Exclusive: ‘The Altruistic Advisor’ – Flora Coleman, Wise in “Swashbucklers 2020”

What’s not to love about Wise? And what’s not to love about their Global Head of Government Relations Flora Coleman? She’s not just a campaigning,
legislation-changing fintech bad ass, she’s also a famously nice person. A political adviser like no other. Coleman’s no stranger to being recognised either. She’s been nominated a bunch of times for her inspirational work in public affairs, policy and more. And quite right too! She’s even talked on stage with President of France, Emmanuel Macron. That’s one for the CV!

She’s powerful, influential, and jolly good at her job. Of course, we’re adding the legend that is Flora Coleman to our merry, swashbuckling crew! 

A fierce political force 

We were blown away by Coleman’s work in delivering the EU’s Cross-Border Payments Regulation in 2019. The regulation makes a world of difference in the world of fintech, bringing more power to consumers. We caught up with her to find out more, “It’s the most incredible thing to secure legislation that delivers real impact for consumers, by requiring banks and brokers to tell the truth about what they are charging”, Coleman explains. “To do that across the EU, one of the world’s  largest political regions, and against so much opposition, makes me so proud of my amazing team and our campaigners”. 

Using her powers for good

Over the past year, Coleman also spearheaded a way for people to donate to COVID-19 research, using a Wise platform. And, as if that wasn’t enough, she’s a strong mentor and advisor, encouraging more people to join fintech. “I love to support my industry to be better ethically through my involvement in our standards bodies, and through mentoring and advising people (particularly from underrepresented minorities) to enter and grow in public affairs. We also try to support candidate growth at Wise, mentoring and helping up-and-coming employees. I love growing talent and widening the pool in my field”. Team Coleman! 

Something we can’t get over is Coleman’s niceness. We asked her about her management style and we weren’t expecting such a lovely answer. “I recently got a puppy and was talking to my team about how I’m caring for her”, she explains. “I like to research things. I’ve read so many books, listened to podcasts, and watched so many videos…I want to bring her up to be a good, kind, and happy dog. I believe kindness is key. She has to be kind and thoughtful and I’m watching for that. When I explained this to my colleague she laughed heartily….. OF COURSE this is your approach. So, I think it illustrates my whole approach to business”. Totally not the answer we were expecting, but probably one of the best ones we’ve ever heard. Anyone else want to cuddle a puppy now? 

A mission to help others

But it’s not just in the workplace that Coleman uses her skills for good. “In my personal life I run a volunteer political group”, she explains. “We’re making changes for people and providing a home for our community”. Lost for words? Us too. We love Coleman. 

For protecting consumers and using her powers for good, we’re proud to add Flora Coleman to our league of sensational swashbucklers. ν

This article was published in Swashbucklers 2020, Page 10