The latest candidate in our series of Q&As with influential women in the technology business is Brigit Carroll, Policy Lead, Americas, Wise, a financial technology company that focuses on global money transfers.
Name: Brigit Carroll
Job Title & Company: Policy Lead, Americas at Wise
Years in the Industry: 5+ Years
The Quote That Most Inspires You: “Make your life a dream, and of a dream, a reality.” – (A Little Prince)
What drew you to a career in the consumer and/or business technology industry?
I became a fan of Wise while studying abroad in Belgium, as it provided an affordable way to send money back home to pay my student loans in the U.S. It saved me so much money versus my bank, and I appreciated the price transparency Wise brought forward. The idea that no one should lose out to sneaky hidden fees when sending money internationally really resonated with me. It was this mission that ultimately got me interested in being part of Wise, even though I hadn’t worked in finance or technology previously. I eventually joined Wise’s Government Relations team when the opportunity arose in fall 2019.
Have you encountered any roadblocks along the way that were related to your gender?
I’ve had experiences where I’ve received critical feedback on my behaviour and my appearance more so than what my male colleagues experienced in the same organization at the same time. For example, at a previous role, I was told during a review that I needed to smile more and was described as unapproachable despite being well put-together. My peers, including male colleagues, agreed this feedback wasn’t valid. It taught me that not all feedback is worth taking to heart.
What unique characteristics or perspective do you feel you bring to your organization as a woman?
As a woman who has lived abroad for nearly 10 years, I bring a unique openness to different points of view and communication styles. Working in a global company with individuals from 125 nationalities, this experience allows me to apply cultural awareness and sensitivity when collaborating with colleagues worldwide. Additionally, my diverse perspective significantly influences my day-to-day responsibilities. I engage with regulators and policymakers across the Americas region, discussing the benefits that Wise and fintech bring to people everywhere. Because of my background, I am able to make the problems we solve relatable and tangible to this audience.
Technology is historically a male-dominated industry, yet the use of tech is fully embraced by women, and many studies even suggest that females are the primary buyers of tech in the home. What do you feel the technology industry needs to attract more women, particularly into high-level positions?
It’s crucial that the focus is not only to attract women, but to support them throughout their careers with clear paths toward leadership roles and expanded responsibilities. Mentorship plays a significant part in this, but growth comes down to the everyday actions and signals we send to our colleagues. For instance, ensuring that a woman who is interrupted gets the chance to finish her thought, encouraging those who might be hesitant to speak up, and making sure administrative duties are not automatically assigned to female colleagues. It’s the small, consistent actions that make a big difference.
If you had to sum up what it is like being a woman in this male-dominated technology industry in just a few words, what would you say?
You have to shout louder.
Are there women in the tech industry who inspire you?
Flora Coleman, my first lead at Wise, has been a significant source of inspiration for me. Despite my status as a newcomer to tech and payments, she believed in my potential and provided me with the opportunity to grow within the company. She exemplifies inclusivity and is an empathetic, supportive leader to her team.
It’s particularly inspiring to work with such amazing women at Wise. As a company, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the future of fintech. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by talented colleagues, including Rina Wulfing, Roshni Joshi, Ankita D’Mello, Jenny Miller, Diana Avila, and many others.
What are some of the misconceptions/myths about women working in the technology space that you’d like to dispel?
A common misconception is that you need to be a “woman in STEM” or an engineer to work in the technology industry. In reality, as tech companies grow, they require a diverse range of roles beyond just technical or operational positions. Public affairs, compliance, legal, marketing, and many other functions are essential to the success of a business. Women can and do contribute significantly to these areas, bringing valuable skills and perspectives that are crucial for the growth of the company – whether it’s in true STEM roles or in these other essential business functions.
What’s one thing you wish was done differently in the industry and why?
One significant change I wish to see in the technology industry is greater transparency around salaries among peers. Transparent salary practices play a critical role in fostering fairer compensation practices. Having access to this information can help identify and address pay disparity, ensuring that compensation is based on merit, skills, and experience, rather than factors like gender or status.
How do you feel the latest shift to AI will impact the way you do your job and opportunities for women in the industry?
AI is transforming our work by automating routine tasks, enabling us to focus on strategic and creative initiatives. This enhances productivity, which is essential for balancing professional and personal commitments. And for women in the industry, AI can help reduce bias in recruitment and offer personalized skill development, which has the potential to open up new career pathways and leadership opportunities. There’s still a lot we have yet to see and learn about using AI across different specialized roles. But it’s exciting to consider possibilities for how it can help us work even smarter.
Are you optimistic for the future in general and for the industry?
I am very optimistic about the future of the technology and financial industries. The global financial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for more efficient, transparent, and cost-effective services. Payments modernization is at the forefront of this evolution, enabling faster, more secure, and seamless transactions. This shift not only enhances the user experience but also opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth within the industry. As we continue to embrace these changes, I believe we will see a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.