In this episode of SheEO with Sophie, we sit down with Nikhita Hyett, General Manager for EMEA at Signified, to explore her unconventional journey from journalism to the fast-paced world of fintech. Nikhita opens up about navigating leadership as a woman in tech, confronting industry misconceptions, and building a fulfilling career without compromising authenticity. The conversation dives deep into payment systems, fraud prevention, and the growing issue of returns abuse in e-commerce. From cultivating resilient company cultures to identifying sales talent and prioritizing work-life harmony, this episode offers powerful insights for ambitious professionals across industries.💡 Key TakeawaysCareer Reinvention: Nikhita’s leap from journalism to fintech shows how transferable skills can open doors in unexpected industries.Seamless Transactions Matter: Effective payment systems are critical to building consumer trust.Returns Abuse Is Rising: E-commerce brands must address refund manipulation with smarter strategies.Leadership & Gender: Women still face outdated assumptions around career and family, visibility and voice are key.Harmony Over Balance: Reframing work-life balance as harmony fosters more sustainable personal and professional growth.Leadership Adaptability: Great leaders flex their approach while staying true to themselves.Company Culture Is Non-Negotiable: A strong culture underpins performance and engagement.Sales Hiring Red Flags: Poor preparation in interviews signals deeper issues.Selling with Integrity: Belief in the product and authenticity are what truly drive sales success.Personal Growth Means Owning Your Story: Progress comes from leaning into who you are, not who you’re expected to be.