Breaking borders: Meet the women powering the future of fintech

At Airwallex, we believe in the power of progress. Behind every statistic on gender disparity, there's a story of change – and we're proud to be part of that story.

This International Women's Day, we’re taking a step forward to "Accelerate Action" by amplifying the inspiring voices of the women of Airwallex. Through conversations, we've gathered stories highlighting the journeys and contributions of six remarkable women who have grown and thrived in the EMEA team at Airwallex. Their journeys are a testament to resilience, growth, and the significant impact they’ve made within the fintech industry.

From navigating career shifts to embracing new challenges, these women have not only excelled in their roles but have also found immense value in mentorship and continuous learning. Their stories highlight the barriers they’ve broken and the gender stereotypes they’ve challenged. Beyond their personal achievements, they’ve been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

We’ll delve into their perspectives on mentorship and the ongoing advocacy for gender equality, driven by inclusive policies and amplified voices. While global reports, such as the FTSE Women Leaders Review, which shows only 35% female leadership in FTSE 350 companies, and OMFIF's Gender Balance Index, indicating a mere 14% female CEO/Governor appointment rate, underscore the persistent challenges in achieving gender parity, these conversations shine a light on the progress being made at Airwallex.

Let's meet some of the women making it happen...

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Flat white with whole milk

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Mexico City

• What’s the last book you read?

  • Sales Psyche by Chris Hatfield and Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer

What was your journey to Airwallex?

I've spent my entire professional life working in the real estate field, first as a surveyor and then as an estate agent. However, I reached a point where I felt like I had hit a plateau and was ready for a complete change. A former colleague recommended Airwallex to me, and with all the buzz around "fintech," I decided to delve deeper by reading The Pay Off by Gottfried Leibbrandt and Natasha de Teran. This book sparked my interest, and despite never imagining myself in a fintech role, I took a chance and applied. And now, here I am today!

How has your role evolved over time?

The more time passes, the more responsibilities grow, but with more responsibility comes more knowledge and more confidence, to the point where you occasionally pause, look back, and realise just how far you've come.

What’s one risk you’ve taken in your career that paid off?

Completely starting from scratch in a new industry in my 30s, after I had already invested significant time and money into an existing career. I love this quote and once I heard it, I just went for it: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Matcha

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Bali

• What’s the last book you read?

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

What was your journey to Airwallex?

I've always had a passion for fintech, and after three successful years at Square, I knew I wanted to continue working in an innovative, fast-paced environment where I could make an impact. When Airwallex reached out to me, I initially wasn't familiar with the company, but as I progressed through the interview process, I was impressed by the strength of their product offering and speed of GTM execution. There's no solution out there as powerful, and I wanted to be at the forefront of growth in EMEA.

What’s one risk you’ve taken in your career that paid off?

One of the biggest risks I took in my career was leaving a job where I felt comfortable. While it offered security, I recognised that staying in my comfort zone wouldn’t challenge me to grow further. So I decided to embark on a new challenge and join an earlier-stage startup. This leap not only pushed me to elevate my career but also encouraged me to develop resilience and navigate ambiguity. The dynamic, fast-paced nature of a startup environment inherently involves building new frameworks and processes to scale growth, which I find really rewarding.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?

Surrounding myself with people that inspire me, and who I can learn from.

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Two croissants

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Kyoto

• What’s the last book you read?

  • A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

What advice do you have for women joining the fintech industry?

Fintech is an ever-evolving field and much of it is new, so don't be intimidated; no one is nearly as much of an expert as they like to think they are. Your aptitude and enthusiasm are far more important for success and making an impact than industry experience, which can only be improved over time.

How can allies effectively show up to support gender equality in the workplace and in everyday life?

Be aware of the gender diversity that goes into discussion and decision-making. If there isn't a mix of male and female voices, then that balance should be proactively addressed.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?

My family always comes first, but what I want for my family requires me to excel professionally. Keeping the bigger picture in mind makes every day worthwhile.

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Sea salt matcha

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Safari in South Africa

• What’s the last book you read?

  • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

What steps are you taking to promote gender equality in the fintech industry and beyond?

I'm passionate about promoting gender equality and actively work towards it by hosting women-focused events that encourage open conversations and discussions. I attend networking events to learn from other women’s perspectives and gain insights on how to drive meaningful change. I also make a conscious effort to educate myself about biases so I can challenge them in my own thinking and workplace culture. It's an ongoing effort, but ensuring that women have a voice and space to grow in the workplace is a priority for me.

What have you done to accelerate your professional growth?

After reading How Women Rise by Helgesen and Marshall, which explores 12 common habits that can hold women back, I believe that some of these so-called bad habits are actually ‌admirable qualities that women exhibit. However, one habit stood out to me: Expecting others to spontaneously notice and reward your contributions. I realised that if I didn’t communicate my goals and expectations, my leaders wouldn’t know. So, I took action and advocated for myself.

Is there anyone who inspires you and why?

My mum and sister are absolute superstars (and yes, I’m definitely biased). My mum built a career in the oil and gas industry before becoming a maths teacher and leading the A-Level department at a college. My sister started as a receptionist at a GP practice and worked her way up to Practice Manager. Both have achieved incredible careers while also being amazing mums.

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Coconut latte

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Japan

• What’s the last book you read?

  • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

How can allies effectively show up to support gender equality in the workplace and in everyday life?

Allies play a crucial role in driving gender equality, both in the workplace and beyond. One of the most impactful actions they can take is to actively listen – understanding the challenges women face and using that awareness to advocate for change.

In the workplace, this means amplifying women's voices in meetings, ensuring they have equal opportunities for leadership and growth, and calling out bias when they see it. It also means mentoring, sponsoring, and creating space for women to succeed.

Beyond work, allyship is about challenging outdated norms, supporting policies that drive equity, and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned from another woman in your career that has shaped your approach to leadership or growth?

Being yourself is your greatest asset. Early on, I was told not to shy away from standing out – especially in spaces where I might be the only woman or one of a few. Instead of seeing that as a challenge, I’ve learned to embrace it as a strength.

This perspective has shaped my approach to leadership and growth. Rather than trying to blend in, I lean into my unique perspective, speak with confidence, and show up fully as myself. It’s a reminder that authenticity, combined with courage, is a powerful force in any career.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Focus on impact, not just activity. Early in my career, I was often caught up in staying busy and checking off tasks. However, what truly drives success is ensuring that the work you do has a meaningful impact – whether it's improving a process, solving a problem, or contributing to a larger goal.

• What’s your go-to coffee order? (if not coffee, what else?)

  • Breakfast tea with milk

• If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

  • Chile, to go hiking in Torres del Paine

• What’s the last book you read?

  • The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp (New mum…!)

What drew you to the fintech industry and Airwallex?

Fintech is a competitive space, but at the same time, the total addressable market is significant and growing rapidly, making space for multiple players to win.

I learned a great deal from my first job in finance. After cutting my teeth in a high-pressure environment on the trading floor, I became interested in the opportunity to work in tech at a high-growth company. I spent the next several years working in various commercial roles at Yext and saw them through an IPO in 2017.

Transitioning to fintech requires constant learning, but it’s what keeps my role interesting. What I find unique about Airwallex is its global reach and modular platform. This allows companies to leverage our APIs as building blocks to get started easily and build over time. After four years at Airwallex, I'm still constantly learning and solving ‌new challenges, while working alongside such a diverse and talented group of people.

What advice do you have for women joining the fintech industry?

Having women in leadership has helped shape the dynamics within Airwallex and our ability to attract talent. For me, having a diverse set of mentors has greatly contributed to my sense of belonging at the company. I don't take this for granted. We solve complex problems for customers who operate globally, and the different perspectives and skill sets we have as a team empower us to tackle these challenges.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don't take yourself too seriously.

Vivien has recently been recognised for excellence in Financial and Professional Services in the Innovate Finance Women in Fintech Powerlist 2024.

These six remarkable women have navigated career shifts and embraced new challenges, growing into exciting new roles. Their stories highlight the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace change. Their collective experiences emphasise the importance of communicating goals, seeking diverse mentors, prioritising gender diversity in decision-making, and embracing authenticity to drive impact.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's important to acknowledge that the road to gender equality in fintech is still a work in progress. It's a team effort – where we need to keep supporting one another, breaking down barriers, and empowering women to be their best in the world of fintech and beyond.

Inspired by these stories? Dive into the opportunities at Airwallex and be part of a community where women thrive, innovate, and take the lead. Explore our careers page for more.