During the crunch time before a product launch, most teams are used to putting in extra hours and needing a perpetually full coffee pot on hand.
Such is not the case at MoneyLion, a fintech company based in New York City.
“Leading up to one of our biggest product partnerships, we implemented spontaneous drops to energize the team,” said Senior People Operations Analyst Samantha Seidman. “Each week brought something new — from acai bowls and taco Tuesday to onsite baristas serving matcha or partnering with our local food truck to offer classic New York City breakfast sandwiches.”
While a bacon, egg and cheese is great, these actions are just a small part of the office culture of camaraderie and constant support that makes working at MoneyLion special.
“It’s this sharing and collaborative spirit that makes our in-office experience so impactful, embodying our win-together mentality,” she added.
Built in spoke with Seidman about what makes the MoneyLion office and team stand out.
MoneyLion is a financial technology company, powering the next generation of personalized products and content with a consumer finance super app, an embedded finance platform and a media arm.
Tell us about MoneyLion’s approach to the in-office experience.
At MoneyLion’s vibrant New York City headquarters, located in the heart of Chelsea, we’ve designed an in-office experience that reflects our dynamic team culture. With 100 NY-based employees, our open floor plan sparks cross-functional collaboration, and in the center there is a mural showcasing our company values, inspiring us to live by them every day.
All in-office employees receive a daily credit to order lunch from three restaurant options. Our kitchen is stocked with healthy snacks (and some unhealthy ones), nitro cold brew on tap, an artisan coffee machine for latte lovers and a variety of teas to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. We also have bagel Mondays to kickstart the week!
Additionally, we have a branded ping pong and pool table for sporadic friendly competitions between coworkers and office tunes always playing on Spotify.
During the summer, we gather on the rooftop for after-work events with stunning city views, in addition to our much-anticipated summer and holiday parties. Last year’s 10-year anniversary bash was also a celebration for the books! All in all, the New York City headquarters is a hub of collaboration and energy where innovative minds come together.
In your opinion, what about your in-office experience feels the most impactful on your daily work life?
Undoubtedly, our people. Each person contributes to a dynamic and energetic culture, and the closeness amongst the team is evident in the little things — like coworkers bringing in unique foods and sweets from their travels, holding March Madness tournaments, fantasy football tournaments and donut competitions.
Having spontaneous conversations, brainstorming sessions and problem-solving through whiteboarding has created such valuable, unplanned learning moments and innovation. Working side by side with such brilliant minds opens up daily opportunities for unique learning through observation and real-time mentorship. This fosters an environment where it feels safe to experiment, learn from mistakes and grow, with guidance and expertise readily available at every step!
“Having spontaneous conversations, brainstorming sessions and problem-solving through whiteboarding has created such valuable, unplanned learning moments and innovation.”
Is there anything you’re looking forward to with the in-office experience?
MoneyLion’s 10-week summer internship program is by far one of the highlights of our in-office experience. Each year, the entire New York City team — from managers to the leadership team and beyond — rallies together to welcome a cohort of talented interns.
Whether it’s seeing interns shadowing team members, brainstorming in meetings or presenting their projects, the whole office buzzes with an infectious energy. It’s also an opportunity for employees to mentor and share knowledge, host presentations and more. It’s amazing to see such involvement that comes from the whole team.
Additionally, our biannual wellness challenges fosters office camaraderie and competitive (but friendly) banter amongst one another, to help forge healthy hydration habits and stay active. We also frequently host in-office chair massages that help to rejuvenate and recharge the body and mind.
Another standout moment is our annual in-office Thanksgiving dinner. A fan-favorite dish is our investment platform operations manager’s banana bread pudding, which is nothing short of legendary. We gather as a team to reflect on what we’re grateful for and celebrate the incredible work we’ve accomplished together.
