Life in Fintech: An Interview with Eve Atkinson

Eve Atkinson's journey into the professional world is a testament to the serendipitous nature of career development, especially for those with a knack for navigating the unpredictable waves of startup culture. From psychology graduate to FinTech leader, Eve's career path was guided by her interests rather than a predetermined career trajectory. This approach laid the groundwork for a richly diverse career, illustrating that passion and curiosity are as valuable as any strategic plan.

Eve's Early Career

Eve’s early career emerged from an initial attraction to psychology. An engaging high school teacher sparked a fascination with the subject that led her to pursue it further at university. However, it wasn't until her third year of undergraduate studies that the idea of becoming a clinical psychologist began to crystallise. This aspiration led her to spend over a year shadowing clinical psychologists in a mental health hospital. However, the experience ultimately steered her away from the clinical psychology path. This was not the only time that getting stuck in and trying things helped her figure out what roles would fufill her.

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First Corporate Experiences

Transitioning from the intense environment of a mental health hospital to a 'city job' handling PPI complaints for Deloitte, Eve's first foray into the corporate world was far from glamorous. It was here that she began to discern more in detail what she enjoyed and, more critically, what she did not. “I got to learn about the banking and finance industry but it was not a great job. It was quite restricted and I guess what I probably learned more is what I didn't enjoy.” The lack of autonomy and the robotic adherence to protocols in the PPI role contrasted sharply with the vibrant, dynamic atmosphere she would soon discover at WorldRemit, a then-small but rapidly growing company focused on remittances.

Joining WorldRemit marked a significant pivot in Eve's career. Initially part of the customer care team, she quickly climbed the ranks, moving from deputy manager to managing her own team. Eve highlights the importance of finding the right professional context: “it's more about the company than your position within it”. Her journey within the company is a classic example of the opportunities and challenges inherent in startup environments – where flexibility and adaptability can lead to a diverse, transferable skillset rapid advancement.

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Continual Learning and Mentorship

The leap from customer care to business development was a pivotal moment for Eve, not only because she could rapidly develop her skills with the varied tasks in her role. Reporting to a manager with a wealth of experience in the finance industry, she found a role model who exemplified the qualities of a successful female professional. Eve fondly recalls, "She was so brilliant...I really learnt from her what it was like to be a female professional and how to make your voice heard." This mentorship was crucial in navigating the corporate world, particularly in a male-dominated industry like finance and FinTech.

Eve's recent transition to the banking team within WorldRemit, now Zepz, underscores her ongoing pursuit of learning and professional growth. While this move presented a steep learning curve, it allowed her to delve deeper into the intricacies of banking and payments, further solidifying her expertise in the remittance sector.

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Balance & Community

Throughout her career, Eve has faced the universal challenge of balancing professional aspirations with personal life, particularly after returning from maternity leave. The struggle to maintain high performance at work while dedicating time to her child was a significant adjustment. Yet, through perseverance and the support of a network of women who shared similar experiences, she found a new rhythm, underscoring the importance of community and mutual support among working mothers.

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Future Goals: Deepening Expertise and Following Interests

Looking forward, Eve's aspirations are grounded in a desire to deepen her expertise in payments and banking. Rather than chasing the next promotion, she values the development of knowledge and experience, aiming to become a subject matter expert in her field. This approach, focused on learning and understanding, is emblematic of her overall career philosophy: to keep asking questions and follow one's interests wherever they may lead.

Eve Atkinson's career journey, from a psychology student finding her direction to a key player in the FinTech industry, is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear. Her story encourages young professionals to embrace their interests, remain open to new opportunities, and recognize the value of mentorship and continuous learning. As Eve herself advises, "keep showing an interest and keep asking questions" – a mantra that has guided her through the unpredictable but rewarding landscape of her career.