FinTech Weekly x International Women’s Day: Lissele Pratt’s Journey in Fintech

In an exclusive interview with FinTech Weekly, Lissele Pratt, co-founder of Capitalixe, shares her inspiring journey in the fintech industry, the challenges she faced as a woman, and her mission to foster inclusivity within the financial sector. With over a decade of experience in financial services, Lissele has become a prominent voice advocating for change in an industry still grappling with traditional biases.

The Inspiration Behind a Fintech Career

Lissele’s entry into fintech was driven by a clear vision: to bridge the gap for high-risk industries often overlooked by traditional banks. “These companies had massive potential but couldn’t access the banking and payments solutions they needed to grow,” she explains. This realization fueled her passion to create Capitalixe, a consultancy dedicated to providing tailored fintech solutions.

However, her journey was not without obstacles. “Launching a fintech business as a young woman wasn’t easy,” she admits. The industry remains a “boys’ club” in many respects, where assumptions about her role often undermined her credibility. Yet, instead of allowing these challenges to deter her, Lissele embraced them as part of her mission. “Capitalixe is about creating a space where women in fintech don’t have to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously,” she asserts.

Addressing the Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap is a pervasive issue across many sectors, including fintech. Lissele believes that while the industry is not immune to this problem, it has the potential to lead the charge for change. “Fintech was built to shake up old systems,” she states. “This is a chance to build companies where pay is based on talent, not gender.”

To close the gap, Lissele emphasizes the need for more female-led startups to receive funding and for companies to adopt pay transparency as a standard practice. “Fintech has the power to drive that change,” she notes, highlighting how innovations like AI and decentralized finance can help eliminate biases in hiring and salary decisions.

Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Lissele shares valuable lessons that have shaped her approach. “You don’t scale to millions just by grinding harder. You scale through systems, people, and positioning,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition and surrounding oneself with the right people—those who uplift and expand your vision.

For women aspiring to build their own businesses, Lissele’s message is clear: “You are more capable than you think, and the world needs what you have to offer. Dream big, move boldly, and never dim your light to make others comfortable.”

Confronting Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias remains a significant barrier for women in finance and technology. Lissele recounts her own experiences of being talked over and second-guessed in meetings. “The constant need to prove competence can be exhausting,” she acknowledges. To combat this, she advocates for more women in decision-making roles and urges men in the industry to actively support their female colleagues.

“Bias won’t disappear overnight, but that doesn’t mean we sit back and accept it,” she asserts, calling for a collective effort to create a more inclusive environment.

Rethinking Work-Life Balance

The conversation around work-life balance is particularly relevant for women, especially those with caregiving responsibilities. Lissele challenges the notion that women must choose between family and career, arguing that workplaces should be designed to accommodate both. “The best ideas don’t happen just because someone’s at a desk from nine to five,” she explains, advocating for flexibility and equal parental leave.

The Future of Women in Fintech

Looking ahead, Lissele is optimistic about the evolving role of women in fintech. “Women who skill up in AI, blockchain, and digital payments will be leading the change,” she predicts. The next decade will see more women launching businesses and creating products that cater to the needs of a diverse population.

A Call to Action on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Lissele’s message resonates powerfully: “Stop waiting for permission. Take up space. Break the rules that were never made for you.” She encourages women to push through challenges and to support one another in breaking barriers. “Every time one of us refuses to shrink, it cracks the door open for the next,” she emphasizes.

Her call extends to men as well: “When women win, everyone wins. If you’re not actively part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Through her journey and advocacy, Lissele Pratt exemplifies the potential for change in the fintech industry, inspiring others to join her in creating a more inclusive financial landscape.