Employee Spotlight with Afaf Driouech
What does a junior software engineer working at the cutting edge of open banking do on a day-to-day basis?
In this Employee Spotlight, Afaf Driouech, a Junior Software Engineer at Enable Banking, shares her experience working from our Helsinki office, how the company’s culture captured her attention from day one, and why trust and equity make all the difference in a successful team.
Watch Afaf’s full story below to see what it’s like to be part of Enable Banking’s innovative and supportive team.
Joining Enable Banking: A Perfect Fit
For Afaf, joining Enable Banking wasn’t just about entering the fintech industry, it was about connecting with a company whose values resonated with her personally.
“It wasn’t the industry itself but the vibes of the company,” she explains. “When I saw the job announcements, I felt the company’s spirit and knew this was where I wanted to work.”
From her very first day, Afaf felt that the reality of Enable Banking met, and even exceeded, her expectations. She describes feeling lucky to be part of a team where collaboration, encouragement, and inclusivity are baked into daily life.
Learning and Growing Through Trust
Afaf highlights trust as the key ingredient for team success.
“We have this remarkable trust in the team. Everyone is trying to show their best performance and prove that they are up to the cut,” she says.
She also emphasises equity in the workplace. When she joined, she had limited experience, but she never felt hesitant to ask questions or request guidance. The co-founders and team leaders actively welcome suggestions, ensuring that every voice is heard.
“Trust and equity together create an environment where you can grow, contribute, and feel confident even as a junior engineer.”
A Day in the Life of a Junior Software Engineer
Afaf works in the development team, focusing on integrating new connectors to Enable Banking’s API. Her daily tasks include monitoring logs to ensure systems and banks are operating smoothly, onboarding new banks, and supporting expansion into new countries.
“We also have a daily coffee break where everyone shares what they’re working on. If anyone has questions or challenges, we discuss them together,” she explains.
Communication is constant, whether on-site in Helsinki or connecting with remote team members via Slack. Afaf appreciates the flexibility and support that enables her to perform at her best.
“If you get stuck, there’s always someone to help. You’re never alone — that’s what makes this team so motivating.”
Celebrating Success and Motivation
Success at Enable Banking is celebrated in both big and small ways. The team motivates each other by sharing positive encouragement and recognising individual contributions. Afaf finds that this collaborative spirit drives her to keep learning, innovating, and improving.
“We all believe in each other and share support constantly. Knowing your colleagues are capable and ready to help makes a huge difference.”
Life Beyond Work
Afaf balances her professional life with a variety of personal interests. She enjoys reading, going to the gym, and exploring fashion through sketching.
“Reading is very stress-relieving for me — it allows me to forget about the world and live in the story,” she says.
And her Monday motivation? It’s simple but essential: a delicious breakfast and a good-looking outfit to start the week energised and inspired.
Afaf’s story shows that in a company where people are empowered and collaboration is a priority, both personal growth and technological progress go hand in hand.
