IWD 2025: Lessons in Fintech Leadership: growing, learning, and lifting each other up

For women in fintech, especially in leadership, success doesn't only look like getting a seat at the table. It looks like feeling comfortable in that seat and knowing you belong there.

As women, we often hear phrases like 'breaking barriers' and 'shattering glass ceilings', but what does that actually mean?

For me, being in leadership, this has meant being able to find confidence in my own voice, when it feels intimidating to use it. It means trusting myself, learning from the people around me, and stepping forward, even if self-doubt creeps in (imposter syndrome in any male dominated industry can be very real).

Fintech is an industry that moves fast, rewards innovation, and thrives on bold ideas. But for many women, the feeling of simply doing great work may not always be enough to combat our own minds. We often feel the need to prove ourselves that little bit more.

Early in my career, I realised that waiting to be noticed wasn't the way to move forward professionally. If I wanted to contribute meaningfully, I had to share my own ideas, trust my instincts, and be willing to speak up, even if I wasn't always sure I had the perfect answer. Over time, I've seen how much confidence grows when you believe in yourself and who you are but also when you have supportive teams, great mentors, and the right environment to thrive in.

That's why, I don't define success by personal achievement. I define success by collaboration; who you bring with you, the projects done well together and the team around you. Some of the best leaders I've worked with weren't just brilliant at their jobs, they were also encouraging, shared the same values and were genuinely invested in the success of others.

That's the kind of leadership I admire, and the kind I try to model too. Lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and allowing space for different voices makes the whole industry stronger.

It matters because representation shapes opportunity. When young women see female leaders, it sends a message: that there's a place for you here too.

We talk a lot about fintech being a greatly male dominated industry and wanting to change that, but real change happens when women feel supported, included, and valued in their workplaces. Creating that kind of culture doesn't happen by accident. It takes mentorship, visibility, and an environment that nurtures growth.

For fintech to truly move forward, we need to do more than talk about women in fintech or lack thereof. We need to make sure every woman who enters this industry has the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to build a long-term career.

And for the women already here: trust in your ability, know that your voice matters, and keep in mind that you're just as deserving as the next person.