Embracing global connections: Mission Days
Each year Wise holds an annual event we like to call Mission Days. Mission Days is an opportunity for Wisers to connect around the globe, come together and foster relationships. We spoke with McKinley Huff, Austin’s People Operations Advisor, as she shares her experience attending this transformative gathering. From the diverse and inclusive atmosphere to the thoughtfully designed collaboration, McKinley’s journey unveils the power of networking, cross-team collaboration, and gaining a global perspective that propels Wise’s mission forward.
As a new hire, did you have the opportunity to attend the recent company event in Tallinn with global attendance? What were your overall impressions and experiences of the event in Tallinn?
While I have been at Wise for nearly a year, this was my first opportunity to attend the global Mission Days event with members from our teams from across the globe. Meeting Wisers from different countries and backgrounds was truly inspiring. It reinforced the fact that Wise is a diverse and inclusive organization that values the contributions and perspectives of individuals from all around the world.
The event itself was thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful discussions and collaboration. This format allowed for open and honest conversations throughout the week that just can’t happen as easily over Zoom and Slack.
Overall, my experience provided me with a deeper understanding of Wise’s mission, the progress we have made, and the immense potential for future growth.
How did you find the experience of networking and connecting with colleagues and attendees from different parts of the world?
The experience of networking and connecting with Wisers from different parts of the world provided me with a unique opportunity to expand my professional network and forge meaningful connections with individuals who I have worked with remotely for almost a year. Just getting the opportunity to give the members of my global team a hug, or high five after all of the hard work we have done together over the past year made the trip across the world worth it.
Engaging in conversations with Wisers from different parts of the world also allowed me to gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities across our offices around the globe. It was fascinating to hear firsthand accounts of their experiences, learn from their unique insights, and exchange ideas on how we could collectively drive Wise’s mission forward.
Even the informal networking opportunities, such as meals and social activities, allowed for more relaxed and casual conversations with Wisers I may not always have the opportunity to interact with on a day to day basis.
Were there any specific highlights or memorable moments from the event that you’d like to share?
One of the most memorable highlights from the event was the opportunity to network with the entire global People team from across the globe for the first time. As a new hire, this was an exceptional experience that allowed me to connect with Wisers who played a crucial role in my onboarding journey and thank them for the support they have given me.
How do you think this global event in Tallinn might impact the way you interact with your team or other teams going forward?
Mission Days emphasised the importance of cross-team collaboration and encouraged a spirit of openness and knowledge sharing. I learned the power of diverse perspectives and the value of seeking input from colleagues outside of my immediate team. This experience has made me more proactive in reaching out to other teams, seeking their insights, and finding opportunities for collaboration.
Mission Days also highlighted the significance of building strong relationships with Wisers from different departments and regions. The connections I made during the event have created a network of professionals whom I can reach out to for support, advice, and collaborative efforts.
The event reinforced the importance of maintaining a global perspective in my work. Interacting with Wisers from various parts of the world has made me more aware of the cultural nuances and location-specific challenges that we need to cater to as a global company.
Did you have any discussions or interactions with colleagues or attendees that shed light on the current trends or challenges in our industry on a global scale?
The discussions and interactions with Wisers during the event shed light on several current trends and challenges in our industry on a global scale. Conversations with colleagues from various regions revealed the complexity and ever-changing nature of regulatory frameworks in both HR and the financial industry.
We spoke of and highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with all of our different locations and meeting all of our diverse needs as a People team. It became evident that understanding local market dynamics and effectively navigating cultural nuances are crucial for a successful global People Team.
Any advice you would give anyone new to Wise or someone who has never attended Mission days previously?
Embrace the opportunity and get out of your comfort zone. The opportunity to be in the same venue as 2,500+ other Wisers working toward the same mission only happens once a year. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with Wisers from different teams, learn from their expertise, and contribute your own insights. Be proactive in engaging with others and participating in discussions. Take advantage of the networking opportunities and reach out to colleagues from different departments, regions, and levels of experience. Building relationships and connections can be invaluable for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and progress toward our mission.
Mission Days is just a step in a Wiser’s journey at Wise. Remember to stay engaged and connected with the Wise community beyond just the event.
Tags
Roles you might be interested in
Salary
100000 - 125000 GBP Annual
Location
London
Team
Technology
Locations
London
Description
About the role:We are looking for a passionate Engineering Lead to join the Pricing Platform team and take ownership of the core critical business functions served by the team.In this role, you will b
Reference
65e095dc-08e6-498c-b0d8-fbb03839b361
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
85000 - 105000 GBP Annual
Location
London
Team
Technology
Locations
London
Description
We are looking for a Senior Cloud Network Engineer to join our Cloud Foundations team. You will support designing, operating and maintaining our multi cloud network infrastructure. You will leverage y
Reference
59e57f73-ab4f-4584-a98b-81aac5d88cff
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
100000 - 125000 GBP Annual
Location
London
Team
Technology
Locations
London
Description
About the roleWe are looking for a passionate Engineering Lead to join the Stream Processing team and take ownership of the core critical business functions served by the team.Our Stream Processing te
Reference
6feabf55-2b64-438a-9d2a-39aec3f20afd
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
26 - 26 USD Hourly
Location
Austin
Team
Customer Support
Locations
Austin
Description
As a Customer Support Associate at Wise you are the first point of contact for our Customers. You are a skilled problem solver and customer advocate. You handle complex issues with ownership and empat
Reference
7ce2364e-bc1f-440d-8748-b6cef90d31b0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
69500 - 76500 USD Annual
Location
Austin
Team
Customer Support
Locations
Austin
Description
Ensure that customer service is maintained by:Collaborating with other departments and leads to ensure customer objectives are metEnsuring that your team has the required resources, training and knowl
Reference
c8d31db9-3988-409f-91d9-28ac53080208
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
95000 - 126500 USD Annual
Location
Austin
Team
Operations
Locations
Austin
Description
Wise is seeking a dynamic and experienced Team Lead to lead our Financial Crime Operations team (focused on suspicious activity reporting) in Austin, Texas. This is a leadership role where you will di
Reference
7df9e6f3-2fb4-4ffd-aad2-d46ce36f8be3
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
70500 USD Annual
Location
Austin
Team
Operations
Locations
Austin
Description
We’re looking for FinCrime Quality Specialists to join our growing Sanctions and AML teams.The main purpose of the Quality Specialist role is to improve customer experience and ensure compliance with
Reference
a57a2008-41e2-4744-a7d6-1e6b5a4f00b5
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
8080 - 11670 EUR Monthly
Location
Brussels
Team
Product
Locations
Brussels
Description
The new role sits within our European Product Risk and Compliance team, which is part of the 1st Line of Defense (1LOD). This strategic addition comes in response to the rapid growth of our product of
Reference
efb5e161-995d-43f9-87e9-786fe1c81ddc
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
6160 - 8500 EUR Monthly
Location
Brussels
Team
Product
Locations
Brussels
Description
We are looking for a candidate ready to leverage their EU and or Belgian regulatory legal experience in a dynamic, fintech environment. This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity working directly with
Reference
2f67962b-2c8d-47a7-9ca8-6d38e3e1186a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
70500
Location
Austin
Team
Operations
Locations
Austin
Description
The main purpose of the Quality Specialist role is to improve customer experience and ensure compliance with business and legal expectations. This involves maintaining high and consistent quality amon
Reference
49bce115-68e1-4a4b-bf7e-2ee135869bc7
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Articles you might like
+(1).png)
Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/07/2025
Summary
Smrithi Ravi, APAC Head of Engineering, shares her journey of leading Wise’s expansion across the Asia Pacific, from building innovative teams to launching our new hub in Hyderabad 🇮🇳

by
Verona Hasani
+(1).jpeg)
Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/04/2025
Summary
🔍 Wondering what a Solutions Engineer at Wise does? Ritika Sehijpal, Solutions Engineering Lead, gives us the inside scoop. “If you’re looking for a place to grow, learn from tale

by
Verona Hasani
.jpeg)
Teaser
Diversity Equity & InclusionContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/29/2025
Summary
Our Wise Parents and Carers Community recently brought everyone together for a 'Connecting Our Wise Parents on Leave' event 🎉 Check out their insights from the event ⬇️ Annika Teede, o

by
Verona Hasani

Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/28/2025
Summary
Caroline Corbett-Thompson, ESG Manager, dives into the meaningful work happening behind the scenes at Wise ⬇️ “Collaboration and patience are vital if you're looking to make a real

by
Verona Hasani
.jpeg)
Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/22/2025
Summary
Amani, Engineer in our Budapest office, has transformed her passion for problem-solving into a vital role supporting our FinCrime teams 🚀Learn how Amani's journey at Wise is making a meaningf

by
Amani Albertsen
.jpeg)
Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/03/2025
Summary
From being a customer of 11 years to making a real impact as an Engineering Lead, Emanuele Blanco shares his journey to joining Wise, what keeps him motivated, and his advice for anyone lookin

by
Verona Hasani

Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/27/2025
Summary
We sat down with SK Saraogi, Head of Expansion APAC, to discuss our strategic expansion into Hyderabad, India 🇮🇳Read more to discover why Hyderabad is the perfect location for our second glo

by
Verona Hasani

Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/06/2025
Summary
Driven by a passion for growth and team development, discover how Anna Pavlics advanced from Agent to Team Lead in Wise's Fraud Prevention team 🚀 "We put tremendous effort into bui

by
Verona Hasani
.jpeg)
Teaser
Our cultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/21/2025
Summary
At Wise, we’re committed to supporting each other—through the wins, the tough days, and everything in between. That’s why we have a network of Mental Wellbeing Champions who are crucial in fos

by
Amani Albertsen
.jpeg)
Teaser
People profileContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/21/2025
Summary
Ilya Leyrikh, Senior Product Director at Wise, shares how he transforms customer experiences with innovative financial solutions 💰🔍 “Wise genuinely prioritises solving customer pr

by
Sapphire Birmingham