Georgia Stewart: Pioneering Change in Fintech as CEO of Tumelo

Georgia Stewart, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Tumelo, is on a mission to revolutionize the way investors engage with their shareholder rights. With a vision that aims to empower every investor by 2030, Stewart is not just leading a fintech company; she is spearheading a movement to reshape the financial landscape.

Empowering Investors

At the heart of Stewart’s role in fintech is a commitment to democratizing investment. She emphasizes that a staggering 275 million investors control £54 trillion in workplace pensions and investment products across the UK and the US. Yet, most of this money is funneled into funds, leaving fund managers with significant control over influential companies. Stewart believes that this shareholder ownership system is fundamentally flawed. Tumelo aims to bridge this gap by enabling investment platforms to empower investors, ensuring that companies listen to their shareholders.

Championing Women in Fintech

Stewart is not only focused on her company’s mission but is also a passionate advocate for increasing female representation in fintech. She has actively participated in various female-oriented organizations, such as ‘Women in Ethics and Compliance’ and ‘Vestpod – Women & Money.’ Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she has received accolades like the Rising Star of the Year 2021 and Innovator of the Year 2020 from Professional Pensions, as well as the Innovator of the Year award at the Women in Finance Awards in 2021.

Within her own team at Tumelo, Stewart fosters an environment that encourages women to excel in diverse roles, from engineering to sales and design. She believes in lifting others up, providing them with the support and platform they need to thrive.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

When discussing diversity and inclusion, Stewart emphasizes that these are not merely goals but essential components of building effective teams. She argues that a diverse workforce fosters a safer and more productive environment, encouraging a variety of perspectives and healthy debates. This diversity is crucial for Tumelo’s ambitious mission to change the world, as it enables the company to understand and empathize with its diverse user base.

Despite the challenges, Stewart acknowledges the strides being made in promoting diversity within fintech. A recent Tech Nation report highlighted the stark gender disparity in tech roles, with 77% of tech director positions held by men and only 19% of the workforce being women. However, she points to organizations like the Digital Her Project and Girl Geek Dinners that are actively working to combat these issues.

Addressing Misconceptions

Stewart reflects on the misconceptions that may have existed regarding women in fintech, particularly in the industry’s early days. While tech has historically been male-dominated, she asserts that the narrative is changing. Today, many talented women are making significant contributions to the fintech space, and Stewart is a staunch advocate for their visibility and recognition.

Overcoming Challenges

Stewart acknowledges that while opportunities abound in fintech, barriers still exist for women. Access to roles is a significant hurdle, and once women are in the industry, combating feelings of "imposter syndrome" is crucial. Companies must provide support and resources to help women gain the skills they need to excel.

Funding remains a critical challenge, particularly for women-led fintech ventures. Stewart highlights the need for more capital to flow into these businesses and emphasizes the importance of having more women in positions of power, such as angel investors and venture capitalists.

Advice for Aspiring Women in Fintech

For women looking to break into the fintech industry, Stewart offers straightforward advice: "Be yourself and get on with it!" She encourages women to voice their opinions and engage actively in discussions, whether in person or through digital platforms. Building a personal brand and becoming a thought leader can also help women carve out their space in the industry. Stewart emphasizes the importance of community, noting that there are numerous networks for women in tech, providing a sense of belonging and support.

Role Models and Inspiration

Stewart draws inspiration from a variety of female leaders in fintech, including Jill Jackson, CEO of The Big Exchange, and Felicia Hjertman, Founder and CEO of Tillit. She credits her family, particularly her mother and sisters, for their unwavering support and motivation. Additionally, her friendships with other successful women in finance serve as a constant source of encouragement.

Through her leadership at Tumelo and her advocacy for women in fintech, Georgia Stewart is not just shaping her own career but is also paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. Her vision and commitment to inclusivity are setting a powerful example in the fintech landscape.