As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the theme ‘Give to Gain.’ It’s a powerful reminder that our individual successes are often built on the mentorship of those before us, and our greatest legacy is how we support the next generation. My own journey, spanning aerospace, satellite communications, and now fintech at Yaspa, has taught me that while technology constantly shifts, the principles of growth and problem-solving remain remarkably constant.

The universal language of problem-solving

People often ask how I transitioned from studying mathematics to working in aeronautical engineering and eventually in fintech. On the surface, these industries seem disparate. However, I’ve found that a technical foundation is a universal passport.

My maths degree taught me to think from first principles: the art of breaking complex, intimidating problems into smaller, manageable chunks. Whether you are dealing with a tangible product like a satellite phone or a data-focused identity product in fintech, the methodology is the same. If you can solve the small problems one at a time, you eventually resolve the big one.

For women looking to cross sectors, my advice is to build your technical literacy, even if you aren’t an engineer. Understanding the fundamentals of infrastructure, APIs, or data allows you to speak the same language as your engineering teams. This doesn’t just build your own confidence; it enables you to be a more effective leader who can remove blockers and translate technical details into wider organisational goals.

Breaking the jargon barrier

One of the most significant hurdles in male-dominated sectors like financial technology is the jargon barrier. To make our industry truly inclusive, we must move away from ambiguous acronyms. I strive to keep my communication comprehensive and accessible. More importantly, we must build a workplace culture where asking ‘What does that acronym mean?’ is encouraged rather than judged. Inclusion starts with the psychological safety to learn in public.

The power of networks and allies

No one navigates these transitions alone. Professional STEM networks have been and are vital for me to find a community of people who have faced similar challenges. These networks provide the resilience needed to overcome the confidence gap or imposter syndrome which many young professionals can face, or that can arise again as you gain new roles in your career.

In my current role at Yaspa, I admire our Chief Marketing Officer, Kate Marsden. She is confident, articulate, and technical, with a strong understanding of the open banking data Yaspa deals with and the power of Intelligent Payments. Despite not being an engineer, having a strong technical literacy has undoubtedly helped her become an integral part of the company, being able to communicate with all facets of the business.

While it is important to have female role models, the burden of representation shouldn’t rest solely on women. We must also engage male allies in senior positions. True systemic change requires a collective effort to review hiring strategies and implement policies that reflect the reality of life, such as flexible working and robust support for returning parents.

I currently see that in my Head of Engineering David Turner. His experience and knowledge have helped me improve my working practices. The culture he is breeding is one that enables psychological safety, crucial to empower all employees, but especially women in technology. 

Perseverance as a heritage

My perspective is deeply shaped by my family. I come from a line of resilient women; refugees who arrived in this country and would go on to become mechanical engineers, nuclear physicists, and pharmacists. Their examples taught me that education is a privilege and that hard work and perseverance can still result in a brilliant career, no matter where you start from.

Today, the most rewarding part of my role is giving back through mentoring and coaching. By sharing our experiences, we help the next generation find their way forward. I’ve had a coach most of my career, and the advice and teachings they’ve given me have been invaluable. Therefore, I feel privileged to pass down this knowledge to the next generation of talented women in tech. 

To any woman considering a leap into a new tech sector: your skills are more transferable than you think. Build your foundation, find your network, and remember that every complex problem is just a series of small solutions waiting to happen. And for those already working in tech, do consider how you can give back and empower the next generation coming through so they don’t have to overcome the barriers you’ve already breached, and instead create the best possible pool of tech talent for the future. 

Learn more about life at Yaspa here: yaspa.com/careers/