By: Stacy Runnels

In the fast-paced world of fintech, where even the smallest misstep can potentially ripple across global financial systems, leadership is not just about managing teams—it’s about inspiring them to thrive under pressure. Maya Novikova, Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co., has emerged as a standout leader who appears to have mastered this balance. With a career defined by innovation, resilience, and a people-first approach, Novikova has become a widely respected voice in the fintech industry.

From Technical Expert to Visionary Leader

Maya Novikova’s journey began in the technical trenches of the financial industry. A Ukrainian-born expert in SaaS solutions, she quickly gained recognition at ACA Technology (later rebranded as Portfolio BI after a merger). Her ability to navigate complex technical challenges while fostering collaboration led to her promotion to program manager, where she faced one of her most significant tests: unifying multiple teams with distinct processes, technologies, and cultures into a cohesive unit.

“It was a transformative period,” Novikova recalls. “We were merging two established companies into a single brand, and my role was to ensure stability while driving innovation. It taught me the importance of being both a strategist and a unifier.”

Today, as Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co., a global fintech leader with a 125-year legacy, Novikova continues to explore new possibilities, leveraging her technical expertise and leadership acumen to deliver results.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Empathy and Agility

What often sets Novikova apart is her ability to blend technical mastery with emotional intelligence. In an industry where stress and burnout are frequently reported, she prioritizes her team’s well-being while maintaining a strong focus on excellence.

“A successful leader in fintech should ideally understand both the technology and the people behind it,” she explains. “My teams are diverse—culturally, professionally, and personally. My job is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.”

Novikova’s leadership style is rooted in Agile and SCRUM methodologies, but she often goes beyond traditional frameworks. She integrates principles from motivational psychology, such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, to foster engagement and resilience. For change management, she typically relies on the ADKAR model, while tools like Thomas Erikson’s DISC assessment and Belbin’s team roles are often used to optimize team dynamics.

She also draws inspiration from thought leaders like Jeff Bezos and Hans Rosling. From Bezos, she often adopts the “two-pizza rule” to keep teams small and agile. In Rosling’s “Factfulness,” she emphasizes data-driven decision-making, cognitive bias awareness, and a global perspective.

“My approach is about reducing stress, meeting deadlines, and preventing burnout—all while delivering high-quality products,” Novikova shares.

Driving Impact in Fintech and Beyond

Novikova’s leadership has been credited with elevating her teams and contributing to the success of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Her ability to navigate high-pressure environments, foster collaboration, and drive innovation has positioned her as a key player in the company’s growth.

Her achievements have garnered recognition, including Ukraine’s prestigious “Great Ukrainians” award, a testament to her impact both professionally and as a role model in her home country.

Lessons for Aspiring Leaders

For organizations and aspiring leaders in fintech, Novikova’s story offers several insights. Her emphasis on empathy, agility, and continuous learning provides a potential blueprint for success in an industry where the stakes are high and the pace is relentless.

“Leadership is not about having all the answers,” she says. “It’s about creating an environment where your team can find them together.”

As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, leaders like Maya Novikova are likely to remain at the forefront, driving innovation while ensuring their teams thrive.

Published by Elle G.