The DEI Discussions: Progression without boundaries

The DEI Discussions is back in a full and exciting swing for 2022. January saw us bring so many incredible voices to the show, beginning with the brilliant industry pioneer Tina Shata, and the wonderful Rosie McConnell, Head of Product at IFX Payments. A standout theme across both episodes is the clear and empowering focus on progression. Fair and equal recognition is critical in “cognitively diverse” teams, and Tina and Rosie bring this notion to the fore. This is about so much more than seizing opportunities that come your way; it’s about the development of a robust support network that aids in the elevation and authentic promotion of every member of the team.

“When people come into tech, they think its all just coding. That’s not true. There are so many more career paths and opportunities. Firms need to be more involved in initiatives that mentor and engage young minds beyond normal expectations.”

The tech world is riddled with stereotypes that many are now intent on breaking. As stressed by Tina, the industry is far more than a collection of siloed experiences- and it is on firms to promote the reality of the dynamic FinTech space. Creating programmes and initiatives that give the next generation exposure to the various opportunities is the critical starting point. Companies then need to follow this with guidance and support that can aid in progressing people through FinTech. Fair and equal progression comes from better accessibility and removing stringent boundaries from roles that allows people to explore the diversity of their profession. Tina’s unwavering support for this message is evident, and is a point of tangible change we can all invest in.

“Make FinTech attractive and make it a place where firms are invested in everyone’s progress.”

Rosie’s conversation with Nadia brilliantly brings to light the problematic perceptions around FinTech. The work Rosie does, particularly around the Women of FinTech agenda, works to transform those perceptions, revealing that this is an industry everyone should and can be welcomed into. Firms need to be authentically transparent and actively invest into comprehensive DE&I initiatives that make a tangible impact. As Rosie stresses, this is an industry-wide call to action- but it starts at the micro-level, with your own business. What more can you do to ensure no one is deterred from entering a FinTech career?

Thank you to both guests for sharing your personal journeys and guidance on The DEI Discussions. It was an absolute delight to feature you both on the show! 

Listen to the latest episodes on all major podcast streaming platforms here: 

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UHW1cPNqAouc2TaRga9ji 

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dei-discussions-powered-by-harrington-starr/id1451323303 

ALTERNATIVE PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/252689