Yvonne de Ville

What do you love about your job?

I wear many hats and enjoy the variety in my work roles. As Chair of IoD Finance and FinTech Group, Program/Portfolio Lead in Financial Services, and a mentor and company advisor, I find immense satisfaction in the diverse aspects of these positions.

I thrive on the sense of accomplishment that comes from getting things done. I love the dynamic nature of connecting with people across the industry. Creating and participating in networking events allows me to build valuable relationships, share knowledge, and learn from others.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is facilitating collaboration between people and companies. I enjoy orchestrating partnerships and creating synergies that align with common goals. I find great joy in mentoring emerging leaders and developing talent within the industry.

Most of all, I am passionate about supporting women in financial services and backing the charity Dress for Success. This organisation empowers women to achieve economic independence by offering a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive both in their careers and in life.

What do you dislike about your job?

Sometimes I get frustrated when things do not move as quickly as I would like. The efficiency of systems can often be a source of this frustration. I recognise that not everyone shares the same passion or commitment to delivery and achievement as I do. This disparity can be frustrating, so I continue to focus on cultivating greater patience and understanding how to effectively manage these differences.

What advice would you give a junior coming into the industry now?

For a junior entering the financial services and fintech industry, continuous learning and adaptability are essential due to the industry’s constant evolution. Build a strong professional network and seek mentors to open doors to new opportunities and gain valuable insights.

Develop meticulous habits, as accuracy and attention to detail are crucial. Uphold high standards of ethics and integrity; your reputation is invaluable. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital for explaining complex concepts and building trust.

Embrace new technologies, including generative AI, and stay open to continuous learning in this area to stay competitive. Manage your emotions and maintain professionalism in all situations. Being accountable for your actions and decisions will earn you respect and trust.

What do you see as the biggest advance in technology in your field in the last 5 years?

In the last five years, the biggest advance in technology in the financial services and fintech field has been the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies have revolutionised data analysis, risk management, and personalised customer service. Additionally, the integration of blockchain technology has significantly enhanced security and transparency in transactions.

There will be a greater focus on systems security, personal data protection, and regulations around privacy. Cybersecurity will become an even bigger priority as the industry adapts to evolving threats and regulatory requirements.

What excites you about the future of your industry?

What excites me about the future of finance and fintech is the potential for AI to replace many manual tasks, freeing us to focus on creating innovative solutions and expanding our thinking to achieve the seemingly impossible. This shift will enable us to develop better solutions and integrate the entire community more effectively. However, this progress must be guided by a commitment to helping each other and benefiting humanity.

In a world where AI can handle many tasks for us, it is crucial to continually expand our knowledge and develop ourselves. Personal growth and ongoing learning are essential for adapting to change and driving innovation, ensuring we leverage AI effectively while enhancing our own capabilities.

What is the biggest challenge you see in your role over the next 12 months?

The biggest challenge I see in my role over the next 12 months is learning how to effectively use generative AI and becoming more adaptable to emerging technologies. As these tools evolve rapidly, staying ahead of the curve and integrating them into our strategies will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and driving innovation.

Additionally, I need to explore how to support my teams in progressing with technology development. As a change expert, I want to improve my ability to adapt to and manage change, helping my teams do the same. Finding effective ways to manage and implement change in this new environment will be a key focus, ensuring that we not only adapt but thrive amidst technological advancements.

What is the biggest curveball question you have ever been asked in an interview?

One of the biggest curveball questions I encountered in an interview was “Why should we NOT hire you?” This question is challenging because it requires a high level of self-awareness and honesty. It pushes you to identify and articulate your potential weaknesses or mismatches with the role in a constructive way.

For instance, if you are looking for someone who strictly follows established procedures without seeking improvements or challenging the status quo, my tendency to question and innovate might be seen as disruptive. Interviews are a two-way process, providing both the company and the candidate with the opportunity to evaluate whether they are a good match for each other.

What trait are you looking for from everybody you interview?

When interviewing others or being interviewed myself, I look for traits that reveal the true person behind the resume. I am less interested in standard, rehearsed answers and more focused on understanding the individual’s personality and achievements, both in their current role and beyond. I want to know about their journey and how their experiences can contribute to our projects and working environment.

It is important to recognise that not everyone needs to excel in team settings; for example, a developer might be more efficient working independently. Therefore, interviewers should broaden their perspective and consider the overall potential and fit of a candidate, rather than solely their ability to work with others.

One fact about you that nobody knows?

When I was at Brunel University, I developed a “collaborative writing system,” which bears some resemblance to the current WhatsApp application. While I am not claiming to have created it first, I definitely had the idea and a prototype. Initially, I wanted to be a developer and learned programming languages such as C++, Java, and SQL. However, I soon realised that my strengths lie in building relationships, planning, delivering, and getting things done.

What do your days off look like?

On my days off, I always go to the gym and spend extra time there enjoying the spa facilities, including the sauna and steam room. I also enjoy activities such as hiking and exploring new places. These activities help me unwind and maintain a balanced lifestyle. However, it is not uncommon for me to also work on personal projects and mentor others.

What is the worst gift you have ever been given?

The worst gift I have ever received was an invitation to a Japanese cooking class. As I am not particularly fond of Japanese food or cooking, it was a bit of a nightmare for me. However, I still attended the class out of politeness, though I did not eat the food and did not enjoy the cooking. If you want to give me a gift, I would be more excited going on an adventure trip, technology conference or wellbeing seminar!

We would like to thank Yvonne for her generous time and for the personal insight into her life and journey. If you would like to feature in this informal, fun series aimed at creating a community of senior people who meet and network then please reach out to us on hello@dnevo.com. We would love to hear from you!