#AWPOWERFIFTY: Karen Nadasen
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur OR take your career in the direction you did? Is having your own business OR this role you are in something you always wanted?
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to leverage my technological expertise to tackle complex problems, enriching lives along the way. I find this aspect of my work to be immensely gratifying.
Joining PayU GPO Africa as CEO amplifies this impact, allowing me to extend my influence on a broader scale. It presents an avenue to make a meaningful impact and a substantial societal contribution, in a crucial domain.
PayU’s vision of, “a world without financial borders” is aligned to my own. I am excited for the challenges and opportunities that comes with leading a diverse team across the continent, and driving business growth, in such a dynamic, fast paced, environment.
Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?
I am thankful that I can say many, rather than one. This was quite different to earlier in my career in the technology sector when women were few and far between, and I felt quite isolated at times. Over time I have found a network of women within the technology space who have been through their own journey, not so different from my own. They have taught me invaluable lessons of resilience and demonstrate the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks. It is inspirational to find women thriving in the technology space and especially in the payments space where we remain a minority globally.
To this end, a group of women and myself have founded an organization, Women In Payments South Africa. We will be launching in the coming months, and we hope we make a significant contribution to women voices in the payments industry.
How do you define success?
Success to me is something that is never fully attained. It is the perpetual pursuit of a purposeful and meaningful life, achieved through what I choose to dedicate my time to in the ever-changing everyday of life.
I play many roles. Whilst I want to make a greater societal contribution, I am also responsible for running a business, people’s livelihoods and on the other hand I am also a parent. In some, it is easier to move through the haze, gain clarity and orient myself towards an achievement and “success”. It is quantifiable.
In others, like being a parent for example, this is more complex. Ultimately, I try to do my best in each. I am constantly evaluating my positions and orienting myself towards purpose and success in all these roles. This is not easy to do as we have come to be in a world of "urgencies” and applications designed to gain immediate access to our attention, often throwing us off course.
One insight for anyone interested in the industry you are working in?
Our industry extends beyond just finance; it encompasses economics and encourages broad participation in the financial ecosystem. In the FinTech space, we leverage technology to expand how people engage in trade. My technological background fuels my drive to improve lives in tangible ways, particularly through financial inclusion.
My advice: know yourself, understand what drives you, and use your passion to make a difference in your field.
What is your one key guiding principle in your work life?
Be present. I find this to be the single biggest challenge. Everything is urgent, everyone wants your attention. We have multiple applications continually pinging us to draw in our attention. If you want to set yourself up for success, apply self-discipline, be present and stay focused. There is nothing worse than sitting in a meeting with someone that is on their computer or mobile doing something else.
What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action your industry can take to accelerate gender equality through economic empowerment? (This is the theme for International Women's Day in 2024)
We must be intentional about educating and attracting more women into FinTech. Firstly, we need to collaborate with educational institutions to ensure that young women are aware of, and prepared for opportunities in the industry. This includes offering scholarships, internships, and hands-on training programs to give them a strong start. Mentorship is also crucial. Establishing mentorship programs that connect women in junior positions with experienced leaders can provide invaluable guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Every role at PayU GPO can be filled by a woman, so there is no reason for a gender gap in our field. At PayU GPO, diversity and gender equality are intentional and ongoing commitments. We invest in female talent within and outside our organization globally. For example, PayU GPO recently provided learnerships for 14 remarkable women in tech. Additionally, our mentoring program, UShine, offers a six-months guided learning journey. It is a Leadership Development Program for Women Leaders, designed to ensure structured enablement, mentorship, and access to resources to excel in their careers at PayU. This investment reflects our core belief in building an inclusive workplace with representation across all levels.
In June, I am personally launching Women in Payments South Africa, and I encourage other female leaders and interested individuals to get involved. By taking these actions, we can make substantial progress towards gender equality and economic empowerment in the FinTech industry.
The three books that changed your life
Awaken the Giant Within – An insightful and transformative book by Tony Robbins, that captures the realm of self-development and helps one learn how to operate at peak performance. It was impactful in my early career and motivated me to take action and get onto a different path. I went back to this book many times.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People – I read this book by Stephen R. Covey while on university break at my uncle's house. It has many guiding principles which I keep coming back to, to keep me focused when making decisions.
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World – This book by Melinda Gates is a great display of how one can use their position or wealth to make a greater contribution to society.
Apps you cannot live without
Calm app
My Fitness App
WhatsApp – particularly video as I don't have family close by and it enables me to see them and connect in a way that would not be possible without technology.
Microsoft Teams – as my team is spread all over the world.
Self-care rituals that keep you grounded
I am an early riser and I generally have a better day if it starts with exercise. A few minutes of mindfulness help to settle my mind before I throw myself into a busy schedule. Taking a few minutes to plan my day helps to ensure that I can focus my attention accordingly and attain a sense of achievement, however small, when the day is over.
Keeping to a relatively healthy diet helps me to maintain the balance. Whilst this might not seem groundbreaking, it is a routine that allows my mind and body to stay healthy so that I can function optimally.
I also enjoy indulging in a good book and the occasional Korean series when I have time. Spending quality time with my two little boys and family; and engaging in meaningful conversations with people I enjoy – these are the two things which nourish my soul and are the best self-care rituals for me.