Celebrating Women in Fintech: Trailblazers of October
This October, The Fintech Times is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the fintech industry. With women making up only about 30% of the fintech workforce, it’s crucial to recognize those who have not only reached the top but have also paved the way for others. We hear from four inspiring leaders—Julia McColl, Samantha Fogerty, Neha Mittal, and Amelie Arras—who share their greatest achievements and the lessons learned along the way.
Julia McColl: A Mindset for Success
Julia McColl, the Commercial Director at Chetwood Financial, reflects on her journey with a focus on mindset rather than mere outcomes.
“My greatest achievement isn’t an outcome, a thing I delivered, or something I made happen. It’s a mindset I have followed that has influenced the career decisions I’ve made to date.”
Early in her career at Lloyds Banking Group, Julia received pivotal advice: instead of chasing promotions, she should seek breadth in her experience. This perspective allowed her to explore various teams and refine her leadership style.
Years later, she took a leap into consultancy at Capco, where she faced new challenges that expanded her skill set. Eventually, she joined Chetwood Financial as employee number one, taking a significant risk that paid off.
“Sometimes you just have to take a risk,” she says, reflecting on her journey of building four customer propositions and a team of 180 people.
Samantha Fogerty: Defying Expectations
Samantha Fogerty, Managing Director of Payl8r, shares her unexpected rise in the finance world, emphasizing that success is not solely defined by traditional metrics.
“Never in my wildest years did I imagine I would be the MD of a finance company. My weakest subject at school was maths.”
Despite her struggles with numbers, Samantha leveraged her strengths in sales and relationship-building. When a friend approached her to lead a new business, she initially hesitated but ultimately embraced the challenge.
Over the past five years, she has immersed herself in the finance industry, mastering new skills and leading Payl8r to win the Best Retail Finance Provider award.
“Fifteen years ago, nobody would imagine me working in finance. But believe in yourself and the rest will follow,” she encourages.
Neha Mittal: Championing Diversity
As the CEO of Divido, Neha Mittal is on a mission to revolutionize finance through technology and inclusivity.
“Back in 2018, when I was named one of Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35, I set out my vision to revolutionise the old-school world of finance.”
Neha’s ascent to CEO is a personal achievement that allows her to advocate for underrepresented groups in financial services. At Divido, women comprise a third of the executive team, but Neha acknowledges that there’s still work to be done.
“I have always said that ensuring your voice is heard is vital for getting on,” she asserts, encouraging women to speak up and share their perspectives.
Amelie Arras: The Power of Community
Amelie Arras, Marketing Director at Zumo, recounts a unique achievement that opened her eyes to the potential of cryptocurrencies.
“One of my greatest achievements was winning the 2017 Money 20/20 Payments Race, travelling some 2,300 miles on only bitcoin.”
This challenge required creativity and resourcefulness, qualities Amelie believes are essential in the startup world. Her experience highlighted the importance of community, as she connected with bitcoin enthusiasts during her travels.
“The response was unbelievable,” she recalls, emphasizing how the bitcoin community’s support made her journey possible.
Amelie’s experiences have led her to Zumo, where she continues to advocate for the benefits of blockchain and digital currencies.
These women exemplify resilience, creativity, and leadership in the fintech industry. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in shaping the future of finance.