Leaders In Payments

The digital payments landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by innovative technologies and a pressing need for more personalized customer experiences. In episode 301 of the Leaders in Payments podcast, we had the privilege of diving deep into these developments with PayPal's Mudita Tawari, who heads the company's developer experiences.The episode provides a glimpse into how PayPal continues to shape the future of transactions. With over 400 million consumer accounts and 35 million merchants worldwide, PayPal's influence on the market is undeniable. Tawari’s discussion about PayPal's commitment to enhancing checkout experiences and supporting a global developer community underscores the company's focus on continuous innovation.Mudita’s experience working on early IoT applications for hospital beds, to engaging in transformative app development, and eventually making strategic partnerships at eBay and PayPal, illustrates a journey characterized by growth, versatility, and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact.

On our 300th episode, we have the privilege of hosting Carey O’Connor Kolaja, the CEO of Versapay, who illuminated the path toward a digital-first B2B payment landscape. The episode offers a comprehensive examination of how technology, specifically AI and ERP integration, is reinventing how businesses manage transactions and achieve financial efficiency.Carey's journey from PayPal and Citi to AU10TIX has bestowed her with invaluable insights into the evolution of financial inclusion and the indelible impact of technology on back-office operations. Carey and I muse over the generational shift that's reshaping expectations—a world where our children's innate digital fluency is only a microcosm of the hunger for seamless transactions. Together, we scrutinize how AI and ML are not only combating fraud but also empowering companies to leapfrog into the future with smarter, faster, and safer financial practices.As the episode unfolds, Carey shares her vision for Versapay, focusing on solving genuine problems with a passion for building a more inclusive financial world and a future where financial decisions are autonomous, technology-driven, and secure.

Join me as I sit down with Tal Clark, the CEO of Instant and trace his remarkable path from Marine Corps helicopter pilot to fintech innovator. In this episode, Tal shares the ethos behind Instant's mission to revamp the way American workers receive their wages. As we peel back the layers of the earned wage access (EWA) market, you'll discover how Instant stands at the vanguard, offering employees fee-free access to wages that could very well redefine financial stability for many.  Dive into the heart of innovation with our discussion on the transformative nature of EWA and how Instant is leading the charge by integrating payment cards, tipping services, and wage access into one seamless employer solution. Tal gives us an insider's look at how their platform is not just a tool but a movement, setting itself apart from traditional payday loans and altering the financial landscape for employees nationwide. With an eye on the future, we predict the rise of EWA as an employee benefit standard and consider the evolving regulatory environment that's shaping this dynamic industry.  Wrapping up, Tal offers a personal glimpse into his life post-military service, his corporate experiences, and his fervent commitment to service and opportunity. He illuminates the leadership lessons he's garnered from commanding large teams and how building a culture of success yields the greatest rewards. 

Jason Stanchfield, from Ingenico, discusses the potential of SoftPOS technology in merchant payment solutions. They explore the convenience of using NFC-enabled devices as secure payment terminals, its adaptability in various business environments, and the seamless integration with existing POS systems. Jason highlights the minimal training required, customization options, and enhanced security measures. The podcast also covers the speaker's journey into merchant services, reducing credit card costs, and the future of a cardless society.

Join me as I sit down with Rob Straathof, the visionary CEO of Liberis. Rob Straathof's journey from an aspiring astronaut to a fintech trailblazer is a narrative of determination and ingenuity. Tune in to discover how Liberis is transforming the financial landscape for small businesses by seamlessly embedding pre-approved funding within payment ecosystems. Delving into Liberis's partnerships with behemoths like Worldpay, Klarna, and Barclays, we'll unwrap how their platform is not only accelerating growth for startups but also reinventing the approach to merchant financing.  The discussion delves into the core of embedded finance, tracing Liberis's evolution from its nascent stages to the powerhouse digital platform it is today. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the hurdles faced, particularly during the pandemic. As the conversation unfolds, we gain an understanding of the strategies driving merchant adoption and the essential role of omnichannel platforms in the finance sector.

CEO of Stax, Paulette Rowe’s journey through the dynamic world of payments is an inspiring story of opportunities and passion. From her role at Facebook to leading PaySafe through a public offering and embracing the culture and vision of Stax, Paulette’s dedication to the payments industry is clear.Stax is distinguished by its software-first ethos and comprehensive white-labeling capabilities, highlighting its intent to expand internationally. The conversation illuminates how Stax is redefining industry standards with its agile and precise strategies, challenging larger, less flexible entities. The company's unique position in the payments industry stems from disrupting traditional payment models with subscription-based services. Paulette shares insights into Stax's disruption, its focus on key verticals, and the company's evolution into integrated payments, compliance, surcharging, recurring billing, and becoming a fully-fledged acquirer-processor.Moreover, the podcast delves into the transformative trends impacting the payments and financial services industry, including embedded finance and the impact of artificial intelligence on customer engagement.

Discover the cutting-edge intersection of technology and security as we welcome Sunil Madhu, the visionary founder and CEO of Instnt, to unveil the transformative power of fraud insurance technology in the payments industry. By providing real-time insurance coverage during the pivotal moment of customer onboarding, Sunil's company is reshaping how businesses defend against fraud-related financial losses. In this episode, you'll hear how Instnt's sophisticated tech—laden with biometrics and behavioral analytics—melds with existing systems to insure transactions in the blink of an eye. Sunil's insights extend beyond the tech, as he recounts his global journey from Scotland to New York, and the leaps from Fortune 500 boardrooms to the thrilling unpredictability of startup life.To further understand the implications of Instnt's innovation, the podcast discusses how the company's fraud insurance technology integrates with various financial institutions, including fintech companies, credit unions, and banks. By mitigating fraud losses and ensuring compliance, Instnt not only fosters trust in digital transactions but also enables these institutions to focus on their core operations without the overhanging concern of fraud.

Monica Eaton, CEO of Chargebacks911 joins us to share her remarkable transition from interior design to leading a company that stands at the vanguard of dispute resolution. Her tale is not just about success; it's about the innovation and dedication that underpin it, and this episode promises a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to disrupt their field.Monica’s narrative is punctuated by reflections on her experience with chargebacks—a persistent problem that once threatened the sustainability of her online marketplace. Her personal campaign to understand the causes of chargebacks led to the founding of Chargebacks911.Monica’s view on the joy of business building, her affinity for numbers, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities are the key elements propelling the flow of this episode's narrative. From her $76,000 project triumph to scaling businesses with savvy tech implementations, her journey underscores that the true rewards of entrepreneurship are not just in the victories, but in the exhilarating process of reaching them.This episode is a rare look behind the curtains of Chargebacks911's expansion into new territories and the pursuit of innovative solutions in a changing regulatory landscape. 

Discover the inner workings of JP Morgan Payments with Max Neukirchen, from global services to competitive advantages. Hear about fostering innovation, balancing work and passion, and advice for newcomers in the payments industry.

Join me and Andrew Brown, CEO of Check as we discuss the innovative world of embedded payroll. The conversation goes beyond the basics and provides a glimpse into Andrew's path from a tech-enthused Duke student to a pioneer in payroll technology. Discover the unique connection between payroll intricacies and payment technologies, and how this synergy is crafting a new era for financial services and especially software platform.  Plus, don't miss out on Andrew's passion for Duke basketball—an energy that exemplifies his leadership. As we discuss the competitive landscapes of the payroll industry, we uncover the unique challenges and advantages faced by early market entrants against the backdrop of legacy providers struggling to adapt to the embedded payroll niche.  Andrew's narrative from coder to industry leader also offers invaluable career insights for those eager to make their mark in fintech.