Your Story:
"I am a Senior Customer Success Manager for Encompass Corporation, working closely with a number of Tier 1 Financial Institutions headquartered in the UK and the US.
I'm passionate about people and problem solving for clients though the use of Financial Technology and the massive benefit it provides the Banking sector, and enjoy working in the fast-paced environment FinTech provides.
I've been based out of Encompass’s Glasgow office since 2018, and in addition to delivering success for Encompass’s customers I participate heavily in Encompass’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) group, with particular contribution to the LGBT+ and Mental Health & Neurodiversity working groups and their output.
I've also represented Encompass as part of the UK Government’s Department for International Trade’s North America Roadshow 2023 in April 2023, and as a panel member for the Scottish Financial Enterprise 'Building an Inclusive Workplace' event in June 2023.
Prior to Encompass, I worked for Glasgow-based loyalty startup Swipii, training software provider Administrate, and Titanic Belfast. I hold an MA(Hons) degree in Mediaeval History & Social Anthropology from the University of St Andrews, and a PGDip in Museum Practice & Management from University of Ulster."
Your Impact:
"I feel really strongly that a newer sector like Financial Services Technology offers opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to push for better organisational representation and inclusivity for all people, and I believe that I've been able to achieve that so far in my role at Encompass.
As part of Encompass's EDI group, I've helped create LGBTQ+ internal resources on different topics such as personal pronouns, terminology, local Pride events and even introductions to LGBTQIA+ topics in popular media. I've also organised outside speakers on topics such as Queer Representation in Video Games, which provided really popular across our different departments and offices, and helped organise Pride awareness events such as our Slide of Pride baking competition.
I'm really proud of the work Encompass is undertaking to not only represent its LGBTQIA+ employees, but also to encourage allyship. This has been clear in the promotion of the EDI group throughout the organisation, and in the willingness to review our internal staff policies, notably on providing clear, inclusive parental leave for all types of families.
I've also represented Encompass at a Scottish Financial Enterprise panel on 'Building Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace', sharing my journey as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Financial Services sector and my thoughts on how all of us can contribute to an organisation's inclusivity.
I'm passionate about identifying meaningful ways for organisations to be more open and inclusive for all its employees, and feel my inclusion in the Pride in FinTech powerlist reflects the great work that smaller organisations can undertake to create an open workplace culture."
Your Advice:
"FinTech companies offer members of the LGBTQIA+ community environments that don't necessarily have an established way of doing things, and workplaces that are willing to learn and be open.
Don't be afraid to question and challenge traditional ways of doing things, as your contribution can help increase your organisation's diversity in thought, culture, and approach.
FinTech customers are often also members of the LGBTQIA+ community, so use your voice to ensure that the technology and service you're providing also works for those customers."
