Last week was a very exciting week! I was invited to speak at the European women in Fintech and payments network (EWPN) annual conference and award dinner. My panel discussed funding and alternative lending. I participated in many clinics ranging from leadership, branding, financial inclusion, innovation, eyes on Africa, Technology, customer delivery among others. I was also part of a wonderful award dinner where ZidiCircle was among the startup of the year award nominees- Congratulations to the winners!
Here are my key observations;
#1. Belonging
There was a sense of family during the two days we were at the #EWPN2019. Everybody was jolly and wanted to reach out including the lady who fixed my dress in the ladies. I was just standing by the mirror struggling to fix my belt (which was pulled down by my bike’s wheels. Yes, I know what you are thinking but in the Netherlands, we cycle everywhere, even to global conferences such as this one or to job interviews. So while I struggled to get my belt on the loop, one lady immediately jumped in to fix it, the other walked in and was so disappointed that she didn’t carry her safety pin to fix it, eventually lady number one fixed it -most grateful! This is among the many instances that I observed great women step up and do great deeds because they cared. There was a sense of moving forward. The men were not left behind, I bumped into this gent minutes before the award dinner, and he wanted my opinion about his bow tie. All these instances and many others made it feel at home for everyone, and together we were venturing into deep Waters of ensuring everybody feels included in this fintech revolution. And I mean a revolution because we can’t do without it, and we have a duty to develop impactful infrastructure that will be easily adopted by generations to come.
#2. Support
It wasn’t surprising that everyone I met wanted to be helpful and supportive even before I explained what it is that I was working on. These highly talented women want to be the solution rather than complain about being excluded from this, missing that promotion or lucking that funding round. They want to create practical solutions using the knowledge, skills, network and all other resources at their disposal.
#3. Sharing
So I met this wonderful lady, who within 2 minutes of our meeting dug into her emails and was forwarded to me really helpful links in between our talks. I didn’t ask for help, but during our conversation, she identified areas that she could support me and my network. Then I met another in my next interaction and she was very receptive in fixing a call to discuss a partnership. What an inspiration this was. That most of our mindsets were set to give first even before we received, without strings attached, without looking at our achievements or academic credentials. Isn’t this beautiful!
#4. Reaching out
It was easy to pass by two or more conversing women, and they openly asked for help? Asking doesn’t demean us or show a level of weakness. No… it is okay to ask and even if the other party has no direct solution, they can direct you to possible leads. They can say no, or I know of this, or I can introduce you to so and so. That’s the beauty of reaching out. In my personal capacity, this is how I have grown, this is how I have learned, this is how I continue exploiting my full potential.
#5. Freedom
The freedom to choose, the freedom to be who you are without being judged harshly. That’s what most women enjoyed. So many times I overheard a lady telling the other that this is our space to be who we are, to share with the world what we are, to make mistakes. Yes, what is wrong with going on a podium and forgetting your key points because last night the baby was up all night, or because of jet lag. Every average human being makes mistakes ( even your boss btw). But the difference is dusting up and fixing the situation as soon as possible. Generally speaking, it felt so at home to try the unthinkable. When you are free, when you free your mind, you exploit your full potential, that works for me (Not a bad recipient:-)
#6. Comfort Zone
I know most women felt at home here, especially I did. But what I am talking about is actually moving out of your comfort zone. In the leadership clinic, we were told we have to earn it, we have to go for it, we need to ask. So I observed the body language of most successful women I met, they were going for the Gold, nothing less. When you start talking to them, they know the price and they aren’t afraid to ask, but they also are very quick to tell you how. When I get this I will do this and that, I will solve this, I will deliver this. That’s the mindset that ticks.
#7. Earning it!
Yes! Nothing will be given to us for free as women. We have to earn it. That was the vibes in the air. Whether it’s that promotion or the funding round. We have to demonstrate our capabilities and deliver. Then we can be accountable and demonstrate how it was denied from us. I have made a commitment to work for it, towards it and for it, and when I don’t get it, I will ask why, I will request for feedback. I want accountability moving forward. When somebody out rightly tells me that I cannot get it because I lack flexibility being a wife and mother, I will hold them accountable too, that’s our level playing ground. Especially in these times.
#8. Rocking it!
Yes! They rocked, they had confidence, they spoke out, they were focused, they were easy, they were optimistic, they claimed their space!
I decided to highlight these behavioral skills that I experienced and observed but there were other invaluable lessons both on innovation, technology and Fintech in general.
As I concluded my panel discussion I ask us women to take advantage of all those good qualities and our numbers muscle to change the Funding scene. And that’s why I believe in the peer to peer funding model of Zidicircle.
I would like to hear your feedback 🙂 (info@zidicircle.com)
By Fridah Ntarangwi
Founder @ Zidicircle