Redefining Pride in the Workplace

In a recent episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions podcast series, hosted by Nadia, Alexander Mark Deakin-Mckay, the Commercial Marketing Director at Xeinadin, provided invaluable insights into his professional journey and the broader implications for fintech recruitment, careers, and inclusive workplaces. The conversation delved deep into the essence of leadership, the importance of diversity, and the evolving nature of fintech jobs. For anyone interested in fintech careers or working with fintech recruiters, this episode was a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice.

Building a Career in Fintech: The Role of Personal Experience

Alexander's journey into the fintech world is a testament to the importance of lived experience in shaping one's career. Growing up as a gay man in a predominantly heterosexual environment, he faced challenges that many might find overwhelming. However, these challenges became the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of success. This personal history, he shared, not only motivated him to excel but also deeply informed his leadership style.

For those exploring fintech careers, Alexander’s story emphasises the importance of resilience and authenticity. His path illustrates how personal challenges can fuel professional growth, making candidates more empathetic and effective leaders. Fintech recruiters and fintech recruitment agencies should take note of the diverse backgrounds and experiences candidates bring, as these can be pivotal in shaping the future of the industry.

The Intersection of Diversity and Leadership

As Commercial Marketing Director at Zenedine, Alexander has seen firsthand how diversity can unlock potential within a team. He stressed that understanding the lived experiences of employees is crucial for any leader aiming to create a truly inclusive workplace. This is especially relevant in fintech, where the pace of innovation requires teams that can bring different perspectives to the table.

In the context of fintech recruitment, this means that fintech recruiters must look beyond traditional qualifications and consider the unique experiences and viewpoints that candidates offer. Alexander’s approach to leadership involves recognising and harnessing these differences to foster a more dynamic and innovative work environment. For those hiring within the fintech industry, this highlights the importance of seeking out diverse talent and creating spaces where all employees feel safe to contribute fully.

Fintech Jobs: Beyond Traditional Roles

Alexander’s experience at Xeinadin, a rapidly growing accountancy and business advisory firm backed by private equity, underscores the evolving nature of fintech jobs. The firm’s mission is to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in growing their businesses, with a particular focus on integrating technology and branding. This requires a diverse range of skills, from technical expertise to creative marketing.

For fintech careers, this means that the industry is not just about traditional financial roles. There are opportunities for individuals with backgrounds in technology, marketing, customer service, and even the arts. Alexander’s journey from a background in drama to a leadership role in fintech illustrates that the industry values a wide range of skills and experiences. This is a crucial insight for fintech recruitment agencies, which must adapt to the changing demands of the industry by identifying candidates who bring more than just financial expertise.

The Importance of Safe and Inclusive Workplaces in Fintech

One of the key themes of the discussion was the importance of creating safe environments where all employees can thrive. Alexander emphasised that when people feel safe and valued at work, they are more likely to contribute to the company’s success. This is particularly relevant in fintech, where innovation and creativity are essential.

For fintech recruiters, this highlights the importance of assessing not just a candidate’s skills but also their fit within a company’s culture. It also underscores the need for fintech recruitment agencies to work with companies to build inclusive workplaces where all employees can reach their full potential. This is not just about ticking boxes for diversity but about creating environments where diverse perspectives can lead to real innovation.

Advancing Careers in Fintech: Advice from Alexander

When it comes to advancing within fintech careers, Alexander’s advice is clear: be bold, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to stand out. He shared a powerful anecdote from his youth, where he learned the importance of observing others and learning from their behaviours. This lesson, imparted to him by the renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen, has stayed with him throughout his career.

For those looking to advance in fintech jobs, this advice is invaluable. It suggests that success in fintech is not just about technical skills but also about understanding and adapting to the dynamics of the industry. Fintech recruitment should, therefore, focus not only on finding candidates with the right qualifications but also on those who demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.

The Role of Fintech Recruitment Agencies in Shaping the Future

As the fintech industry continues to grow, the role of fintech recruitment agencies becomes increasingly important. These agencies are not just intermediaries; they are gatekeepers who can help shape the future of the industry by identifying and nurturing the right talent. Alexander’s insights into the importance of diversity, inclusive leadership, and the evolving nature of fintech jobs provide a roadmap for how fintech recruitment agencies can better serve both candidates and companies.

Fintech recruiters must prioritise diversity and inclusion, not just as buzzwords but as core values that drive the industry forward. By doing so, they can help build stronger, more innovative teams that are better equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing industry.

The Future of Fintech Careers

The discussion with Alexander provides a compelling vision for the future of fintech careers. It highlights the importance of diversity, resilience, and authenticity in shaping successful careers in the industry. For fintech recruiters and fintech recruitment agencies, it offers valuable insights into how to identify and support the next generation of fintech leaders.

As the fintech industry continues to evolve, those who embrace these values will be best positioned to succeed. Whether you are an individual looking to advance your career in fintech or a company seeking to build a diverse and inclusive team, the lessons from this discussion are clear: embrace diversity, invest in your people, and always strive to create safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

If you're looking to build a Proud FinTech Workplace or need guidance, tune into our special #Pride episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions. Join Nadia and industry leaders as they share invaluable advice and tips to create a Proud FinTech Workplace:

🌟 Kim Nguyen, VP of People at Alloy 

🌟 Christian Tooley, Senior Manager, EMEA - Ventures (Capital/Building) at Bain & Company and Founder of i³ investing

🌟 Natalie Brock, Chief of Staff People Team at Thought Machine 

🌟 Alexander Mark Deakin-Mckay, Commercial Marketing Director at Xeinadin

🌟 Deon Pillay, Head of Marketing Technology, Enablement, and Governance at Legal & General Investment Management

Listen to the full episode on all major podcast streaming platforms 👇

https://www.harringtonstarr.com/resources/podcast/proud-fintech-workplace--pride-special/

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