Today, we spotlight Katrina Konstas, EVP, Country Manager, and Head of Sales APAC at Afterpay, whose inspiring journey and leadership are shaping the future of both fashion and fintech.

Join us as we dive into her experiences, insights, and the impact she’s making in the industry.

1. How did you get your first start in the industry? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?

I started my career in marketing and my first real exposure to the fashion industry was when I was living in London working for global hotel group, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, where I led brand campaigns, including fashion shoots at our properties. 

I was constantly surrounded by the eclectic fashion-forward style that London had to offer, and it was at a time where you learnt the art of blending high-end fashion with street style; an approach I absolutely loved. When I returned to Australia I transitioned across to the dynamic fintech and payments industry and held several roles across the Asia-Pacific, predominantly focused on the merchant landscape in both large multi-nationals as well as start-up environments. I've been with Afterpay for over 5 years now, and it’s been an incredible opportunity and privilege for me to lead one of Australia’s first home-grown unicorns. 

There was a pivotal moment in my career where, after being in marketing for a number of years, I was offered a role in sales which I was initially very skeptical about. I was a marketer, not a salesperson! I was given some incredibly valuable advice from a mentor of mine that I would need to take risks in my career and make sure I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. So, I took the sales role, and as a result learnt so much more about the customer being right in front of them. I’ve never looked back and to this day always look to take risks in my career - and share this same advice with others! 

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style? 

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible mentors and influential figures who have helped shape my leadership style. From my parents, the friends I have, and the amazing talent and team I am fortunate to be surrounded by. Leadership isn’t developed in isolation—it’s built through experiences, learning from others, and adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.

I’ve had incredible and inspiring leaders, I’ve also had terrible and lacklustre leaders. I’ve taken elements of what I have valued and admired in others and over time have woven this into my own leadership style. What holds true is that the key influences in my leadership have been the people and especially the mentors who encouraged me to take bold risks, keep it real, think strategically, and lead with a people-first mindset. 

As a leader, I believe mentorship is a two-way street. While I’ve benefited from the guidance of others, I also prioritise mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders within Afterpay and the broader industry. Leadership is about continuous learning, and I’m grateful to be part of an ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

I also draw inspiration from leaders who have been able to authentically connect with their people and who have championed diversity and inclusion, ensuring that leadership is not just about personal success but also about lifting others up. Creating a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where emerging leaders—especially women in fintech and retail—are supported is something I am deeply passionate about.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your journey, and how did you overcome it?

Throughout your career, challenges are inevitable, and as leaders, we constantly face unexpected curveballs. These can arise in managing the business, leading teams, or making tough decisions—especially when they impact people you genuinely care about, whose livelihoods are at stake. There will always be moments that disrupt plans, testing both resilience and leadership.

Over time you learn how to navigate the huge responsibility that comes with leadership, you build your own emotional resilience and learn how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. You work out when to fight the good fight,but also when you need to bite the bullet and go along with the plan, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. 

At the end of the day, business is business and this balancing act is the hardest part of leadership. Staying true to your values, surrounding yourself with good people and advisors, and ensuring you keep your own mental health in check is key. 

4. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?

The Australian fashion industry has certainly evolved over the years, particularly in fostering creativity and celebrating women’s contributions. However, while women make up 76% of the industry’s workforce, this representation is not reflected at the executive level. Despite progress, barriers such as gender bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and systemic challenges continue to limit women's access to leadership roles.

In recent years, we’ve seen positive strides with more female-led brands, women founders, and initiatives promoting diversity in leadership. However, there is still work to be done to ensure women not only have a seat at the table but also thrive in decision-making roles.

To drive meaningful change, we can:

• Champion Mentorship & Sponsorship – Experienced industry leaders, both male and female, can actively mentor and sponsor emerging female talent, ensuring they have the guidance and networks to progress.
• Advocate for Equitable Hiring & Promotion Practices – Fashion businesses must commit to fair recruitment, leadership development, and succession planning that prioritises gender equity.
• Promote Flexible Work Policies – Many women leave or plateau in their careers due to rigid work structures. Offering flexible, family-friendly policies can support long-term career growth.
• Celebrate & Elevate Women Leaders – Showcasing successful female executives and entrepreneurs through industry events, media, and award programs can inspire the next generation of leaders.
• Encourage Investment in Female-Led Businesses – More funding and resources should be directed toward women-led fashion startups and enterprises to help create more female leadership opportunities.

While progress has been made, the fashion industry has the potential to lead by example in closing the gender gap at the executive level. By working together, we can ensure the future of Australian fashion is as inclusive and representative as the talent driving it.

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?

One piece of advice I’d share is to embrace the mindset of “ask for forgiveness, not permission.” In fast-moving industries like fintech and retail, waiting for approval can sometimes mean missed opportunities. The most impactful leaders are those who take initiative, make bold decisions, and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

Of course, this doesn’t mean being reckless—it’s about having the confidence to trust your instincts, act decisively, and back yourself. Innovation happens when people push boundaries, test new ideas, and take calculated risks. Some of the best career moments come from stepping outside your comfort zone and making things happen, even before you have all the answers.

So, don’t hesitate. Be proactive, take ownership, and if something doesn’t go as planned, learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward. The most successful people aren’t the ones who never make mistakes—they’re the ones who have the courage to try.

Keep an eye out for our final feature in celebration of International Women’s Day.