Empowering Voices in BITA: Women in Fintech
In celebration of International Women's Day, we've sat down with senior female leaders at BITA to hear about their journeys, challenges, and aspirations. They’ve provided a range of experiences that illustrate not only the strides made toward gender inclusivity in technology and finance but also the journey that lies ahead.
Leslie: A Journey of Blending Passion with Technological Innovation
What drew you to fintech? Did gender play a role in either a positive or negative way in the industry?
My career choice was an outcome of what I enjoyed learning in school, which in turn was influenced by what I learned at home as child. My engineer dad brought home a gadget called a computer in the 1980s and there began my fascination with machines helping us produce more and better. After studying economics and finance in university, the interests dovetailed. In job after job, I was obsessed with automating financial models and using technology to create increasingly better solutions for what we Financial Analysts were meant to produce. It was a natural move when I later heard about a job called Product Manager on an electronic trading system at an exchange called NASDAQ, and I have been in Fintech ever since.
There was never a gender roadblock for me in gaining the necessary skills, but I credit my parents with instilling in their children that gender does not dictate your capabilities. Fortunately growing up in North America, gender never dictated my opportunities either. But we need to keep the conversation going so that places where gender opportunities are not yet equal can move towards that goal.
What have been the most significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge for me over the years (decades) has been when to step aside from the direct career route and throw in a curve ball - whether going solo with my own business for a number of years, or taking two years without salary while attending business school (and racking up debt) or how long to take maternity leave when each of my daughters was born. Jumping off of a fast-moving train always feels as though you will never be able to catch it again. But there’s always a way to get back on the horse as they say – and keeping a strong network of allies helps too. But one thing I have learned for sure - when you step off of the traditional path every now and again, you take a risk that comes with incredible gain in skills and experiences.
What is the best or worst career advice you have ever received?
The best advice: No matter what project you are tasked with – one you love or one you detest – one that is high profile or one that seems to go unnoticed - do it well (very, very well) and your future boss(es) will take note.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in fintech?
Always go in with the attitude that gender is irrelevant. Be gender blind and others around you will follow suit. There is one exception to this rule - when hiring in fintech, go the extra mile to find female candidates so that the candidate pool has equal representation from the start.
Andrea: Breaking Barriers and Embracing Opportunities
What drew you to fintech? Did gender play a role in either a positive or negative way in the industry?
I have been working in FinTechs for more than 3 years and I consider that what drew me to this type of company is that they provide alternative solutions to traditional banking. FinTechs have the potential to make financial services more accessible to a broader range of people, including those who are unbanked or underbanked. FinTech companies can empower people and businesses to prosper and contribute to economic development by simplifying processes, reducing entry barriers, and increasing access to capital. Finally, I consider that these companies are usually at the forefront of innovation, taking advantage of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analysis, and machine learning, among others, to create new and improved financial products and services in order to drive efficiency, reduce costs and improve the overall customer experience.
While gender shouldn’t affect one’s ability to thrive in any industry, including fintech, it’s undeniable that the tech industry has historically been male-dominated. However, I’ve found that this has been changing for the better over the years. In my experience, being a woman in fintech has presented both challenges and opportunities. While I’ve encountered instances where gender bias existed, I’ve also seen a growing recognition of the value of diversity in the industry, leading to more inclusive environments and opportunities for women to excel.
What have been the most significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
I think one of the most important challenges that I have faced in my career was on an occasion where I had to develop a functionality to display an icon badge for notifications in the icon app in a mobile application and for this, I had to leave my comfort zone because I had to develop in Java for Native Android and in Objective C for native iOS. Although I had already worked with Java before, this was not the case with Objective C and it had to be in a relatively short period of time. I had to research it and even have calls with my leader to understand if I was following the right path regarding the implementation I was proposing.
And finally, another of the most important challenges is overcoming the imposter syndrome (that usually appears at times haha). As a woman in a male-dominated field, I sometimes had to fight self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, especially when surrounded by colleagues who seemed more experienced or knowledgeable. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires you to recognize your own value and abilities, and encourages you to celebrate your achievements and take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow. By focusing on my strengths, seeking support from mentors and peers, and challenging negative self-talk, it is possible to overcome imposter syndrome and cope with it throughout my professional career.
What is the best or worst career advice you have ever received?
The best professional advice I’ve received is to never underestimate the power of networking and also always stay curious and never stop learning. Building a strong professional network has been invaluable in advancing my career, opening doors to new opportunities, and gaining valuable insights and support from peers and mentors. In the other hand, being adaptable and continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge is essential for success.
How do you envision the future of fintech and specifically, for women in fintech?
For women in fintech, I see increased representation at all levels of the industry, from leadership positions to technical roles. Initiatives focused on mentoring, sponsorship, and creating inclusive work environments will be crucial to supporting the advancement and retention of women in fintech.
I also imagine a future where advances in artificial intelligence and automation can reduce bias and improve access to financial services, while remote work opportunities could offer flexibility so women can balance work and caring responsibilities. Additionally, there will likely be a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable finance, with women playing a key role in driving these initiatives. Perhaps governments and regulatory bodies will implement policies to promote diversity and prevent discrimination within the industry, ultimately fostering an environment of inclusion, innovation, and positive social impact.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in fintech?
My advice to young women starting their careers in the fintech industry is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or obstacles along the way. Instead, see them as valuable learning experiences that will ultimately make you stronger and more resilient. Stay curious, keep exploring new technologies and trends, and never stop investing in your own professional development. With determination and a growth mindset, you can achieve great success in fintech.
Finally, I would advise them to cultivate a strong sense of purpose and passion for their work. Fintech is a dynamic, fast-paced industry that offers endless opportunities to make a significant impact. Find what motivates you and align your career goals with your values and interests. Whether promoting financial inclusion, driving innovation or solving complex challenges, having a clear sense of purpose will fuel your motivation and drive your success in fintech.
Mayuri: Steering Through Obstacles with Elegance and Resolve
What drew you to fintech?
The exciting opportunities, the potential to diversify my technical portfolio and the prospect for continuous growth drew me to Fintech!
Did gender play a role in either a positive or negative way in the industry?
I think gender dynamics can vary significantly depending on a company’s culture and leadership!
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
One of the invaluable professional advice that I received was to proactively communicate the value of my work and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.
How do you envision the future of fintech and specifically, for women in fintech?
As women continue to participate across diverse industries and roles and with companies taking initiatives to prioritize talent over gender bias, I am hoping for a future where gender diversity thrives within Fintech.
What have been the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges I faced in the past occurred when I was part of a small team, and a teammate had to leave unexpectedly. I was tasked with taking on their responsibilities until the position could be filled, all while also mentoring a junior member of the team. To navigate through this situation successfully, I prioritized tasks, managed my time efficiently, and remained adaptable to shifting priorities, and helped my team through a period of transition.
What achievements are you most proud of in your career at BITA?
While it’s only been a year since I joined and I'm looking forward to the continued growth ahead I think one of my accomplishments so far would be setting up critical alerts that detect any data issues which helps identify underlying causes. It helps keep clients informed and reassured throughout the process!
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers in fintech?
I would advise them to follow their passion and to upskill to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in their field.
The personal and professional journeys of Leslie, Andrea, and Mayuri highlighted the diverse paths women are forging in FinTech. At BITA, we're committed to a future where inclusivity, diversity, and ethical practices are as integral as technological innovation, fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued.