In our latest episode of Akoni Tech Taks: The Dubai Mini Series, we were privileged to sit down with Candice Elsmore, a dynamic leader whose career path has taken her across continents and industries. Candice shared her experiences transitioning from investment banking to her current role as COO, her insights into leadership, and her thoughts on the evolving landscape of technology and business. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation. 

From Finance to Leadership: Connecting the Dots 

Candice’s journey began with a solid foundation in finance. After studying the subject at university, she started her career in equity sales. Moving to the UK for an MBA at the London Business School marked a pivotal turning point. Although uncertain about her next steps, she gravitated towards investment banking. 

“What I loved most was the intersection of finance, operations, and technology,” Candice said. This passion became the thread tying together her professional journey. Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ philosophy of connecting the dots in hindsight, Candice emphasized that clarity often comes retrospectively. Her career has been an evolution—a testament to embracing uncertainty and curiosity. 

Strategic Advisor and Mentor 

Beyond her COO role at droppGroup, Candice serves as a strategic advisor to startups, helping them navigate critical challenges such as fundraising, strategic hiring, and positioning for success. “It’s about taking a bird’s-eye view of the business in the context of its competitors,” she explained. Her work involves problem-solving and empowering businesses to thrive in competitive landscapes. 

Candice’s advice for aspiring leaders? Embrace a growth mindset. “Sometimes, perfectionism holds us back,” she noted. “Focusing on learning and growth over perfection can open doors to opportunities and self-improvement.” 

Challenges and Opportunities as a Woman in Leadership 

Navigating male-dominated industries has its hurdles, Candice acknowledged. “Finding your voice when you don’t look or sound like everyone else in the room is challenging,” she said. Drawing from her multicultural background—having lived on four continents—she has cultivated adaptability and resilience. 

Her approach? Stay curious and focus on learning about the environment rather than fixating on differences. This mindset, coupled with a willingness to embrace change, has been integral to her success. 

Global Exposure and Leadership Lessons 

Having lived and worked in South Africa, London, and now Dubai, Candice’s global experiences have shaped her leadership style. She emphasizes humility and the importance of adapting strategies to different cultural contexts. “People do business with people,” she remarked. Building trust and nurturing relationships are crucial, regardless of geography. 

Advice for Aspiring Leaders 

Candice’s advice to young professionals is to cultivate curiosity. “You don’t always know the answers, and that’s okay,” she said. Developing a growth mindset, being open to learning, and not fearing failure are key to career progression. She also highlighted the value of mentorship, recommending a multi-pronged approach that includes networking, leveraging LinkedIn, and building informal advisory relationships. 

The Role of AI and Technology in Business 

A self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, Candice is excited about the potential of artificial intelligence. “AI is an enabler,” she said, sharing how tools like large language models (LLMs) have streamlined her workflow. While acknowledging concerns about AI displacing jobs, she believes the future belongs to those who embrace and leverage these technologies. 

What’s Next for Candice? 

Currently working with Drop Group, an AI and blockchain-focused company, Candice is enthusiastic about contributing to disruptive technologies. Looking ahead, she aims to continue working with innovative businesses, using her expertise to drive growth and success. 

Final Thoughts 

Candice’s journey is a powerful reminder that careers are not linear. Embracing curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities. Whether navigating leadership challenges, leveraging technology, or mentoring the next generation, Candice exemplifies the transformative power of staying open to new possibilities. 

Listeners can stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders in future episodes of the Dubai Mini Series Podcast. Tune in to Akoni Tech Talks for the full conversation – available on Spotify Podcasts,Apple Podcasts and YouTube.