Turning Adversity Into Advantage, with Scotiabank’s Inci Akpinar

By Sarah Walker

Inci Akpinar has walked a long and varied road to get to where she is today. Born in Bulgaria and raised in Turkey, before immigrating to Canada at age 12, Inci’s journey has been defined by resilience and reinvention. Each move required learning a new language, adapting to a different culture and starting over – experiences that would ultimately shape how she leads today: with empathy, adaptability, and perseverance.

“Every time it was a new environment, new culture, new language,” she reflects. “It built invaluable strengths that have helped me throughout my career and personal life. And it taught me that everything passes – the good and bad.”

This forward-looking mindset informs how Inci approaches both triumphs and setbacks. From Istanbul to Toronto, each new environment brought new challenges that required patience, perspective, and learning. She came to understand that change is constant, and that adaptability isn’t just possible — it’s essential.

Today, Inci applies those same attributes to her leadership style at Scotiabank, where she leads technology modernization for the Canadian Banking division and builds resilient teams and systems that can adapt and thrive amid constant change.

“Financial services need to work seamlessly – almost like electricity,” she says. “It’s something you don’t think about until it stops working. My vision is to develop technology that’s so reliable and integrated into daily life that it feels nearly invisible.”

She also works to inspire her team and instill the same sense of resiliency she’s cultivated over the years. Her method is simple: be clear about objectives, empower teams with autonomy, remove roadblocks and shield them from unnecessary friction.

“If people show up to work and do something meaningful, they walk away feeling good about what they’ve accomplished,” she says. “As leaders, it’s about enabling and protecting that sense of purpose.”

Looking ahead, Inci envisions banking technology as a trusted companion — present during life’s pivotal moments without being intrusive.

“Technology can really change your life,” she reflects. “It’s there for you when you’re saving for your child’s education, navigating challenges, or celebrating joyful moments.”

Inci also has a clear view of what great technology looks like – systems that work flawlessly, teams that innovate with confidence, and client experiences built on trust.

When offering advice to future leaders, Inci doesn’t hesitate: “Be yourself. Be true to who you are. Work hard. Be resilient. Take on stretch opportunities. Do all those things – but most importantly, bring your whole self to everything you do.”

For Inci, she’s learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about turning challenges into competitive advantages. And that authenticity and adaptability aren’t opposing forces; they’re complementary strengths.

“You have to adapt to the things that come your way,” she says. “But change isn’t always easy, so be willing to help others through it.”

After all, Inci knows what it’s like to turn adaptability and perseverance into incredible strengths – guiding the way we lead, grow and inspire others.