Editor’s note: In today’s female leadership in business, Alina Lapusneanu (pictured), CEO and Co-founder of Fiskl shares with FutureCFO audiences how her experiences of growing up in communist Romania and living in the US and the UK inspired her entrepreneurial journey.
FutureCFO: Can you briefly describe your career journey? What drove you to entrepreneurship and establishing an AI-powered accounting platform?
Alina Lapusneanu (AL): My journey has been a rich tapestry, woven from the threads of resilience, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of my Romanian heritage.
Growing up in communist Romania, I witnessed my grandparents’ businesses being taken away, yet their entrepreneurial fire never wavered. From them, I learned that true success is not the absence of challenges but the courage to rise and persist.
When I moved to the United States, armed with dreams and a fierce determination, I balanced multiple jobs while pursuing my education.
Each challenge, each moment of exhaustion, was a testament to my unwavering resolve to break through the glass ceilings of the corporate world. My career path, from Sprint to Siemens Mobile and eventually to Vodafone Group’s senior leadership in Europe, was a relentless quest to redefine what it means to be a woman in tech.
But it was in London where my true calling emerged. Observing the struggles of small business owners, much like my grandparents, I recognised a profound need.
These passionate entrepreneurs had the drive but often lacked the financial tools to thrive. This realisation led to the birth of Fiskl, an AI-powered accounting platform designed to democratise financial management and empower small businesses globally.
At Fiskl, we built our solution with the understanding that every entrepreneur deserves the tools to succeed, regardless of their background or financial expertise. Our mission is to provide these tools and to ensure that no dream is stifled by a lack of resources. This journey is not just a business venture; it is a personal mission to honour my heritage and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to rise and thrive.
Leadership is not about perfection but about the courage to be vulnerable, the wisdom to learn, and the compassion to lift others as you climb.
FutureCFO: What are some of the biggest challenges facing you as a business leader today? How would some of these challenges evolve in the near future?
AL: Leading Fiskl through the complex journey of scaling globally presents a tapestry of challenges that require both strategic foresight and a personal touch. As the CEO, my role is to navigate these complexities while inspiring and galvanising my team to tackle them together.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our plans for expansion faced significant obstacles as potential banking partners shifted their focus to crisis management. This sudden change required swift adaptation and resilient leadership. I brought our team together, embracing a mindset of agility and innovation. We recalibrated our strategies and explored new paths for growth.
Through virtual town halls and regular check-ins, I ensured open communication, fostering a culture where every voice mattered. We accelerated the development of features that addressed the immediate needs of small businesses, reinforcing our commitment to our clients and each other.
Competing against established giants in the accounting industry requires more than just a superior product; it demands a unified, passionate team ready to challenge the status quo.
I lead with a focus on innovation and customer-centricity, encouraging my team to think beyond conventional solutions. At Fiskl, we strive to disrupt the market with our advanced AI capabilities and creative go-to-market strategies.
I inspire my team to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from every experience. This culture of curiosity and resilience is woven into the fabric of our company.
As we look ahead, the challenges of scaling and competition will become more intricate as technology evolves and market dynamics shift. I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
I motivate my team to embrace change, stay curious, and always keep our customers at the core of our mission. Together, we will navigate these complexities and turn challenges into opportunities for sustained growth and success.
Doubters questioned my place in the boardroom, but I refused to let their limited vision define me. Instead, I worked harder, spoke louder, and proved through my actions that I deserved my seat at the table.
FutureCFO: What’s your advice to female professionals who aspire to become business leaders?
AL: To women who dream of leading, who harbour ambition in their hearts, I offer this wisdom: trust your instincts and embrace your journey with unwavering determination.
In a world that often seeks to diminish you, your voice, your vision, and your presence are acts of defiance and strength.
When I first entered the male-dominated world of technology, I faced skepticism and condescension.
Doubters questioned my place in the boardroom, but I refused to let their limited vision define me. Instead, I worked harder, spoke louder, and proved through my actions that I deserved my seat at the table.
Believe in yourself with a fierce and unapologetic conviction. Believe in the power of your ideas, the strength of your convictions, and the spirit that has carried you this far.
Surround yourself with mentors who nurture your growth, allies who champion your cause, and peers who challenge you to reach higher.
Leadership is not a destination; it is a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery.
Embrace the challenges as opportunities to build resilience and character. Take risks, even when the fear of failure looms large. And when you fall, as we all do, rise with your scars as badges of honour.
Above all, lead with authenticity. Your unique experiences, your struggles, and your triumphs are what make you who you are. Own your story and use it to inspire and elevate others.
Remember, leadership is not about perfection but about the courage to be vulnerable, the wisdom to learn, and the compassion to lift others as you climb.
FutureCFO: Tell me something about yourself: What are your hobbies? How do some of these help you relax outside work? Do some of them inspire your work?
AL: In the quiet moments away from the boardroom and the bustling streets of London, I find solace and inspiration in gardening, traveling, and immersing myself in books.
Gardening is a profound metaphor for life and leadership. Each plant I nurture, each flower I coax into bloom, teaches me patience, perseverance, and the transformative power of care. I once struggled to revive a giant peony bush, pouring time and effort into its care.
Just as I was about to give up, it surprised me with vibrant blooms, reminding me that even the most challenging ventures can yield beautiful results with dedication and patience.
Traveling opens my eyes to the vastness of human experience. Each journey, whether navigating the cultural intricacies of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of Iceland, expands my horizons and deepens my appreciation for diversity.
These experiences have made me a more empathetic and adaptable leader, shaping the inclusive and global perspective I bring to Fiskl.
Books are my refuge and source of wisdom. Whether delving into thought-provoking business insights or losing myself in a novel’s intricate narrative, reading offers me a space for reflection and growth.
When faced with tough decisions at Fiskl, I often find clarity and strength in the words of great thinkers and storytellers.
These hobbies are more than pastimes; they are the anchors that ground me and the compasses that guide my journey.
They remind me of the values and principles that define me, not just as a leader but as a human being. They inspire me to lead with authenticity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence.
