1 year in Fintech
<b>1 year in Fintech </b>
This time last year I made the decision to jump from a steady position, as Head of People, into a role that would allow me to be the driving force behind our growth from startup to scaleup! Helping to build Shieldpay into a hugely backed, award-winning, series A firm has been the best decision for me.
If I was able to rewind back 12months and pass on my newfound experiences to my first-day self I'd have some advice. I hope this is useful to anyone who, like me, wanted to see what the 'fuss about fintech' is all about and take the plunge!
- Get out there - In the early days, I found myself engrossed with my own work, which is risky in a fast-moving business. The quicker I met people, understood their world, and took the five minutes out of my day to connect with others, made a huge impact! It allowed me to be better at my job and feel united in what we're trying to achieve.
- Change is inevitable - seems obvious but creating something perfect for it only to be side-lined by a new idea is tough. It's not personal. Depending on what you're working on, you'll find a moment to loop a lot of things back into future projects.
- Think BIG, but remember the small things - At Shieldpay we are always asking one another to 'think BIG and be ambitious" and we're consistently excited by the next big thing. I've found the small things, and the softer approach to the basics are still as important.
- Everyone is a 'Techie' - If you're not interested in technology, and things like automation make you nervous, a fintech may be a step too far! Not only do the people around you live and breathe innovation, but all of the external partners also do too!
- Lean in - (To harness the phrase from Sheryl Sandberg), I'm lucky to be within a team that is not threatened by a challenge or by change. I've never been told "no" to an idea. I've driven more innovation and tabled more ideas than I ever expected. Not all of them have worked but that doesn't matter.
- You be you - Last month I was chuffed to be awarded the Executive Teams Values Champion. What, to many, may seem like "fluffy recognition" felt like anything but to me. This award has given me the confidence to trust my instinct, lean in, and be more impactful!
- 🚀 - when is doubt use the rocketship emoji
Georgie
