Welcome back to a new chapter of “My Seat At The Table”, our exclusive blog series launched to honor International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month – and that is now extending beyond March because we believe that celebrating remarkable women should happen everyday, not just once a year.
If you’re not familiar with this format yet, in this blog series we hear from incredible Enfucers from diverse backgrounds and roles who share what it truly means to them to have a seat at the table.
At Enfuce, we’re on a mission to bring happiness to our customers not only through our mind-blowing technology and seamless payments solutions but also through our exceptional people. In this interview we’re excited to speak with Sailaja Sinnathurai, Customer Success Manager here at Enfuce, who takes care of our customers, helping them unlock new revenue streams and fuel their digital transformation.
Have a read and join us in our mission to raise awareness, advocate and celebrate women in business.
Hi Sailaja, what’s your day to day work look like at Enfuce?
My day-to-day work as a Customer Success Manager is all about providing the first point of contact between customers and Enfuce. I help them achieve their goals and vision for the future of the customer growth, to upsell related products or services and drive retention. My activity is centered around long-term customer relationships.
What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was little I wanted to be a lawyer/solicitor, which was influenced by my Dad who thought I was making informed decisions and contributing to the betterment of the family by applying thinking and analytical skills.
Having a seat at the table symbolises inclusion and representation in decision-making processes. It signifies having a voice, influence, and the ability to contribute ideas and perspectives that shape outcomes and policies.
What do you think of International Women Day?
I believe that International Women’s Day is about reflecting and celebrating our personal achievements and those around us by supporting each other. It raises awareness of gender equality issues and promotes action to accelerate progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders.
What does it mean to you to have a Seat at The Table?
Having a seat at the table symbolizes inclusion and representation in decision-making processes. It signifies having a voice, influence, and the ability to contribute ideas and perspectives that shape outcomes and policies.
Can you share a personal or professional experience where you felt the impact of having, or not having, your Seat At The Table?
During college time, I was part of the Volleyball team, my skills improved over the years and I became the leader of the team, by sharing advice and techniques on counter attacks and realising that it’s a TEAM effort that everyone will contribute at their position.
I felt recognised for my skills which motivated me to do better during each practice & competition session.
My advice would be to persist in your pursuit, advocate for yourself (as no one will do it better than YOU), seek mentorship and continue developing your skills and expertise.
Who are the women who influenced your career the most and you feel helped you get #MySeatAtTheTable?
There are many women who influenced my career, starting with my mother who has always been supporting and encouraging me towards my decisions.
My work colleagues and managers in the past 15 years helped me improve my knowledge of the Fintech industry (at BNP Paribas, Amex, Verifone, Wells Fargo, Thredd & now Enfuce).
It wouldn’t be fair if I don’t mention our co-CEOs Monika & Denise who play an important role for the success of the company, providing diversity with the podcast or involvement with ESG initiatives, including efforts to measure, offset and reduce carbon emissions.
I consider that my attitude to always welcome women with an open-mind and a smile helped create a supportive environment and foster a culture of inclusivity.
How do you empower other women at work or in your day to day life?
I strongly believe in equal opportunities which start by listening and understanding women’s views. I consider that my attitude to always welcome women with an open-mind and a smile helped create a supportive environment and foster a culture of inclusivity.
What’s the advice you would give to other women who might want to have a Seat At The Table and are currently facing challenges?
My advice would be to persist in your pursuit, advocate for yourself (as no one will do it better than YOU), seek mentorship and continue developing your skills and expertise. Embrace resilience, confidence and determination to overcome obstacles.
I believe that International Women’s Day is about reflecting and celebrating our personal achievements and those around us by supporting each other.
In your opinion, what can the fintech industry as a whole do to promote gender equality and ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but also feel heard and valued?
The fintech industry can promote gender equality by actively amplifying and valuing women’s voices and contributions.
Thank you for sharing, Sailaja!
And that’s all for this week’s interview. Interested to hear more from incredible Enfucers? Check out our blog with Heidi Cantell, here at Enfuce, all about the importance of pushing boundaries.
