Fast growth can test even the strongest cultures, but Aysun Ahi has spent the past eight years proving that people and performance don’t have to be a trade-off. As chief people officer at OpenPayd, a London-based fintech that delivers financial infrastructure to businesses via a single API, she’s helped guide the company through rapid expansion, all while keeping employee wellbeing, inclusion and trust front and centre.
Born in Turkey, Aysun moved to London more than 15 years ago and has built her career around creating workplaces where people feel empowered to grow. In this edition of The Big Interview, she shares how to lead with intention in a high-growth environment, why inclusion starts with action and how to build a team that thrives through change.
Key Points
- Aysun discusses the challenges of maintaining company culture during OpenPayd’s rapid scaling.
- Open communication is highlighted as crucial for employee engagement and trust.
- Diversity and inclusion are embedded in OpenPayd’s culture through active policies rather than superficial measures.
- The fintech industry’s evolution influences talent acquisition strategies at OpenPayd.
- Employee autonomy and collaboration are key to fostering innovation and compliance.
- Continuous professional development is supported through generous budgets and various learning opportunities.
- OpenPayd promotes strong teamwork and employee wellbeing, offering hybrid work arrangements and support services.
- Cultural differences are respected and celebrated within OpenPayd’s global workforce.
- Aysun believes HR will increasingly shift towards strategic roles with a focus on data and personalised learning.
Why should I read this?
This article gives you an insider’s view into how Aysun Ahi is breaking the mould in fintech, proving that fast growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of culture or employee wellbeing. If you’re in any sort of leadership or HR role—or even thinking about it—you’ll appreciate her insights on maintaining a strong organisational culture in a booming industry. Plus, it’s always handy to know how others are keeping their teams thriving. We’ve saved you the hassle of digging through it all—just read this and take away the gold!