Witad Awards 2026: Startup professional of the year—Pamela Lee, Talos

What is your position within your firm?
Pamela Lee, Talos: I am the head of Asia-Pacific sales at Talos.

How long have you been in the financial services industry?
Lee: I have been in the financial services industry for over a decade, with experience spanning equities and FX at traditional financial institutions before transitioning into digital assets.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it?
Lee: It was a conscious decision. My previous firm launched a new digital assets business, and through my day-to-day interactions with that initiative, I became increasingly interested in the space. I was ready for a new challenge and was excited by both the growth potential and the long-term impact digital assets could have on the financial industry.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Lee: As head of Asia-Pacific sales at Talos, I lead institutional growth across the region, building strategic relationships with clients and partners. My role spans market expansion, understanding evolving market trends and translating client feedback into product development, navigating diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes. I work closely with global teams to deliver institutional-grade digital asset trading infrastructure while positioning Talos as a trusted partner in the evolving financial ecosystem.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of during your career in the industry to date?
Lee: One of the achievements I’m most proud of is helping scale our Asia-Pacific presence from being the second employee in the region to a 20-person office today. From an early-stage sales foothold, we built institutional momentum that supported broader regional expansion across functions. Establishing a strong revenue pipeline while contributing to our position as a market leader in the digital asset space across Asia-Pacific has been a true team effort.

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant in the context of your position?
Lee: My current focus is building scalable institutional relationships that will define our next phase of growth across Asia-Pacific. As more traditional players enter digital assets, we’re aligning product development, partnerships and regional strategy to support long-term adoption. It’s significant because it moves us from early adoption to institutional integration.

Over time, I realized that trusting my judgment and owning my voice makes the greatest difference. Preparation matters, but conviction is what builds credibility

To what extent were you helped during your career by a mentor/role model within the business?
Lee: Mentorship has played a significant role throughout my career. From early on after graduation to navigating leadership responsibilities, and later balancing my career after becoming a mother, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at work and outside of work who guided me through different stages of life. They helped me prioritize, build confidence, and make thoughtful decisions. Their support has been instrumental in shaping both my professional growth and personal resilience.

To what extent does your firm have a formalized framework that seeks to identify and promote talented women and ensure they have every opportunity to realize their ambitions and contribute to the business?
Lee: Our firm is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and merit-driven culture. While opportunities are based on performance and impact, there is a strong emphasis on ensuring talented individuals, including women, have access to leadership exposure, meaningful responsibilities and career progression. Open dialogue, sponsorship from senior leadership and a culture that values diverse perspectives create an environment where women are encouraged to grow, lead and contribute fully to the firm’s success.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome during your career in the industry to date?
Lee: One of the greatest obstacles I’ve had to overcome was building confidence in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Early in my career, I sometimes felt I needed to prove myself more. Over time, I learned to trust my expertise, speak with conviction and focus on delivering value rather than seeking validation. That shift in mindset has been transformative in both my leadership style and commercial impact.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your career?
Lee: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that confidence compounds. Early in my career, I focused on proving myself. Over time, I realized that trusting my judgment and owning my voice makes the greatest difference. Preparation matters, but conviction is what builds credibility. Once you believe in the value you bring, others do too and that shift changes how you lead, negotiate and grow.

What would you advise women just entering the industry?
Lee: Be curious and stay adaptable. The digital asset industry evolves quickly, so a willingness to learn continuously is a real advantage. Don’t be intimidated by how technical or fast-moving it can seem; fundamentals in finance, strategy, and relationship-building still matter deeply. Seek out mentors, build a strong network and trust your judgment. This industry rewards those who are resilient, open-minded and confident in their perspective.

What does this award mean to you?
Lee: This award is especially meaningful coming from the fintech space, particularly as it has traditionally been awarded to women from established institutions. It reflects how innovation and institutional finance are increasingly converging. For me, it represents the opportunity to build, lead and shape growth in emerging sectors, while staying grounded in strong financial foundations. I hope it signals that impactful leadership can come from both startups and traditional firms alike.