Advice for aspiring women in Fintech with Yapily, Plum, Volante Technologies 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 Ben Ayer, Critique Rastogi, Rachel Hunt, Elena Volotovskaya and Amanda Bennett share her advice to aspiring women in the fintech industry.

Ben Aier, Product Director at open banking provider Yapily

Aier spent 16 years in the corporate world before arriving at Yapily, where she developed skills that she was able to bring to her role in fintech.

For aspiring women in the industry, she advises that it is never too late to take a new initiative.

“Your path is not fixed,” she comments, “focus on what you want to achieve, not just what you want to do. Keep your eyes on what you want to achieve in your career.”

Aier emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values ​​and goals, adding that “it can be easy to lose sight of your broader career goals, especially in an industry that moves so quickly.”

She explains how women must establish their own path in the industry.

“Don’t worry if the road isn’t paved for you,” she says.

“It is in our industry that there are no set routes going forward, so it is good to be the ‘first’.

“Embrace the fact that you are in an exciting industry and don’t be afraid to be a pioneer. Just because something hasn’t been done before certainly doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.”

Kriti Rastogi, director of health insurance and benefits platform Plum

For Rastogi, a woman in fintech has to be the hardest working person in the room.

“Put in the extra effort to get the job done,” she comments, “you have to be willing to … go the extra mile even when you feel insecure or afraid.”

“Look for ways to enhance and improve your knowledge and be better equipped to handle whatever challenges you may come up with.”

Rastogi sees challenges as opportunities for women in fintech, and she encourages women to embrace these challenges as “the only way to grow and learn is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.”

“Do great things before you’re ready,” she continues, “Great things happen when you’re not afraid to take risks and challenge yourself.

Rastogi emphasizes how knowledge is power in such a rapidly developing industry. “It’s important to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments,” she says.

“This way you can be prepared for any challenges that arise.”

She also explains the value of building on softer skills such as emotional intelligence. “Having strong emotional intelligence can help you in any situation,” she continues.

“This includes being able to manage your own emotions, as well as understanding and empathizing with others.”

Rachel Hunt, VP of strategy and growth at Volante Technologies, provider of cloud payments and financial messaging solutions

Hunt warns women to avoid jobs that don’t align with their personal aspirations. “Don’t stay in an organization that doesn’t share your values ​​or culture,” she said. “If it doesn’t give you the opportunities you’re looking for, don’t wait to change.”

She advises women to learn the skills on offer, adding “there are many organizations that will give you the support and challenges you’re hoping for.

“Each role adds to your experience, but we also need to find a home!”

Hunt continues: “Be yourself and find your voice. In a high-growth sector, we all bring a different way of looking at the market or a challenge, and this richness spurs innovation.”

Elena Volotovskaya, CEO of the corporate venture fund Softline Venture Partners

Volotovskaya supports many of the views expressed by her peers, and she too emphasizes the importance of good industry knowledge and insight. “It will give you the opportunity to make informed decisions and keep the conversation going,” she explains.

To do this, Volotovskaya advises aspiring women to monitor the stock market and get used to reading global news about political events, technologies, investments and big deals.

She goes on to explain how these efforts must be supported by a strong personal network of connections, formed at industry conferences, workshops and communities.

“You never know when an acquaintance can come in handy,” comments Volotovskaya.

“Women in finance are far less often given an opportunity to manage processes and make decisions,” she continues. “So it’s important to acknowledge that you’re willing to take responsibility for the consequences of your decisions.

“In the beginning it can be challenging and some people would probably try to discourage you by constantly pointing fingers at your smallest mistakes.

“Don’t let them discourage you, because we learn from our mistakes. Just analyze the situation and move on.”

Amanda Bennett, CFO of open data platform Moneyhub

“Strive to be the very best version of yourself, challenge the status quo, never accept that you can’t achieve more, believe in yourself and do a good job,” comments Bennett.

“Prove your worth. Don’t accept that there is a glass ceiling, this only makes you feel like you can’t succeed and can become self-destructive.”