
The Power of Inclusion and Sustainability in FinTech
In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, host Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, has an engaging discussion with Gihan Hyde, CEO of CommUnique. Together, they delve into the critical intersection of sustainability, inclusion, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the financial technology sector. Gihan’s unique experiences and insights offer a fresh perspective on how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play a pivotal role in shaping sustainability practices within organisations.
This episode challenges the status quo and presents actionable strategies for organisations aiming to make meaningful changes. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that inclusion and sustainability are not just buzzwords—they are the cornerstones of long-term success in FinTech.
Gihan Hyde’s Inspiring Career Journey
Gihan’s professional journey stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. From the outset, she deliberately chose a path that prioritised learning over specialisation. Her academic background spans marketing, psychology, anthropology, and communications, equipping her with a broad skill set to address complex challenges in today’s business landscape.
Her early career experiences included roles in PR and marketing, which provided her with an in-depth understanding of communication strategies. However, Gihan quickly realised that her true passion lay in sustainability and internal communications. These areas offered her the opportunity to drive real impact, aligning organisational practices with the pressing demands of the modern world.
Recognising that sustainability is a highly technical field, Gihan committed three years to upskilling and reskilling herself. This dedication allowed her to develop the expertise needed to navigate the intricate challenges associated with sustainability and ESG reporting. Today, as the founder of CommUnique, Gihan is a leading voice in promoting sustainability and inclusion within the financial services sector.
CommUnique’s Mission: Bridging Strategy and Action
Founded four years ago, CommUnique is a consultancy with a clear and targeted mission. The organisation focuses on two core areas that address critical gaps in how businesses approach sustainability.
The first focus is stakeholder engagement. CommUnique helps organisations foster meaningful connections with their supply chains and employees during the rollout or design of sustainability strategies. By prioritising advocacy and engagement, CommUnique ensures that all voices are heard, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.
The second focus area is enablement and training. CommUnique works with senior leaders and board members to educate them on the competitive advantages of sustainability. This involves explaining the business case for sustainable practices, as well as the risks of inaction. Through workshops and tailored programmes, CommUnique empowers leadership teams to align sustainability with their overarching business goals.
This dual approach allows CommUnique to act as a bridge between strategy and action, ensuring that sustainability initiatives are not just theoretical but practical and impactful.
Insights from the Sustainability Report
One of the most enlightening aspects of the podcast was Gihan’s discussion of a groundbreaking sustainability report produced by CommUnique. This report analysed 40,000 data sets to uncover the most pressing challenges faced by sustainability leaders in the financial services sector. The findings revealed several key pain points, with one particularly surprising result: a lack of diversity and inclusion in sustainability teams.
This revelation highlights a critical issue in the industry. Despite widespread recognition of diversity and inclusion as essential components of ESG, sustainability remains a largely homogenous field. Gihan explained that this is partly due to the relatively new nature of sustainability as a discipline. As a result, it has not yet achieved the level of diversity seen in more established fields.
The report also identified other challenges, such as the complexities of ESG reporting, data security, and the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to sustainability—one that integrates inclusion and leverages diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
What Does Inclusion Really Mean?
During the conversation, Gihan provided a compelling definition of inclusion. For her, inclusion is about respect. It means ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but actively involved in decision-making processes that affect people and the planet. She emphasised that exclusion is not just a missed opportunity; it is a form of disrespect to the individuals who could bring valuable insights and ideas to the table.
Gihan also made a critical distinction between sustainability and ESG. While sustainability focuses on how organisations operate without harming future generations, ESG is concerned with the data and metrics used to measure these efforts. ESG reporting is data-heavy, aimed at providing tangible proof of sustainability initiatives. In contrast, sustainability is often more narrative-driven, telling the story of an organisation’s journey and impact. Gihan stressed that conflating these terms can dilute the human element of sustainability, making it harder for organisations to achieve meaningful change.
Amplifying Marginalised Voices in Sustainability
As one of the few ethnic minority leaders in the European sustainability space, Gihan is a vocal advocate for inclusion. She frequently uses her platform to recommend other specialists and leaders, ensuring that underrepresented voices are included in industry conversations. This commitment reflects her belief that collaboration is essential for driving systemic change.
Gihan’s advocacy extends beyond external initiatives. Within organisations, she encourages leaders to engage employees in sustainability efforts. She argued that employees are a company’s greatest asset and should be actively involved in shaping its sustainability strategy. By aligning individual passions and purposes with organisational goals, businesses can create an empowered workforce that drives positive change.
Practical Strategies for Organisations
Gihan offered several practical strategies for organisations looking to enhance their sustainability and inclusion efforts. She urged leaders to start by listening to their employees—asking them about their passions, aspirations, and ideas for contributing to sustainability initiatives. This approach not only fosters a sense of belonging but also ensures that employees feel valued and heard.
Another critical element is clear communication. Many employees do not fully understand their role in their organisation’s sustainability efforts, which can lead to disengagement. By providing education, training, and resources, businesses can bridge this gap and empower their teams to make meaningful contributions.
Gihan also emphasised the importance of authenticity. Superficial gestures or token initiatives will not suffice. Organisations must commit to meaningful actions that align with their values and demonstrate genuine dedication to sustainability. This requires strong leadership, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a commitment to long-term change.
The Role of FinTech in Driving Sustainability and Inclusion
The financial technology sector has a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability and inclusion. As a recruitment business specialising in FinTech, Harrington Starr understands the vital role of talent in achieving these goals. The sector’s innovative spirit, combined with its influence and resources, positions it as a key player in addressing global challenges.
At Harrington Starr, we are committed to connecting businesses with professionals who share their vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future. By facilitating these connections, we aim to support the evolution of the industry and help organisations build teams that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Continuing the Conversation and Taking Action
For those inspired by Gihan’s insights, there are numerous ways to get involved. Gihan is highly active on LinkedIn, where she shares thought leadership and engages in discussions on sustainability and inclusion. CommUnique also hosts monthly roundtable discussions called “Sustainalogues,” providing a platform for leaders and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and solutions. These initiatives are a testament to Gihan’s dedication to fostering collaboration and building a community committed to positive change.
As Nadia and Gihan highlighted in their discussion, the challenges facing the FinTech industry are significant but not insurmountable. By taking incremental steps and focusing on long-term goals, organisations can create lasting change that benefits both their business and society.
At Harrington Starr, we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals—they are essential to shaping the future of FinTech. Through our work, we strive to support businesses in building teams that embody these values, driving innovation and impact across the sector.
This podcast episode reflects Harrington Starr’s unwavering dedication to transforming the FinTech industry through innovative talent strategies and a steadfast focus on inclusion. At the heart of Harrington Starr’s mission is the belief that truly equitable workplaces are the foundation of sustainable success. Gihan Hyde’s thought-provoking insights reinforce the importance of weaving social impact into business goals—an ethos Harrington Starr champions by connecting forward-thinking organisations with exceptional professionals who embody these values. By facilitating conversations like this, Harrington Starr is not just redefining recruitment but helping to shape a FinTech future where people, innovation, and purpose align seamlessly.