In the fintech market, which has gained ground by believing in your brilliance and intelligence, there is a high focus on areas that are in good shape and their market applicability. It always tries to solve problems with the motivation of generating income.
Who is Sheryl McKenzie?
Sheryl McKenzie, who worked in managerial positions in departments such as sales, marketing and product development at global payment giant American Express for 14 years, served as vice president of Mastercard’s global education products unit between 2020 and 2022. McKenzie most recently served as chief executive officer (CPO) of Western Union’s operations.
Fintech Entrepreneur And Former Western Union CPO Sheryl McKenzie
- How would you explain the concept of “Being a woman in the fintech and entrepreneurship ecosystem” in a few sentences?
Female leaders bring a unique perspective to meaningful market opportunities and problem solve in holistic ways that broaden the range of possible outcomes. I enjoy being a woman in fintech! There are meaty challenges and customer use cases that can be monetized and I thrive on tackling big hairy problems.
- Do you find the number of women in the fintech ecosystem sufficient?
Statistically female founders receive fewer funding dollars and not as many bites at the apple. I would like to see more women represented in the fintech ecosystem. There are investors such as Cowboy Ventures and BBG Ventures that provide early stage funding for female founders. I would encourage more PE firms to proactively support brilliant business plans from the many capable female founders out there.
- What would you like to say about Turkish fintech startups? Are there any features that distinguish Turkish startups from their global competitors?
I was pleased to learn that there are north of 600 active fintechs in Turkey. Like many markets there is a push for digital payments. Continued growth in payments through wallets and other vehicles will serve the large underbanked customer base. Perhaps the uniqueness for Turkey is the receptivity to Cryptocurrency and Blockchain. I was impressed to know that Turkey has one of the highest rate of cryptocurrency adoption.
- Are you considering investing in the Turkish market?
Not in the immediate term but will continue to monitor.
- Can you summarize the development and future of the fintech ecosystem in three words?
Rapid. Growth. AI
- What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in fintech? Where should they start?
Believe in yourself and your brilliance. Focus on problems that have massive market applicability. Solve problems with an eye on monetization. Find investors that focus on early stage companies.
As you pursue roles at scaled fintechs, think about what you are uniquely good at and how that know-how will help the Fintech to further scale and solve complex customer use cases.
- And anything you would like to add for the fintech ecosystem…
AI will fast become tablestakes. Be ready so you don’t have to get ready. Equip now and incorporate hybrid AI+human solutions for the sustainability of your business.
