Women in FinTech: "Don’t Count Yourself Out Before You Try"

This week, Trisha Price - EVP Product Development and Engineering at nCino, Inc - gives us a window into her passion for FinTech, her advice to the next generation of women in FinTech, and the lessons that she has.

How did you start your career?

I was graduating from college in the latter half of the 90s as a female with a technical degree. The internet bubble was in full swing, and I was finding my way through career options with a couple of Fortran classes under my belt. I quickly realized that I love solving business problems through technology and innovation, and have now been doing that for 20 years.

What sparked your interest in FinTech?

One of my first jobs was working for a financial services company developing net investment income forecasting models. I had a passion for combining deep mathematical concepts with technology. From there, I joined my first product company also focused in financial services. Since then, FinTech was born (as a term) and I have been able to enjoy this vertical’s growth and innovation. It is incredibly interesting to watch banking transform – from mobile deposits to online lending to regulatory changes. For example, the changes in stress testing in DFAST and CCAR would not be possible for banks without the immense instantaneous computing power available today. Loan approvals in minutes would not be possible without the business process orchestration tools and flexible automated decision engines available in the market. AI is advancing rapidly and it will be incredible to watch how this will transform the consumer lending experience. All of this innovation is helping banks evolve to today’s consumers expectations.

What was your lightbulb moment?

It is hard to say there has been just one moment – I have light bulb moments regularly, which is what I love about FinTech! It is constantly changing and I try to learn something new each day. I am always learning – from our customers, my peers, my mentors, my team. I am fortunate enough to work for a growing company with an amazing team that provides me with lightbulb moments consistently. If I do need to reflect on just one, a moment that does stick out in my mind is while working with an executive coach, I learned the importance of leading through inspiration rather than direction. It is amazing when you watch a great leader inspire a room and see how people react to that. Once I learned that lesson, I became much more effective in my own role as a leader.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by helping others grow and be successful in whatever way they chose. I love to mentor women, support them and help them see their value in the market. Confidence is key and it motivates me to see women own a room, own their career and crush their goals. FinTech does not have as many women leaders as we need. Women offer a different perspective that is important to diverse thinking. It inspires me to help foster that diversity in any way I can.

Why is the #WomenInTech movement important?

For decades, girls were not given the same opportunities as boys to learn technology. They were not encouraged to pursue a major in technical concentrations, which has since driven a male-dominated culture in technology. We need to change that and the #WomenInTech movement can help. We can help ensure women get equal pay and equal opportunity, and we can focus on the next generation of women by encouraging them to follow their path – don’t count yourself out before you try.

What piece of advice would you give women starting their careers in FinTech?

Be confident, believe in yourself, ask for what you need and know your value. Find a company that appreciates diversity and ensure you help other women along the way.

Throughout the year we will be profiling women in FinTech, not simply to celebrate their success but also to hear what has worked for them during the course of their careers. Click here to read more inspirational stories from FinTech's leading women >>

Trisha Price

EVP Product Development and Engineering  at nCino

Trisha leads the team responsible for the design, development and roadmap of nCino’s Bank Operating System. Prior to nCino, she led development organizations at Primatics Financial and Eagle Investment Systems. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from North Carolina State University, and a master's degree in software engineering from Harvard University.