Celebrating Women in Fintech: A Spotlight on Mentorship and Collaboration
This October, The Fintech Times is dedicating its focus to the remarkable women making waves in the fintech industry. As we shine a spotlight on their achievements and challenges, we also explore how mentorship and collaboration can pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Despite strides toward reducing the gender gap, the fintech sector still has a long journey ahead to achieve true representation and equality.
The Importance of Mentorship
Felicia Tang, Marketing Director at Airtime Rewards, emphasizes the pivotal role of mentorship in fostering female talent within the fintech landscape. She notes that in a predominantly male-dominated industry, mentorship can challenge ingrained cultural norms and biases. “Mentorship not only provides women with advocates to guide their career paths but also facilitates personal and professional growth,” Tang explains. This growth is essential for increasing the representation of women in leadership roles.
Moreover, Tang highlights that mentorship cultivates a culture of diversity and inclusion, which is vital for attracting external talent. Her experience shows that working in diverse teams enhances creativity and problem-solving skills, ultimately benefiting the organization as a whole. “Mentorship programs signal that organizations value their employees’ career development, contributing significantly to job satisfaction and reducing turnover,” she adds.
The Power of Sponsorship
Neha Singh, VP of Product Strategy & Innovation at Broadridge, underscores the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship. While mentorship is crucial, having a sponsor can be a game-changer. “A strong sponsor advocates for you, assigns you challenging roles, and helps accelerate your career,” Singh states. She acknowledges the challenge women face in finding sponsors, given that senior leadership is often male-dominated.
Building trust and influence with senior leaders is essential, and Singh encourages women to invest in their networks within fintech. “A strong network provides invaluable support and guidance, helping women navigate the unique challenges they face in their careers,” she explains.
Role Models and Internal Networks
Stacey Wilkinson, API Growth Manager at NatWest, believes in the importance of having role models within the industry. “It’s crucial to have someone to look up to who can help shape your career path,” she says. NatWest fosters inclusivity through employee-led networks that support individuals of all genders in their professional development.
Jennifer Tramontana, President and Founder of The Fletcher Group, echoes this sentiment, stating that mentorship often occurs behind the scenes. “As leaders, we must actively champion women’s advancement, recognizing their successes and making connections that can help them progress,” she asserts. Tramontana also emphasizes the role of male allies in advocating for gender equity in fintech, highlighting that it’s a collective responsibility.
Knowledge Sharing as a Catalyst for Growth
Vanessa Pestritto, Director of Partner Programs at Agoric, champions knowledge sharing as a means to unlock greater opportunities. “Knowledge is power, and sharing it is essential for advancing women in their careers,” she explains. Pestritto encourages women to seek out experienced individuals for guidance and to reciprocate by sharing their own insights with others in their networks.
Sarah Owen, Chief Product Officer at One Inc, adds that mentorship and knowledge sharing are especially critical for marginalized groups. “These practices provide information, shared experiences, and increased confidence, helping individuals accelerate their careers,” she notes. Owen points to research indicating that women are often overlooked for promotions, making mentorship vital for closing these gaps.
Keys to Success
Valentina Drofa, Co-Founder & CEO at Drofa Comms, reflects on her journey in fintech, noting that many pioneering women were self-made due to a lack of role models. “Networking, mentorship, and communication are keys to success,” she asserts. Drofa emphasizes the importance of finding mentors who share similar values and can inspire new ideas and solutions.
Lindsay Soergel, Chief Product and Customer Experience Officer at Kasisto, reinforces the necessity of mentorship. “It’s essential for women in fintech,” she states. Soergel acknowledges the contributions of women who came before her and emphasizes her commitment to sharing her experiences with others. “Building a network of trusted women is critical for mutual support and accountability,” she concludes.
A Collective Effort
As we celebrate the achievements of women in fintech this October, it’s clear that mentorship, sponsorship, and collaboration are vital components in fostering a more inclusive industry. By sharing knowledge and experiences, women can empower one another to navigate the challenges they face and drive meaningful change within the fintech landscape. The journey toward gender equity is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of everyone in the industry.