Defying Norms with Theodora Lau: A Voyage into the Heart of Inclusive Fintech

“The future is yet to be written, and we all have a role in it.” 

Those are the powerful words of Theodora (Theo) Lau. Born and raised in Hong Kong and now making waves in Washington D.C., she's the fintech superstar with a heart of gold. 

But before we talk about her LinkedIn Top Voice status or how she's influencing the world of AI, let's rewind.

Theo's mom used to teach kids, many of whom were refugees. Growing up, her mother had little—but whether it was bread crust or rice mixed with rock sugar, the value of empathy was always on the menu. It was those childhood tales of struggle and resilience told to her by her mother that shaped Theo's vision for an inclusive world, one where compassion holds meaning, and drives society. 

You see, this isn't just a story about a tech luminary who has a knack for innovation—though it is that too. It's about a woman who saw a world filled with unmet needs and decided to do something about it.

Enter Unconventional Ventures, Theo's brainchild, which is all about fostering an ecosystem that doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk. Women and minority founders? Check. Focus on the longevity economy? You bet. Theo's mission shines through her keynote speeches and her podcast, "One Vision," yes. But it’s all a vehicle for her ultimate goal: real-world change.

Speaking of her podcast, you might have also caught her writing for Harvard Business Review, chatting about fintech on BBC, or maybe even at a star-studded industry event like FinTech Week Hong Kong. And at the core of all these achievements? That community, the shared prosperity that her mother instilled in her.

"I believe in karma. And I believe there is more to life than the mere pursuit of dollars and cents," Theo says.

In a world where the pursuit of profit often overshadows the human element, Theo's approach to fintech is a refreshing twist. Whether it's advising startups, speaking on gender equity, or co-authoring a book that leads a purpose-driven business revolution, she never loses sight of the people at the heart of it all.

If you think building wealth is all about stockpiling cash and assets, Theo wants you to think again. For Theo, it's about something more profound: the human connection. "Building wealth is more than just accumulating assets; it is also creating and maintaining the social bond. Caring and being there for each other, is what makes us uniquely human," she says.

Theo's deeply aware of the rampant inequality in the world—and it’s something she views not as an unchangeable truth but as a challenge to be met head-on. “Increasingly, much of our fate is predetermined by the color of our skin, our gender, our zip code, our abilities, and our social circles.” 

Inequality is human-made problem that needs human-made solutions, a battle that can be won with policy changes, partnerships, and the will to make the world better. Because, as she believes, everyone deserves a shot at success.

When asked about the key challenges faced by underrepresented founders in the startup ecosystem, Theo's response is candid and passionate. "Where do I begin?" she laments, pointing out the significant issues of funding access and networking. But she's not just observing these problems; she's in the trenches, advising and mentoring startups, and keeping an eye on those who are making a difference, like EverSafe, Silvur, Propel, and StellarFi, who leverage fintech to address inequalities and vulnerable populations. 

However, Theo's no stranger to the pitfalls that some technologists fall into. She's seen founders get distracted by the shiny allure of tech, like AI, and lose sight of the bigger picture. Her advice? "Don't lose track of the goal!" It's simple, direct, and reflective of a woman who understands that technology isn't the endpoint but a means to achieve a higher purpose.

Theo believes technology is a tool that can do wonders if used right. When she says, "Technology is a means to an end," you can almost feel the urgency in her voice.

Take social media, for instance. Theo uses it as an example of the double-edged sword that technology can be. "It can — and has been used — to connect people from different corners of the world. But it can also be used to spread disinformation," she points out. 

And when it comes to the fintech world, the stakes get even higher. On one side, there's the potential for extending credit to small businesses and immigrants, making dreams come true. But on the flip side, Theo warns, "the same tech can be used to extend credit in an irresponsible manner that encourages consumers to spend more and drive them to debt."

But Theo doesn't just point out problems; she's brimming with solutions too. Want to foster collaboration between different sectors to meet consumers' needs? "Find like-minded partners and understand what drives them. Building up an ecosystem is an art!" It's a short answer, but it packs a punch and tells you everything you need to know about Theo's approach to business collaboration. It's not just about networking; it's about relationships, shared values, and understanding.

As the host of the One Vision podcast, Theo's eyes light up as she talks about the talent she's discovered. Her belief that "Talent can be found everywhere — opportunities are not" resonates deeply, reminding us that it's not just about opening doors, but about making sure everyone gets a chance to walk through them.

And when it comes to actionable steps for bridging the digital divide, Theo's voice is filled with conviction. "Be an ally," she urges, emphasizing the importance of elevating the voiceless, acknowledging privileges, and using influence to advocate for those in need. For her, the right to digital access, like a stable broadband connection, "should be a right for everyone, not a privilege."

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Theo’s work is powerful not just because it’s insightful, innovative, community-building. It is powerful because it is a challenge that compels us to act. From closing the digital divide to supporting working parents and creating opportunities, Theo sees the problems and solutions all around us. "We have the tools at our disposal. Do we have the will to do what is right?" she challenges us, at a time when our world needs just that. 

And can AI drive the change the financial world needs? Theo wants to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations, and she's not afraid to challenge the status quo. "Speaking to a device to find out how much money you have spent to get coffee last month isn’t an interesting use case," she says, dismissing the mundane. Instead, she imagines a future where AI and data analytics act like a "personal financial GPS" guiding us through our financial lives. Now that's a vision worth chasing.

But what's the roadmap to this brighter future? For Theo, it's about diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. She's excited but also realistic, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "The list is far too long," she says, but she lights up when she talks about the potential for positive change. "It takes more than awareness to create lasting changes: we need intention and action."

What does this action look like? More funding for women (female founded startups receive a staggeringly low 2% of VC funding) and underrepresented demographics, diverse talent in key positions, and normalizing conversations about diversity. 

And that diversity includes seeing the full humanity of minority groups. ”Don’t pigeonhole women in ‘diversity in fintech’ panels when they can talk about their work and areas of expertise," Theo points out. Embracing the diversity of lived experiences is essential for creating products that truly reflect and serve the people. It's about more than just business; it's about humanity.

So, what advice does this visionary offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds? Her wisdom comes wrapped in humility and empathy: "Be very clear about what you are trying to accomplish and stay focused. Entrepreneurship can be a long and lonely journey, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Find your tribe. Talk to people. And listen. Truly listen."

Her words resonate like a mantra, a reminder that innovation isn't just about technology or financial gains. It's about people, connections, and a vision that goes beyond profit. In Theo's world, the future of tech ventures isn't just about the next big thing; it's about how we can use technology to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable world.

As she speaks, you can't help but feel inspired and challenged, all at once.

And maybe, just maybe, if we listen — truly listen — we might find ourselves joining her on this exciting journey, guided by our own personal GPS, toward a future that's not only innovative but also deeply human. That's a road worth traveling, don't you think?

Theo leaves me with an undeniable truth: every face, every mind, every story matters. It's a message that transcends the world of technology and innovation, reaching into the very core of our humanity. "When history includes the hopes and dreams and aspirations of every one of us. When each soul within it is treated with the same dignity and respect and condition." (You can find her full piece on empathy here.) Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life.

And as she looks to the future, it feels like there's a sparkle in her eye. Her second book, "The Metaverse Economy," co-authored with Arun Krishnakumar, is coming out in August. But more than just a new release, it's a new chapter in a story that's far from over. A story that's not just about algorithms and cold, hard data, but about people. "Our world is not driven by algorithms. It’s humans — first and foremost," she insists. And she's right. Because in her world, people are at the heart of everything.

What does this mean for the future of innovation and technology? “Technological changes and innovation are driven by human desires — and it’s humans who decide how they are used and for whom," she says. She is a strong voice warning us of the potential dangers of AI bias, and her work reminds us that technology can be a tool for empowerment, or exclusion—depending on how we humans choose to use it. 

The question is, will you choose to be part of this journey? Will you choose to stand by her side as she continues to break barriers and build bridges? Will you choose to embrace the future that she envisions, where technology is not just about profit, but about people?

As I write this piece, a thought pops into my mind. Theo is a change accelerator. But she's not simply one for organisations. She's a change accelerator for our world. She is one of those rare figures who reminds us of what we’re capable of, and challenges us to live up to our potential. She is a voice for progress, and she won’t stop being that voice. 

That is rarer in this world than it should be. 

Can we achieve the equal, inclusive world Theo pushes us to see? I think that’s almost besides the point. What I do know is this: I want to live in the world Theo envisions. And that’s something worth fighting for.

Images courtesy of: Theodora Lau