Building a Career in Fintech: Insights from Roxana Mohammadian-Molina and Industry Leaders
In the rapidly evolving world of financial technology, the landscape is more vibrant than ever. With over 70% of digitally active adults in the UK utilizing fintech services, the sector is not only thriving but also becoming a cornerstone of the economy. As the UK government commits to maintaining its status as a global leader in fintech, the opportunities for career growth in this field are abundant. Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, Chief Strategy Officer at Blend Network, shares valuable insights from her colleagues in the industry, offering advice for women looking to build successful careers in fintech.
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina: Make Your Voice Heard
Roxana emphasizes the importance of establishing a leadership presence in a predominantly male-dominated environment. She encourages women to ensure their voices are heard, which is fundamentally tied to confidence. Roxana shares her personal “trick” for boosting confidence: wearing red lipstick. This small act serves as a powerful reminder to project confidence and assertiveness. She believes that now is the perfect time for women to step into leadership roles, especially with the ongoing push for diversity and innovation in fintech.
Monica Velasquez Torres: Embrace Curiosity and Failure
Monica, the Chief Technology Officer at Recognise Bank, highlights that technology is not just about coding or architecture; it’s a human journey driven by curiosity. She advises aspiring professionals to embrace challenges and learn from failures. A growth mindset is essential, as it fosters continuous questioning and analysis. Monica encourages women to trust their abilities and focus on the impact they can make in their roles. She believes that now is the time to act rather than hesitate, urging women to influence their environments positively.
Janine Hirt: Authenticity and Mentorship
Janine Hirt, CEO of Innovate Finance, stresses the importance of authenticity and integrity in building a career. She advises women to understand their strengths and weaknesses and to surround themselves with a team that excels in areas where they may not. Finding trustworthy mentors—both male and female—is crucial for personal and professional growth. Janine emphasizes the power of kindness and passion, noting that these qualities can inspire and uplift those around you.
Liza Haskell: Understand the Fundamentals
Liza Haskell, Chief Administrative Officer at Tide, encourages newcomers to fintech to return to first principles. She acknowledges the perception that the industry is complex but insists that understanding the core goals of a business and its customers can demystify many challenges. By digging deeper into complicated topics and asking colleagues for explanations, individuals can gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and advance their careers.
Nina Mohanty: The Power of Asking
Nina Mohanty, Founder of Bloom Money, believes that curiosity and the willingness to ask questions are vital for career advancement. She emphasizes that individuals are their best advocates and must take the initiative to express their desires. Whether it’s seeking new projects, requesting raises, or pursuing speaking engagements, Nina asserts that asking is crucial. The worst outcome is a “no,” but without asking, the answer is always no.
Final Thoughts
The fintech industry is ripe with opportunities for women looking to build their careers. With insights from leaders like Roxana Mohammadian-Molina and her colleagues, aspiring professionals can navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence, curiosity, and a commitment to authenticity. By embracing challenges, seeking mentorship, and advocating for themselves, women can carve out successful paths in this exciting field.