Cally Jones

Tell us your story:

My story is one of a career and personal journey finally aligning. Growing up in a Catholic school environment, I was not exposed to the LGBTQ+ community and didn’t find my true identity until later in life.
In my professional life I have always been driven by a passion for fairness and equality and this sits at the very core of who I am as a person and so my journey began after completing a law degree. Following this, I spent years honing employment law and HR expertise in roles with companies like Domino's Pizza and Costa Coffee before dedicating eight years to a private healthcare firm. In all of my roles, I have always been a keen advocate for diversity and inclusion as well as the employee voice and have run many D&I initiatives and employee voice networks.
It wasn’t until my early thirties that I found my LGBTQ+ self, and this personal discovery ignited a passion to ensure that others don't face the same barriers to self-expression that I had. I recognised that the need for social change is vital for everyone to live authentically and immediately immersed myself in the LGBTQ+ committee in the company I worked for at that time as I really wanted to be able to make a direct difference in this space.
Following my Master's in Human Resource Management, my ultimate goal was to find a company where my professional skills and personal values could intersect and I wanted to find an industry that I was truly passionate about. This is why I chose fintech. The sector’s innovative spirit and ability to disrupt traditional systems, was the perfect place to make a real impact on social change, break down traditional barriers and make finance more inclusive and accessible.

Impact:

My most significant contributions have been at the intersection of my professional expertise in People and my personal advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. I specifically sought out a career in Monzo because its commitment to fairness, diversity, and inclusion perfectly matches my own.
I am proud to be a founder and the Lead for Monzo's LGBTQIA+ Employee Committee, a role I've held since its inception in 2023. This position has allowed me to turn advocacy into direct action. I've actively championed equitable policies, promoted an inclusive environment, and led initiatives from Pride marches to fundraising events, helping to shape our company's culture from the inside. As a visible LGBTQ+ people leader, I am committed to demonstrating that bringing your full, authentic self to work is a strength that enables you to lead with pride and passion.
I would like to be featured in Pride in FinTech 2025 to share my story with others who may be on a similar journey. Growing up, I didn't see a clear path for myself as an LGBTQIA+ person, let alone one in a progressive career. My experience shows that it is never too late to find and embrace your true self, and that this authenticity can be your greatest professional strength. I want to show that the fintech industry is a place where you can use your unique journey to drive innovation and create meaningful social change.

Advice:

Your personal values are your greatest asset. Don't just look for a job; look for a career that aligns with what you believe in. The fintech industry is uniquely positioned to disrupt outdated systems and champion change. Find companies that are actively working towards social good, whether it's through financial inclusion, ethical practices, or a strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) culture. When your personal passion and professional work intersect, you'll find a level of fulfilment and purpose you never knew was possible.