[Interview] Empowering Women in Fintech: Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance in Leadership Roles

In the fast-paced world of financial technology (fintech), women who aspire to leadership roles face both exciting opportunities and daunting challenges. As the industry continues to rapidly evolve, driving innovation and transforming conventional financial services, achieving a balance between work and personal life becomes increasingly complicated.

Today, we have the honor of Interviewing Mirna Sleiman , Founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy , with her expertise in fintech, digital payments, open banking, finance and digital transformation, to explores the intricate relationship between fintech leadership and work-life balance, with a specific focus on the unique experiences of women navigating these realms. We will delve into the various challenges they encounter and examine the diverse strategies they employ to achieve harmony.

What, in your experience, are some of the unique challenges women face in maintaining work-life balance while pursuing leadership roles in fintech?

There is no such thing as work-life balance. The balance is an internal phenomenon...it’s right within us. Women in fintech leadership often grapple with the high-speed nature of the industry. The dynamics are incredible, innovation and tech progress are happening every second. Juggling the hustle with your life outside work, and adding children into the mix? That's a whole other level of multitasking. There’s no actual life-work balance – it’s more of a buzzword than a reality. There are priorities, emergencies, and you, as a woman, mingle through them. Women leaders often have to navigate these challenges while also dealing with societal expectations and potential biases. My journey has shown me the need for resilience and adaptability in such dynamic sectors.

How can companies in the fintech sector create a more supportive environment for women striving for leadership positions while managing work-life balance?

To create supportive environments, companies in fintech should look beyond traditional workplace norms. The time for that has long passed and if a company is stubborn in maintaining that – it will lose talents faster than you can say “Open Finance”.

This involves embracing flexible work schedules and recognizing the different life stages and responsibilities of their employees. My leadership approach at Fintech Galaxy is to focus on a positive, enabling work culture. This means valuing not just the skills but also the attitudes and outlooks of our team members, promoting a fearless culture where questioning and innovating are encouraged. This approach is not just about gender inclusivity but also about creating an overall empowering family-type environment for all employees.

Have you personally encountered any specific strategies or initiatives that have proven effective in balancing leadership responsibilities and personal life within the fintech industry?

We can’t have everything and do everything at the same time and on our own...I’ve learned this early in the game. Having the right support system is crucial, that is a proud husband at home, loving kids and a supporting circle of family and friends. You also need mentors and a group of board members/ shareholders who are there to help you stay strong during tough times and give you success advice. Balance between work and life is not something you have, but you create.

Could you share examples of successful role models or leaders who have managed to excel in fintech leadership roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? What lessons can be learned from their experiences?

Numerous entrepreneurs in fintech have successfully balanced leadership roles with personal lives. I can’t name a specific name, because we are surrounded by these amazing people: it’s you, it’s your neighbor, your friend, your colleague, etc. You see them on the stage at big-time conferences, you see them in the park with their children, they are everywhere. These role models demonstrate the importance of strong professional networks, mentorship, and strategic use of technology while investing heavily into a healthy life and family. They offer lessons on how to leverage these resources for effective leadership and work-life balance. Personally, I draw inspiration from such leaders and strive to implement similar strategies in my leadership approach.

How can technology itself aid in achieving better work-life balance for individuals, particularly women, in fintech leadership roles?

Technology plays a pivotal role in aiding work-life balance, particularly for women in leadership roles. At Fintech Galaxy, we have a digital first culture...we’re all connected on the cloud. We leverage digital tools for efficient workflow management, remote work capabilities, and streamlined communication. Even though i have colleagues in more than 15 countries, we’re always connected. This tech-enabled approach allows our team members to work flexibly, maintaining productivity without sacrificing personal time.

Are there any cultural or systemic changes necessary within the fintech sector to accommodate better work-life balance for women in leadership positions? If so, what are they?

There’s always room for improvement in any sector, not just fintech. Cultural and systemic changes to better accommodate work-life balance for women in leadership roles are more than necessary. This includes giving flexibility to work from anywhere, not only from home, promoting gender diversity in leadership and implementing supportive policies, ranging from flexible work policies to internal support systems for women balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

In your opinion, what role should mentorship or support networks play in assisting women navigating the challenges of work-life balance in fintech leadership?

You know that girl power, that women-supporting-women phenomenon – it’s a real game-changer. There’s nothing more empowering than getting support and mentorship from women who’ve been in your shoes at some point, have grown, and are now helping you grow. Sharing our life stories is key, nothing inspires others like sharing our journey with all our heartaches, sleepless nights, the unparallel feeling of success, and the invaluable lessons from failures.

In my career, both as a mentor and a mentee, I have seen the profound impact these relationships can have on navigating the complexities of work-life balance in leadership roles. At Fintech Galaxy, we encourage such networks as part of our organizational culture.

How can companies encourage and promote flexible work arrangements to facilitate work-life balance without compromising leadership aspirations in fintech?

Companies can promote flexible work arrangements by demonstrating their benefits and ensuring these policies are integrated into the corporate culture. At Fintech Galaxy, I advocate for a results-oriented approach over traditional work hours. This strategy allows our team to balance professional growth with personal life effectively, without sacrificing their aspirations in fintech leadership.

From your perspective, what are the essential skills or habits that women in fintech leadership should cultivate to effectively manage work-life balance demands?

Love yourself and take care of your mental, physical, and emotional state. Avoid negative people and energy vampires. And most importantly, have faith! Nothing keeps us strong, sane, and standing other than believing that God has all the goodness planned for us. Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.

Mirna Sleiman , Founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy

Mirna Sleiman is the Founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy, which is an open finance and innovation platform in the MENA region. She advises governments and financial institutions on their digital transformation programs. Mirna has more than 15 years of experience in innovation programs, government affairs, investor relations, journalism, strategic digital communications, and global partnerships.