teacher. 

While Maria tells me about him, I try to picture this math teacher—a figure who, for some reason, I wish I had in my own school years. This teacher told Maria, “Study informatics. If you master it, the world will open endless doors for you.” 

So, she did. And back then, she was in the vast minority. 

Her career kicked off in Berlin in 2011, where she stayed for eight years before moving back to Greece—continuing to work remotely for another three. She’s infused with ‘ordnung’—the famous German love for order and structure. She thrives in systemized processes, control, and efficiency. But what makes Maria special is the way she balances that passion for order with an openness to experimentation and creativity. That’s why I know we’re lucky to have her. She’s a rare find. 

Snappi, Culture & A Mission to Make an Impact 

When I ask Maria how she feels at Snappi so far and what she expects—both personally and professionally—she lights up. 

She tells me that culture and values matter deeply to her. And the first thing she felt at Snappi? Care. That was the strongest feeling she had working in Germany, and it was the first thing she felt at Snappi. If people in a company aren’t happy, the company can’t create something that makes others happy. And that’s not what Snappi is about. 

Maria wants to make an impact. She wants to leave a mark. She only wants to do meaningful things. And we both agree—Snappi is going to have a massive impact. It’s empowering people financially, giving them the tools to build confidence in their financial lives. 

The Drive for Excellence & AI as a Game-Changer 

Professionally, Maria ensures Snappi’s product meets top-tier standards. 

“Being best in class isn’t about the number of errors we find,” she explains. “It’s about making sure our product genuinely impresses people.” 

She joined Snappi to build something from scratch. To create something new and exciting. To design a user experience that truly wows. 

“I want to use every new tool out there, especially AI,” she says. “Before Snappi, I was part of an AI team at a big universal bank, experimenting with cutting-edge technology. I became a huge AI fan—I’d even say I’m friends with it.” 

She believes AI will revolutionize everything. That the changes we’re about to witness will be at least three times bigger than the Industrial Revolution. 

“AI will free us from routine work so we can focus on things with the biggest impact. It’s already changing our jobs. The question is: will we keep our ability to think critically? That’s my biggest concern. I hope new generations won’t lose that. It’s crucial for understanding the world and making smart decisions.” 

“It’s Money-In, Money-Out… Mostly Out” 

Maria makes everything sound easy. 

When I ask about her personal relationship with banking, she grins and says, “It’s money-in, money-out… mostly out!” We burst into laughter, and for a second, I feel relieved—there are more people like me in the financial world. 

Beyond Banking: Volleyball, Theses & ChatGPT as a Personal Assistant 

Outside of work, Maria is an athlete. She loves beach volleyball and sports in general. When she started at Snappi, she told her direct manager, “I’m not afraid of long hours or hard work—I just need my time for volleyball.” 

But she has time for everything. In addition to experimenting with AI, NFTs, and code, she’s writing her second thesis. And her secret weapon? 

ChatGPT. 

“I set my goals, and ChatGPT organizes my calendar,” she says, matter-of-factly. “And the biggest secret? It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go. The most important thing is to keep going—at least 15 minutes a day.” 

No Paradise, Just People Who Know What They’re Doing. Passionately. 

When I ask how she feels at Snappi after Day One, she says: “I’m actually much more excited than I show.” That’s very Estonian, I think. 

She describes the team as nice, structured, and full of people who know exactly what they’re doing. “But I don’t expect Paradise.” 

I love that answer. You can sense she’s grounded, strong, and determined—a true force, just like the women shaping Snappi’s journey. 

The Takeaways 

• The Most Beautiful Greek Word I Learned Today: Philodoxia (φιλοδοξία) – Ambition. 
• Myth Busted: Greek people are not as hardworking as Germans.