Building a Successful Fintech Career While Balancing Your Home Life
Deloitte’s 2022 report delivered a stark message about the state of gender diversity in the financial services industry. Statistics showed that women occupied just 21% of board seats, 19% of C-suite roles, and a mere 5% of CEO positions. While progress has been made over the years, these numbers underscore a broader issue, highlighting the need for more concerted efforts to support and promote women in the financial sector.
Lynda Strutton, Chief Operating Officer of Tribe Payments, shares her career journey in the male-dominated fintech sector, her experiences supporting gender diversity, and her insights into achieving that all-important work-life balance.
A Journey Through the Fintech Landscape
Lynda Strutton began her career in payments over a decade ago, gaining invaluable experience across Europe and the Middle East. She has held senior positions at notable companies such as Barclaycard, Elavon, and Network International. In 2022, she joined Tribe as VP of Customer Success and quickly ascended to her current role as COO, overseeing all commercial, marketing, operational, and product output. Notably, she achieved this promotion while pregnant with her fourth child, a milestone she documented in her blog post, “Promoted While Pregnant.” This candid sharing aims to guide other women concerned about advancing their careers while starting a family.
Lynda emphasizes the importance of building and leading high-performance teams to drive company growth. One of her significant achievements was transforming a product team to achieve 100% revenue growth within two years using only existing products. She believes in rallying her team around a shared vision and ensuring they understand the “why” behind their goals. Cultivating a growth culture, empowering individuals, and nurturing personal development through coaching are central to her leadership philosophy.
The Changing Face of Diversity in Fintech
Reflecting on her decade-long journey in the payments industry, Lynda has witnessed noticeable improvements in diversity. More women are entering the field, and the rise of female-focused networking and support groups marks a positive development. Younger women today exhibit greater confidence in voicing concerns and addressing issues of discrimination, a skill that took Lynda years to develop. However, she acknowledges that there is still much work to be done, particularly in supporting women to reach senior positions. With only 5% of CEO seats held by women, the challenge remains significant.
Lynda points out that many women’s career progression often coincides with family planning, raising the question of how to support them in balancing both. Additionally, she highlights the male dominance in networking events, stressing the importance of creating an inclusive environment where women feel comfortable and empowered to participate. She believes that men also have a role in fostering inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome in professional settings.
Navigating Work, Family, and Self
Balancing a demanding career with family life is no small feat, especially for Lynda, who is a mother of four. She candidly admits that she doesn’t have all the answers but shares a few strategies that have helped her find equilibrium.
First and foremost, working for a company that values work-life balance and supports flexible working patterns has been crucial for her. Lynda feels fortunate to have found this at Tribe, where employee happiness is prioritized. She acknowledges that feelings of guilt are normal for working parents, but accepting this reality can make it easier to manage.
To maintain balance, Lynda emphasizes the importance of being present with her children when she is home. She makes it a point to attend school breakfasts, pick-ups, and family trips, ensuring that important school events are marked in her calendar. She also encourages parents to seek help, whether from partners, family, or friends, as trying to manage everything alone can be overwhelming.
Paying It Forward and Cultural Insights
Throughout her career, Lynda has actively engaged in coaching, mentoring, and developing others. She has initiated female support networking groups aimed at empowering women with success stories and practical skills, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Africa, where gender diversity is still lagging.
Lynda recognizes that while Europe has made strides toward diversity and inclusion, the MEA region faces greater challenges. She has focused on creating spaces for women to share their experiences and support one another in overcoming discrimination and harassment.
Recently, she has also contemplated how to better support men whose partners are working, advocating for flexibility that allows them to balance family life. This perspective highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to work-life balance that considers the needs of all parents.
The Importance of Networking
Networking is a vital component of career advancement, yet it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Lynda admits that she has to push herself to engage in networking but recognizes its importance in the business world. With limited spare time, she is selective about the events she attends, ensuring that each opportunity adds value to her professional journey.
Prioritizing Mental Health
For Lynda, maintaining mental health amidst a busy life involves finding equilibrium. She prioritizes quality time with her children, partner, and work while also making room for exercise and personal time. Flexibility is key; she avoids stressing over rigid plans and instead adapts to ensure that all aspects of her life receive attention.
Lynda Strutton’s career and insights serve as an inspiration for women in or entering the fintech sector. Her journey highlights the importance of work-life balance, supporting diversity, and finding an approach that works for each individual. Her experiences provide valuable guidance for both women and men looking to thrive in their careers while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.