Julie Sutton is currently Head of Growth for Europe at Paymentology where she owns revenue across new business, existing clients and sales engineering.
With more than 20 years’ experience spanning sales, account management and customer success she has built and led teams across Europe, helping both established and high-growth businesses scale by strengthening client partnerships and commercial execution.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
It wasn’t something I planned in a traditional sense. I’m a staunch believer in the power of your network, and that played a big part in how I landed this role. I’d previously worked with our CRO in a former role, so there was already a strong foundation of trust and understanding around how we worked together.
More broadly, that’s been a consistent theme throughout my career. If you build strong relationships, do good work and leave a positive impression, those connections can open doors later on.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
Payments is very cross-functional. You’re working across product, engineering, compliance, sales and account management all the time. I naturally moved into roles that combine sales and account management. I enjoy winning new business, but I also really value long-term client relationships. Having both gives you a much better view of what’s actually happening in a business.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
I wouldn’t say I’ve had one specific role model, but I’ve definitely been shaped by people I’ve worked with. The leaders I’ve learned the most from are the ones who trust you. At WEX, my boss asked me to completely rethink how we structured account management. It was a big ask and quite daunting, but he backed me to do it. That kind of trust stays with you.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
One of the things I’m most proud of is taking my career in a different direction and building my own therapy business after having my children. I trained as a therapist and ran my own practice for four years, building it from scratch. That meant finding clients, building trust, marketing myself, and running every part of the business. It was a completely different environment, but it taught me a huge amount. It made me more empathetic, more aware of how people think and behave, and much more confident in my ability to build something on my own. I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, but that experience has shaped how I lead today. It’s influenced how I support my teams, how I communicate, and how I approach challenges.
What does an average work day look like for you?
There isn’t really an average day, but it’s always a mix of people and commercial focus. I’ll be working with clients, thinking about new business opportunities, and supporting my team. A big part of my role now is helping others succeed, making sure they have the structure and support they need to perform.
Are there any specific skills or traits that you notice companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
Resilience stands out to me more than anything. I’ve always really respected people who haven’t taken the traditional route or who’ve had to work hard to get where they are. They tend to bring a different mindset and level of determination. Adaptability is also key. Fintech moves quickly, and you need to be able to learn as you go.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Of course. I think everyone does, especially when you’re stepping into something new or being given more responsibility. For me, it’s about backing yourself and being willing to take that step, even if you’re not completely certain. You learn quickly by doing.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. Be hungry, be driven, but also accept that you will make mistakes. That’s how you learn. I see it with my own children now as they start their careers. Things feel bigger at the time than they really are.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
Trust your own path and don’t feel pressured to follow a version of success that doesn’t suit you. Sales and tech can still be male-dominated, but there is absolutely room for different perspectives, different strengths and different leadership styles. I’d also say that relationships really matter. A strong network has played a big role in my career, and that comes down to doing good work, building trust and being someone people want to work with again.
