Humans of Fintech

When you’re rejected by the financial product you’re helping to build, you know you need to learn (and change) the system. Find out how Vrinda is doing just that.Welcome to season 3 of Humans of Fintech, the show that brings you the stories of diverse leaders and how they’re transforming the industry from the inside out.Nicole and Vrinda get into how it felt watching her mom live in fear of being financially frozen out, what it was like to be denied a credit card from the company she was working for, and how Sequin is bringing financial equity and education to a system very much not designed for minority women.You’ll also hear Vrinda’s plans for the future of Sequin and how she’s helping minority women obtain the knowledge she wasn’t taught at school.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Vrinda:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vrindagYou can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech InsiderNicole is a friend of Workweek, working together to produce amazing podcasts. Find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

The world of fintech is dominated by the same old voices, drowning out diverse founders and operators. Step forward Humans of Fintech. The podcast empowering the stories of diverse leaders at the forefront of change in our industry.Hosted by me, Nicole Casperson, journalist and founder of the WTFintech? newsletter. This season shines a spotlight on those underrepresented fintech founders, zoning in on how they’re leading their companies and creating change.You’ll hear from leaders like finance icon Suze Orman, Founder of Sequin Vrinda Gupta, and L'Attitude Ventures Partner Laura Lucas who are bringing an alternative version of finance to the world by powering new ways of bringing equity across the globe.In every interview, my guest will share how they got into the fintech space, the challenges they’re working to solve, and what drives them. You’ll hear how they found connection in the industry, and how they’re moving the dial when it comes to re-shaping fintech for the better.If you’re desperate to hear fresh perspectives and different voices, Humans of Fintech is the podcast putting humanity back into the industry.Season 3 drops soon with new episodes every Wednesday. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech, why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

How do you crack business growth and become an advocate for under-represented groups? Lara has the secret sauce that sets her apart as an entrepreneur and activist.Lara and her Co-Founder Stacey Abrams are behind Now, an invoice payment solution that redefines when businesses get paid. Nicole and Lara get into conversation about how they started Now to solve their own problem, why it takes intention to be an advocate for people whose voices are often left out, and the story of their entrepreneurial journey.You’ll also hear why Lara and Stacey’s differences are their superpowers, why you don’t need a finance background to be successful in fintech, and more about their new book Level Up, a guide for entrepreneurs.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Lara:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larahodgsonTwitter: twitter.com/NourishWaterYou can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

How do women in fintech, particularly women of color, make change happen? Goodfynd Co-Founder Sofiat, believes in leading by example. Here’s how she’s shaking up the industry.Sofiat is the Co-Founder of Goodfynd, the platform helping mobile businesses grow and customers quickly find their favorite food outlets. In 2007 she was a student at Virginia Tech, scene of a horrific school shooting.Nicole and Sofiat dive into conversation about why being vulnerable and honest is where change happens, how keeping trauma inside only means you’ll pass it on through your leadership, and the importance of reflecting on your past.You’ll also hear Sofiat’s hot takes on how badass women can take every opportunity that comes their way, and how a female mentor encouraged her to give back to others.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Sofiat:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sofieabdulYou can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

How do you bring embedded finance products to millions of people who’ve fallen between the financial cracks? Find out how Ahon Sarkar is building infrastructure through empathy.With almost 20% of the US population still underbanked, basic banking is as far as it goes. Even with the crazy advancements made in fintech, too many are still struggling to access the financial services they need.Join Nicole as she gets into conversation with Ahon, who’s on a mission to bring humanity to finance with Helix, helping fintech brands build personal banking experiences.You’ll hear Ahon’s views on why the industry lacks empathy, the economics behind financial inclusion and who’s truly incentivized by it, plus why the fintech industry should be held accountable for reaching underbanked people.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow AhonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ahonsarkarYou can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

In an industry where so few AAPI women make it into the private equity world, what’s the secret to Jennifer Lee’s success? She shares her story.Nicole and Jennifer get into why Jennifer wanted to change the world right from early childhood, what it feels like to be awarded a bunch of industry accolades, and how she’s working to lift other women, especially from under-represented groups.You’ll also hear how self-reflection has led to her colossal success and why it’s important to bring all your human and vulnerable elements into businessAnd our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow JenniferLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lee-2a5b9716You can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

How do you stay financially stable without sacrificing your mental or physical health? Through a platform that looks after your whole life, not just your money.Kelsey Willock is a first-time founder, crushing entrepreneurship with her platform, Aura. From her own experiences of feeling financially vulnerable, she’s building a platform to help others reach their goals.Nicole and Kelsey get into why she’s helping users gain wealth wellness, what it felt like to leave education in heavy debt, and the truth about rising together as women in leadership.You’ll also hear Kelsey’s hot takes on why women should move away from a scarcity mindset and start working together to build communities and empower each other.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Kelsey:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelsey-willock-59662a36You can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

For most Americans, the financial system is broken. But Kurtis Lin is working to fix it. Find out how his company, Pinwheel, is creating financial equity.Nicole and Kurtis get into the weeds of how feeling like an outsider inspired him to find belonging through fintech. You’ll hear Kurtis’ uncomfortable truth about Asian Excellence and how it’s shaped him as a leader, plus why Kurtis wants companies who aren’t moving the dial on financial equity to step back and give him room.You’ll also discover how Pinwheel is building a fairer financial system via payroll APIs and Kurtis’ experiences growing up the son of immigrants.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Kurtis:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kurtislinYou can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

Cannabis banking is still a baby, but Jontae James is on a mission to help banks stay compliant and safe through NatureTrak’s state-of-the-art platform. He’s proud to be disrupting the industry and ready or not, he’s here to shake up fintech and cannabis.A proud child of the 80s, Jontae had already grown and sold his first company at the age of 28. An entrepreneur from the start, he went from working in venture capital to creating ‘bank-to-seed’ cannabis compliance fintech for banks. Nicole and Jontae get straight into it. You’ll hear how the incarceration of Jontae’s father for possession of weed influenced his early career choices, why stigmas around cannabis and financial services still exist, and how NatureTrak is fighting back with transparency and technology.You’ll also hear how Jontae’s growing his company while remaining his authentic self, and the good (and bad) of entrepreneurship.And our sponsor MainStreet is making it easy to find thousands of dollars worth of R&D Tax Credits. You only need to plug MainStreet into your payroll and let their team of experts do the heavy lifting, scanning hundreds of federal, state and local tax credits on your behalf. It’s going to save you so much time and your company so much money.Head to MainStreet.com to sign up for their limited time offer.And if you love listening to Humans of Fintech, please leave me a 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/humansoffintechThank you so much!Follow Jontae:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jontaeTwitter: twitter.com/jontaej_You can keep up-to-date with everything Humans of Fintech at https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/And if you’ve enjoyed Humans of Fintech why not try: Chicks of FinTwit, Tech Unlocked, Breaking Banks or Fintech Insider

On today’s special episode of WTFintech? we’re collaborating with our friends at Yieldstreet to bring you News Bites, a segment where I go over the top trends in fintech via quick bite episodes.In this episode we’ll be covering: - Fannie and Freddie Mac making reforms to address inequity in homeownership- Apple is set to introduce its own integrated Buy Now Pay Later- Staff cuts in fintech Brought to you by our friends at Yieldstreet (@Yieldstreet on Twitter)