The Launch of The Heard: Elevating Women in Fintech
Today marks a significant milestone in the fintech industry with the launch of the Women in Fintech Speaker Index, known as The Heard, in the UK. This innovative platform aims to amplify the voices of women and non-binary individuals in the fintech sector, providing them with opportunities for public speaking and media engagement.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
The Heard is designed to connect event organizers, producers, and journalists with a diverse pool of speakers. The index includes a wide range of professionals, from founders and CEOs to experts in employer branding, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), product specialists, and leaders in emerging technologies like crypto, DeFi, and web3. This initiative seeks to ensure that panels, podcasts, and articles reflect a broader spectrum of perspectives, ultimately spotlighting the contributions of women in fintech.
Researching Top Spokespeople
As of today, organizers can access the site to research potential speakers. Each profile includes details about the speaker’s areas of expertise and their availability, making it easier for those in need of speakers to find the right fit for their events. This streamlined process allows for direct communication with speakers, fostering connections that can lead to impactful discussions and collaborations.
Expanding Opportunities for Speakers
The Heard is not just a resource for event organizers; it also serves as a platform for individuals who wish to be listed as speakers. Those interested in increasing their public speaking opportunities can apply to join the index. The initiative is committed to growing and expanding its roster, particularly welcoming individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Chantal Swainston, the founder of The Heard, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “I’ve had the good fortune to work with some phenomenal women in fintech during my career, yet many of them still remain people you haven’t heard of.” She emphasizes that The Heard is a step towards changing that narrative, bringing together exceptional voices that deserve to be heard in the fintech conversation.
Olivia Minnock, Managing Editor at Fintech Alliance, highlighted the dual benefits of The Heard. She noted the importance of finding the right platforms for women in fintech to share their views, which can lead to increased confidence and valuable connections. Minnock also pointed out the challenges faced by editors and moderators in sourcing diverse speakers, making The Heard a much-needed resource for enriching discussions across the sector.
Current Speakers in The Heard
The Heard boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, showcasing the depth of talent within the fintech community. Current listed speakers include:
Nina Mohanty, Co-Founder and CEO of Bloom
Margot and Alexia De Broglie, CEOs and Founders of investment app YourJuno
Gwera Kiwana, Principal at Thrive Africa Community
Ruby Hinchliffe, Senior Reporter at FTAdviser
Jihan Ahmed, Employer Brand and DEI Consultant
Tess Byrant, Head of Brand and Comms at Lightyear
Flora Somogyi, Head of UX Research at Lightyear
Roisin Levine, Head of UK and European Partnerships at Wise Platform
Nadia Costanzo, Head of Banking and Expansion – MEA & LatAm at Wise
Olivia Minnock, Editor of Fintech Alliance
Mary Agbesanwa, Fintech Growth Lead at Seccl
Prasangi Unantenne, Global Implementation Lead at Wise
Harriet Allner, Associate Director at Common Industry
Madhvi Mavadiya, Head of Content at Finextra
A Call to Action
The Heard is particularly interested in hearing from individuals who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This focus on inclusivity is crucial for fostering a richer dialogue within the fintech industry. Those who wish to be considered as potential speakers can find more information about applying on the site.
The launch of The Heard is a pivotal moment for the fintech community, promising to reshape the landscape of public speaking and representation in the industry. By connecting diverse voices with opportunities, The Heard is set to inspire a new generation of leaders and innovators in fintech.
