Bounceback Careers: Bumps, Jumps and Squiggly Lines | European Women's Network Event 2024

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia and recorded live at the European Women Payments Network (EWPN) London Connect Hub Conference, we explore the realities of navigating non-linear career paths. This engaging episode features insights from three accomplished women in the financial technology industry: Nicola Marins, Head of Commercial at The Payment Firm Limited; Megan Dunford, Former Chief Operating Officer at Lumon; and Divya Eapen, Chief Risk Officer at Risk Strategy Consulting Ltd. Their candid accounts of resilience, adaptability, and navigating career challenges offer invaluable lessons for anyone involved in the world of work, particularly in FinTech.

Setting the Stage for an Honest Discussion

Nadia begins the podcast by highlighting the importance of celebrating wins, understanding the hurdles, and making impactful changes for greater inclusion in the financial technology sector. This conversation, recorded live on stage, seeks to tackle the realities faced by professionals navigating careers marked by challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns—what Nadia calls “the bumps, jumps, and squiggly lines” of professional life. The aim is to create a space where experiences are shared openly to help others build resilience and find their path forward.

Career Introductions: Meet the Speakers

The discussion kicks off with each guest sharing a brief introduction and the highlights of their career journeys. Nicola Marins, who recently became Head of Commercial at The Payment Firm Limited, talks about her experience working at Paysafe and in various start-ups. She acknowledges that although she has only been in her current role for eight weeks, her background in different business environments has shaped her career path. Megan Dunford describes herself as a pathfinder who thrives in complex and ambiguous situations. Most recently, she held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Lumon, where she was responsible for overseeing operations, technology, product, and change. Megan’s career in the payment industry began 21 years ago in mid-office operations, and she reflects on the unexpected twists that led to her current expertise. She shares that after recently finishing her garden leave, she has been using this time to work on side projects and reflect on her next steps.

Divya Eapen provides a different perspective, sharing how her career has included founding two distinct companies—one focused on sustainable growth in credit risk and the other a community-centred wine business. Divya’s career path, marked by a series of challenging yet growth-inducing experiences, stands as an example of how diverse interests can coalesce into a fulfilling professional journey. She recounts her tenure as Chief Risk Officer at Greensill, particularly the challenging period leading up to the company’s collapse. These stories set the stage for a deeper exploration into how each woman has navigated career challenges, built resilience, and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the FinTech industry.

The Tough Realities of the Current FinTech Market

Nadia shifts the focus to the current FinTech job market, asking Nicola for her perspective. Nicola describes how challenging the market is, particularly for women, who often face a double burden of professional and personal responsibilities. She reflects on how economic pressures and the need for dual-income households mean that many women find themselves juggling careers and home life, often without sufficient support. The return to office policies that many organisations are enforcing, she argues, disproportionately impact women. These policies can restrict opportunities for those who may not have the flexibility to commute regularly to a central office, thus reducing diversity and accessibility in the workplace. Nadia adds that there seems to be a widespread belief that office attendance is the solution to various workplace challenges, yet this often overlooks the broader need for more inclusive work practices.

The Power of Great FinTech Managers and Support Networks

Nicola speaks to the importance of supportive management in navigating one’s career. She recalls a time when she was in a new role and felt uncertain if she had made the right decision. The encouragement and understanding of a great manager, who later became a personal friend, helped her through that period of doubt. Nicola’s experience underscores that good leadership can be the difference between floundering and flourishing, especially during career transitions. Divya agrees, adding that while personal resilience is essential, external support systems are equally crucial. She recounts the high-stress environment at Greensill during its downfall and the exhaustion that followed. Divya emphasises that while internal strength helps, it is often the external support—whether from professional networks or personal relationships—that can pull someone through challenging times. Groups like Women of FinTech and supportive colleagues can be invaluable in fostering confidence and aiding recovery after setbacks.

The Importance of Financial Technology Networking and Adaptability

Megan shares her thoughts on the importance of networking and how it has evolved as a career tool. Although her LinkedIn profile appears traditional, she points out that her career path has included numerous pivots and significant changes, shaped by acquisitions, restructurings, and industry shifts. These experiences taught her that networking is not just for finding new jobs but is essential for learning, gaining recognition, and making informed career choices. Megan acknowledges that building external connections and staying aware of industry trends are necessary for navigating today’s job market. She admits that searching for a job as a senior professional is vastly different from doing so at the beginning of one’s career, and she emphasises the importance of approaching the process with a mindset open to change and growth.

Nadia reinforces the idea that networking should be seen as an opportunity for learning and development, rather than simply a tool for job searching. Divya expands on this by discussing how non-linear career paths can often lead to unexpected growth. She shares her approach to assessing job opportunities by considering the unique benefits of each role rather than ranking them. This method has allowed her to select roles that align with her personal and professional goals, even if they do not carry the most prestigious titles.

Rethinking the Value Exchange

Megan introduces the concept of the “value exchange” in FinTech job roles. Traditionally, roles are viewed in terms of what the employee contributes to the company, but Megan encourages thinking about what the role gives back to the individual. This perspective includes aspects such as career growth, learning opportunities, industry exposure, and job satisfaction. Megan highlights that in challenging job markets, it may be necessary to take roles that are not ideal or that may feel like a step back. By framing these roles within the context of a value exchange, individuals can focus on what they are gaining, whether that’s a new skill set, industry knowledge, or even financial stability. This mindset, she suggests, helps maintain motivation and perspective, allowing professionals to stay aligned with their long-term goals.

Nicola adds her thoughts on non-negotiables in her career. She outlines her core values, including freedom, integrity, accountability, and the ability to add value. These guide her decisions and ensure she remains true to herself and effective in her roles. For Nicola, freedom means the ability to contribute meaningfully and work in an environment that values her input. Integrity involves mutual respect between her and her employer, while accountability ensures that everyone in the organisation is responsible for contributing to success. These pillars have helped her navigate career decisions and stay aligned with her goals, particularly as she has gained more experience.

The Balance Between Titles and Meaningful Work

Divya brings up an interesting consideration when discussing Financial Tech job titles. While titles can influence perceptions and often come with higher salaries, they are not always the most important factor in job satisfaction. Divya shares that she has held grand titles in the past but now prioritises job content and meaningful work over titles. She emphasises that at different stages in a career, the importance of a title can vary. In her current phase, she seeks roles that provide growth and align with her interests, even if they do not carry the most prestigious titles. This shift in perspective has allowed her to explore more diverse opportunities and take roles that align with her personal and professional goals.

Nicola shares her experience with titles as someone earlier in her career compared to her peers. She notes that having a more senior title has impacted how she is perceived in male-dominated spaces, such as boardrooms. While it may not change her capabilities, it can affect how her input is received and how seriously she is taken when making difficult decisions. This highlights the dual nature of job titles: they can be both a tool for opening doors and a potential distraction from the true value of a role.

Building and Maintaining Confidence

Confidence is a recurring theme in the discussion. Divya emphasises that confidence is not solely an internal trait but is often bolstered by external support. She describes how having people around her who believe in her skills makes a difference when entering challenging situations. Whether it is friends, mentors, or professional communities, the external validation from a support system helps solidify internal confidence. Megan and Nicola agree, sharing how their confidence has been reinforced by working in environments where they felt valued and supported. Nadia adds that it is difficult to project confidence in spaces where one does not feel supported, reinforcing the idea that finding the right environment and community is essential for professional growth.

Final Advice for Navigating FinTech Career Challenges

Nadia asks each guest to share their best advice for those navigating career challenges or seeking new opportunities. Divya’s advice is to use one’s position to lift others up, enabling them to use their voices and build their confidence. Megan suggests that anyone looking to make a career change should start by reaching out to their existing network. Even if it’s just to share that they’re considering a change, those conversations can open unexpected doors and generate new ideas. She also advises seeing time between roles as a gift—an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and plan for the future. Nicola’s advice is simple yet profound: keep going until you find your people. She stresses that while redundancy and setbacks can be painful, perseverance leads to finding the right fit where one is valued and supported.

Nadia closes the episode by summarising the key takeaways. Careers in FinTech, like in any industry, are often marked by unexpected turns and challenges. However, these “squiggly lines” can lead to growth, new opportunities, and greater satisfaction when navigated with resilience and support. The importance of having a network, understanding one’s non-negotiables, and maintaining a strong sense of personal values cannot be overstated. Nadia reminds listeners that inclusion is not just a conversation but an actionable goal, one that requires individuals and organisations to actively support each other.

This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions is a testament to the power of shared experiences and community support. At Harrington Starr, a FinTech recruitment business, we champion these conversations to empower professionals and promote inclusive, resilient career growth in the financial technology industry.