Risk, Resilience and Real Change in the FinTech Workplace

In this engaging episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia, Lindsay Gustafsson, the Head of Risk at Novuna, delves into her career journey, the challenges she's faced, and her dedication to fostering a more inclusive workplace in the FinTech industry. Lindsay’s story is one of resilience, continuous learning, and a deep-seated passion for inclusion that resonates across her various roles within the sector. As Harrington Starr, a FinTech recruitment business, we strive to highlight voices like Lindsay’s that embody the transformative potential of diversity, equity, and inclusion in shaping the future of FinTech. 

Finding Purpose in FinTech Recruitment and Beyond 

Lindsay’s career began in mathematics, where she soon discovered her passion for numbers could have real-world applications beyond the classroom. Initially venturing into teaching, she later transitioned to the FinTech industry by becoming a credit risk analyst at HSBC, which sparked her fascination with analytics and risk management. This experience set the stage for her journey through credit and risk, where Lindsay emphasises the importance of finding workplaces that align with one’s passion and values.  

Building Diverse Teams in Risk and Analytics 

As Head of Risk at Novuna, Lindsay oversees a broad range of risk functions, from analytics to financial crime underwriting. Her approach to risk management involves building diverse teams that can tackle challenges from multiple perspectives. She highlights that true diversity is not merely about numbers; it’s about creating spaces where every voice can contribute to the conversation. By blending different viewpoints, she strengthens the team’s ability to navigate complex challenges in Infrastructure support and Network Engineering, where varied insights are critical to innovation. 

Through her role, Lindsay also sees firsthand how FinTech recruitment can influence the talent pool in sectors like Product management and Quantitative Finance. She advocates for hiring strategies that focus on complementing existing skills rather than replicating them. This philosophy is particularly relevant in risk and analytics, where Lindsay has seen diversity fostered by encouraging a mix of backgrounds and experiences, which, in turn, helps drive better decision-making and innovation. 

Career Pivots and Embracing Change in Cyber Security and IT Risk 

Lindsay’s career is a testament to the power of embracing change. After years in secure roles within large institutions, she took a significant risk by moving to a consumer credit company undergoing administrative restructuring. This shift allowed her to develop her own team from the ground up, building a unit that was both diverse and capable of addressing complex challenges in Cyber Security and IT risk. Her experience demonstrates the importance of adaptability and courage for professionals considering similar pivots in their tech careers. 

For those in FinTech recruitment or fields like Data, Lindsay’s journey underscores the value of diverse perspectives in addressing critical issues. By building teams that think differently, she navigates the complexities of risk management more effectively, showing how inclusion drives better results in an industry where every decision has significant implications. 

The Power of Community Networks in Data and Infrastructure Support 

Lindsay’s commitment to inclusion is also evident in Novuna’s internal networks, such as PRISM and the Multicultural Network, which play a significant role in supporting diversity across the organisation. These communities foster an environment where employees from all levels can connect and collaborate, which is particularly important in roles related to Data and Infrastructure support. Lindsay sees these networks as vital for bridging generational, cultural, and experiential divides, thereby enriching the company’s culture and creating a stronger foundation for future growth. 

For those in FinTech recruitment or managing diverse teams, Lindsay’s insights offer a powerful reminder of the importance of such networks in sustaining a genuinely inclusive workplace. Her story encourages professionals to actively participate in or create similar communities within their organisations, particularly in sectors like Cloud Engineering and DevOps, where cross-departmental collaboration is essential for success. 

Inclusion as a Daily Commitment in Network Engineering 

Reflecting on her career, Lindsay emphasises that inclusion is a commitment that must be embraced at every level. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, she believes that everyone in the organisation plays a part in creating an inclusive environment. This mindset is particularly relevant for those in Network Engineering, where collaboration and communication are crucial for ensuring systems run smoothly. By fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, Lindsay helps ensure that all team members feel valued, leading to a more harmonious and productive workplace. 

Through her experiences, Lindsay highlights the importance of supportive working environments in retaining top talent in FinTech recruitment. Her approach aligns with the values we uphold at Harrington Starr, where we strive to place candidates in environments where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully. For Lindsay, creating such an environment requires intentional actions from both leaders and team members, as inclusion cannot be left solely to top management. 

Recognising the Impact of Diverse Career Experiences

Lindsay’s diverse career journey—from credit risk analysis to consultancy, and even volunteering for a national charity—has equipped her with a unique perspective on the role of inclusion in different organisational settings. Her time as a consultant provided her with valuable insights into how companies operate and the significance of inclusion in driving organisational effectiveness.  

Her story also resonates with those in FinTech recruitment, where her varied experiences underscore the importance of finding roles that allow individuals to fully express their skills and values. Lindsay’s journey serves as a powerful example for professionals across disciplines, from Quantitative Finance to Sales and Marketing, showing how diverse career paths can enhance one’s ability to lead inclusively. 

Nurturing Inclusion in Sales and Marketing

In a particularly inspiring moment, Lindsay shares her perspective on being an outsider within an organisation and the importance of recognising one’s value in the workplace. Her experiences resonate deeply with professionals in Sales and Marketing, who often face unique challenges in establishing their voices within larger organisations. Lindsay’s advice to “have faith in yourself and your gut instinct” is a valuable reminder for those who may feel disconnected in their roles, as she encourages them to seek environments that align with their passion and purpose. 

At Harrington Starr, we echo Lindsay’s message by promoting a culture that values each individual’s contributions. Through our FinTech recruitment services, we aim to match candidates with roles that not only suit their skill sets but also foster an environment where they can thrive. 

Driving Transformation in Software Engineering 

Lindsay’s journey also touches on the role of software engineering in building inclusive systems and processes within the FinTech sector. By integrating diversity into every aspect of risk management, she ensures that her teams are not only technically skilled but also equipped to address challenges from various perspectives. This approach is especially valuable in software engineering, where innovation thrives on the diversity of thought. 

Her insights on inclusion underscore the importance of collaboration and adaptability in fields like software engineering, where the rapid pace of technological advancement demands a flexible and inclusive approach. For those in FinTech recruitment and beyond, Lindsay’s experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in driving meaningful transformation. 

A Call to Action for Inclusion in FinTech

As the episode wraps up, Lindsay offers a call to action for everyone in the FinTech industry, urging them to “be passionate about inclusion” and actively contribute to making their workplaces more inclusive. She emphasises that inclusion is not the responsibility of a single group but a collective effort that everyone, from junior employees to senior leaders, must embrace. Her message is particularly relevant for those in FinTech recruitment, as it highlights the role that every individual plays in creating a more equitable industry. 

At Harrington Starr, we are committed to supporting professionals who share Lindsay’s vision of a diverse and inclusive FinTech sector. Through our FinTech recruitment services, we connect candidates with roles in fields like Cloud Engineering and DevOps, Cyber Security and IT risk, Data, Infrastructure support, Network Engineering, Product management, Quantitative Finance, Sales and Marketing, and Software engineering. Our mission is to place individuals in positions where they can make a difference and contribute to a more inclusive future for FinTech. 

Embracing Inclusion in FinTech Recruitment 

Lindsay’s insights are a powerful reminder of the impact that inclusive practices can have on the FinTech industry. She demonstrates the value of building teams that are not only skilled but also diverse in thought and experience. Her story underscores the importance of finding workplaces that align with one’s values, and her dedication to fostering inclusion is an inspiration for professionals across the sector. 

As a FinTech recruitment business, Harrington Starr is dedicated to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. By connecting talented individuals with roles that allow them to bring their full selves to work, we are helping to build a FinTech sector that values and celebrates every voice.