Supporting Diversity Through Industry Networks

This latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions features a conversation between host Nadia Edwards-Dashti and Dee Habeeb, a Global Tech Leader in Financial Technology. In this engaging discussion, Dee reflects on her career journey, the challenges and opportunities within financial technology, and her mission to foster diversity and inclusion. Her insights highlight the critical role of adaptability, continuous learning, and collective action in shaping the future of the industry. 

A Tech Career Built on Adaptability and Resilience

Dee’s journey in financial technology began with a strong academic foundation in computer science, which she pursued before moving to the UK. Her early career roles as an engineer for tech service providers involved implementing systems and managing network connectivity for enterprise clients. Reflecting on this period, Dee considers herself fortunate to have directly applied her academic knowledge in the workplace—an opportunity that provided a solid starting point for her career.

As her career evolved, Dee embraced roles in IT consultancy and contracting, gaining diverse experiences across multiple sectors. However, the demands of family life eventually led her to transition into corporate positions, a decision that underscores the importance of balancing personal priorities with professional ambitions.

Throughout her career, Dee has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Whether stepping out of her comfort zone or learning new skills, she has approached challenges with a growth mindset. Her journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of the financial technology sector, where success often hinges on the ability to navigate change.

The Necessity of Continuous Learning in Financial Technology

One of the key themes in Dee’s story is the importance of continuous learning. She acknowledges that each stage of her career has required her to acquire new skills and adapt to evolving industry demands. From hands-on engineering roles to leadership positions, staying relevant has been a constant priority.

Dee emphasises that the financial technology sector is characterised by rapid innovation, making lifelong learning essential. The rise of artificial intelligence, the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, and the ongoing transformation of financial services all underscore the need for professionals to upskill and reskill regularly.

Her advice is clear: embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity for growth is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in financial technology. For organisations, supporting employee development through training and mentorship programmes can help build a workforce that is prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Diverse FinTech Teams as a Catalyst for Innovation

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Dee draws on her extensive experience to highlight the transformative impact of diverse teams. Over the past two decades, she has witnessed significant progress in the financial technology sector’s approach to diversity. However, she is quick to point out that there is still much work to be done.

"Diversity drives innovation," Dee explains, highlighting how teams with varied perspectives and experiences are better equipped to solve complex problems and foster creativity. This principle is particularly relevant as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into financial services. Diverse teams are more likely to identify and mitigate biases in AI systems, ensuring that these technologies serve a broader, more equitable purpose.

Dee’s mission is to create pathways for underrepresented groups, particularly women, to thrive in technology and FinTech leadership roles. By prioritising inclusion, organisations can unlock the potential of diverse talent, drive innovation, and strengthen their competitive edge.

Exploring Career Opportunities in Financial Technology

The financial technology sector offers a wealth of career opportunities, and Dee provides a detailed overview of the various paths available. She advises individuals to align their career choices with their passions and long-term goals, emphasising that genuine interest and curiosity are key to building a fulfilling career.

From software development and data analysis to cyber security and governance roles, the options are vast. Dee also highlights emerging areas such as cloud engineering and contact centre technology, which are becoming increasingly important as financial services continue to digitise.

For those who prefer roles outside of hands-on technical work, there are opportunities in project management, customer experience, and service operations. Dee’s insights underscore the breadth of possibilities within financial technology, making it an attractive field for individuals with diverse skills and interests.

Her advice to professionals is to remain open to new opportunities and to continuously assess their career goals. By doing so, they can align their aspirations with the dynamic needs of the industry.

Turning Talk into Action: Building Inclusive FinTech Workplaces

When discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Dee emphasises the importance of moving beyond rhetoric to implement tangible changes. She advocates for creating a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel empowered to share their ideas and raise concerns without fear of negative consequences.

A key step in fostering inclusion, Dee explains, is raising awareness about microaggressions, biases, and discriminatory behaviours. Companies must actively address these issues, creating an environment where diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated.

Dee believes that inclusion is fundamentally about doing what is morally right. While strategies and frameworks are valuable, fostering inclusion often begins with small, human-centred actions that reflect kindness and consideration. By focusing on impact rather than activity, organisations can ensure that their DEI initiatives drive meaningful change.

The Role of Professional Networks in Advancing FinTech Diversity

Dee’s involvement with the European Women Payment Network (EWPN) highlights the importance of professional networks in promoting diversity. As a board advisor, she has seen firsthand how networks like EWPN create opportunities for underrepresented groups while fostering a sense of community.

For Dee, networks serve as platforms to amplify voices, share knowledge, and drive collective progress. She advises professionals to carefully evaluate the networks they join, considering their leadership, mission, and track record of impact.

Through her work with EWPN, Dee exemplifies the value of collective action in advancing diversity and inclusion. By participating in these networks, individuals can contribute to a broader movement for equity within financial technology.

Balancing Skills and Potential in FinTech Recruitment

Dee offers valuable insights into the Financial Tech recruitment process, particularly the balance between skills and potential. She notes that while skills are essential for most roles, particularly senior positions, potential plays a more significant role in early FinTech career hiring.

Candidates who lack direct experience can still stand out by demonstrating transferable skills and a willingness to learn. For organisations, recognising both skills and potential ensures a diverse talent pipeline capable of meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

This perspective aligns closely with Harrington Starr’s approach to FinTech recruitment. As a leading FinTech recruitment business, we prioritise connecting organisations with candidates who have the right blend of expertise and potential, helping both parties achieve their goals.

Championing Financial Tech Inclusion at Every Level

As the conversation draws to a close, Dee leaves listeners with a powerful call to action: inclusion starts with each of us. She encourages individuals to educate themselves about DEI, take responsibility for their learning, and actively contribute to fostering inclusion in their workplaces.

For companies, this means setting clear, measurable DEI goals and holding leadership accountable for achieving them. By prioritising transparency, equity, and accessibility, organisations can create environments where all employees feel valued and supported.

Dee also stresses the importance of representation across all levels, from inclusive hiring practices to diverse leadership teams. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity, the financial technology sector can create opportunities that reflect the diversity of the world it serves.

Aligning with Harrington Starr’s Mission

Dee’s insights align closely with our mission at Harrington Starr. As a leading FinTech recruitment business, we are committed to advancing diversity and inclusion across the industry. We believe that fostering equity is not only the right thing to do but also a key driver of innovation and success.

Through our work, we aim to connect talented professionals with forward-thinking organisations, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive. By championing inclusion, we contribute to building a stronger, more dynamic financial technology sector.

Walking the Talk for Inclusive FinTech Change

Dee Habeeb’s journey and insights serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we prioritise resilience, continuous learning, and inclusion. Her commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and driving tangible change in the workplace challenges us all to reflect on how we can contribute to a more equitable financial technology sector.

As professionals and organisations, we hold the tools to foster environments where diversity thrives and innovation flourishes. Whether it’s through building inclusive hiring practices, creating a culture of psychological safety, or supporting meaningful DEI initiatives, the steps we take today will shape the industry of tomorrow. By embracing these changes, companies can unlock the true potential of their teams, driving collaboration, creativity, and better outcomes for all.

This episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions is a testament to the power of shared missions and collective action. Dee Habeeb’s journey offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges of the financial technology industry while staying true to one’s values. From resilience and continuous learning to creating pathways for others, her story is an inspiration for professionals at all stages of their FinTech careers.

At Harrington Starr, we are proud to be part of this mission, connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking organisations to build a stronger, more diverse future. By championing inclusion, we not only advance the sector but also create FinTech opportunities for all to succeed.