Why Inclusion Should Be Everyone’s Responsibility
14 April, 2025
https://www.harringtonstarr.com/clients/Exploring AI, Software Testing, and Inclusive Leadership in FinTech
The latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia, features a fascinating conversation with Elena Treshcheva, Program Manager at Exactpro Systems. In this thought-provoking discussion, they explore the impact of AI in software testing, the evolution of financial technology careers, inclusive leadership in FinTech, and how transferable skills can unlock new career opportunities.
A Career Pivot: From Academia to FinTech
Elena’s professional journey is a compelling testament to the power of transferable skills. Before stepping into FinTech, she built a career in academia as an associate professor in computational linguistics, where she worked extensively on textual databases and research projects. Her passion for structured language and problem-solving eventually led her to explore new frontiers beyond academia.
Her transition to financial technology was both serendipitous and strategic. A pivotal moment came when she attended a conference on information retrieval, a field intersecting computer science and natural language processing. There, she encountered a groundbreaking paper on automated bug report analysis, presented by researchers from Exactpro Systems. This experience ignited a new vision for her career, as she recognised how her expertise in language processing and data analysis could seamlessly translate into software testing within the financial sector.
Determined to make the shift, she undertook a four-month course in quality assurance, which gave her the foundational skills necessary for the industry. What followed was an inspiring pivot from academia to AI-driven software testing in FinTech, showcasing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging past experience in new ways.
The Role of AI in Software Testing and Financial Technology
One of the key themes of this episode is the integration of AI and automation in software testing. At Exactpro Systems, Elena and her team work with leading global exchanges and financial institutions to ensure their software is robust, reliable, and secure. Their mission is to reduce technological risk, helping businesses innovate faster while ensuring operational stability.
AI has significantly transformed software testing in FinTech, allowing firms to optimise efficiency and accuracy. However, as Elena highlights, automation is not a silver bullet. She explains that software testing is a highly cognitive process, and while AI can automate test execution and rule-based analysis, it cannot replace human intuition, critical thinking, and contextual understanding.
At Exactpro, the team employs a model-based test automation framework to enhance the precision and reliability of AI-driven testing methodologies. By combining AI with formal logic and deterministic techniques, they ensure that test results remain meaningful and actionable. The firm’s approach underscores the importance of human oversight in AI-driven workflows, ensuring that financial institutions can trust the systems they rely on.
The Automation Paradox: Why AI Needs Smarter Humans
One of the most striking insights from this episode is Elena’s discussion on the automation paradox—the idea that the more we automate, the greater the need for skilled professionals to manage and refine the technology. While AI and automation can streamline processes, they also demand a workforce with advanced problem-solving abilities, technical acumen, and adaptability.
Elena stresses that companies adopting AI should not view automation as a cost-cutting measure, but rather as an opportunity to invest in their talent. Businesses that focus on upskilling employees, fostering technical expertise, and promoting continuous learning will be best positioned to navigate the evolving FinTech landscape.
For professionals considering a career in FinTech, software testing, or AI-driven roles, the key takeaway is clear: developing a combination of technical proficiency and analytical thinking will be crucial in the years ahead.
Fact-Checking in the AI Era: Critical Thinking in FinTech
As AI-generated insights become more prevalent, fact-checking and critical thinking are essential. Elena highlights the growing reliance on AI-generated data and the risks of assuming that these outputs are inherently accurate. She emphasises the importance of validating AI-driven conclusions, ensuring that decision-making processes remain rigorous and data-backed.
This point is particularly relevant in financial services, where trust, security, and accuracy are paramount. FinTech companies that prioritise human verification alongside AI-generated insights will be better equipped to deliver reliable and transparent services to clients and stakeholders.
The Future of Work in FinTech: Inclusion, AI, and Upskilling
The conversation naturally extends into the future of work in FinTech, particularly regarding the intersection of AI, employment, and inclusive leadership. Contrary to widespread fears of job displacement due to automation, Elena argues that AI is creating demand for a more skilled and specialised workforce.
As AI-driven processes become more advanced, businesses will need employees who can interpret, refine, and manage AI-driven insights. This shift underscores the importance of upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that professionals are equipped to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it.
From a recruitment perspective, this aligns with Harrington Starr’s commitment to sourcing top FinTech talent, as firms seek candidates with expertise in AI, automation, and digital transformation. The FinTech sector is rapidly evolving, and companies that invest in continuous education and diversity-driven hiring practices will gain a competitive edge.
The Importance of Inclusive Leadership in FinTech
Elena also delves into the role of inclusive leadership and its significance in the FinTech space. She highlights how companies can benefit from diverse perspectives, noting that employees who feel heard, valued, and empowered are more likely to drive innovation and business success.
She reflects on her own experiences at Exactpro, where people from various professional and educational backgrounds contribute to the company’s success. In an industry as dynamic as financial technology, embracing diversity isn’t just about representation—it’s about fostering unique problem-solving approaches that fuel progress.
Actionable Advice for Professionals and Business Leaders
Elena’s advice to professionals looking to break into FinTech is simple but powerful: be brave, embrace change, and continuously develop your skill set. She encourages individuals to leverage their transferable skills, take risks, and pursue opportunities even if they seem unconventional at first.
For business leaders, she stresses the importance of acting on diverse perspectives, rather than simply listening to them. She shares personal anecdotes of times when she followed through on ideas that initially seemed unorthodox, only to later see them deliver significant business success. This underscores the value of bold decision-making and trusting employee expertise.
The Human Element in FinTech’s Future
This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions with Elena Treshcheva offers an insightful exploration of the synergy between AI, automation, and human expertise in FinTech. As technology continues to evolve, human intelligence, adaptability, and inclusive leadership will remain irreplaceable.
For FinTech companies looking to stay ahead, the key to success lies in investing in people, fostering inclusive environments, and embracing technological advancements responsibly. Meanwhile, professionals seeking opportunities in FinTech should take inspiration from Elena’s career pivot, recognising that curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are the most valuable assets in an ever-changing industry.
How This Podcast Episode Aligns with Harrington Starr’s Mission as a FinTech Recruitment Company
At Harrington Starr, our mission is to connect the best talent with the most innovative companies in financial technology. This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions featuring Elena Treshcheva, Program Manager at Exactpro Systems, perfectly aligns with the key challenges and opportunities in FinTech recruitment, particularly in areas such as AI-driven software testing, career transitions, and inclusive leadership.
One of the most striking elements of this conversation is Elena’s career pivot from academia to FinTech. Her journey highlights the importance of transferable skills—a concept that is highly relevant to recruitment. As the FinTech industry evolves, firms are increasingly looking for professionals who can adapt, learn new technologies, and apply their existing expertise in innovative ways. At Harrington Starr, we recognise that the best candidates are not always those with traditional finance or technology backgrounds, but those with problem-solving abilities, a learning mindset, and the adaptability to thrive in complex environments.
Another key theme in this episode is the role of AI and automation in financial services. Elena discusses how AI is transforming software testing, but crucially, she emphasises that technology cannot replace human intelligence. This is a sentiment we echo in the FinTech recruitment space—while automation is reshaping job roles, businesses still need highly skilled professionals to manage, interpret, and refine AI-driven processes. Companies that integrate AI effectively will require specialist talent, and at Harrington Starr, we help businesses find candidates with the right mix of technical knowledge and strategic thinking to succeed in these evolving roles.
The conversation also touches on inclusive leadership—a core focus in FinTech hiring. Elena highlights how diverse perspectives drive innovation, and at Harrington Starr, we actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in FinTech hiring. We work with businesses to build inclusive teams, ensuring they attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds.
Ultimately, this podcast episode reinforces why FinTech recruitment is more than just hiring for technical skills—it’s about fostering adaptable, forward-thinking professionals who can drive innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether it’s finding AI specialists, software testers, or leaders who understand the importance of inclusion, Harrington Starr remains at the forefront of shaping the future of FinTech talent.
