Celebrating Women in Fintech: Trailblazers of Change
This October, The Fintech Times shines a spotlight on the incredible women making waves in the fintech industry. Despite women representing only about 30% of the workforce, these trailblazers are not just participants; they are leaders, innovators, and advocates for change. In this article, we delve into the inspiring stories of five remarkable women: Yuliya Tarasava, Chanelle Pattinson, Meeri Savolainen, Jennifer Philo, and Teresa Byrne. Each of them is championing the cause of women in fintech, paving the way for future generations.
Yuliya Tarasava: Embracing the Journey
Yuliya Tarasava, COO and co-founder of CNote, embodies resilience and growth. She believes that “failure and success are different sides of the same coin.” For Yuliya, the entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs, and she views challenges as valuable lessons rather than setbacks.
Her approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of valuing people. “We want our team members to grow personally and professionally while they are at CNote,” she explains. Yuliya engages in meaningful conversations with her team about their aspirations, ensuring that their roles contribute to their personal and professional development. This nurturing environment not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens the company’s mission.
Chanelle Pattinson: Amplifying Women’s Voices
Chanelle Pattinson, co-founder and chartered financial planner at Money Means, is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in finance and fintech. Through her podcast, “Her Future Bright,” she interviews inspiring women, discussing their careers, achievements, and struggles.
Chanelle created this platform to encourage more women to enter the finance sector and to support those already in the industry. By sharing stories and experiences, she aims to build a community where women can inspire and uplift one another, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.
Meeri Savolainen: Leading with Diversity
As the founder and CEO of INZMO, Meeri Savolainen is a staunch advocate for gender diversity. Her startup boasts a 60:40 female-to-male ratio, with six of the nine senior leadership positions held by women. Meeri believes that increasing the representation of women in senior roles is crucial for driving gender equality in the industry.
She emphasizes that a diverse business is not only more innovative but also more productive. To achieve this, Meeri focuses on retention and promotion strategies, actively celebrating female leaders within her organization. By implementing clearly defined career development programs, she ensures that women have the support they need to thrive.
Jennifer Philo: A Supportive Network
Jennifer Philo, head of global brands at Blackhawk Network, highlights the importance of supportive leadership. She is fortunate to work in an environment where many women hold leadership roles, fostering a culture of collaboration. Her CEO, Talbott Roche, has been a significant mentor, providing guidance and support since Jennifer’s first day.
Jennifer strives to emulate this supportive leadership style, making herself a resource for her team. She values diverse perspectives and actively seeks input from her colleagues, especially those new to the company. This collaborative approach not only enhances problem-solving but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for all employees.
Teresa Byrne: Creating Opportunities
Teresa Byrne, chief commercial officer at DivideBuy, brings a wealth of experience from her corporate career to the fintech sector. She recognizes the unique challenges women face in this industry and is committed to creating a supportive environment for them.
After noticing a lack of female applicants during a recruitment drive, Teresa adjusted the hiring process to encourage more women to apply. She shares her experiences openly, helping women feel comfortable discussing their challenges, particularly those related to balancing work and family life. Her efforts have already yielded results, with recent hires reflecting a commitment to gender diversity.
Teresa is also collaborating with other women in fintech to develop initiatives aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in the industry. By fostering networks where women can share their challenges and solutions, she is actively contributing to a culture of empowerment and support.
These women are not just making strides in their careers; they are also championing the cause of gender equality in fintech. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of representation, support, and collaboration in creating a more inclusive industry. As they continue to pave the way for future generations, their impact will resonate far beyond their individual achievements.