TECHNOLOGY
“ YOU NEED THE ABILITY TO LEAD AN ENGAGED , COMMITTED TEAM ”
VIVI FRIEDGUT CEO AND FOUNDER , BLACKBULLION
involve looking at different ecosystem partnerships , putting a new rollout on hold , or even shifting core mechanisms within the company to achieve a stronger business .
Daniel Harman , CEO and Co-Founder of Dark Square Capital , believes flexible thinking is key , as is a lean , agile approach . “ With all startups , flexibility and patience are key . Fintechs have the added requirement of needing to be FCA regulated in certain cases , which makes launching your product , promoting / advertising and pivoting more difficult ,” he says .
Harman remarks that , in the fintech space , it ’ s particularly important to make sure leaders have done their research and properly analysed their target market . “ You ’ re asking users to trust you with their finances , so I think customers are less forgiving than they might be in other sectors .”
Vivi Friedgut , CEO and Founder of Blackbullion , agrees with Harman . But she says cohesive teamwork and a strong culture are also key in surviving the storm .
“ You need the ability to lead an engaged , committed team . To have created that culture of purpose and inclusion from the outset by bringing your people into your vision ,” she says .
“ Your talent is your momentum when you ’ re scaling . It ’ s not about leading the
hardest working team to achieve your goals or burnout . Rather , it ' s about being creative with how you make your teams ’ work lives great , fostering a culture of flexibility and autonomy so your people truly commit to your business ’ values and mission . Leadership is about making your people want to be part of that scaling journey . Because , as we ’ re seeing , it ’ s not an easy ride .”
Sector opportunities despite the downturn Despite the difficulties , there are areas that are thriving . Fintech leaders can improve their chances of raising investment capital if they concentrate on these areas .
86 December 2022