Every accountant has a story about the early years of their career and how their qualification has helped them thrive; for Eylem Dixon FCCA, CFO of Fable Data, it has been a story of persistence, resilience and a determination to keep moving forward.
This year marks 25 years since Eylem arrived in the UK from her native Turkey, only able to speak a few English phrases but eager to build a new life. Within her first year in the UK she became homeless and had to sleep rough, as her waitressing wage couldn’t cover both living expenses and English lessons.
‘It’s a story that I used to be ashamed of, but I’ve become more proud of it as I’ve got older,’ she says. ‘My story is about resilience and persistence. Crying now and then, maybe, but never giving up. I just keep going.’
All these years on, Eylem has built a successful career helping high-growth start-ups and SMEs across a wide range of sectors to scale up. She was named Influential Woman of the Year in the SME category of GENCFO Awards.
‘Helping start-ups scale up has become my bread and butter’
A junior accounts and administration role set Eylem on the path that would eventually lead her to CFO level. ‘I realised I was really enjoying the accounts side of the job and thought, I could really do something with this,’ she says.
After qualifying with ACCA and working on a contract basis while her children were small, the defining moment came when Eylem joined a venture capital firm as finance director for a portfolio of five start-ups.
‘I was thrown in at the deep end but helping start-ups scale up has become my bread and butter,’ she says. ‘I really enjoy wearing so many hats and that every day is different. I like the fast pace and variety; having to navigate so many different things really suits my personality.’
Thoughtful spending
That’s certainly true of her role at Fable Data. Her remit includes legal, compliance and HR as well as finance, and she works closely with the board and investors on strategic planning and commercial decisions.
Fable Data was set up in 2018 and provides anonymised, real-time consumer transaction data across Europe and the US to corporate and institutional investor clients. Through its Data for Good programme, it also provides data to governments, central banks, universities and research organisations on a pro bono basis.
‘You need to show me why you think spending that money is going to make us money’
At the point Eylem joined the company in August 2024, it had grown rapidly and evolved its operating model, creating a need for stronger financial infrastructure and an increased focus on profitability. ‘I joined Fable at a critical time when a lot of changes were happening,’ she says. ‘But we’ve gone from strength to strength and I’m really proud of my team.’
As the business continued to grow, Eylem put in place strong financial foundations that integrated finance into decision-making across the organisation. One of her priorities, she says, was to instil a culture of thoughtful spending. ‘I changed the forecasting and budgeting process but also felt we had to change people’s attitudes towards spending,’ she says. ‘That meant asking budget owners to put together a business case explaining the rationale for the expenditure and the expected return.’
‘The attitude in high-growth start-ups can be, “Well, you have to spend money to make money”. But I say, you need to show me why you think spending that money is going to make us money. I’m happy to approve it, but you can’t just tell me that it’s necessary. You need to come up with a proper argument.’
Her focus and willingness to advocate for what is best for the business have earned the trust of the board and executive team. ‘I have a very supportive board and they really listen to me, which is great. That support has given me a new level of confidence in my own judgment.’
Farewell, imposter syndrome
Eylem’s capacity for self-doubt was a driving force in getting involved in NOVA, an informal but powerful community of senior leaders focused on supporting more women into leadership roles. She is NOVA’s regional ambassador for Surrey, helping to bring the NOVA community to life by hosting local events, welcoming members and creating opportunities for meaningful professional connections.
For Eylem, NOVA has become a valuable source of inspiration, peer support and ongoing development. ‘I’m really proud to be part of it. Working for an SME can be lonely, and if you already have a touch of imposter syndrome, it can really affect the way you see yourself. At NOVA I see people supporting each other, which has made a huge difference – to the way I see myself and the way I carry myself at work.
‘I used to worry a lot about my English and apologise for it,’ she adds. ‘Then I realised I was apologising for something that I’m actually really good at; English is my second language and I qualified as an accountant using it.’
Looking back, Eylem says she would tell the young woman newly arrived in the UK to ‘go big’, and take time to recognise what she achieves. ‘It’s important to pause from time to time and acknowledge how far you’ve come, rather than constantly chasing the next move.
‘I would remember to cheer myself on along the way. NOVA has taught me that advocating for yourself isn’t arrogance; it’s about recognising your own worth.’
CV
2024
Finance director then CFO, Fable Data
2022
Group head of FP&A, Pilot Lite; Finance director, Simply Roasted Crisps
2019
Finance director, New West End Company
2018
Financial cotroller, Dawn Capital
2012
Contract work with various SMEs
2004
Various accounts assistant, administrator and management accountant roles
