Kate Turgoose

Your Story:

My journey to FinTech was not at all what I expected, but it has been quite special for me. I say this, as this is my first role where I have been open about my sexuality since day 1. Joining Funding Circle I was given the opportunity to be absolutely who I am and I fully embraced that by joining the Circle of Pride pillar group within weeks of starting. Before FinTech I was in another technology field, and long before that a government background - so you name it, and anything, at least in an operational background, I've done. I think it's fine to say that FC poached me not long after I won Office Manager of the year award in 2021 and I've gone from strength to strength ever since. Circle of Pride puts me in a group with my peers who are always working hard to educate others, as well as support the wider LGBTQIA+ community. I've been open about my journey, but it feels like an excellent space to do it in, and if my vulnerability helps others to embrace who they truly are, then that makes me happy.

Your Impact:

Internally at Funding Circle I am well known for educating others on bisexuality, have sat on panels and shared my story, presented educational pieces with people external of Funding Circle - with particular relevance to bisexuality related matters, non binary inclusion and language, as well as supporting small LGBTQIA+ businesses by buying their products for use in the office. Considering what Funding Circle do, I'm always considering ways to support small businesses with a particular angle towards LGBTQIA+ where I am able to do so - example - for Pride Month I supported two businesses by buying progress flag lanyards for the office, as well as drinks from a LGBTQIA+ brewery based in Harrogate. Whilst Funding Circle provide loans, there are always other ways to support businesses....by engaging with them as a customer. As for me personally, I feel I am somewhat of an anomaly within FinTech - I am not at all the suited and booted type you would come to expect from seeing in the square mile. I always saw Finance as something so very corporate I would never fit in so I never even considered it as a place to build a career until FinTech came to me. It's certainly the most inclusive technology space I've worked in which is consistently surprising to me! Whilst there's always more to be done, I feel like I can do that here.

Your Advice:

Be absolutely and unapologetically yourself, always. It may seem daunting at first, but it is the most wonderful feeling to be accepted for who you are, and once you're there the strength you have to make life better for everyone else in your community will deliver tenfold; not only to the community, but to yourself. You really truly value Pride in your career and in your life outside of that. Highly recommend it!