Nada is pioneering a significant shift in the medical aesthetics sector with PLIM Finance, a “Buy Now, Pay Later” platform aimed at making elective treatments more accessible.
Since its inception two years ago, PLIM has onboarded over 660 clinics and recently expanded into Switzerland, showcasing rapid growth and global impact.
In addition to her fintech innovations, Nada is an advocate for female empowerment in business. Under her leadership, women make up 60% of senior roles at PLIM, exemplifying her commitment to closing the gender gap in tech. Nada’s journey in navigating the challenges of securing venture capital, particularly in a male-dominated industry, provides a powerful narrative on resilience and leadership.
In the fast-paced world of fintech, leadership is constantly evolving.
As a female founder of PLIM Finance, a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service within the medical aesthetics sector, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with building and leading a fintech company. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of shaping my leadership style and learning invaluable lessons that have not only helped me grow as a business leader but have also shaped the culture and success of my company.
Reflecting on my journey, here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a woman navigating the fintech space, and how they have informed my approach to leadership.
Leadership Style: Patience is Key
When I first founded PLIM Finance, I was driven by the urgency of launching a new business in a highly competitive and rapidly changing sector. I wanted things to move quickly, and I was often impatient, expecting immediate results. But as the company grew, I realised that leadership is not just about making quick decisions, but about cultivating a sustainable, thoughtful approach.
Over time, I’ve learned to be more patient—both with my team and myself. I’ve come to understand that the best decisions are made when I give myself and my team the space to reflect, analyse, and process information. This doesn’t mean slowing down progress, but rather being intentional and mindful of the bigger picture. Patience has allowed me to build stronger relationships, avoid burnout, and create a more resilient business. It’s a valuable lesson, especially as a female leader, where the pressure to prove oneself can often lead to hasty decisions.
Keeping an Open Mind: The Power of Adaptability
As a fintech leader, one of the most crucial skills I’ve developed is adaptability. The fintech space is notorious for its rapid technological advancements, shifting regulations, and changing consumer expectations. In such an environment, it’s vital to stay open-minded and embrace change rather than resist it.
For future fintech leaders, especially women, the ability to adapt and remain flexible is critical. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there’s a single “right way” to lead or innovate, but fintech is all about challenging norms and discovering new paths. By maintaining an open mind, leaders can create an environment that fosters continuous learning, which is essential for keeping pace with the industry’s evolution.
For me, being open-minded has meant being receptive to new ideas from my team, from fintech trends, and from partners. It’s a mindset that has helped PLIM Finance innovate and scale successfully in both the UK and Switzerland.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity: Empowering the Team
Innovation is the lifeblood of fintech, and fostering a culture of creativity within your team is key to staying competitive. Early on, I realised that the best solutions don’t always come from top-down directives but from empowering my team to think outside the box and find their own creative solutions to the challenges we face.
Rather than dictating how to solve a problem, I prefer to give my team the problem itself and allow them the freedom to find their own solutions. This approach not only fosters creativity but also encourages ownership and accountability. Team members feel more invested in the outcome when they have the freedom to innovate. They are not restricted by a set formula but are trusted to explore different avenues and test out their ideas.
As a female business owner, this approach has been especially important. Historically, women have been underrepresented in leadership roles, and fostering a culture where my team feels empowered to think independently and bring their full selves to work has been a central pillar of my leadership style. It encourages diversity of thought and promotes an environment where everyone has a voice.
One of the most important aspects of my journey has been the power of mentorship and networking. As a female leader in fintech, there are fewer women who have gone before me in this space, and I have found that having a strong support system is essential for overcoming challenges and advancing in the industry.
Seeking out mentors, both male and female, has been instrumental in helping me navigate difficult decisions, broaden my perspective, and provide me with the confidence to push forward. Building a network of like-minded individuals in fintech has also provided me with opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration.
The future of fintech leadership is evolving, and women are playing a crucial role in shaping it. By embracing patience, staying adaptable, empowering our teams, and cultivating emotional intelligence, we can create a future where fintech leadership is diverse, innovative, and inclusive. The lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey as a female business owner have not only transformed me as a leader but have also helped PLIM Finance build a sustainable, forward-thinking company.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of fintech will be shaped by leaders who understand the value of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth. I’m excited to see how more women will rise to leadership roles and contribute to the transformation of this dynamic industry.
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The future of work in FinTech leadership: 4 lessons learnt as a female business owner
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Nada is pioneering a significant shift in the medical aesthetics sector with PLIM Finance, a “Buy Now, Pay Later” platform aimed at making elective treatments more accessible.
Since its inception two years ago, PLIM has onboarded over 660 clinics and recently expanded into Switzerland, showcasing rapid growth and global impact.
In addition to her fintech innovations, Nada is an advocate for female empowerment in business. Under her leadership, women make up 60% of senior roles at PLIM, exemplifying her commitment to closing the gender gap in tech. Nada’s journey in navigating the challenges of securing venture capital, particularly in a male-dominated industry, provides a powerful narrative on resilience and leadership.
In the fast-paced world of fintech, leadership is constantly evolving.
As a female founder of PLIM Finance, a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service within the medical aesthetics sector, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with building and leading a fintech company. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of shaping my leadership style and learning invaluable lessons that have not only helped me grow as a business leader but have also shaped the culture and success of my company.
Reflecting on my journey, here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a woman navigating the fintech space, and how they have informed my approach to leadership.
Leadership Style: Patience is Key
When I first founded PLIM Finance, I was driven by the urgency of launching a new business in a highly competitive and rapidly changing sector. I wanted things to move quickly, and I was often impatient, expecting immediate results. But as the company grew, I realised that leadership is not just about making quick decisions, but about cultivating a sustainable, thoughtful approach.
Over time, I’ve learned to be more patient—both with my team and myself. I’ve come to understand that the best decisions are made when I give myself and my team the space to reflect, analyse, and process information. This doesn’t mean slowing down progress, but rather being intentional and mindful of the bigger picture. Patience has allowed me to build stronger relationships, avoid burnout, and create a more resilient business. It’s a valuable lesson, especially as a female leader, where the pressure to prove oneself can often lead to hasty decisions.
Keeping an Open Mind: The Power of Adaptability
As a fintech leader, one of the most crucial skills I’ve developed is adaptability. The fintech space is notorious for its rapid technological advancements, shifting regulations, and changing consumer expectations. In such an environment, it’s vital to stay open-minded and embrace change rather than resist it.
For future fintech leaders, especially women, the ability to adapt and remain flexible is critical. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there’s a single “right way” to lead or innovate, but fintech is all about challenging norms and discovering new paths. By maintaining an open mind, leaders can create an environment that fosters continuous learning, which is essential for keeping pace with the industry’s evolution.
For me, being open-minded has meant being receptive to new ideas from my team, from fintech trends, and from partners. It’s a mindset that has helped PLIM Finance innovate and scale successfully in both the UK and Switzerland.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity: Empowering the Team
Innovation is the lifeblood of fintech, and fostering a culture of creativity within your team is key to staying competitive. Early on, I realised that the best solutions don’t always come from top-down directives but from empowering my team to think outside the box and find their own creative solutions to the challenges we face.
Rather than dictating how to solve a problem, I prefer to give my team the problem itself and allow them the freedom to find their own solutions. This approach not only fosters creativity but also encourages ownership and accountability. Team members feel more invested in the outcome when they have the freedom to innovate. They are not restricted by a set formula but are trusted to explore different avenues and test out their ideas.
As a female business owner, this approach has been especially important. Historically, women have been underrepresented in leadership roles, and fostering a culture where my team feels empowered to think independently and bring their full selves to work has been a central pillar of my leadership style. It encourages diversity of thought and promotes an environment where everyone has a voice.
Building a Network and Seeking Mentorship
One of the most important aspects of my journey has been the power of mentorship and networking. As a female leader in fintech, there are fewer women who have gone before me in this space, and I have found that having a strong support system is essential for overcoming challenges and advancing in the industry.
Seeking out mentors, both male and female, has been instrumental in helping me navigate difficult decisions, broaden my perspective, and provide me with the confidence to push forward. Building a network of like-minded individuals in fintech has also provided me with opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration.
The future of fintech leadership is evolving, and women are playing a crucial role in shaping it. By embracing patience, staying adaptable, empowering our teams, and cultivating emotional intelligence, we can create a future where fintech leadership is diverse, innovative, and inclusive. The lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey as a female business owner have not only transformed me as a leader but have also helped PLIM Finance build a sustainable, forward-thinking company.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of fintech will be shaped by leaders who understand the value of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous growth. I’m excited to see how more women will rise to leadership roles and contribute to the transformation of this dynamic industry.
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