Pride and Passion

The Women Driving Leadership and Change in Banking and Payments Today

On International Women’s Day, we hear from four women leaders in their fields, about their own journeys, the  importance of visibility and how equality and diversity have become powerful forces for change.

There is a smart, powerful phrase that underlines the importance of visibility and role models in life: “If you can see it - you can be it.”

And it has stronger resonance than most motivational slogans you might see printed on a coffee cup, as it speaks to the power of those who blaze a trail and shine a light for the next generation.

Up until very recently, young women looking to a career in banking, Fintech and the wider financial services sector might have had a long search for role models in leadership positions.

As many industries woke up to the importance of diversity, true meritocracy and open opportunity, much of the world of banking and financial services appeared to be behind the curve.

Or as one of the four women we talked to, Ana Nedeljkovic, says;

“Ask most people to picture a banker, and they’ll still see a man in a suit.” But this is changing. Fast.

On International Women’s Day, we hear from four women, leaders, mentors and champions for gender equality and opportunity.

All four are successful in their fields and passionate about encouraging the next generation of talented young women who are looking for a career in a sector where they can be a positive force for change and progress for people and communities across the world.

As banking becomes a daily-used tool and a resource that we all need at our fingertips and with the theme of International Women’s Day 2022 declaring “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” - these four women talk about real change and how to achieve it.

Pedzani Tafa

Chief Operations Officer, Botswana Savings Bank

“It’s important to have women in banking because we are an increasingly critical part of the decisions made on consuming banking products.”

Pedzani Tafa has risen to leadership positions over a dynamic 29 year career in banking, currently with a Bank that  has a specific mission to mobilise people to save and plan for their future through inclusive, community-focused financial services.

Pedzani believes that women must show “courage and knowledge” to progress their careers - and  will earn “respect through delivery.”

In common with many women in financial services today, Pedzani did not  foresee a career in the sector when she was studying environmental science, but rather a career in education.

However, as many young graduates do, she applied for “anything and everything” and almost by chance, ended up working for a newly formed bank in Botswana.

The Chief Operations Officer for Botswana Savings Bank says that as she rose higher in her career, it sometimes felt  like a “lonely place” where the absence of women in Executive roles was evident in meetings or around conference tables.

Pedzani believes, however, that this is changing, as the financial sector embraces diversity, and becomes aware of the importance and value of having all views, experiences and backgrounds in the mix.

“I think it’s important to have women in banking because women are an increasingly critical part of the decision making to consume banking products,” she says.

“We may still have this traditional view of the man being the head of the household.” “But today, in most cases when  such decisions are made, women are a big part of it. Therefore, having women in leadership in the Bank is critical, when we tailor products, we have to think who are the decision-makers?”

“That perspective is so important, to be able to answer the question, “what would I want, as a woman, from a bank?”. I am able to bring in that perspective.”

Pedzani says that women are still, largely, in the lower-to-middle management positions and this has to change.

She believes in the qualities of empathy - not as a “soft” power but as a strength that women have that is vital for listening to and understanding the people they both work with and serve.

And Pedzani says banks have to understand that women can be both leaders and ambassadors, engaging with  communities, using insight and rapport to build relationships in a world where financial services are becoming increasingly personalised and direct.

These interpersonal skills are also crucial in running teams and organisations. “I think this leadership style can really resonate with people,” says Pedzani.

“When I ask someone to give me feedback, and they say, “you know, you really made an impact on my life”, I will find that they have worked more effectively, contributing more.”

“It has been proven that people will often work more for individuals that lead them, than for the organisation itself.”

Annie Vidot

Chief Executive Officer, Seychelles Commercial Bank

“Yes, we are in a male-dominated field. But that should not stop us aspiring to success.”

As the first female CEO of her Bank, Annie Vidot is playing a central part in driving change at Seychelles Commercial  Bank as they journey on a digital transformation and move to a full range of online banking services.

She started her career in the banking sector as a Loans Officer, continuing with her studies, taking on more  responsibilities and rising to the CEO position she has today.

She says she did not start her career aspiring to be a CEO and didn’t even see herself in a management position. But as she gained in experience, in her educational qualifications and in her belief in her own potential, she was able to forge a path.

“I always say to my staff, especially those who are starting out, do your job well, educate yourself and take all of the  opportunities that are given to you,” says Annie.

“I believe I have taken all of the opportunities that have come my way and as we are talking about women in banking and fintech, I think that is an important factor, having the confidence and belief that allows you to do this.” “Yes, we are in a male-dominated field. But that should not stop us aspiring to success.”

Annie says financial services in countries like Seychelles still have some ground to make up on their European  counterparts for example, in areas such as advanced digital financial solutions and mobile banking technologies.

But she believes this radical change offers opportunities for young women and young people in general to venture  into and play key roles in driving the transformation.

“I look at younger people who are very comfortable with technology, such as with using and developing apps and  that offers a lot of opportunities as fintech changes and becomes more sophisticated.”

“For younger women, unfortunately, opportunities will not be served up on a plate and they will often come  wrapped in challenges.”