Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, shaping the way we work, interact, and make decisions. But who is shaping the technology? At PAIR Finance, female leaders are not just part of this change—they are driving it.
Today, we take you behind the scenes to meet the women shaping the future of AI-driven finance. From innovation and data science to legal strategy and international expansion, these leaders are pushing boundaries and fostering growth.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we asked four of them to share their thoughts on what being a female leader means. Their insights reflect resilience, ambition, and a commitment to empowering those around them.
What does being a female leader mean to you, and how do you experience this role at PAIR Finance?
Daniela Straube – Managing Director BeNeLux
As Managing Director BeNeLux, Daniela Straube leads PAIR Finance’s expansion and operations in the Netherlands and Belgium. With over 20 years of management experience in the financial services sector, she is dedicated to building strong teams and driving innovation in the industry.
“Being a female leader means creating opportunities—not just for myself, but for those around me. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others to grow beyond their own expectations, helping them build confidence, and encouraging them to embrace change with a positive mindset. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel supported to take bold steps and develop their own leadership skills.
At PAIR Finance, I experience this role as both inspiring and dynamic. We operate in a fast-growing, AI-driven environment where adaptability is key. In times of rapid change, I see it as my responsibility to support my team in staying agile, embracing new challenges, and continuously developing their skills. I believe that real leadership is about lifting others up—providing guidance but also challenging them to take ownership and push beyond their limits.
Being a female leader also means setting an example. I want to inspire more women to step into leadership roles with confidence, knowing that their perspectives and strengths are invaluable in shaping the future.”
Liva Zepa – Director Innovation
Liva Zepa is the Director Innovation at PAIR Finance, leading the Data Science and Behavioral Science teams. She focuses on product development and growth opportunities, particularly in the areas of digital payments in collections, machine learning, and new data sources, ensuring PAIR Finance’s AI-based services remain at the forefront of innovation.
“Being a female leader in the AI field means embracing both challenges and opportunities in shaping the future. At PAIR Finance, I have the privilege of leading dynamic Data Science and Behavioral Science teams, where we push the boundaries to drive meaningful change. Our work goes beyond technology—it’s about nurturing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture in which innovative ideas thrive. Also every day, I balance innovation with empathy, ensuring that our breakthrough remains customer-friendly and socially responsible.
Yet, leadership extends beyond the workplace. As a mother to a 1.5-year-old daughter, I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and priorities, striving for excellence both professionally and personally. PAIR Finance truly supports this balance, encouraging growth and well-being in every aspect of life.
For me, being a female leader is about learning continuously, mentoring and guiding my team, and building a future where technology and human needs work together in a balanced way.”
Daniela Gaub – Group General Counsel
As Group General Counsel at PAIR Finance, Daniela Gaub oversees professional, data protection, and corporate law as well as AI Governance while playing a key role in the company’s internationalisation and expansion efforts. Since joining in 2021, she has been instrumental in shaping the legal framework that supports PAIR Finance’s growth.
“Being a female leader at PAIR Finance has a special meaning for me.
On the one hand, my company history—starting as Senior Legal Counsel for the German company and now responsible for the entire PAIR Finance Group as Group General Counsel—is encouraging and motivating for me and potentially for others in the company too: it shows that it is worth working on your goals and visions, remaining true to yourself and always being open to new ideas, as well as being brave and persistent.
On the other hand being a female leader means more to me than just climbing the corporate ladder: I have a deep-rooted desire to show different perspectives, to foster mutual understanding, to build bridges and to support everyone in their talents. In particular, I hope to be a role model for others, to help push our company forward and to change perceptions of the industry as a whole.“
Jennifer Isabella Schimanko – Managing Director Austria
As Managing Director Austria, Jennifer Isabella Schimanko leads the PAIR Finance team in Vienna, driving the growth and development of AI-based digital collections in the country. With nearly two decades of international experience in the insurance and finance industry, she is a proven expert in managing complex financial operations.
“At PAIR Finance, I’m proud to be part of a culture where what matters is the impact you make, not your gender, background, religion or who you love.
To me being a female leader isn’t just about being a good example and guiding projects—it’s about nurturing potential, inspiring growth, and helping people see possibilities they didn’t know existed. There’s a unique joy in watching individuals and teams evolve, overcome challenges, and thrive together. Leadership is a bit like being both a coach and a cheerleader—celebrating wins, learning from losses, and always pushing the team towards new heights.
Innovation always plays a big role in this journey. Harnessing the power of customer centricity and AI means we’re constantly shaping the future, but it’s the people behind the tech and the product who make the real magic happen. Leading by example, supporting diverse perspectives and building an inclusive space where this diversity is heard, seen and combined to achieve extraordinary results, that’s what truly drives progress. That’s what truly drives myself as a leader and that’s where the real impact happens. This is how we shape the future.”
Thank you to Daniela Straube, Liva Zepa, Daniela Gaub, and Jennifer Isabella Schimanko for sharing your experiences and insights. Your leadership and dedication inspire not only your teams at PAIR Finance but also the next generation of women in tech and finance.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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