Gamechangers

August 28th, 2023

Meritocracy Driving Innovation and Diversity!

Gamechangers™: How has embracing inclusivity positively influenced the overall success and growth of SCF Brazil as an organisation?

SCF Brazil: Inclusivity has been a cornerstone of our growth strategy at SCF Brazil as we since inception have fostered a merits-based hiring approach. Thus, we always ensure that we have the best minds at work, irrespective of their backgrounds or orientations. This meritocracy in the company leads to us welcoming a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, which fosters an environment of innovation which has been instrumental in driving our growth.

This commitment to inclusivity by meritocracy has bolstered our reputation as a forward-thinking organisation, making us an attractive destination for top-tier talent and a trusted partner for our Borrowers.

GC: In what specific ways has SCF Brazil seen a positive impact on employee and borrower engagement, satisfaction, and productivity through its inclusive practices?

SCF: Our inclusive practices have cultivated a culture of respect and belonging, significantly boosting employee engagement and satisfaction. This positive work environment has translated into increased productivity. On the Borrower side, our commitment to inclusivity has enabled us to better understand and cater to diverse needs, leading to enhanced Borrower “stickiness” and fewer delinquencies.

GC: Can you share examples of how SCF Brazil's inclusive approach has resulted in innovative solutions or better decision-making within the organisation?

SCF: Our inclusive approach, coupled with our focus on team performance, has sparked innovative solutions, such as developing specialised credit products for niche markets, including loans for driving school students all over Brazil. It has also enriched our decision-making process by incorporating a wider array of viewpoints in our credit committee meetings, leading to more comprehensive and robust decisions.

GC: How has SCF Brazil leveraged its commitment to inclusivity to attract and retain talented employees?

SCF: Our commitment to inclusivity by meritocracy has made SCF Brazil an attractive workplace for supremely smart and driven individuals who value diversity and equality of opportunity. This commitment results in improved quality and performance at work.

While we may not explicitly advertise this commitment, it is reflected in our work culture and practices, leading to increased employee retention by naturally creating a supportive and respectful work environment.

GC: Has SCF Brazil observed any specific business opportunities or advantages directly related to its inclusive practices?

SCF: Our inclusive practices have allowed us to forge partnerships with “Favela”-communities and NGOs that share our values. These partnerships have been mutually beneficial, allowing us to assist less fortunate communities while also tapping into new markets. A notable example is our partnership with ORPAS, https://orpas.org, where we have been able to deploy micro-credit to entrepreneurs in the ”Favela” by leveraging community members' knowledge for our credit analysis.

Ana Carolina

In 2019. Ana Carolina, a 27-year-old Recife native and cat-mom, bravely left her established life to chase the "Brazilian Dream" in São Paulo, where she started studying law. The move not only involved financial challenges, but Ana was also forced to be coping with the longing for family, friends and “normal” life. While at law-school, Ana discovered the vast São Paulo Financial Markets and realised that Finance is her true passion. Subsequently, Ana was hired at SCF Brazil in 2021 as a Financial Analyst and here she found a new solid home, in which her skills are truly and really appreciated and where Ana can grow her knowledge and proficiency on a daily basis.

The natural diversity and inclusivity of SCF Brazil, based on the absolute meritocracy fostered within the company, creates a stimulating and empowering work-culture. Within this dynamic, entrepreneurial and positive environment, Ana confidently expresses her ideas, utilises her creativity and helps the company spear-head significant innovation.

Kelly

30-year-old Kelly, grew up in Petrópolis, located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro State. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, one of the best engineering universities in Latin America. Kelly is the first person in her family attaining a tertiary degree. Her graduation coincided with a period of financial crisis in Brazil and she decided to move to São Paulo in search of job opportunities. Initially, Kelly took on various jobs, including working in clothing stores, gift shops and as a receptionist at a psychiatric clinic. Subsequently, she worked as an executive secretary at a multinational company, which she viewed as a stepping stone useful for honing her language skills. Kelly’s excellent command of English was the main attraction when joining SCF Brazil in 2019, but Kelly’s extreme drive, solid skills in mathematics and her can-do-attitude quickly made advancement possible from Assistant to Head of Accounting. Presently, almost exactly four years after Kelly joined the company, she was made a Partner of SCF Brazil responsible for Finance, Administration, HR and Marketing. What Kelly enjoys most at SCF Brazil is the willingness of the company to listen to all ideas and suggestions.- Everyone within the SCF Brazil Family, regardless of position, has the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and grow together with the company.

Lucas

Lucas, a 23-year-old who grew up under severely adverse conditions in the Campo Limpo “favela” in São Paulo, epitomises the drive needed to make a proper life change. This father of a one-and-a-half-year-old son and Financial Management Graduate from the renowned university Universidade Nove de Julho in São Paulo, began his career as an administrative assistant at the multi-nation engineering company Actemium at the tender age of fifteen. His passion for Finance materialised from this early work experience, encouraging him to balance heavy-duty academic studies with a job as a tele-marketing operator.