International Women’s day - An interview with Annette Evans

ANNETTE EVANS - Head of HR - Global Processing Services (Fintech)

1. Can you tell me about what you do?

I am the Head of People (Executive Committee Member) for Global Processing Services (GPS) the award-winning payments processor that works with the liked of traditional banks all the way to cutting edge fintech start-ups .

2. What are your main responsibilities and achievements at Global Processing Services

In 2018 I  came into GPS as the pioneer of their first ever HR professional. My present leadership remit covers Reward & Recognition, Compensation and Benefits, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development and Employee Relations. 

Your first 3 months in any company is always going to be the biggest challenge when in a leadership position as well as being a woman trying to drive change. My biggest goal in my first 3 months was to establish a rewards and benefits programme that was industry comparable and that echoed who we were as a business. Although a tough gig, I took up the challenge knowing that if done right, this would add significant value to the employee proposition of GPS. In a short space of time, I was able to consult, construct and implement a robust rewards scheme as part of our overall business attraction and retention strategy. Although working well once in place, there was a need for a solid performance management cycle which I embarked on creating to support the foundations of the rewards programme. We needed a performance management framework that would in turn reward and recognise high performance in a structured way that was easy to digest and visible to all. We now have a workable rewards scheme that links to company values with regular instant awards to recognise the great work that is being undertaken day in day out by our People.  

3. Did you always want to work for a Technology (Fintech)Firm? 

For anyone that has worked in HR, I don’t think it is ever a conscious decision to work in a particular industry, mainly because the skills set is so transferrable. For most of us we just trip and fall into our first role regardless of the industry. However, having worked in the public sector, digital technology and financial technology, I can say that Fintech is by far the most exciting and rewarding industry to be part of. The breadth of your HR skills as a generalist are utilised in all corners and there is room for innovation and creativity in what you do. The working environment in Fintech/Technology is second to no one.. Everyone loves a Pizza Friday and Beers in the office right?!

4. Do you think there is a lack of women in senior HR positions?

Without a doubt women make up the bulk of the HR workforce across many industries and sectors due to the demand in more of the soft skills needed to fulfil the role. I have worked for many great female HR leaders and there is a wave of up and coming talent that will surely be on the rise in the coming years. In my experience, there is a lack of males across all levels in HR and this shows in almost in every organisation. We do really well in encouraging females into STEM careers but we should also be doing the same for men into careers such as HR. Diversity and Inclusion in the workforce is all about listening to and understanding  alternative ideas and thoughts that we ourselves may not consider in the first instance. Having more ‘voices’ creates more opportunity for change.

5. What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

I have faced barriers of not being heard enough in the boardroom. My approach in recent times has been to be more observant than assertive even when I may disagree with something. It takes time to realise that the ones who shout the loudest are not necessarily the ones who are being heard.  Being quietly confident is also ok as long as you are able to articulate and get your point across using a range of channels.

6. Is there anyone (male or female) that inspires you in your career?

Over my career I have been inspired by many leaders. Years ago when I was younger, the HR Director, who was a woman, took me under her wing and vowed to show me everything she knew. I would look at how she would own a room in board meetings and handle the most challenging of questions whilst remaining calm and poise in her spoken and written responses to often situations that were frosty and sometime confrontational which can often be the case in this career path. I quickly realised what leadership actually looked like through the lens of an employee. It wasn’t about who shouted the loudest or was the a dictator amongst the team, it was all about was able to bring team along with them in their journey whilst still being respected. 

7. How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It is extremely important for women to lift each other up but it is as important to for men to be the advocates of change within the workplace. Women can only begin to evolve in leadership by the help of male change agents that walk side by side with women and call out examples of inequality. It takes one man to say ‘I stand with our women’ to make a real difference.

8. On International Women’s Day what is the most important message you want to send out to young women starting their career today? 

Search for opportunities that others wouldn’t think of and don’t be scared to take on projects to showcase your abilities. Being bold will open up doors you never expected.