Humanising Tech Leadership

In this compelling episode of Fintech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Amie Durr, the Chief Product Officer at Visual Lease. This episode dives deep into the intersection of technology, leadership, and inclusivity in the rapidly evolving landscape of FinTech.

Amie’s Journey in Tech

Amie career spans over 20 years in the software tech industry. Amie’s journey began in a small consultancy after graduating from college, where she quickly learned the importance of not just technology but the human element in driving digital transformation for organisations. Her unique combination of expertise in mathematics and anthropology allows her to understand both the technical and cultural aspects of the organisations she serves.

As the Chief Product Officer at Visual Lease, Amie is responsible for overseeing product design, engineering, and innovation strategies. Her role is pivotal in driving solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of customers in the FinTech sector. This focus on understanding the market and the customer highlights a core value of Harrington Starr as a FinTech recruitment business dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with opportunities.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Tech 

The conversation shifts to the challenges women face in the tech industry, particularly around feelings of imposter syndrome. Amie candidly shares her personal experiences, acknowledging that many female leaders often feel they must overachieve to be recognised on the same level as their male counterparts. 

Amie discusses how her journey has been fraught with moments of self-doubt and the need to prove herself repeatedly. This discussion serves as a reminder of the systemic barriers that persist within the tech industry and the importance of addressing these challenges to create a more equitable landscape.

The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

Throughout the episode, Amie articulates her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. She discusses the importance of vulnerability in leadership, stressing that leaders must be willing to share their own challenges and uncertainties. By doing so, they create an environment where team members feel safe to express their own struggles, ultimately fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. This aligns perfectly with Harrington Starr’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the FinTech recruitment landscape.

Amie emphasises that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that can lead to stronger team dynamics and improved performance. She illustrates this point with examples from her own career, where openness and authenticity have led to more productive conversations and enhanced collaboration among team members.

Intentionality in Inclusion Efforts

One of the key themes that emerge in this discussion is the necessity of intentionality in inclusion efforts. Amie emphasises that creating a genuinely inclusive workplace requires a deliberate and sustained effort to understand the unique needs of every team member. This means recognising that flexibility in work arrangements, allowing employees to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments, is essential for nurturing a diverse workforce.

Nadia and Amie explore various strategies for fostering an inclusive environment, including open communication, flexible work policies, and ongoing training and education on diversity and inclusion. This focus on intentionality is crucial for organisations like Harrington Starr, which strive to connect diverse talent with opportunities in the FinTech sector.

The Role of Allyship in Tech

As the conversation progresses, Amie underscores the significance of allies in supporting marginalised voices and promoting inclusivity. She believes that allyship should not be confined to specific demographics but is a responsibility that everyone in the workplace should embrace. This perspective reflects Harrington Starr’s dedication to nurturing a diverse workforce and ensuring that all individuals feel empowered to contribute their perspectives and talents.

Amie highlights how allies can actively participate in creating a more inclusive environment by speaking up, advocating for underrepresented individuals, and holding themselves and others accountable for inclusive practices. This proactive approach to allyship is essential for driving meaningful change in the tech industry.

Navigating Systemic Barriers

As the podcast progresses, Amie recounts specific instances from her career that illustrate the systemic barriers still present in the industry. She shares a poignant story from her time at a previous company, where a decision regarding the placement of a Chief Technology Officer during an acquisition prioritised the comfort of male executives over meritocracy. This anecdote highlights the ongoing challenges that women and marginalised groups face in their professional journeys, as well as the need for continuous dialogue and action around inclusivity.

Amie’s experiences serve as powerful examples of the systemic issues that require urgent attention and reform within the tech industry. 

Focusing on Outcomes Over Outputs

Amie’s insights also touch on the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. She encourages leaders to cultivate a collaborative environment that values diverse viewpoints and encourages creativity and problem-solving. This philosophy aligns closely with Harrington Starr’s commitment to promoting diverse talent within the FinTech sector, ensuring that recruitment practices prioritise a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

During the discussion, Amie shares practical tips for leaders to foster an outcomes-oriented culture, such as setting clear goals, encouraging open dialogue, and recognising the contributions of all team members. This approach not only enhances team morale but also drives innovation and success in the organisation.

The Value of Feedback

The conversation also addresses the significance of feedback in fostering a culture of growth and development. Amie reflects on her participation in a leadership cohort, where she received constructive criticism regarding her defensiveness. This experience led her to realise that embracing vulnerability and being open to feedback are crucial for effective leadership. Nadia echoes this sentiment, emphasising how vital it is for leaders to create spaces where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

Amie goes on explain how she believes that feedback should be seen as a gift rather than a critique, and organisations should cultivate a culture where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued. This focus on growth aligns with Harrington Starr’s commitment to supporting talent development and career advancement within the FinTech sector.

Practical Advice for Driving Inclusion in Tech

As the podcast nears the end, Amie offers practical advice for individuals seeking to drive inclusion within their organisations. She emphasises the need for continuous learning about what inclusion means and how it can be effectively implemented in the workplace. This includes understanding the impact of language, creating accessible meetings, and developing flexible policies that accommodate diverse needs.

Amie’s call to action encourages listeners to be intentional in their efforts to create inclusive environments. She stresses that inclusivity is not merely a goal but an ongoing journey that requires dedication and courage. Her insights serve as a reminder that every individual has a role to play in fostering a culture of inclusivity within the tech industry.

Call to Action

Throughout this episode of Fintech's DEI Discussions, Nadia and Amie exemplify the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that defines the mission of Harrington Starr. By championing the cause of humanising tech leadership, they inspire listeners to embrace their roles as advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own workplaces. 

Amie’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability and authenticity are essential components of effective leadership. Through open discussions and shared experiences, leaders can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for their teams. This episode not only celebrates the progress made in the FinTech industry but also highlights the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. By embracing the principles of allyship and intentionality, we can collectively drive change and create a more equitable future for everyone.