Leading a FinTech Business with Inclusivity at Its Core

Leading a FinTech Business with Inclusivity at Its Core

In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, host Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Mia Patel, the CEO and Owner of Moola Pay. This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into leadership, inclusion, and the importance of fostering equitable workplaces in the rapidly evolving financial technology sector. Mia’s journey from a door knocker in the payments industry to becoming the CEO of a successful business is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one of perseverance, vision, and a commitment to creating a business culture that promotes inclusivity, equality, and mental health support for all employees.

A Journey from Door Knocker to FinTech CEO

Mia Patel’s story in the financial technology sector began with humble beginnings. Starting as a door knocker in the payments industry, Mia quickly realised that success in a male-dominated field required resilience, tenacity, and a strong sense of self-belief. "The first years were challenging," Mia recalls, "especially as I faced rejection after rejection. The experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons: that rejection is not personal. It’s just part of the journey."

Mia’s path to success wasn’t linear. It involved numerous challenges, but it was her proactive attitude and willingness to learn that helped her rise through the ranks. From selling products door-to-door to securing senior roles at companies like Barclaycard and Worldpay, Mia continuously sought opportunities to enhance her skill set and advance her career. In each position, Mia pushed herself to learn something new, embracing every opportunity to shadow senior managers and gain new insights. "I didn’t want to repeat what others had done," Mia explains. "I wanted to learn something new at every stage of my career."

Mia’s ability to learn and evolve in her roles eventually positioned her to tackle even bigger challenges. After years of building her career, Mia realised that there was a significant gap in the payments industry, particularly in how businesses, especially small merchants, were being treated. The traditional sales model didn’t focus on listening to businesses or understanding their needs. This gap gave Mia the opportunity to create her own business, one that would be built on the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and truly listening to the needs of clients.

The Birth of Moola Pay: A Vision for Change

Moola Pay was born from Mia’s frustration with the way large corporations often operated in the payments industry. "When I worked at larger companies, I saw that there was a significant gap between what companies were offering and what businesses actually needed," she shares. "I wanted to create a company that focused on listening to the businesses themselves, from startups to enterprise level, and designing solutions based on their real needs."

Mia’s vision for Moola Pay was to create a company that would offer not just products, but full tech solutions. Rather than targeting small businesses immediately, Mia aimed to offer scalable solutions that would benefit both small startups and large enterprises. "We were solution architects, not just salespeople trying to sell products," she says. Moola Pay developed its own gateway and terminals, as well as acquiring licences, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for businesses seeking payment solutions.

Mia’s ability to identify a gap in the market and develop a solution that truly served the needs of businesses has been one of the key drivers behind Moola Pay’s success. The company quickly gained traction, signing high-profile clients in sectors like hospitality and retail. Despite the competitive nature of the payments industry, Mia’s commitment to providing personalised solutions and delivering real value to businesses has set Moola Pay apart from the competition.

“We wanted to offer a solution that worked for every business, regardless of their size. And that’s what we’ve done,” Mia explains. "By focusing on understanding our clients' needs, we have been able to secure partnerships with major companies and ensure that our solutions work for them."

Building an Inclusive and Equal Culture

One of the most striking aspects of Moola Pay is its commitment to creating a company culture where inclusion is at the forefront of its operations. Mia believes that the key to a successful business is creating an environment where all employees feel heard, valued, and supported, regardless of their position within the company. "We don’t have a hierarchy structure," Mia explains. "Everybody’s input is valuable, and we make sure that if anyone has an issue, it’s treated equally."

This approach has been integral to the success of Moola Pay. Mia is deeply committed to ensuring that her team feels empowered and supported, not only in their professional growth but also in their personal well-being. "We have made mental health a priority at Moola Pay," Mia shares. “I believe that if we want people to thrive, we need to ensure that they are mentally and emotionally supported. It’s not enough to just focus on their work; we need to ensure they are happy, healthy, and balanced in every way.”

Mia’s commitment to supporting her employees’ mental health is reflected in the company’s decision to offer private therapy sessions for all employees. These therapy sessions are confidential and are designed to help employees overcome challenges they might be facing, whether personal or professional. "Mental health is not something that can be overlooked," Mia emphasises. "If we want to be successful, we need to invest in the mental and emotional well-being of our employees. Otherwise, we will only see burnout, disengagement, and ultimately lower productivity."

Overcoming Gender Inequality in Tech

Mia’s journey has not been without its challenges, particularly in the area of gender equality in the tech industry. As a woman in a male-dominated space, Mia has encountered numerous obstacles, including gender pay gaps and a lack of representation in senior roles. One of the most difficult experiences Mia recalls was discovering that her male counterparts were being paid more than her despite outperforming them in sales. "It was a wake-up call for me," Mia admits. "I found out that my male colleagues were being paid more, and when I raised the issue, I was told that I should have negotiated better. That was not an acceptable response, and it pushed me to create a company where gender equality is at the heart of everything we do."

For Mia, creating Moola Pay wasn’t just about providing a product; it was about breaking down barriers for women in tech and ensuring that women had the same opportunities as men. "Why is it a man’s world?" Mia questions. "Why should women be left behind in this industry? We need to break these barriers down and represent strong female leaders in fintech. I am here to prove that women can succeed just as much as men – if not more."

Mia’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in her company’s culture. At Moola Pay, women are given equal opportunities to advance, and Mia actively ensures that her team is diverse and inclusive. In her first year as CEO, Mia’s company generated £120 million in processing business, all without relying on traditional, aggressive sales tactics. Instead, Moola Pay focused on creating meaningful relationships with clients and delivering tailored solutions based on their specific needs.

Mental Health and Well-Being: A Key Priority

Mia’s leadership goes beyond just focusing on business growth. She is also deeply invested in the well-being of her team. "In the tech industry, there’s often a high-pressure environment, especially when it comes to sales," Mia says. "That pressure can lead to burnout and mental health issues if not addressed properly."

To combat these challenges, Mia has introduced policies at Moola Pay to prioritise mental health, ensuring that employees have access to support when they need it most. The company provides a private therapist for all employees, allowing them to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. "We can’t afford to ignore mental health," Mia explains. "If we want our employees to perform at their best, they need to feel supported. Mental health has to be a priority if we want people to thrive in our company."

Mia’s commitment to mental health support is just one example of how Moola Pay is working to create a healthier, more inclusive workplace. By prioritising employee well-being, Mia has built a company culture where people are encouraged to bring their best selves to work every day, and where they feel comfortable seeking help when needed.

The Future of Inclusion in FinTech

While Mia’s journey is an inspiring example of how inclusivity can drive business success, she acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in the fintech industry to create a truly inclusive environment. "Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity," Mia says. "We need to continue working towards a future where every employee, regardless of their gender, background, or mental health status, has the opportunity to succeed."

Mia believes that companies must take a more proactive role in promoting diversity and inclusion. "There needs to be more accessibility for women and underrepresented ethnic groups in tech," she explains. "Too often, people from diverse backgrounds are overlooked because of unconscious bias or a lack of opportunity. We need to create platforms for growth and ensure that people from all backgrounds can access the same opportunities."

She also stresses the importance of changing the narrative around leadership. "Leaders need to stop focusing on who someone is and instead focus on what they can do. It’s about giving people the opportunity to prove themselves and letting them take on leadership roles based on their skills and contributions."

Conclusion: Walking the Talk

Mia Patel’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that inclusive leadership can have on both business success and employee well-being. Through her work with Moola Pay, Mia has shown that inclusivity is not just about talking the talk, but about walking the walk. By creating a company that values equality, prioritises mental health, and fosters a supportive environment for all employees, Mia is setting an example for leaders across the fintech industry.

Mia’s story is one of resilience, vision, and a commitment to breaking down barriers in the fintech space. She is not just creating a successful business; she is changing the way businesses in the fintech industry think about inclusion and leadership. For Mia, the future is one where diversity and inclusivity are no longer optional but essential for business growth and success.

As Mia continues to lead Moola Pay toward greater success, her commitment to inclusivity and equality remains at the heart of everything she does. To hear more about Mia’s journey and her vision for the future of fintech, listen to the full episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions.