Fintech often presents itself as an industry driven by the merits of speed and technical skill, but in practice, true influence here may lie elsewhere. Behind the technical layer, there are operations and relationships that make complex systems actually work.

In this interview for the Women Leading the Way series, the Drofa Comms team spoke with Ashna Vaghela, Chief Customer Officer at Mercuryo, about the importance of self-trust and the type of leadership that defines how a company scales.

Ashna’s career did not follow the typical “fintech-native” trajectory, and her previous experience in customer operations taught her how teams really interact and what it takes to keep things moving under pressure. Since then, that deep approach has become her main advantage in the industry.

Joining a crypto company, Ashna faced the challenge of being underestimated or questioned about her technical expertise. The turning point for her was finding an internal shift and learning to rely on her inner voice. She says this is much more important than just technical knowledge. Moreover, it can be an opportunity to build deeper trust within a team.

“If people see that you are really diving into their world and trying to support them, they will most likely respond with trust towards you,” Ashna says.

We also spoke about the barriers that still shape women’s careers in the industry. While progress is visible, Ashna points out that many women wait until they feel fully ready before stepping into larger roles. Yet in her eyes, growth often begins by taking the opportunity first and learning on the go.

For those considering a move into crypto, her advice is direct. Skills in communication, operations, problem-solving, and relationship-building are of primary importance in this industry, and they are what actually support the unity of the whole system.

“Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter much more here than just technical expertise. You can just start with the small things and ask questions, which will build both your own knowledge and others' trust,” stated Ashna.

👉Read the full interview with Ashna Vaghela here — https://womenlead.co.uk/ideas/ashna-vaghela