In the dynamic world of finance and technology, women are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and leading with innovation and purpose. Especially in the wealth sector, steps are being taken by women to make more of an impact.
One inspiring leader is Prema Varadhan, president product and chief operating officer at Temenos. Varadhan reflects about how she got started in the banking and technology sectors, who her role models are, and how she manages to balance work and life.
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Varadhan’s career path is a testament to her passion for engineering and problem-solving. Speaking to PBI, she says: “I have an engineering background, an engineering degree. When you are keen and interested in engineering, it’s about fixing a problem or creating clever solutions for problems or new solutions.”
Her enthusiasm for engineering naturally led her to the tech industry, where she could apply her skills to solve complex problems and create impactful solutions. This drive to innovate has been a consistent theme throughout her career, leading her to her current role at Temenos, where she continues to lead with a focus on innovation and technological advancement.
Transition to finance and Temenos
Varadhan’s transition into the finance sector was driven by her interest in applying technology to real-world financial problems. “The finance industry presents unique challenges and opportunities to innovate,” she explains. “At Temenos, I’ve had the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that blend technology with finance, creating solutions that enhance the way financial institutions operate.”
Working at Temenos has allowed Varadhan to leverage her engineering skills in a finance-focused environment. She shares: “Joining Temenos was a pivotal moment in my career. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in financial technology aligned perfectly with my professional goals and personal interests.”
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By GlobalDataClear priorities and passionate work
Balancing the demands of a high-powered career with personal life is a challenge many professionals face. Varadhan emphasises the importance of clarity and purpose in achieving this balance. “My priorities? I work them out, and I’m very clear about my purpose at work and in life.”
Varadhan’s approach to life is grounded in a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction. She enjoys her life with family and friends, and she is meticulous about how she spends her time. “I can work 16 hours a day or sometimes more, and sometimes much less. But there has to be some sort of satisfaction for me every day, and I don’t do regrets much,” she explains.
Embracing challenges and learning from experience
For Varadhan, success is not just about achieving goals but also about learning and growing from every experience. “If I feel like doing something, I will do it, and if I want to achieve something in a week at work, I give my everything at it. At least I have tried. Many cases I will be able to, some cases I won’t, but then I’ll learn something from that and move on.”
This mindset of continuous learning and adaptation is crucial in the fast-paced world of tech and finance.
Varadhan believes that while it’s essential to be driven and motivated, it’s equally important to find enjoyment and satisfaction in both professional and personal pursuits.
Balancing work and personal life
One of the key takeaways from Varadhan’s philosophy is the balance between professional and personal life: “It’s about the mental space you are in while being driven, motivated, and passionate. You can go about doing it in a way that gives you enjoyment and satisfaction both at work and in your personal life.”
Varadhan’s story is a reminder that achieving success in the finance and tech industries requires not just technical expertise and innovation but also a clear sense of purpose, the ability to balance different aspects of life, and a mindset open to learning from every experience.
Inspiring the next generation
Varadhan’s journey is an inspiration to many aspiring women in finance and technology. Her advice to the next generation is rooted in passion and resilience. She says: “Be clear about what gives you happiness and satisfaction, both in your career and personal life. Pursue your goals with dedication, but also remember to enjoy the journey and learn from every experience.”
As more women like Varadhan lead the way in finance, their stories inspire and pave the path for future generations, proving that with passion, clarity, and resilience, women can achieve remarkable success in any field.
In the typically male-dominated sectors of banking and technology, Shabi Shafei, IT lead at ABN AMRO, and Marlou Jenniskens, managing director for digital wealth solutions, are both making significant strides.
Their journeys showcase the evolving landscape of these industries and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Shafei, who currently works in IT at ABN AMRO, did not begin her career with a background in information technology. She studied international business, a field seemingly unrelated to tech. Her first job was at MTV U.S.A., a position that sparked her passion for digital tools and their fast-paced evolution.
After completing her master’s degree, Shafei transitioned to ABN AMRO, where she started in a IT and business consultancy management traineeship. This role allowed her to bridge the gap between business and IT, eventually leading her to the position she is in today, as an IT lead, managing delivery and DevOps teams in a constantly evolving field.
“I got very passionate about it and the impact that could make,” Shafei shares with PBI. “So many things are constantly changing, and I am learning every day.”
Jenniskens’ journey, on the other hand, began in financial services, specifically in relationship management and product development for corporate clients. Recognising the increasing competition from tech companies, Jenniskens shifted her focus towards digital transformation.
She moved from capital markets and corporate banking to wealth management, where she now serves as the lead for investments. Although she does not have an IT background, Jenniskens emphasises the importance of connecting business demands with IT capabilities, a skill she has honed over time.
“For me, it has been actually a great journey. I don’t have an IT background. I’m still learning a lot every day,” Jenniskens explains to PBI. “The part where I can add value is to connect the business demands, the needs of the customer and translate them into something our IT colleagues can work with.”
Promoting diversity and inclusion in tech
Both Shafei and Jenniskens are passionate advocates for increasing the representation of women in tech and finance. They believe that making these fields more accessible is crucial. Shafei pointed out that many women are not aware of the diverse opportunities within tech, often perceiving it as a solitary and technical field.
“A lot of times the women I speak to, when they end up working in tech, they were not aware of all the different possibilities,” Shafei notes. “It’s actually quite a collaborative environment, you work a lot together with people.”
To combat this, Shafei highlights the importance of showcasing the variety of roles in tech and ensuring women are aware of the collaborative, creative, and dynamic nature of the industry.
She also stresses the need for proactive efforts to recruit women, even from non-traditional backgrounds, to bring fresh perspectives into tech and investments.
Jenniskens agrees and highlights the significance of role modelling. “We also have a role to play there because that really helps,” she says.
She believes in actively supporting and encouraging the women already in these fields, recognising their unique needs and approaches. Marlou suggests that hiring processes need to be more inclusive, often requiring a deeper search to find and encourage female candidates.
“Sometimes we just need to force ourselves to try a bit harder,” Jenniskens states. “Maybe not as obvious candidates, but to spread the search and really force us to look for next female candidates.”
A vision for the future
All three women envision a future where more women are present in finance and technology. They are committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for others to follow. Their efforts are not just about filling quotas but about enriching the industry with diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
“It’s necessary to create a diverse and inclusive working environment where new perspectives are encouraged, and you’ll see more and more women will follow,” Jenniskens concludes.
Shafei’s, Jenniskens’ and Varadhan’s stories are a testament to the changing landscape of finance and technology. Through their leadership and advocacy, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
