Leadership is not about control, but about creating conditions where others can thrive

Nemika Menevse became the head of the Czech fintech company Twisto after its acquisition by Param in 2023. She has extensive experience in multinational financial companies, but emphasizes the importance of staying on your own and keeping your feet on the ground. „Pursuing an international career, commitment and hard work are a given. But beyond that, you need to be a sharp observer and a thoughtful listener. Working across cultures requires openness. “You have to notice the subtle differences, respect them, and learn how to adapt without losing your own voice,” Twisto’s CEO says, in an interview created in collaboration with the Global Minds project.

In your career, you have worked in your native Turkey, England, and now you are based in the Czech Republic. Is an international career a dream come true for you, or rather something that life has brought you?

I relocated to the UK because I wanted to expand my experience beyond my home country — and to challenge myself. I wanted to see if I could start over from scratch, even in my 40s. It’s been a rewarding experience, though I hadn’t planned on becoming the CEO of a Czech company. That wasn’t part of some grand plan.

But during the acquisition and post-acquisition process with Twisto, I found myself genuinely drawn to the business, the team, and the challenges ahead. I saw real potential for growth and deeply respected what the company stood for. What began as a professional opportunity slowly turned into something much more personal — something that feels, in many ways, like a dream coming true.

That said, we’re still at the beginning of the journey. There’s a lot to build, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

What do you think are the key characteristics a person must have to succeed in an international career?

I believe honesty, empathy, dedication, and resilience are essential for anyone pursuing an international career. Commitment and hard work are a given — but beyond that, you need to be a sharp observer and a thoughtful listener.

Working across cultures requires openness. You have to notice the subtle differences, respect them, and learn how to adapt without losing your own voice. It’s about finding common ground while honouring diversity.

In the end, success in an international environment isn’t just about what you know — it’s about how well you connect, how deeply you understand others, and how respectfully you navigate different ways of thinking.

You have lived and worked in Istanbul, London, and now Prague is your home. What do you appreciate about each of these cities, and what do you dislike?

Istanbul is a vibrant and stunning city, both geographically and historically — there’s really no place like it. But it’s also a very big and crowded city, and the traffic can be overwhelming. Spending two to three hours a day commuting seriously affects your quality of life.

London, on the other hand, is incredibly international and convenient. The transportation system works well, and you never feel like a foreigner there. The diversity — of cultures, cuisines, and experiences — is something I deeply appreciate. Professionally, it’s also a hub for finance and business, offering endless opportunities. The only downside for me is the weather. As a Turkish person, I definitely prefer sunshine over rain.

Prague is much more compact and easy to live in compared to many other major cities. It has a unique charm — a mix of old-world beauty and modern energy. The historical architecture, the parks, the cafés, the river. Life here feels calmer, more manageable. That said, Prague is also changing. It’s becoming more international, more dynamic, and more connected to the broader European scene. It will be interesting to see how the city balances that growth with the character and rhythm that make it so special today.

Do you have a dream place in the world where you would like to work?

I’m genuinely happy being based between Prague and London — it gives me a great balance. I enjoy traveling wherever the business takes me, whether that’s Warsaw, Amsterdam, Romania, or Istanbul. For me, it’s less about a specific dream location and more about working on meaningful projects with great people, wherever they may be.

Where do you feel at home? Do you find it easy to create a sense of home wherever you move?

I’m a quick adaptor, and over time I’ve learned to create a sense of home wherever I go. For me, home is less about a specific place and more about feeling connected — to people, to purpose, and to my environment. Whether I’m in Prague, London, or Istanbul, I try to build routines, find my favourite spots, and create little moments that make a place feel familiar. That’s what turns somewhere new into home.

As a child, you wanted to be a teacher, but you ended up working in banking for a long time, and now you are in the payment business. What is it about the world of finance that appeals to you most?

I think my childhood dream of becoming a teacher was really about two things: the desire to share knowledge and the love of continuous learning. That spirit stayed with me throughout my career.

Banking offered a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you’re constantly exposed to new industries, risks, and people — all within a well-structured and highly regulated framework. It taught me discipline, depth, and how to operate in complex systems.

Payments, fintech on the other hand, bring a different kind of excitement. It’s more agile, innovative, and fast-moving. While it’s still regulated, there’s more room for creativity and building things from scratch. What I love most is the constant change — the challenges, the competition, and the need to think ahead.

It allows me to keep learning and growing every day — and as a leader, it gives me the chance to pass on what I’ve learned while learning just as much from my team. In that way, maybe the teacher in me found her place after all.

In one interview, you described how you started at the bank as a junior and were gradually promoted until you were leading one of the largest corporate teams. After working at Param, your path led you to the helm of Twisto. To what do you attribute your career success? 

I would attribute my career success to a combination of hard work, dedication, and resilience. I’ve always been clear about where I want to go, and once I set a direction, I stay committed to it. I try not to waste time hesitating — I make decisions quickly and move forward. That doesn’t mean the path is always smooth, but I don’t give up easily. If something doesn’t work, I look for another way.

Whether it’s pushing harder or finding a smarter route, I stay focused on the goal. I believe success comes not just from persistence, but also from being adaptable, staying curious, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

The financial world is still dominated by men. Do you find it more difficult to succeed as a woman?

There’s no denying that the financial world is still male-dominated, and yes, at times it has been more difficult. You often have to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to prove your worth — especially in leadership roles. But rather than letting that discourage me, I’ve used it as fuel to grow stronger, more confident, and more determined.

What helped me most was staying true to who I am, focusing on results, and building trust over time. I also believe deeply in lifting others as I climb — supporting and empowering the next generation of women in finance is something I care about just as much as driving business outcomes.

To be honest, I don’t feel those challenges as much anymore — maybe it’s because I’m very experienced, seasoned now, or because I’m in a leadership position. But I still care deeply that others don’t have to face them either. That’s why we continue working hard to build a more inclusive environment — one where equal pay, flexible working, and real support are the norm, not the exception. The landscape is changing — slowly, but surely — and I try to do my best to be part of that progress.

What do you think are the three key characteristics of a good leader?

For me, the three key characteristics of a good leader are self-awareness, integrity, and the ability to empower others.

I may talk a lot about self-awareness — and that’s because I truly believe it’s the foundation of so many things: leadership, resilience, growth, and even happiness. Self-awareness is something I’ve developed over time, through both successes and failures. I’ve learned to pause and reflect, to understand how my actions affect others, and to be open — really open — to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s not always easy, but it’s what allows you to grow, to lead with authenticity, and to stay grounded in who you are, even as everything around you evolves.

The second one is integrity and it is non-negotiable. I’ve always believed that trust is earned through consistency and honesty. Whether you’re making a tough decision or delivering difficult feedback, people need to know that your values won’t shift with the situation.

The third one is empowering others. It has become one of the most rewarding parts of leadership for me. I’ve had the chance to mentor and support some incredibly talented people, and seeing them succeed — sometimes even beyond what they believed possible — reminds me that leadership is not about control, but about creating conditions where others can thrive.

Have you had to struggle with any aspect of your personality during your career because it was a disadvantage for you?

Yes — being very demanding, assertive and at times impatient has been something I’ve had to work on. It didn’t always affect me directly, but I’ve come to realise that it could create pressure for my teams and impact the way they experienced working with me.

When you have high standards and move fast, it’s easy to forget that not everyone operates the same way — and that’s okay. Over time, I’ve learned to be more aware of this, to listen more, to give space, and to adjust my pace when needed. I’m still working on it, and I believe self-awareness and the willingness to grow are key to being a better leader — and a better colleague.

What has worked for you when you needed to balance work and caring for your son?

Balancing work and caring for my son has never been easy — and I don't believe there's a perfect formula.There were moments when I prioritised — or had to prioritise — work over family. I still remember the guilt I felt going back to work after Kaan was born, a feeling many women experience, though we really shouldn’t have to.

What helped me was learning to be fully present in each role. When I was with him, I made a conscious effort to switch off from work — even if just for a short while. And when I was working, I stayed focused and efficient, so I could protect that space for us. I’ve always believed it’s the quality of time that matters more than the quantity.

I also let go of the idea of doing everything perfectly. Some days were messy — and that’s okay. What mattered was showing up with love, consistency, and honesty. I’ve always tried to show him that it’s possible to be both a committed parent and a passionate professional.

Today, we have a wonderful relationship, and I’m so proud of the caring, resilient, self-sufficient, respectful, and gentle man he’s becoming.

I read that you sleep four to five hours a day. Aren't you afraid that the lack of rest will catch up with you over time?

Yes, I usually sleep around a couple of hours a night, and I often have just one meal a day. I know these aren’t the standard recommendations, but over time, I’ve learned how my body functions and what my energy rhythms require.

It’s not about glorifying the lack of sleep or skipping meals. At this stage of my life — with the responsibilities I carry and the passion I have for my work — I’ve found a rhythm that works for me, most of the time. Beyond sleep and food, I also practise mindfulness and use techniques that help calm my mind and reset. It’s not always easy — especially for someone whose brain rarely slows down — but I’ve been working on it intentionally and consistently.

I won’t pretend I’ve found the perfect formula. I’m still learning. But I’ve become far more in tune with my body, and I now understand that long-term success requires care, not just ambition and drive.

Do you have a passion for anything other than your work?

While I’m deeply passionate about my work, it’s not the only thing that drives me.

I care a lot about people — understanding them, supporting them, and helping them grow. That’s part of why mentoring has become so meaningful to me. I also love learning — whether it's through reading, conversations, or observing how people lead, decide, or adapt. I'm naturally curious, and that curiosity extends far beyond business.

And on a more personal note, I find real joy in simple things: walking in the park, spending time with my son, sharing a good laugh with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment with a book and a coffee. Those things keep me grounded and remind me why the work matters in the first place.

Nemika Menevse studied International Relations at Bilkent University in Ankara. She began her career in the Turkish branches of international banks such as QNB, ABN AMRO, ING, and Akbank. At the age of 43, she made a career shift and moved to London, where she joined Param. In 2023, she partially relocated to Prague to take the lead of the fintech company Twisto.

Her mission is to expand the company’s product portfolio and drive its growth into European markets. She is a strong advocate for gender equality in the financial sector and corporate leadership. On a personal level, she became a mother during a demanding phase of her career and firmly believes that career and family do not have to be in conflict.

You can read the Czech version of the article HERE