The landscape of work in the payments industry is rapidly transforming, driven by artificial intelligence, hybrid offices, and real-time payments. Recognizing the evolving nature of their field, the honorees for this year’s Most Influential Women in Payments by American Banker are not only adapting but leading the charge.

These women stand on the cutting edge of innovation, proactively embracing the technologies and trends reshaping their professional lives. Amidst this transformation, they emphasize the enduring values of empathy and mentorship.

Carol Juel, Chief Technology and Operating Officer at Synchrony, and one of this year’s honorees, expressed her enthusiasm for the dynamic nature of the payments industry. She highlighted the importance of women leveraging their curiosity to pose challenging questions, build bridges within their organizations and the industry, and forge new opportunities.

A number of these influential women will participate in person at the Payments Forum in Hollywood, Florida, scheduled for March 27-28. Those interested can register for the event by clicking here.

As businesses gradually return to physical offices, creating new dynamics, opportunities for career advancement, particularly through mentorship, are evolving. This shift is especially significant for individuals who began their careers as remote workers during the pandemic and now face geographical challenges in joining their colleagues at the office. However, strategies exist to overcome this obstacle.

Kim Fitzsimmons, CEO of Talus Pay and another honoree, urged women not to let the hybrid or remote work environment become a hindrance. She emphasized the importance of networking, even in a remote setting, with key individuals within their organizations. According to Fitzsimmons, the hybrid or remote nature of a position becomes inconsequential when women actively engage in networking efforts.

The honorees collectively stressed the significance of seeking mentors beyond their own companies. Fitzsimmons highlighted that mentors can be found in diverse places, emphasizing the need for individuals to proactively seek and establish these valuable relationships.

In a field marked by constant evolution, these women exemplify the resilience, adaptability, and collaborative spirit required to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the payments industry.