Dylan Winik is a successful business leader and entrepreneur with a strong track record in scaling businesses, driving commercial growth, and delivering operational excellence in the fintech and payments industries. With experience across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, Dylan brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on execution to his work.
As CEO of Oceania at Nayax, a global fintech leader in cashless payment solutions, Dylan played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence and performance in Australia. He was instrumental in scaling the local operation, driving double-digit revenue growth, and enhancing operational capabilities across sales, customer experience, and partner channels.
Under his leadership, Nayax Australia achieved significant milestones, including increased adoption of the Nayax CORE platform, improved merchant performance analytics, and strengthened strategic partnerships in the unattended retail space.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Dylan is a seasoned entrepreneur, having successfully launched and grown several businesses across retail, technology, and distribution. His ventures demonstrate a keen ability to identify market gaps, create scalable operating models, and build strong, culture-led teams.
Company: Nayax
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Dylan Winik: My name is Dylan Winik, and I serve as the CEO of Nayax Oceania. I joined the company in 2016 and currently oversee operations across our offices in Australia and New Zealand. As an entrepreneur, I was drawn to Nayax when it was still a much smaller business, inspired by the opportunity to help drive growth and unlock its potential. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to that journey, and today Nayax has grown into a global leader with more than 1,200 employees and 1.25 million connected devices across 120+ countries.
How has the significance of networking evolved over the past decades?
Dylan Winik: We believe that true networking is built on genuine relationships, and fostering those relationships has been central to our success and rapid growth. We treat every customer, regardless of size, with equal importance and strive to build lasting connections that go beyond a traditional supplier–customer dynamic. This means actively participating in customer events, engaging with their stakeholders (whether or not they are our direct customers), and consistently demonstrating that we are real people who care deeply about their success. Through this approach, we ensure they receive not only exceptional service but also a trusted partnership.
Can you share a personal story where one networking interaction led to unexpected doors opening, and how it highlights the ripple effect of networking?
Dylan Winik: I lead a business that prioritises fostering a sense of family and community. To support this culture, we host activities such as monthly poker nights at our office, where team members, customers, suppliers, and friends are welcome to join. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment to connect and network while having fun. In fact, during one of these events, a new participant turned out to be from a company undertaking a large-scale EV charger rollout. That connection ultimately led to a partnership where we integrated cashless payment solutions into their existing EV charger fleet, enhancing convenience and ease of use for their customers.
What are some common networking mistakes people make, and how can they pivot to turn potential missteps into learning experiences?
Dylan Winik: A common mistake I’ve seen people make at networking events is to approach them with the sole intent to sell. In today’s business environment, people choose to buy products and services from those they genuinely like and trust – that is the real shift in the sales landscape. To me, the purpose of a networking event is to connect, make an initial introduction, and then, depending on the potential opportunity, focus on building a relationship founded on trust.
How do you see the future of networking evolving with the rise of AI, VR, and other technologies?
Dylan Winik: One of the most effective networking events I’ve attended involved a structured speed-networking format. The setup featured more than 20 numbered tables, and prior to the event, participants submitted meeting requests that had to be mutually accepted. Each confirmed meeting allowed for a focused seven-minute conversation to spark interest and determine whether a follow-up meeting should be scheduled.
I believe this type of structured approach has immense potential, especially when adapted globally without the need for international travel. Imagine the possibilities of replicating such events virtually, using VR technology to create the feeling of being present, while saving the significant costs, time, and effort associated with travel.
