We caught up with some of our team members at Wise Platform to hear about their journeys and what makes working at Wise unique. 🚀

Tell us about your journey to joining Wise Platform

Pavan: Before Wise, I spent 13 years at McKinsey. When looking for my next opportunity, I wanted to make a lasting impact aligned with an area I am passionate about and saw Wise as the perfect place to do that—where my work could directly affect consumers’ lives. Joining was nerve-wracking, but I quickly realised moving from a strictly structured environment to Wise’s open, opportunity-filled culture was exactly what I needed.

What inspired you to apply to Wise Platform?

Kevin: Having been involved in the cross-border payments space for over 10 years, I’ve watched Wise from its inception, following its incredible growth and commitment to its mission. More recently, I’ve observed the impact Wise Platform has had on its partners, enabling them to offer their customers the same seamless and cost-effective cross-border payment experiences that would otherwise require going directly to Wise, and I wanted to be part of this journey.

When comparing Wise Platform to other companies in the industry, what stood out to you as unique or differentiating?

Was there anything about Wise Platform that surprised you after joining? 

Pavan: One of the most surprising things about Wise is how it has maintained its startup DNA, even as it’s scaled to ~6,000 people. Despite the size, there’s a strong culture of transparency, collaboration, and willingness to help. From full transparency to being invited into important discussions to people taking the time to walk you through current challenges, it's clear that everyone here is invested in helping you craft your own value proposition.

Kobie: The level of information sharing here was a pleasant surprise. The way teams connect and collaborate across Slack channels and Confluence pages is nothing short of amazing. It’s so refreshing to be part of a company where transparency and open communication are ingrained in the culture—it makes our jobs a lot easier and helps us stay connected, even when we’re spread across the globe.

In what ways has working on Wise’s Platform helped you grow or develop new skills? 

Pavan: The scope of my role has been a key driver of my growth. One moment that stands out was speaking with our Global Head of Business Development early on. Within just a month of joining, I was invited to share my perspective on the end to end sales process and what could be changed. That kind of trust was a powerful moment for me—it's not often you get to be that involved so early in a role. It’s a perfect example of how Wise encourages ownership and values fresh perspectives, which has really helped me develop new skills and broaden my thinking.

Kyle: What sets this role apart is that it’s not a ‘close and move on’ job. You’re involved at every stage— from initial reach out to contracting to implementation— ensuring a seamless experience for our partners. It requires strong team collaboration to succeed, and that’s something I’ve really grown into. There’s always something new to learn, which makes this a great place for people who are constantly striving to improve and be better.

Since Day 1, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. What I really appreciate is that we’re never focused on progress for the sake of progress. We focus on doing things the right way, not cutting corners. It’s about staying true to our mission and prioritizing the customer, rather than just hitting deadlines or targets.

For someone with a background similar to yours who’s considering a move, what advice would you give? 

Kevin: If you’re looking for a place where innovation is encouraged, where the culture supports individual growth, and where you can contribute to a mission that truly impacts people globally, then Wise Platform is an excellent choice.

Kobie: If you’ve spent time in a large, structured organisation and feel frustrated by layers of bureaucracy, Wise is the place for you. Here, you’re given the freedom to make things happen, to own projects, and to see your ideas come to life. It’s an environment where you’re empowered to take the lead, make an impact, and grow.

Pavan: Wise is a great place for accelerated learning and someone looking for execution experience. At Wise, you’re not just executing a plan—you’re involved in shaping and building it. This hands-on experience will give you invaluable insights into what it really takes to get things done, both in terms of professional growth and personal development. It’s all about crafting your own narrative. You’re encouraged to bring an entrepreneurial mindset to the table and define your own path.

How would you describe the culture at Wise?

Kyle: Wise’s culture is all about collaboration, diversity, and open dialogue. Different perspectives are not just welcomed—they’re celebrated. There’s a shared understanding that while our work is important, so is enjoying the journey. This balance creates an environment where you can do your best work, knowing you’re supported every step of the way. It’s a refreshing change from other places I’ve worked, where the focus was often more on individual achievements or hitting targets than on fostering a positive, inclusive team dynamic.

Pavan: Unlike more bureaucratic organisations, Wise encourages you to take ownership of your role and development. You can move across functions—whether that’s shifting from tech to product, or sales to development—and take on new challenges. It’s all about self-driven development, you are the only bottleneck defining what you can and can’t do.