My Seat at The Table: Surya Santhi on leadership and encouraging female empowerment
At Enfuce, we don’t just talk about diversity—we live it, lead with it, and build stronger businesses because of it. As a female-founded and female-led company, we know the importance of making sure everyone has a voice, a platform, and the opportunity to drive change.
That’s why we’re continuing “My Seat at the Table”—a series that spotlights the incredible women at Enfuce who are shaping change.Through their stories, we highlight what it truly means to have a seat at the table, how they uplift others, and what still needs to be improved to create a more equal future.
In this chapter, we sit down with Surya Santhi, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, to dive into the power of speaking up, choosing the right company, and paving the way for others. She shares what it means to claim your space, amplify other voices, and push for real, lasting change.
Keep reading as we continue to advocate for women to take their seat at the table—not just in March, but every day of the year.
Hi Surya, what is your role at Enfuce?
I’m a Senior Digital Marketing Manager, leading organic growth and digital experiences at Enfuce. If it’s about our website or webinars, I’m your go-to.
Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
According to the United Nations, there are only 14 countries in the world where women have equal rights as men. And even in these countries, there is still a large gap between men and women when it comes to wages and handling household work.
We have a long way to go in achieving equality and also ensuring that the unpaid work women do to hold up our society is valued. International Women’s Day helps us highlight these inequalities.
What does it mean for you to have a seat at the table? Can you describe a time you felt you had one?
For me, having a seat at the table means my opinions and expertise are valued and appreciated. It also means I am not expected, because of my gender, to end up doing grunt work while men get a pass.
At Enfuce, I feel I have a seat at the table every day—not just in meetings led by women, but across the board.
If you could invite three women to your table, alive or dead, who would they be and why?
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg – A woman who climbed to the top of the ladder and did everything she could to support women. Her impact on gender equality is immeasurable.
- Dr. Jane Goodall – Can you imagine the stories she would share? Her work and dedication to understanding the world beyond ourselves is truly inspiring.
- Freddie Oversteegen – A dutch badass who assassinated Nazis with her sister when they occupied the Netherlands.
Additionally, I’d also love to have my four-year-old daughter at the table with me, hanging out with these amazing women.
How would you encourage other women to speak up in professional settings?
When women enter new spaces, we often hesitate to make waves. But, if someone with influence in that setting gives them the permission to challenge the status quo or be assertive, it creates a ripple effect.
True progress happens when speaking up isn’t seen as brave – it’s just the norm.
What’s your biggest advice for women breaking into the fintech industry?
Find the right people and the right companies!
My experience in fintech would have been very different if I had started at a company that didn’t “walk the talk”. Look for organisations that actually practice what they preach – not just the corporate nonsense. Culture matters. Leadership matters. Surrounding yourself with the right people will shape your experience in the industry.
A seat for everyone
Surya’s journey highlights what’s possible when workplaces don’t just make space for women but ensure their voices are heard and their contributions valued. Real equality isn’t about a single day—it’s a daily commitment to action, progress, and change.
Interested in hearing how other remarkable Enfucers are breaking boundaries? Read more stories from our “My Seat at the Table” series available on our blog.
Thank you, Surya!
