Rebuilding Confidence, Inclusion and Thriving After a Career Break

Welcome to another episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, brought to you by Harrington Starr, a leading FinTech recruitment business. In this episode, our host, Nadia, is joined by Karine Martinez, the Head of Sales at Edenred Payment Solutions, to discuss her inspiring career journey, her thoughts on financial inclusion, and her return to the workforce after a significant career break. This episode highlights the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the financial technology sector and sheds light on how businesses can create a more inclusive environment for all employees and offers a firsthand perspective on how employers can rethink their approach to DEI, and how individuals, especially women in FinTech, can successfully return to the workforce after a career break, re-entering with confidence and purpose.

At Harrington Starr, we’re passionate about supporting career transitions and advocating for greater inclusivity across the FinTech industry. Our recruitment services are designed to help businesses build diverse, talented teams and encourage professionals to find meaningful roles in this thriving sector. This conversation with Karine is a testament to the resilience, strength and talent found within individuals who may have taken a career break, changed industries or overcome other challenges in their professional journeys.

Nadia begins the conversation by asking Karine to share Edenred Payment Solutions’ mission. Karine explains that Edenred Payment Solutions is a B2B payment solution provider, focused on enhancing the daily lives of the people they support through innovative financial services.

"Our mission is mainly and primarily to create and deliver secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment services that improve financial inclusion and support businesses in optimising their performance," Karine shares.

Karine highlights that financial inclusion isn’t just about serving the underserved or unbanked; it’s about addressing the broader panel of inclusion. Edenred aims to provide solutions that allow for more sustainable consumption, offer perks like cashback, and improve financial well-being through partnerships with their clients.

At Harrington Starr, we recognise the vital role that payment solutions play in improving financial access and inclusivity in FinTech. As the FinTech recruitment landscape continues to evolve, we see firsthand how payment solutions like those at Edenred are driving positive change.

As the discussion progresses, Karine shares her professional background and the journey that led her to her current role at Edenred. She began her career as a wealth manager in retail banking before transitioning into investment advisory for a family office in France. However, after starting a family and relocating to the UK, Karine took a nine-year career break to focus on raising her children and running a family business.

Returning to the workforce after such an extended period was no easy task. Karine recounts the self-doubt and lack of confidence she faced when considering re-entering the FinTech industry:

"When I felt so I had a lack of self-esteem when I came back to work... it was already a mental and psychological journey to put me back into the right position."

At Harrington Starr, we recognise the challenges that professionals face when returning to work after a career break, especially in an industry as fast paced as FinTech. Our mission is to help individuals like Karine navigate these challenges by connecting them with employers who value diverse experiences and talent.

Karine emphasises the importance of networking and the role it played in her successful return to the workforce. She advises those in similar positions to rely on their networks for support, as well as to engage in return-to-work programs and networking events. For Karine, networking played a critical role in her return to work. She states that one of the keys to overcoming career gaps is reaching out to your professional network and seeking support from those around you. Karine found invaluable help from a close friend who was also returning to the workforce, and they supported each other through the process. However, she also shares the harsh reality of these programs:

"When you have a court of give or take 400 women who want to go back to work, believe me, everybody is really assertive, and everybody wants to go back to work... very difficult."

Overcoming Challenges in FinTech and Finding the Right Fit at Edenred

Karine’s perseverance ultimately paid off, and she found herself attracted to Edenred Payment Solutions. She was drawn to the company’s strong values, innovative culture, and commitment to digital transformation. Edenred’s global reach and their listing on France’s CAC 40 index further solidified the company’s standing as a leader in the payment solutions space.

When asked about her decision to join Edenred, Karine explains:

"What attracted me? A lot of things. First and foremost, the company is a longstanding company within the industry... I love challenges indeed, but when I was presented the project to rebuild the sales team, recreate a sales culture, and build processes around the culture and the values of the company, I was in."

As FinTech recruitment specialists at Harrington Starr, we know that cultural fit is essential for career success. Karine’s story is a powerful example of how aligning personal values with company culture can lead to long-term career satisfaction.

Navigating the Return to Work in FinTech: Advice for Women and Employers

Karine speaks candidly about the challenges of returning to work after a long break, particularly for women who have taken time off for family reasons. Karine urges women who are returning to the workforce to believe in themselves and push through the challenges, even when the process feels discouraging. She shares that there were many moments of doubt and frustration, but the key was to keep going, to never give up. She emphasises the importance of self-belief, persistence and seeking support from friends and professional networks:

"Never give up, always believe in yourself, because we can do it. We really can do it."

She also offers advice to employers, urging them to look beyond gaps in employment history and to give candidates a chance, especially those returning to work after a career break:

"Please take five minutes and read it through... give it a go. It’s super important to give it a go because these people will do everything to prove you that you are right choosing them."

At Harrington Starr, we believe in the potential of every professional, regardless of their career history, and we encourage employers in the FinTech industry to be more inclusive in their hiring practices. A diverse workforce brings unique perspectives and talents that can drive innovation and growth.

Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace: A Focus on FinTech Talent

When the conversation shifts to inclusion and diversity, Karine makes it clear that she values talent above all else. She emphasises that diversity and inclusion are about finding the right talent for the role, regardless of gender, background or other characteristics.

Karine also challenges the idea of hiring based on quotas, stating:

"I would be disgusted if I was chosen because I’m a quota and not because I’m good. You know what I mean? I’m good. I’m a woman, and I am as good as a man."

At Harrington Starr, we share Karine’s belief that talent should drive diversity. We work with Financial Technology employers to ensure that their FinTech hiring processes are inclusive, equitable and focused on finding the best candidate for the job.

Key Takeaways: A Message of FinTech Empowerment

In closing, Karine shares a message of empowerment for those navigating FinTech career transitions, particularly women returning to work after a break. She urges them to view their career break as a strength, not a failure, and that they bring valuable experiences that can contribute to professional growth and to continue pushing forward despite the challenges:

"The break is a strength, not a failure... we are chosen because we are what we are."

For employers, Karine stresses the importance of offering meaningful feedback to candidates and challenging unconscious biases in hiring decisions. Karine encourages hiring managers and talent acquisition teams to take the time to review applications from individuals with career breaks carefully. She stresses that it’s crucial to look beyond gaps in employment history and focus on the candidate’s potential and transferable skills. At Harrington Starr, we strive to create a more inclusive FinTech recruitment landscape where every candidate has an opportunity to succeed.

Harrington Starr is committed to supporting professionals in the FinTech industry as they navigate their career journeys. We’re here to help businesses build diverse and talented teams that reflect the values of inclusion and equity. We encourage the companies we work with to adopt this same mindset. Hiring professionals returning to work, especially women, adds value to businesses by bringing in diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills. Harrington Starr release DEI discussion podcasts every Tuesday and Thursday, so follow along to find out how you can walk the talk of inclusivity. If you’re looking to advance your career in FinTech or seeking talent to drive your business forward, Harrington Starr is your trusted recruitment partner.

Tune in to this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions for more insights and inspiration from Karine Martinez and Nadia. Let's listen, let's learn, and let's walk the talk for a more inclusive future in FinTech.