Thank you to the 1646 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions! I hope reading 7 Questions with
Kenzy Goodwin
helps you in your leadership.
Cheers,
Jonno
Kenzy Goodwin
Name: Kenzy Goodwin
Title: Managing Partner
Organisation: Finceler8
Kenzy is a partner at Finceler8 Limited where she accelerates the commercial engagement of fintech firms in financial markets. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from University College London. With the Finceler8 team, Kenzy has built sales and revenue pipelines for fintech clients including regtech, artificial intelligence (AI), and ML in trading technology tools by facilitating C-suite conversations and enabling firms to increase sales revenues and expand their businesses. Kenzy’s passion is helping entrepreneurs grow and shape their companies, and she enjoys being a mentor at Level 39, the world’s most connected tech community.
Previously, Kenzy was a senior equity trader for 20 years at BlackRock where she traded equity investment products in pan-European markets. At BlackRock she was known as an ambassador of BlackRock culture while managing several internal personal development programs.
Kenzy is proud to be the chair of 100WFinTech, a 100WF global visibility project that spotlights senior women in fintech and enhances their connectivity within the fintech ecosystem. Kenzy’s involvement with 100WF began during her time at BlackRock when she served in several roles on the 100WF/BlackRock subcommittee. During that time she recognized the valuable and practical network benefits that would allow members to thrive in their careers.
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?
Leading a diverse team towards a common vision and purpose.
2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?
After having been a senior member of a successful team in a Tier 1 financial institution, I realised that I got real joy and fulfillment from leading and managing team members.
I decided to join forces with my current business partners in order to build our own company and lead our employees.
It has been an interesting journey with many learning opportunities and I owe my success to these challenges.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
I wake up and meditate for ten minutes before taking my daughter to school. I spend the first hour catching up on and responding to emails. My days are generally packed with team meeting, client meetings and networking events. I keep Mondays and Fridays as my days working from home and I only take virtual calls so that I can be home when the children are back from school and we can sit down as a family and have dinner together. After the children are asleep I briefly check my emails for anything urgent that may have arisen.
4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?
Think before you speak. Don't react too fast. Always take a deep breath and think of the other person's circumstances before responding.
5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?
The Art of Thinking: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life.
It taught me how everything depended on my thought patterns and on how my thought patterns affected my team's thought patterns.
6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?
Be bold with your decision making and do not be afraid to admit you made a mistake, correct the mistake and move forward, leading your team with you.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?
Watching my team members develop and flourish.