Why I joined a mission-driven fintech

Four months ago, I joined Varo as the Head of Technical Program Management. It has been one of the best career decisions I have made. Varo’s mission is to provide accessible, high-quality banking services to all and improve the financial lives of our customers and not simply charge high fees for those who can afford it the least. This contrasts with my last job where the firm’s primary objective was to optimize returns for wealthy investors. For many years, I focused on doing my job well growing professionally, but I was missing a worthy purpose.

Technological advances have enabled disruption in the banking industry, but it hasn’t always been that way. Many years ago, I worked as a part time teller at a large retail bank to help pay for college. Every time a customer’s balance fell below a certain minimum threshold, the customer was charged a fee. On the other hand, the more money a customer had in their account, the better their services were, such as waived wire-transfer fees and bank check fees. I recognized the inequality, but accepted that that was the way things were, that was the status quo.

Varo’s mission to become the first all-digital bank in the United States and to level the playing field for those who most need banking services has reignited my passion to make a difference.

Varo is my first true start-up experience. Having spent many years in enterprise software and financial services, I am impressed by the people I’ve met at Varo. The incredible mission that everyone is striving for has brought together many talented individuals, even during the pandemic. I spent my first week at Varo in the office, but had to work from home ever since. Varo’s leadership cares deeply about people and has made the transition as seamless as possible.

Since we’ve started working from home, a new member on my team onboarded completely remotely. The amount of thought put into the onboarding experience is an incredible testament to the Varo People Team’s dedication and care. Even though the advance in technology has enabled the possibility to remain productive remotely, the community and camaraderie requires continuous effort from truly committed individuals. Varo’s values around inclusion, respect, taking ownership, and continuously being better truly resonate with me, these are the principles that I would adhere to if I were to start my own company.

I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the worthy cause that bonds everyone at Varo, while enjoying what I do best: program management. I am finding that true success is not simply doing my job well and advancing my career, but to be at a company that is changing the status quo and is democratizing an industry so that millions can turn those high fees into savings that would pave the way for a better financial future.