Angela Cherry profile

Angela Cherry

There has been a substantial change in the conventional understanding of what makes for good leadership. Far too long, the concept of a successful leader has been limited to characteristics that are often associated with men, such as dominance, aggressiveness, and other qualities. But when more and more women take up leadership positions and challenge and transform these deeply held beliefs, a new story begins to take shape.

Leading this change is the understanding that, in today’s intricate and linked world, feminine leadership attributes like empathy, inclusivity, and teamwork are not just important but also crucial for success and creativity.

Angela Cherry, the president of SecureStream Pay Solutions, embodies this evolving paradigm of leadership. Her journey and achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of feminine leadership. As we delve into her story, we uncover not only her remarkable accomplishments but also the principles and values that underpin her leadership style, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity.

From the Scratch

Raised on a farm in a rural area of middle Tennessee, Angela Cherry spent numerous days after school, on weekends, and during summers working on various farm tasks such as tending to the garden, caring for animals, and hauling hay. Engaging in these responsibilities instilled in her the values of hard work and follow-through from a young age.

Throughout her school years, Angela was actively involved in various clubs and served as a cheerleader from middle through high school. Her dedication and congenial nature were recognized when she was named to the homecoming court during her senior year and awarded the title of “most congenial.”

Despite not pursuing a formal college education, Angela embarked on the journey of marriage and motherhood after high school. However, following her divorce after eight years of marriage, she found herself facing challenges as a single mother of two daughters without a formal college degree or substantial work experience.

Journey towards SecureStream Pay Solutions.

Having started her career as a Commercial HVAC Dispatcher, post the divorce, this job role was hardly enough to sustain a family of three, which Angela describes as an overwhelming and a draining time. Even though the experience was negative, Angela learnt a lot during the divorce period, and ended up getting a job as a paralegal at an attorney’s office.

One of Angela’s clients at the time, a CEO of a credit card processing company, observed Angela’s dedication and diligence in her work. One day, he approached her, stating, “I think I have an opportunity that you would be really great for.” Intrigued by the prospect, Angela expressed her interest, and he elaborated that it was for a business development management position. Despite feeling inexperienced for the role, Angela was inspired by the confidence her client had in her abilities. She accepted the position, taking on the responsibility of securing all accounts, which eventually led to her promotion to an executive leadership position.

Upon leaving her previous role, Angela Cherry made a transition into the commercial furniture industry. Around six months into her tenure in commercial furniture rental, the emergence of the pandemic introduced an unforeseen challenge: despite her diligent efforts in renting out office furniture, the lack of office occupants presented a substantial hurdle. However, undeterred and brimming with confidence, Angela sought out opportunities amidst the adversity. She identified the ongoing construction projects in Nashville as a promising avenue, enabling her to achieve her business goals and establish herself as a top producer on a national scale.

Subsequently, Angela’s exceptional performance attracted attention, leading to her recruitment to sell office furniture for another company, where she once again excelled as a top producer. Her unwavering commitment to integrity and diligence continued to yield success, culminating in a pivotal opportunity: investors within her network approached her with the proposition to oversee and rebrand a credit card processing company they were poised to acquire. Drawing upon her proven track record and expertise in the credit card processing industry, as well as her past successes, Angela embraced the opportunity of serving as the President of SecureStream Pay Solutions.

As the President

Angela Cherry’s leadership style is comprehensive; she shapes the company’s overall vision, purpose, and values by offering strategic direction and guidance. Her forte is in business development, where she adeptly recognizes and leverages growth prospects including venturing into untapped areas, creating inventive goods or services, and fostering influential alliances.

As a proficient financial manager, Angela oversees the financial well-being of the company, meticulously managing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring sustained profitability. She adeptly supervises day-to-day operations across all departments, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness. Also, her adeptness in client relations ensures strong, enduring partnerships, with a focus on client satisfaction and retention. And importantly, Angela as the President remains vigilant in regulatory compliance, ensuring the company operates within the bounds of relevant laws and industry standards.

With a strong focus on innovation, Angela keeps up with the latest developments in technology and the industry, which inspires creativity inside the business to be competitive. She is also skilled in risk management, having the ability to recognize and reduce any hazards in the areas of finances, operations, law, and reputation.

Navigating Challenges

In Angela Cherry’s journey within the credit card processing industry, she encountered various challenges, reflecting on the saturated and occasionally deceitful nature of the field. She acknowledges the highly competitive and sometimes murky landscape of merchant processing, where clients often feel trapped by unfulfilled promises, opaque pricing, and subpar customer service. Angela’s approach, mirrored by SecureStream Pay Solutions, is centered on restoring trust and confidence in the industry. They prioritize integrity, transparency, competitive rates, and exceptional customer service to differentiate themselves.

A Strategic Road Map

Looking ahead, Angela Cherry, as the President of SecureStream Pay Solutions, envisions ambitious aspirations for the company over the next 5-10 years. Firstly, along with her team members and the management of SecureStream Pay Solutions, their primary aim is to broaden their market presence by targeting new regions or industries where there is a demand for its payment solutions.

Angela Cherry also aims to lead the company in increasing revenue, profitability, and market valuation while ensuring a strong balance sheet and sustainable growth trajectory. Additionally, she plans to establish strategic partnerships with other companies in the financial industry or related sectors to expand the company’s reach and offerings. This includes collaborations with banks, e-commerce platforms, or cybersecurity firms to provide comprehensive payment solutions.

Furthermore, Angela emphasizes the importance of continuously improving the customer experience by streamlining payment processes, offering personalized services, and providing excellent customer support. By setting and diligently working towards these aspirations, Angela Cherry and SecureStream Pay Solutions aim to solidify their position as leaders in the payment processing industry and meet the evolving needs of their customers in the years to come.

On a Personal Note

Angela Cherry firmly believes that as long as one is alive, there are endless opportunities for learning and self-improvement. Embarking on international travel two years ago, Angela intends to continue exploring diverse cultures around the world, driven by a curiosity to expand her knowledge and experiences. With a lengthy list of destinations she aspires to visit, Angela is eager to share her journey to success, aspiring to inspire others to persevere and realize their own potential.

Despite her demanding roles in sales, business, and community engagement, Angela also embraces the responsibilities of motherhood, acknowledging the delicate balance required to manage multiple roles effectively. She attributes much of her success to the support of her tight-knit community, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system.

Recognizing the importance of self-care amidst her myriad responsibilities, Angela values the rejuvenating power of new experiences. In her leisure time, she enjoys immersing herself in travel, sampling authentic cuisine, and exploring unique destinations. Angela finds solace in outdoor activities such as boating and beach relaxation, relishing in varied and exciting experiences. Additionally, philanthropy holds a special place in Angela’s heart, aligning with her desire to make a positive impact in the world.