By Carey Henry, Head of People at JUMO
Every career move tells a story. Some unfold slowly; others arrive with a moment of clarity – a sense that this is where you’re meant to be. Carey Henry’s decision to join JUMO was a mix of timing, opportunity, and the pull toward work that genuinely matters. As Head of People, she’s spent the past six and a half years helping shape a culture built on trust, autonomy, and meaningful impact, and in the process, JUMO has shaped her too.
Purpose that pulls you in
Before joining JUMO, I had already built a solid foundation, two decades in HR, countless lessons, and a strong sense of what great people work looks like. But I reached a point where I was ready to stretch myself further. I wanted growth. I wanted a challenge. And more than anything, I wanted to contribute to something bigger than myself.
JUMO’s mission to make financial services more inclusive is what drew me in. It’s work that has a real-world impact, especially for people who have long been excluded from traditional systems. Knowing that my role supported that mission gave me a deeper sense of purpose in my everyday work.
What surprised me when I joined was how much JUMO still felt like a startup and not in its scale, but in its energy. There’s a freedom here to take initiative, move fast, and shape the “how” of what we do. It’s rare to find an environment where processes exist to enable, not restrict, and where autonomy is not just encouraged but trusted.
Growth, autonomy and meaningful work
My journey at JUMO has been defined by growth. As a remote-first organisation, we operate in a space that requires creativity, adaptability, and thoughtful connection. Our People team plays a big role in that — building the structures that hold us together while leaving room for individuality and initiative.
One of the things I value most is staying tuned into how people feel. Connection shouldn’t become a routine checkbox; it should feel intentional. Sometimes a simple coffee chat is exactly what a team needs. Other times, you have to rethink how to bring people together, so it builds energy, not drains it. That balance, grounding people in support while giving them space to do their best work, is what keeps JUMOnauts engaged and empowered.
People at the heart
Six and a half years in, I’m still proud to be part of JUMO. The pace is fast, the challenges are real, and the work stretches you, but you’re surrounded by people who are committed, curious, and deeply invested in the mission.
At JUMO, people aren’t just part of the organisation; they shape it. They build the culture, influence the decisions, and bring the mission to life. That’s what makes this place special.
It’s a community driven by purpose, strengthened by trust, and united by the belief that meaningful work happens when people are given the space to grow.
