Women in Fintech career journeys with Galileo, Afficiency, Buckzy Payments, Zumo

This October at The Fintech Times is all 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.

Here we are talking to Trish Cox, Michelle Merrow, Sarah Lambert and Amelie Arrasas they share their career journeys and whether they expected to end up in fintech.

Trish Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Galileo Financial Technologies

“Although I never expected to end up in Fintech, I have long been attracted to the central role of technology in driving better user experiences. My extensive time in business operations has taught me that when people from different backgrounds collaborate on solutions and focus on the end customer, the result is better for everyone.This is especially true in fintech.

“As a woman who has held several senior leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields – technology and management consulting, financial services and healthcare – I have seen how creating opportunities for more voices to have direct roles in the development of financial solutions improves client outcomes. Leveraging technology to improve customer experiences created a natural career path for me into fintech.

“I joined Galileo in 2020 as an operations manager, but my career has taught me the value of being able to tailor similar solutions to customers with unique needs. All customers want to feel valued and heard, and financial services are no exception.

“My career journey in fintech has allowed me to show how women’s voices in technology are critical to customer and business success. For example, I have championed the “Voice of the Customer” program at Galileo which collects, analyzes and responds to customer feedback. These insights help us transform how fintechs operate by relying on real customer input.”

Michelle Merrow, PMO Manager of Efficiency

“When I was in high school, I wanted to be an actuary, so I thought I would end up in insurance, but I took a slightly different path at the start of my career. I majored in social services with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in social work. As my social work career began, I found that the position did not suit me, so I transitioned into an entry-level role in insurance, working in a call center environment. Eventually I joined MetLife to work my way up to a case manager in the life insurance area. From there I became more curious about life insurance systems and why they don’t always work as they should. I became involved in a project, which led me to the role of subject matter expert, then to business analyst and project manager. During this time I became involved in automated underwriting/digital projects, something that has piqued my interest since I started in the industry.

“After MetLife, I worked in various positions in the insurance, technology and financial industries before joining Afficiency in October 2021. At MetLife, I worked with Afficiency’s CEO, Mark Scafaro, and Afficiency’s COO, Carl Ruppin. Therefore, when I started my role at Afficiency, I knew I could continue our great work together to build digital platforms and automate the life insurance buying process.

“My social work training has influenced every area of ​​my life without exception, including my career in insurance. It really taught me the importance of human relationships, because even though we may be working in a digital world, there are real people who are affected by the work we do, and it’s important to keep that impact in mind.”

Sarah Lambert, Senior Vice President at Buckzy Payments

“I’ve spent most of the last twenty plus years in product marketing for various SaaS / Tech companies, so

when I was approached about the opportunity with Buckzy – my first Fintech – it was because of that background in product marketing because my skills are somewhat rare in Toronto. I wasn’t looking to move into a new industry, but I decided to take a leap of faith because it was an opportunity to learn a whole new universe; plus all the managers I met at Buckzy were smart, cooperative and kind.

“In the Fintech arena, the payments space is unique and, frankly, complex. The CEO and I agreed that it was easier for me to learn the payments space – and the buyers – on the job rather than trying to find someone with Payments’ experience who needed to learn marketing. Finally, I saw the potential to be a part of a community that doesn’t have a lot of female representation and wanted to do what I could to connect with and support other women in the space. I’ve been fortunate to have contact with so many brilliant and welcoming people around the world who have been open to sharing their knowledge and working together to build something new.”

Amelie Arras, Marketing Director, Zumo

“I always thought I was going to be a fighter pilot! But looking back on my childhood, it makes sense that I ended up in fintech. I was always interested in how my father was doing with the finances at home and worked out his forecasts. Financial well-being was a big thing in our house – although much of the advice he gave me at the time isn’t as relevant today, given how the traditional financial system has deteriorated. I want to see my money devalued!

“I started my career in a luxury magazine, then worked in a sales and marketing agency where we successfully applied to do the branding for AEVI, which at the time was the cashless payment unit at Wincor Nixdorf. I’ve absolutely loved my journey so far ; I have met some incredible minds who have gone the extra mile to help me in my career.”