Nick Zylkowski

Pioneer
DISC Type : DSI

Head of Engineering at Qonto

Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Overview

Nick is a senior engineering leader at Qonto, managing 45+ engineers and the core banking infrastructure. With over 10 years in B2B SaaS and Fintech, he specializes in platform engineering, scalable systems, and AI integration. Colleagues describe him as technically brilliant, supportive, and outcome-focused.

Outside of his formal role, Nick is a writer who explores concepts in engineering leadership on his blog. He took a deliberate career break to focus on leadership development and aligning with organizational values. He also has a stated interest in the LEGO Group.

Unique fact: Nick authors his own blog, "The Engineering Managers Musings, " and has been featured in prominent industry newsletters.

Personality Overview

Decisive But Friendly

Friendly But Fast

Dynamic But Sincere

They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed  If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)

Topics They Care About

Engineering Leadership
He actively writes about leadership concepts, such as the distinction between managers and directors, on his personal blog, demonstrating a passion for developing leaders.
Fintech Infrastructure
Currently leads Qonto's core banking platform. Previously built an in-house card processor and a payment service provider (PSP) API abstraction layer from the ground up.
AI/ML Integration
Focuses on practical AI applications, having delivered GenAI-powered operational tools at Qonto and ML-driven product recommendations at Westwing.

Media Appearances

Nick has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2025
Head of Engineering at Qonto
3-2024 - 10-2025
Head of Backend at Qonto
9-2023 - 2-2024
Career Break
5-2023 - 9-2023
Tech Director at ABOUT YOU
6-2022 - 5-2023
Director of Engineering at Westwing

Education

2018 - 2020
Master's degree from WIT Academy
2014 - 2018
Bachelor of Science - BS from WIT Academy

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 7 Location : Munich, Bavaria, Germany Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Engineering at Qonto
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Insights For Selling To Nick

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Mostly stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, but add some stories or anecdotes to it
  • During followups, use calls or text if needed, they should be fine
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too

DONT's

  • Don't lean very heavily into providing too much information, sharing whitepapers etc.
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine
  • Don’t be very informal during the early interactions even if they are being so themselves

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Nick is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Nick

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Nick move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Nick take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Nick

Personality Compatibility


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