The Power of Empathy
12 September, 2024
Welcome to another episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, where we celebrate victories, confront challenges, and actively pursue inclusive change within the financial technology industry. Today's episode is especially enlightening as we welcome Claire Seydoux, Client Success Lead at Ozone API. Claire shares her extensive career journey, her transition from a large corporation to a smaller fintech company, and her passionate advocacy for inclusion in the workplace.
Career Journey and Experiences in FinTech
Claire's career story is truly inspiring. Originating from the North of England and educated at Durham University, Claire's professional path began with a bold move to Paris, driven by her love for geography and desire to explore the world. Her career at American Express (Amex) spanned 25 years, filled with a diverse array of roles across project management, business planning, sales, and client management. Claire's narrative showcases a rich career where she seized opportunities, balanced her personal life with professional growth, and continually sought new challenges.
At Amex, Claire found herself thriving in a variety of roles, primarily within the commercial cross-border payments business. This experience was akin to working in a fintech environment but with the robust backing of a major brand. Her roles at Amex were not only varied but also deeply fulfilling, allowing her to travel, grow, and make significant contributions. The supportive environment at Amex facilitated her professional development, including time off to raise her children.
Transition to Ozone API
Claire's transition to Ozone API marks a significant chapter in her fintech career. Joining a smaller, agile company after years at a corporate giant posed its own set of challenges and rewards. Claire was drawn to Ozone API by three main factors: the people, the culture, and the product. She describes the team at Ozone API as quietly confident and informally professional, a culture that resonated deeply with her values.
The company's core values of respect, innovation, and collaboration were pivotal in Claire's decision to join. These principles not only define the work environment at Ozone API but also ensure that the company's rapid growth does not dilute its foundational culture. Claire found herself welcomed into a team that emphasised these values, making her transition smooth and fulfilling.
The Product and Its Impact in Financial Technology
Ozone API's focus on open banking and helping financial institutions safely expose APIs as a SaaS managed solution intrigued Claire. She recognised the potential of open banking to address some of the persistent challenges in cross-border payments, such as cost, ease, speed, visibility, and security. The founders of Ozone API, who played a significant role in setting the standards for open banking in the UK, inspired Claire with their vision and commitment.
Advice for Career Transitions in Financial Services
For those contemplating a similar move from a large corporation to a smaller fintech, Claire's journey offers valuable insights. She highlights the importance of agility, the necessity of robust processes, and the personal impact one can have in a smaller organisation. In a fintech, the ability to move quickly, test ideas, and learn from failures is crucial. This environment allows for greater personal fulfilment and a clearer understanding of one's role and impact within the organisation.
Culture and Inclusion in FinTech
Culture is a recurring theme in Claire's narrative. She emphasises the significance of enjoying one's work, being passionate and fostering a collaborative environment. Skills are important, but the ability to work effectively with others and create a culture of collaboration is paramount. Claire's move to Ozone API was driven by her desire to learn something new and step out of her comfort zone, a decision she is immensely proud of.
Inclusion and Supporting Diverse Voices in Financial Tech
Claire's commitment to inclusion is evident throughout her career. She actively supports and encourages women in cross-border payments and fintech, fields where women are often underrepresented. At both American Express and Ozone API, Claire has championed the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those who are quieter and less confident.
She believes that everyone should feel empowered to achieve their potential, regardless of gender. Claire advocates for a balanced approach to nurturing talent, ensuring that success is based on merit and not gender. This commitment to fairness and empowerment is a cornerstone of her approach to leadership and inclusion.
Chairing the FinTech ESG Committee
Claire's involvement in Ozone API's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) committee exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact. The committee, comprising representatives from various roles and geographies, focuses on building an environmentally sustainable business. They've begun measuring their carbon footprint and engaging in charitable activities, such as financial literacy education and community support initiatives.
FinTech Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
Recruitment is a vital aspect of building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and Claire's experiences provide valuable lessons in this area. At American Express, she was deeply involved in recruiting talent and ensuring a diverse pipeline of candidates. This experience highlighted the importance of proactive recruitment strategies to attract a wide range of applicants.
In her current role at Ozone API, Claire continues to prioritise diversity in recruitment. She believes that the key to successful talent acquisition lies in creating an inclusive recruitment process that removes biases and focuses on the potential and skills of candidates. Claire emphasises the importance of job descriptions that are free from gendered language and unconscious biases. She advocates for structured interviews that ensure every candidate is evaluated on a level playing field.
Moreover, Claire highlights the significance of employer branding in attracting diverse talent. By showcasing the inclusive culture and values of the organisation, companies can attract candidates who resonate with their mission. Claire has worked closely with the marketing and HR teams at Ozone API to develop compelling employer branding initiatives that highlight the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Mentorship and FinTech Support Systems
Another critical aspect of recruitment and retention is mentorship. Claire has been a strong advocate for mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups in the workplace. At American Express, she was involved in mentoring initiatives that paired experienced professionals with newcomers to help them navigate their careers and develop their skills.
At Ozone API, Claire continues to mentor and support colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. She believes that mentorship is not just about providing guidance but also about creating a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to grow.
Driving Inclusion in the Financial Workplace
Claire concludes with a powerful message on inclusion. She urges everyone to take personal responsibility for encouraging quieter voices and recognising the value of diverse perspectives. By fostering an environment where everyone feels confident to speak up and step out of their comfort zones, workplaces can become more inclusive and innovative.
Closing Thoughts
Claire Seydoux's journey from a large corporation to a dynamic fintech highlights the importance of culture, inclusion, and personal impact in the workplace. Her story is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing change, and championing diversity. As we continue to celebrate and strive for inclusive change in the fintech industry, Claire's experiences offer invaluable lessons and inspiration.
Thank you, Claire, for sharing your insights and passion with us on FinTech's DEI Discussions. Let's listen, learn, and walk the talk for a more inclusive future in financial technology.
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