International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we have interviewed eight incredible women at Nuvei who are making a difference in the payment industry. Find out what drives their success. It may be different from what you expected!

Barbara Badelt Ford, VP, Global Commerce Partners

Always confident to voice her views and ideas, read how Barbara rejects gender-biased attitudes and instead believes in herself and her potential.Read more from Barbara

What is your role at Nuvei?

I’m the VP of Global Commerce Partners and manage a team of five people, two in EMEA, two in North America, and one in LATAM. At a global level, we manage the partner relationships for our eCommerce, recurring billing and marketplace platforms.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I think the goal should be not to have an International Women’s Day anymore, right? It's a little bit like Mother's Day, like why do we need to take one day to thank our mothers? Why can't they just be treated as they should be throughout the year?So, I think International Women’s Day is necessary for now as it allows people to reflect and focus on what they are doing to support gender equality. However, the ultimate goal should be not to have an International Women's Day anymore.

Who inspires you?

I get this question a lot and I always felt the need to come up with some people that inspired me. But you know, I've concluded that - I am my own benchmark and it's actually me.I mean, of course, I know a lot of amazing women, no doubt about that. But, when it comes to whom I want to become and who inspires me, it's Barbara from yesterday. I compare myself to where I was previously and where I am now and I'm my own benchmark.If you want to be like woman X or compare yourself to someone else, that's not a healthy way of getting inspiration. So, I get inspiration from me, where I want to go and what I want to achieve.

You seem to have this inner strength and self-belief. Where did it come from?

I mean, it was hard work. I was definitely not always like that. I have days where I'm less resilient.I was a very shy young woman who wanted to please everyone. One day it just clicked and I realized I didn’t want this anymore. I wasn't comfortable with it, so I just changed it. I think I'm very fortunate to have that in me, it just clicks and I'm not doing this anymore

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

I think the advice that I've been given or the conclusion I’ve reached is that - you are enough. It's kind of like my mantra. You don't need to be someone else. You can just be yourself.You also don't need to be perfect. This is something else I’ve learned - done is better than perfect. It comes from the book “Essentialism” written by Greg McKeown. I think it's very relevant for women because we tend to try to do things in the perfect way and then sometimes, we don't, we don't do them at all because we kind of get paralyzed. You set yourself these high standards and it's not always necessary.So, for me done is better than perfect is a great mantra as well.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

I have faced many barriers and for me, the main thing was to recognize when it happened to me because, at the beginning of my career, I didn't even realize that I was facing barriers. I thought that's just what it was. Being treated in a different way, the one who always asked everyone what kind of coffee they wanted in the meeting and all of these things, right?I had to come to the point where I recognized that it was happening to me, which was quite a process. And then once I did, I think the way to overcome it is to stop wanting everyone to like you.There is no easy way. You need to grow the strength to accept that people will talk about you behind your back and will not be pleased with what you do. That's something that I'm still working on. That's what I mean by benchmarking myself against myself. I'm in a much better place than I was 15 years ago.It was shocking to me that I didn't realize for a long time that I was treated differently because it's so ingrained in us.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

You know, even though we've made a lot of progress, we're still not in a place where we should be. Interestingly, it's not that there are not a lot of women, but they don’t seem to be very exposed to the opportunities to progress and go far.I've kind of concluded that you just gotta help yourself. Really, no one helps you. In the end, you have to help yourself. That's how I deal with it. And again, it's not that I'm fine every day. I struggle with bad days, but it gets better every year. Let's put it that way.

Stephanee Smith, AVP, Business Development

Stephanee believes that building your networks, finding a mentor or becoming an advocate is what it takes to truly transform women's lives, overcome barriers and fulfill people’s potential.Read more from Stephanee

What is your role at Nuvei?

As AVP of Business Development, I am responsible for cultivating strategic partnerships with external sales partners on merchant account placement and business growth. My priority is to create long-standing relationships with both partners and merchants, to grow their businesses.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I think it’s important to highlight all things women. We are independent, we are mothers, we are sisters, and we are hard workers. We should use this day to empower younger generations to be anything they want to be, gender does not dictate your success

Who inspires you?

John Hughes, he taught me everything I know. He encouraged, supported, and empowered me every step of the way.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

Payments is a male-dominated industry, it takes more for women to advance than for our male counterparts. I did not look at that as an obstacle, just a challenge. Strength and perseverance are the only options. Women are just as likely to advance in their careers, and this simply comes down to the time, effort, determination, focus and reliability they can give to strengthening their professional profile that stands between them and success.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

For me, it’s all about the importance of networking and mentorship. If better mindsets can be transmitted from respected sources to influence the hearts and minds of young women, then leadership is the bridge that translates these changing mindsets into action. So, if you are in a position where you can mentor someone you have a responsibility to foster that relationship and help them succeed.I am currently co-chair of the Phoenix Chapter, we provide a space for women to come together to discuss shared challenges and celebrate our successes. These types of networks are vital in helping to empower others to take the initiative and help support more women in the industry.So, I encourage women to get out there. Go to local job fairs, career exhibits on local college campuses, networking events, and even check out social media. Build your networks, find your mentor, and become an advocate. This is what it takes to truly transform women's lives to overcome barriers and fulfill their potential.

Maya Shelly, Head of Account Based Marketing

It’s important to think big and Maya’s inspiration has her aiming high!Read more from Maya

What is your role at Nuvei?

As the Head of Account Based Marketing, I lead the strategy and implementation of digital campaigns and tactics to build awareness, drive penetration and increase lead generation.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

I think it’s important as it provides an opportunity to showcase success stories and achievements of women to inspire other women in our society. And in the future, let’s say, in 20-25 years, we won’t have to celebrate such a day. Women will be equivalent to men in many domains and aspects.

Who inspires you?

In my first marketing role 12 years ago, there was a female CMO. She is my inspiration and because of her, I want to become a CMO of a medium to large-sized company one day 😊.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

The best pieces of advice I have been given is, firstly, don’t be shy, always stand by your principles, but in a polite and respectful manner and secondly, knowledge is power.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

Not that I am aware of. I actually think that there is an advantage to being a woman in the industries and positions that I have had in my career: Health and fitness (I used to manage a gym), Fashion Jewelry (I had my own business for fashion jewelry distributing in the US), and marketing and campaigns manager – my knowledge and expertise in marketing helped me grow in the payments industry.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

We need to advertise open payment positions in businesswoman groups (on social media), promote success stories of women in fintech in relevant online magazines AND – maybe even open a fintech academy and encourage women to join our courses.

Francesca Bonnett, Head of Bid Management

Education is key, hear from Francesca on the importance of younger girls knowing that fintech careers exist and that they can really excel in that space.Read more from Francesca

What is your role at Nuvei?

I head up a team of awesome Bid Managers who respond to hundreds of company questions, ranging from technical solutions and HR stats to product and user experience flows. We manage tight deadlines across multiple time zones to help the company win new business. Our job is to project manage, write, create and motivate teams across all departments.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women's Day isn’t just for women - everyone is welcome. The day is about gender equality. To achieve that, we must elevate women and celebrate women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements, highlighting the ongoing gender inequality. Even if we are lucky enough to live in a privileged society where being a woman doesn’t seem to hold us back, we need to support our sisters in other parts of the world where being a woman may be seen as a disadvantage. So, we must continue to celebrate women and continue to fight to have all our voices heard – wherever we are in the world.

Who inspires you?

Although I work in quite a male-dominated industry, I am so proud to have come across some truly inspiring women, including current colleagues, past colleagues, customers, and professional connections. These women have inspired me throughout my career in many different ways; whether that is learning to have confidence; to speak up and support other women; to embrace our female qualities rather than see them as a negative asset that sets us back; how to be a good mother, daughter, sister and friend. It is also important to mention the men who have also inspired me in my career, as some key male allies have supported me and are strong advocates of seeing women succeed.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

Have the serenity to accept the things that you cannot control or change. Have the courage to change the things you can and have the wisdom to know the difference.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

I have had some negative experiences with gender inequality – some accidentally due to unconscious bias and some that have unfortunately seemed on purpose. Though gender inequality should not happen, it is so important that if it does happen, whether directed to you or a colleague, it should be called out and explained why it is wrong. ‘Being a feminist isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It is about changing the way the world perceives that strength. It is about freedom, liberation, choice and equality.’

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

I think having more women leaders in the fintech space is so important and even better – more women of color. These women will act as role models for younger girls. Schools should host talks with these successful women in the fintech space to show younger girls that these careers exist and that they can really excel in the fintech space. Though it should be about equality and giving the same level of chance as men first and foremost, it is proven that companies with women in executive committees earn nearly 50% more than those who do not (McKinsey and LeanIn.org). I have a daughter and a son and I only hope that when they start their careers, my daughter receives the same opportunities as my son. My son treats women equally and if either of them witnesses inequality, they have the understanding and confidence to speak up.

Nikki Zinman, Chief People Officer

The power of conversation. Nikki shares her thoughts on unconscious bias and the importance of conversation in helping to bridge the gap.Read more from Nikki

What is your role at Nuvei?

I'm responsible for human resources at Nuvei and as Chief People Officer, I focus on our people agenda, investing in our people and developing our talent.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

It’s important to celebrate International Women's Day. If you look back historically, there were a lot of barriers and disadvantages for women to be full members of society. They did not enjoy the same rights and privileges afforded to others. You don't even have to go that far back in time to remember how inequitable things were. So, to be a progressive society and allow women to flourish, we need to celebrate where we have come from and support women looking to advance themselves in all elements of culture and society.

Who inspires you?

I've had many great leaders and role models over the years who have inspired me, both men and women. Anybody with a style of inclusion, who are not only savvy at what they do and technically brilliant at their job but, most importantly, leads from a place of generosity, are memorable to me. It is easy to get caught up in the stress of the day-to-day but leaders who remain kind to others and are generous to people. Those people are the ones I have found to be great role models and whom I found impressive.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

It was to relentlessly think about the organization’s best interests. You may sometimes be in a situation where you feel like you're navigating a paradox, or there are conflicting priorities - always using your instincts to put the company’s best interests ahead of anything else is usually right. So, if you do what's in the company’s best interest, chances are you will always be doing the right thing for people you know and the right things for your customers. That's usually a reliable methodology and advice that has always worked for me.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

I have worked a lot in male-dominated industries throughout my career, and have often been the only female in the room at the table. I would say that there are times when I have been impacted in the workplace by my gender, but I believe, and I like to continue to think, that it was more of an unconscious bias. I genuinely believe people don’t wake up and set out in their day not to treat people how they would want to be treated. However, sometimes, unconscious bias can come into it because, in the past, we may not have been as sensitive or progressive as we are now. So, I believe that in those circumstances, it was unconscious.When this occurs, I believe the gap can be bridged, I look to converse with that individual. I recognize that many people may not be comfortable having these types of conversations, but it is a conversation that I encourage you to be prepared to have as that's where it starts. It starts with that individual - a conversation with someone where you share whether or not it was intentional - how you felt after a particular interaction. Sharing how it made you feel is the best way to deal with something. You don’t always remember what people say to you, but you tend to remember how somebody made you feel.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

The payments industry and fintech have so many great opportunities for women. If you want to work in a dynamic, cutting-edge and changing place, I would encourage you to look at anything technology related. Fintech and Payments is a dynamic and global industry with huge potential for career growth. It also offers flexibility such as remote or hybrid work modes and other benefits which appeal to women.So, that's why women can look at fintech for a dynamic and ever-changing career that's very much about the future. It offers many opportunities to be involved in all kinds of things.

How do you support people in Nuvei to reach their full potential?

Nuvei has been growing, and what's wonderful when you're growing is that you have more opportunities internally. As we continue to grow, our talent is offered more options for internal career progression. Growth is wonderful for opening new positions, creating something new and allowing women to continue developing and flourishing within the workplace.

Pattie Mercier, Vice President of Sales, Americas, Digital & Retail

Am I doing enough? Am I letting someone down? It’s a difficult balancing act, Pattie shares how she overcomes these barriers to be a role model for her children.Read more from Pattie

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is a great day to reflect on and appreciate all the women in our lives. As a mother of three children (two are in college and the third will be entering college this year), life has always been hectic and busy, but it’s also about prioritizing the important stuff.

Who inspires you?

There are two people that truly inspire my career. First, it is my mom. She is the hardest-working person that I know. She has taught me about dedication, commitment, and balancing a family and career.The second person is a longtime industry colleague, mentor and good friend, Darlene Ducharme. I’ve worked with Darlene at three different organizations and if Darlene didn’t decide to retire to spend more time on the golf course, I’m sure I could have persuaded her to join Nuvei too! Darlene’s work ethic is top notch, and she always manages to have fun along the way. Having inspirational women in my life has truly helped me get to where I am today.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I have ever been given: Don’t ask anything of your team that you wouldn’t do yourself. The best piece of advice I have given to people new to the payments industry is: Be nice to everyone. It’s a small industry. Most people stay in this industry for a long time, so you never know where they will end up!

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

One barrier I have faced, albeit I put it on myself, is ‘working mother’s guilt.’ The feeling that you are always trying to multi-task…. traveling has always been a part of my job. Still, I have always set barriers for myself, like not traveling over my child’s birthday or missing anything important in their lives. I advise other women facing that challenge to ‘just do the best you can.’ There are so many external pressures on us and we tend to put a lot of unnecessary internal ones on too. It’s important for me to show my kids that I can be a good mom while having a successful career.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

One way to encourage more women to enter the fintech and payments industry is by mentoring them and sharing our experiences. Mentoring has helped me grow and see different perspectives as well.

Lauren Enginger, Director of Merchant Pricing and Analysis

There is only one on you! Lauren is grateful for the women who broke down the industry barriers and have allowed her to succeed.Read more from Lauren

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

To inspire young women. It’s a day that highlights the achievements and struggles of women. The achievements remind us of what is possible, and the struggles remind us that we aren’t alone.

Who inspires you?

Hope Page is a successful mother, woman in business, and an advocate. I learned what kind of leader I wanted to be from her - that leadership is a choice, not a title.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

No one can be you. It’s your distinct competitive advantage.

Have you faced any barriers in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

I have not. I am grateful to the many women who did the hard work before me. When I was in college, the action has already been taken to increase the pipeline of women in finance.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

From my experience in college being recruited into finance, I believe equality initiatives start with the education system. We need to introduce the industry to young talent and raise awareness of the fintech careers are available.

Sandra Villamizar, Chief Financial Officer LATAM

For Sandra balancing being a first-time mom and being promoted was a challenge she had to overcome.Read more from Sandra

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

There is a history of many great achievements that have allowed women to continue to close the gap in terms of rights and opportunities – this deserves to be celebrated.

Who inspires you?

To be honest, my family is my driving force. They inspire, motivate, drive and provide me with an individual reason to strive to always be the best I can be.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

Whenever I am in a difficult situation or something has gone wrong, I remember that despite how hard it is, never give up. It’s simple but has always helped me when I needed it most.

Have you faced any barriers in your career ? If so, how did you overcome them?

I was a first-time mom when I was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (12 years ago), and I was overwhelmed. Balancing both demanded a lot from me, more than anyone could imagine. I overcame this by focusing and having very clear, non-negotiable priorities in my personal and professional life.

How can we encourage more women to pursue fintech and payment industry careers?

To continue focusing on the initiatives focused on closing the gender gap (# of women in management positions, salary, among others) and empowering the current leaders to inspire others.