From Professional Women’s Football to Fintech: Breaking Barriers and Building a Career of Impact

Key Takeaways:

• Challenging preconceptions and promoting inclusivity is essential for driving change in any industry.
• Fintech offers opportunities for women to excel and make a significant impact in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
• Pursuing qualifications and gaining industry experience are crucial steps in building a successful career in fintech.
• Identifying sectors with high growth potential, such as payments systems, can lead to innovative ventures and disruptive solutions.
• Lessons learned from previous experiences, such as a football career, can shape valuable skills and perspectives in fintech.
• Supporting women in fintech and promoting equality and opportunity is essential for the industry’s future success.

Introduction

Implementing change and challenging established norms is at the heart of progress in any industry. Society has made strides toward greater equity and opportunity, but there is still work to be done. In the world of fintech, initiatives are underway to encourage more women to pursue careers in sectors once considered male-oriented. This article explores the journey of Sophie Flynn, co-founder and CFO of Transact365, as she transitioned from a professional women’s football career to making a significant impact in the fintech industry.

Embracing a Career in Fintech

Sophie Flynn’s career path took a unique route when she decided to pursue an apprenticeship as an accountant instead of following the traditional university path after high school. By obtaining the necessary qualifications, including passing the ACA in 2016, she equipped herself for a successful career in finance. However, her ambition extended beyond the accountancy sector as she sought sectors with immense growth potential.

The fintech industry became an obvious choice for Flynn. Witnessing the transformative power of scaling startups revolutionizing banking and financial services, she recognized the untapped potential within fintech. One area that particularly intrigued her was the payments sector, specifically the challenges faced by merchants in accessing emerging markets due to unfamiliar local payment systems.

Recognizing the growing influence of e-commerce and its role in facilitating international sales, Flynn identified the need for payment solution platforms that could bridge the gap between merchants and emerging markets. With this vision in mind, she co-founded Transact365 in 2017, a global payments platform enabling merchants to access and transact in emerging markets effectively.

Triumphs and Growth in Fintech

Since its inception, Transact365 has encountered and overcome various challenges, experiencing exponential growth along the way. The company expanded its reach by opening an office in Singapore and achieved a remarkable 300% year-on-year growth. While the success of Transact365 lies in its innovative product offering, Flynn’s journey as a fintech co-founder serves as a testament to what women can achieve in the sector. Her senior position not only inspires other women to pursue fintech careers but also fosters greater diversity and inclusion in the payments sector.

Lessons from the Football Field

What surprises many is that Flynn’s first professional endeavor was not in fintech but as a signed player for Blackburn Rovers, a local football team. Over ten years as a center midfielder, she learned invaluable lessons about dedication, teamwork, and the power of discipline. Though she eventually stepped back from her football career, the experiences and skills gained during that time continue to shape her approach to the fintech industry.

Women’s football has also experienced a significant transformation in recent years. With events like the Euros tournament and England’s impressive performance, a new generation of fans is emerging, providing support and recognition for women’s football. Flynn remains connected to her football roots and proudly sponsors the women’s Blackburn Rovers team through Transact365.

As an ex-professional footballer turned fintech professional, Flynn acknowledges that her journey is atypical. However, she firmly believes that women like her have the ability to effect change. By contributing to the broader goal of equality and opportunity for women in fintech, Flynn is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Conclusion

Sophie Flynn’s transition from a professional women’s football career to co-founding Transact365 exemplifies the potential for women to make a profound impact in the fintech industry. By challenging preconceptions, pursuing qualifications, and identifying sectors with high growth potential, women can thrive and reshape traditionally male-dominated sectors. Lessons learned from previous experiences, such as football, provide unique perspectives and valuable skills that can drive innovation and success in fintech.

Embracing diversity and supporting women in fintech is crucial for creating an inclusive industry where individuals can fulfill their potential regardless of gender. Sophie Flynn’s journey serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to enter fintech and the broader payments sector. As we continue on the path towards a more equitable and inclusive society, the contributions of women like Flynn will play a vital role in shaping the future of fintech.