Advice for aspiring women in Fintech with ACI Worldwide, Guideline, Taulia and more

This October at Fintech Times is about the incredible women working in the fintech industry. With women still making up only around 30 percent of the workforce, it’s important to shine a spotlight on those working to make a change and pave the way for them to follow. Some influential women in fintech give their advice to aspiring women in the sector.

After talking about how women in fintech have broken the “glass ceiling”, we turn our attention to advice for women who want to do the same. Here Nabanita Roy, Qian Liu, Darcy Douglas and Jane Podbelskaya share her advice to aspiring women in the fintech industry.

Nabanita Roy, data scientist at real-time payment solutions provider, ACI Worldwide

Recognizing the impact digital transformation and the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions have had on the many new opportunities for fintech, Roy affirms that “there is something for everyone interested in this sector” and that “you don’t have to have financial background to work in fintech.”

Reflecting on her own career journey, she reveals that her master’s degree was actually in computer science, but she goes on to explain that it was her “evolving interests that lead me into a growing and thriving role in the fintech world.”

Roy cites drive and curiosity as key enablers for success in such a rapidly transforming industry, adding that “being open to learning new things will help you stay ahead of the game.”

“I would advise you to identify and reflect on your strengths and be open to learning from your mistakes,” she continues; highlight the importance of self-reflection for personal and professional growth.

“It’s about understanding and being determined about what you want from your life and your career.”

Roy understands that the fintech world is by no means an easy map to navigate, which makes it all the more difficult for new players in the sector.

“When you’re looking to move into a new sector,” she adds, “especially in fintech, questions will almost certainly arise, and it’s important to use all the resources at your disposal.”

Quite simply, Roy reassures women that “if you’re unsure about something or stuck, ask someone.”

She recommends seeking out the bottomless knowledge pool of books, online resources and experts to anyone looking to learn the ropes.

“If given the opportunity, it’s important to have a mentor for all stages of someone’s career, as well as becoming a mentor and leading by example,” comments Roy.

“Building a network that you can tap into and use for support and knowledge is so important and will help you immerse yourself in the fintech world.”

Qian Liu, data officer at Guideline, the retirement platform for small businesses

For Liu, fintech is a craft that needs to be perfected, stressing how “excelling at your job is the fastest way to overcome the barriers that women and minorities disproportionately face.”

Despite the inequalities in gender representation, she emphasizes why it is important to “stay in the game”.

“It can get lonely when you’re one of the few, and it can feel impossible in the quest to balance career and family responsibilities,” adds Liu.

“Put on your resilience and don’t give up. The doors will open if you play the long game. When you become a leader, level the playing field by empowering the sisters behind you.”

Darcy Douglas, vice president of global program management at working capital solutions provider Taulia

Douglas’ best advice to women in the fintech industry is “don’t limit yourself.”

“Too often we don’t try harder, thinking we don’t have the talent, skills or confidence to think bigger,” she explains.

Echoing Roy’s thoughts, Douglas also acknowledges the importance of good mentorship, adding “talk about those limiting beliefs with a friend or mentor and you’ll find that most of them are just in your mind, and other people believe you and your ability to do more.

She encourages all women to “think big, set big goals, write down the things you want to achieve, and share them with others. You will surely get there, or close to it, if you remove these limiting beliefs!”

Douglas continues: “I always assumed that the director level was as high as I wanted to be. I looked at people in the leadership groups and thought I didn’t have what it took to get there.

“My mentor helped me learn what it takes to be a leader, and I quickly realized that I was doing a lot of things that leaders do. It gave me the confidence to remove my limiting beliefs and go after my next promotion.”

Jane Podbelskaya, principal at Information Venture Partners, a Canadian venture capital firm specializing in direct and fund-of-fund investments in fintech

If you want to enter the fintech industry, Podbelskaya advises that “you have to understand the reality that this is still a male-dominated environment for now.”

Elaborating on this view, she says that “there is a conscious effort to increase the diversity of FI and fintech teams, but progress will take time as newly hired women come through the ranks.”

Acknowledging the greater value placed on diversity these days, Podbelskaya is optimistic that this will generate “more opportunities for women to enter the space.”

“Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs in the industry,” she adds, “especially if fintech is an area you’re interested in joining.”

“If you want to start a fintech company or be a C-level executive, you need to understand that there are long-standing biases that can work against you,” comments Podbelskaya, pointing to raising capital as an example of these biases in action.

“However, many funds are working to improve their portfolios’ diversity and are making conscious efforts to overcome their biases,” she continues.

“You can be advantaged (more support, funding and mentorship focused on women, including funds like StandUp Ventures) and disadvantaged (biases still exist).

“Be persistent – ​​look for these funds and opportunities, and take advantage of your offers.

“If you are a woman in fintech, I encourage you to find – or launch – a community of women in fintech in your region. Support from other women in the industry can be invaluable.”