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Hey, fintech fam! 💜

So much is happening in the world right now, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed.

The devastation in California is particularly heartbreaking, with families in Los Angeles facing unimaginable loss.

If you’re wondering how to help, don’t wait—take action. Donating to organizations like the American Red Cross or the California Wildfire Relief Fund can make a real impact.

Amid the tragedy, we also see incredible acts of compassion—communities rallying, firefighters risking their lives, and support pouring in from every direction.

As a founder and business leader, I’ve learned that frustration and anxiety can be channeled into action. While the media may distract us, I’m focused on the work that matters—amplifying fintech companies that tackle real-world challenges.

That’s the heart of today’s column. Let’s dive in.

LEADERSHIP

Don’t Take Macroeconomic Cycles Personally: Why Women in Fintech Will Always Lead the Way Forward

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on the current media noise surrounding the pullback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Recent actions from big tech companies like Meta, including scaling back their DEI initiatives, alongside Mark Zuckerberg’s call for more “masculine” leadership, threaten to undo years of progress. Even more troubling, some media outlets blame DEI efforts for worsening the California wildfires.

Yet, as women in fintech, we know better than anyone that this isn’t new.

We’ve seen these cycles before.

In the face of such noise, I keep hearing the words of my dear friend and mentor, Lule Demmissie, echoing in my mind: “Don’t take macroeconomic cycles personally.”

We’ve seen how the system crumbles under shaky foundations. The wildfires in California, for example, didn’t start because of DEI initiatives.

Climate change, which exacerbated such disasters, began long before DEI gained momentum.

The oversimplified construction of Los Angeles atop the Palisades in the 1920s led to systemic risks that made such tragedies almost inevitable. A lack of foresight, rather than a push for inclusivity, created these dangerous conditions.

But beyond environmental disasters, the women in fintech, like the rest of us, know that when the world seems to be shifting unpredictably, the true job is to keep building.

Women bear the brunt of many systemic challenges, including climate change, yet we are also key to solving them.

Women: The Key to Climate Action

The statistics don’t lie: women are disproportionately impacted by climate change.

We’re 14 times more likely to die in a climate disaster than men, and climate change negatively impacts women’s access to essential health services.

But we also know that women have the potential to turn the tide.

According to the World Economic Forum, a mere 1% increase in women managers at an organization can lead to a 0.5% decrease in carbon emissions. Just a 1% increase.

In fact, companies with more than 30% women on their boards perform better in climate governance, climate innovation, and sustainability.

Climate fintech—a sector blending financial technology with climate action—has quietly become one of the most dynamic sectors in fintech, and women are leading the charge.

Research shows that companies with at least one woman founder or CEO secured more than half of pre-Series B funding between 2022 and 2023, compared to just 3.4% of funding across the broader fintech space.

In 2023 alone, 45% of climate fintech startups had a woman founder or co-founder.

This is a testament to how women in fintech aren’t just participating in climate change solutions—they’re driving them.

Distractions, Media Narratives, and the Real Work

It’s easy to get caught up in the political and media distractions—whether it’s finger-pointing at DEI or blaming the wrong factors for systemic failures.

But we must remember: the lack of DEI is the problem, not its presence. It’s the failure to build inclusive systems that have led to these unbalanced foundations in both our environmental and financial systems.

We’ve seen the data. Women-run businesses generate higher revenue and return on investment.

They perform better per dollar invested, with women-led startups generating more than twice the revenue for every dollar of funding compared to male-founded startups.

Women may raise less capital—$935,000, compared to $2.1 million for male-founded ventures—but they consistently outperform, generating 10% more revenue over five years.

Women-run teams have better financial outcomes, too.

Research from McKinsey shows that diverse teams achieve better financial outcomes, with a 30% increase in multiples on invested capital when companies are acquired or go public.

Diverse founders tend to innovate more, and their companies are more resilient in tough times.

It’s clear: women aren’t the problem—they’re the solution.

The Leadership We Need

As women in fintech, we face constant distractions, particularly from the political pendulum swinging in and out of favor.

Yet authentic leadership doesn’t bend with every political shift. True leaders stay grounded in their values and are not swayed by short-term noise.

In fintech, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to creating businesses that can thrive sustainably and long-term.

We know that fintech has the power to shape entire industries, democratize wealth, and open doors to opportunities for millions.

While others might be distracted by political shifts or media narratives, we know that our mission is clear. The real job is to build, lead, and create.

That is what defines us.

Examples of Excellence 

The proof is in the examples. Women in fintech are absolutely crushing it.

Take Angel Rich, founder and CEO of CreditRich, the first Black woman-owned neo-bank. She recently raised a historic $100 million Series B, valuing her company at $1 billion.

Rich’s “Trojan Horse” strategy has reshaped how financial systems serve underserved communities while amplifying her influence and advocacy for the Black community.

Another incredible example is Shivani Siroya, founder and CEO of Tala. Her company has delivered nearly $6 billion in credit access and reached 10 million customers, particularly in underserved markets in the Philippines, Mexico, Kenya, and India.

Tala’s success story, powered by Siroya’s unwavering belief in people, is redefining the financial infrastructure.

Then there’s Laurel Taylor, founder of Candidly, an AI-driven platform helping people optimize student debt and savings. Candidly raised $20.5 million in Series B funding in 2023, and its services have reduced employee turnover by up to 76%.

Despite facing skepticism and dismissal from investors, Taylor’s commitment to solving the student debt crisis highlights the perseverance and strength women in fintech bring to the table.

Trusting Ourselves to Lead

These women have one thing in common: they trust themselves. They know that real change starts with them, and they lead the charge, even when they’re admittedly afraid.

In my book Fintech Feminists, I explore how 40 women in fintech are shaping the future—breaking barriers and creating successful businesses.

It’s the proof of excellence that we stand on. We’ve built these foundations through resilience and will continue to build on them.

Staying the Course

The work continues regardless of the noise around us. Women in fintech, and women in general, have a unique ability to thrive in adversity. It’s in our DNA. When the world throws up distractions, we push forward.

We advance by breaking new ground. We advocate for ourselves and each other.

We mentor the next generation. We build communities that lift us all.

We network and connect with purpose. We celebrate our successes without apology.

We own our achievements and cheer for each other. That’s how we’ll continue to lead.

When the world tries to distract you, remember this: the work isn’t about responding to the noise—it’s about staying the course and building a future rooted in inclusion, innovation, and resilience.

Want to do More?

If you’re looking for ways to stay connected to this powerful movement, I encourage you to take the next step.

Apply to join The Academy of Fintech, a community designed to equip women in fintech with the resources, connections, and knowledge they need to succeed. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, we’re here to support you.

Or, consider attending the Fintech Is Femme Leadership Summit during New York Fintech Week. This is an exclusive opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with like-minded women shaping the future of fintech. 

We stay the course, build relationships, and move forward in these spaces.

Let’s go get em.

_{WTF ELSE?}

• Plaid’s revenue, usage rates jump as CEO sees ‘Fintech Spring’

• Regions Bank deploys tech to take advantage of open banking 

• Fintech Klarna’s loan sales suggest it is more fin than tech

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_{I WANT IT, I GOT IT}

• 📰 Today’s Read: Throwback to my Forbes article: Fintech Leaders Unite To Advance Gender Parity, Reverse Climate Change.

• 🍿 Today’s Watch: I loved this TedTalk from Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point I Got Wrong.

• 🌍 Today’s Listen: One of my favorite podcasts is Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. Enjoyed the latest episode covering all of the above. I could listen to Kara call Mark Zuckerberg beta all day.

_FINTUNES

🎵 Wild Rivers - Never Better

I've been kicking off my mornings with this one. Enjoy.

_{LET’S CONNECT}

📰 Share this newsletter with a friend and start growing your network.

🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn for daily insights on female leadership.

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🎤 Host an epic event by booking me as a speaker, moderator, or emcee.

📚 Increase your expertise by ordering your copy of my book, Fintech Feminists: Increasing Inclusion, Redefining Innovation, and Changing the Future for Women Around the World.

That’s all for now! See you Thursday!

Love,

Nicole 💜