Celebrating Diversity: Two Nucleus Professionals Share Their Career Journeys

As part of Black History Month, we’re proud to spotlight two of our talented team members, Sean Owusu and Kelvin Kamau. They’ve kindly talked about working in fintech and gave useful tips for future professionals. Let’s learn about their journeys and the wisdom they’ve picked up throughout their careers.

What made you decide this was the career you wanted to pursue?

Sean: My interest in marketing took root during my high school business studies. The subject’s versatility and real-world applications caught my attention. As I explored various aspects of business, digital marketing appeared as my preferred field. Its blend of creativity and technology aligned perfectly with my interests.

Kelvin: In my final year of University, I did a module related to Information Security, and it seemed like a good fit for something I could do as a career. It was also a career in which I knew I could progress in pretty quickly, and there was room to pivot if, later on down the line, I found a different field more interesting and wanted to pursue that.

Can you describe your first day in the industry?

Sean: My marketing career began with social media projects, which initially seemed overwhelming. Despite having some informal experience in graphic design and writing, applying these skills in a professional setting and seeking peer validation was nerve-wracking. Fortunately, encouraging feedback from colleagues bolstered my self-assurance, motivating me to explore other facets of digital marketing. And now, here I am, working as a Content Lead for Nucleus!

Kelvin: My first day was 50% exactly what I expected and 50% not what I expected. I expected it to be intense as far as the workload and requirement to achieve results, this was due to the nature of the business I was working for (Wealth Management). But what I didn’t expect was how open everyone was to talk and share ideas. Considering it was my first day, they wanted to know what I thought about the way certain things were working and if I had any ideas.

What is your career highlight?

Sean: When I think about my biggest wins, it’s usually when my talents get recognised beyond the scope of the organisation I’m a part of. This time, I wrote some pieces for Nucleus that ended up winning awards. I hadn’t been there long, so it was a big deal to explain our services so well that the judges loved it. We even got to go to this prestigious ceremony to celebrate!

Kelvin: It was building an Information Security function from the ground up for an international media organisation. It took a lot of negotiation and compromise, but we eventually got to a point where Information Security was operating as its own unit and became a key point of contact for sensitive business.

What challenges have you faced in your career?

Sean: Breaking into the field was the biggest challenge. Even after graduating, securing a full-time role in marketing proved difficult. I had to take on part-time work unrelated to my degree. However, this experience ultimately led to my first opportunity to apply marketing skills in a more formal corporate context, proving valuable in the long run.

Kelvin: The main challenge I’ve faced throughout my career is getting people to understand that I am not there to get in their way or stop them from doing what they need to do, but rather I am there to help and help ensure that whatever business they are doing, they are doing it in the safest and most secure way. This has caused some misunderstandings at certain points in my career, but with my persuading, it hasn’t proved too big an obstacle to hurdle.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the fintech industry?

Sean: Don’t dismiss fintech positions solely because they don’t fit neatly into your long-term plan. Early career stages are prime for networking and sharing your professional dreams with those around you. By showcasing genuine interest and commitment, you’ll often find that colleagues become allies in helping you achieve your career aspirations.

Kelvin: I would say that the best thing to do if you want to enter and progress in Information Security is to start in a role that gives you a general understanding of IT. Whilst doing so, do independent learning (obtain certificates, etc.) and make sure you are constantly reading Information Security and fintech-related material. Once you get into the fintech industry, take on challenges outside your comfort zone and foster as many internal relationships as you can.

We’re moved by stories from professionals like Sean and Kelvin. Their paths show why it’s key to keep pushing, learning, and making valuable connections. We hope these tales inspire and help guide new diverse talent joining the fintech world.