Embracing the Journey: Insights from a Woman in Fintech

As a woman navigating the dynamic world of fintech, I’ve come to realize that many of the answers to my challenges were already within me. Throughout my journey in startups and scale-ups, shifting my mindset in key areas has significantly impacted my success. Here are three pivotal takeaways for women embarking on their own paths in this exciting industry.

Know Yourself – and Be Yourself

Reflecting on my career in tech and finance, I often find that my biggest mistakes stemmed from a lack of honesty with myself. This realization has manifested in various ways. Driving change requires immense effort and often leads to sleepless nights. It’s essential to acknowledge that your work influences your personal life and vice versa. At some point, something has to give. Recognizing this truth empowered me to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Knowing myself also meant embracing my strengths, despite the ever-present specter of imposter syndrome. Many professional women, myself included, tend to underestimate and undersell our capabilities. However, it’s equally important to confront our weaknesses. Identifying blind spots and understanding where we need support is crucial. Delegating tasks or hiring individuals with skills we lack can be a game-changer for our businesses.

Ultimately, knowing yourself paves the way for being your authentic self. Authenticity fosters respect, and it’s far better to be respected for who you are than to play a role to fit in.

Don’t Fear Failure

Perfectionism has been a constant companion in my life, but my scale-up journey has taught me to temper it. While achieving success on the first try is wonderful, the most valuable lessons often arise from our failures. Each setback builds resilience, a vital trait in business, and compels us to adapt, innovate, and focus on areas ripe for development.

Today, I celebrate imperfection. When building something from scratch, it’s unrealistic to expect it to be perfect from the outset, especially when time, money, and resources are limited. Fellow female tech leader Sheryl Sandberg aptly stated, “done is better than perfect.” My background in management consulting conditioned me to strive for the best deliverables, often focusing on one project at a time. However, in a startup or scale-up environment, the sheer number of potential areas for improvement can be overwhelming. Prioritizing and concentrating on impactful levers is essential; striving for perfection can lead to distraction and stagnation.

Find Your Tribe

Scaling a business is an extraordinary endeavor, and it’s a journey best taken with others. Finding a community of like-minded leaders has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. This network provides invaluable support and advice from those who have faced similar challenges.

However, this relationship is reciprocal. To receive support, you must also give it. Aim to uplift and assist others, particularly women in your field. According to the Rose Review, women are statistically less likely than men to know other entrepreneurs or have access to mentors and professional networks. Investing time in mentoring a fellow woman in fintech can be incredibly rewarding. Supporting the next generation of female leaders not only enriches them but also offers profound insights into our own experiences and successes.

No Silver Bullet

The gender imbalance in fintech is a systemic issue that affects not only women but the industry as a whole. The unrealized potential of untapped female talent is immense. I firmly believe that we must collaborate as a sector and society to create an environment where women can thrive. While adapting our own approaches and mindsets is crucial, the industry must also evolve to support us in this journey.

By embracing these insights and fostering a supportive community, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and successful future in fintech.