FinTech Weekly x International Women’s Day: Insights from Nicky Senyard

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we had the privilege of interviewing Nicky Senyard, the CEO and Founder of Fintel Connect. Nicky’s journey in the fintech space is not just inspiring but also a testament to the resilience and innovation that women bring to leadership roles. In this exclusive interview, she shares her experiences, the challenges of scaling a business, and her vision for a more inclusive future in fintech.

A Journey Rooted in Flexibility and Collaboration

Nicky’s entry into the fintech industry was driven by a desire for flexibility that would allow her to balance work and family life. “What motivated me to start my own venture was simple. I wanted to be able to work and have a family,” she explains. This quest for autonomy led her to affiliate marketing, where she discovered the power of collaboration. “I love working with people to come up with a win-win-win scenario,” she adds.

Interestingly, the finance sector found her rather than the other way around. A financial client recognized the potential of her work in another niche and sought to leverage her expertise. This serendipitous encounter ignited her passion for financial services, a field she finds deeply impactful. “Finance matters. It is a subject that touches everyone,” she notes, emphasizing her commitment to delivering valuable content to those who need it.

Lessons Learned in Leadership

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Nicky has gleaned invaluable lessons that have shaped her leadership style. “It’s never about you; it’s about the team,” she asserts. This philosophy has instilled in her the courage to delegate and trust her team. “It is my role as CEO to be clear on the vision of the company, but I don’t need to be responsible for all of the ‘how’s’ to achieving that vision,” she explains.

Nicky also highlights the importance of adaptability. “Every challenge has a solution, and usually, the solution is a collaboration of ideas,” she states. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the complexities of scaling her business in an ever-evolving industry.

Overcoming Obstacles in Business Growth

Scaling a business is fraught with challenges, particularly in dynamic sectors like fintech. Nicky identifies a significant obstacle: the lack of comprehensive information at the outset. “You often start with what you think is important and uncover more layers as you go,” she explains. This iterative process of learning is essential, and she emphasizes the need for flexibility and a willingness to pivot.

“Learning a new industry is hard, or it should be if you want to establish deep roots,” she adds, underscoring the importance of thorough understanding and adaptability in achieving sustainable growth.

Addressing Gender Barriers in Leadership

As a woman in a leadership position, Nicky is acutely aware of the barriers that still exist for women in the workplace. “Childcare is a significant barrier for women,” she asserts. Her observations reveal that many talented women are lost to the workforce due to family obligations. “The workforce loses a lot of intellect and intelligence when women can’t come back to work because of the needs of their families,” she notes.

Nicky also points out that women often have to work harder to earn their positions. “When you see a woman in a leadership position, they excel because of this ‘earned’ mentality,” she explains. This reality highlights the need for systemic changes to create a more equitable environment for women in leadership roles.

The Changing Landscape of Work-Life Balance

When discussing the balance between family and career, Nicky believes that perceptions are shifting. “The stigma with having a family and a career simultaneously is being removed,” she states. While challenges remain, she sees progress in pay equity and the opportunities it creates for women. “We are not all the way there yet, but the closing of the gap is providing more opportunities and different conversations,” she adds.

Innovations Shaping the Future of Fintech

The fintech landscape is rapidly evolving, and Nicky is particularly excited about the role of AI in this transformation. “AI is disrupting every sector,” she notes, highlighting its impact on performance marketing. The emergence of AI-driven tools is changing how businesses approach customer service, credit risk assessment, and compliance.

“AI-powered tools can automate content monitoring, detect regulatory issues in real time, and streamline compliance workflows,” she explains. This innovation allows companies to explore new advertising channels while maintaining compliance, a crucial aspect in the highly regulated financial sector.

A Message for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

On this International Women’s Day, Nicky has a powerful message for women aspiring to become entrepreneurs and leaders. “First and foremost, follow your passion,” she advises. She encourages women to celebrate their successes, no matter how small. “Small milestones are not only more achievable, they often build to become a significant part of something beautiful and much bigger,” she reflects.

Nicky’s journey exemplifies the potential for women to thrive in leadership roles, driven by passion, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusivity. Her insights serve as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that every step, no matter how humble, contributes to a larger tapestry of success.