

Leaders In Payments
Greg Myers
Hear directly from C-level executives in payments/fintech about industry trends, successful strategies, products, services, and what the future holds for the payments/fintech industry. We cover the entire industry from merchant acquiring, payment processing, ISOs, payfacs, fraud, security, issuing, b2b, fintech, to start-ups, if it goes on in payments we will be talking about it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2023 • 23min
Jake Joraanstad, CEO & Co-Founder of Bushel | Episode 281
What if you could revolutionize a centuries-old practice with the click of a button? This week on the Leaders in Payments Podcast, we take you on a thrilling journey through the digital transformation of the agricultural industry. Our esteemed guest, Jake Joraanstad, the CEO and co-founder of Bushel, shares his inspiring journey from a North Dakota farm boy to a software entrepreneur. Learn how Bushel is rewriting the rules of agriculture by digitizing farming transactions and eliminating outdated paper-based processes.We also navigate through the maze of challenges in the farming world. From crop tracking to payment issues, technology seems poised to solve them all. Jake offers a glimpse into the future, where digital solutions are the norm, not the exception. We delve into the prospects of younger generations taking the farming reins, steering it towards further digitalization, and making the lives of farmers more efficient and convenient.No conversation with Jake would be complete without touching upon his passion for technology and...touring cars. Discover Jake's side gig as a car racer, his experiences as a project manager, and his fervor for technology adoption. So, plug in, listen up, and get ready to explore the digital frontiers of farming with us on the Leaders in Payments Podcast.

Dec 5, 2023 • 27min
James Shepherd, CEO of CCSalesPro | Episode 280
Ever wonder how an entrepreneurial spirit combined with a computer science background can make an impact on the payments industry? Join us as we sit down with James Shepherd, CEO of CCSalesPro, who lives and breathes this synergy every day. James has an unwavering passion for sales and technology and shares his fascinating journey into the payments industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the power of bringing different worlds together. Be prepared to be inspired by his personal life too, as he opens up about his faith, family, and love for podcasting.This episode is not just about a personal journey, but it unravels the current trends shaping the payments and fintech industry. Verticalization, regulation's potential impact on interchange revenue, and alternate forms of value exchange-- we cover it all, discussing the challenges and opportunities these trends offer for ISOs and ISVs. We emphasize the importance of building personal connections and selecting the best merchant solutions amid these industry shifts. Also, James leaves us with his visionary thoughts on the future of the payments industry that promise exciting opportunities and transformative changes. So, let's tune in and explore the world of payments with James Shepherd!

Nov 30, 2023 • 20min
Francisco Leon, CEO of Bamboo Payment Systems | Episode 279
What if you knew the secrets of the rapidly evolving payments and fintech landscape in Latin America? Cue Francisco León, the CEO of Bamboo Payment Systems. With a wealth of experience in finance and risk management, he shares his journey of leading a company that bridges the gap between international businesses and Latin American consumers. Bamboo Payment Systems is making strides in the payment processing industry by focusing on various sectors like gaming, ride-hailing, and streaming services. Their USP? Real-time payments and leveraging local payment methods. We dig into the rise of local payment methods, their challenges, and the potential tremors crypto and blockchain could cause in the region. But it's not all business - Francisco gives us a glimpse into his world outside work, from kickboxing to balancing family life. His advice for those looking to carve a career in payments? Flexibility and adaptability are key. So strap in and get ready for a whirlwind tour of Latin America's dynamic payments industry.

Nov 28, 2023 • 24min
Danny Shader, CEO of PayNearMe | Episode 278
This episode promises an insightful journey with special guest, Danny Shader, CEO of PayNearMe. Danny shares the intriguing story of PayNearMe's rapid ascent in the payments industry, including the launch of their new product, MoneyLine, and strategic partnerships with industry giants like Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp. We delve into the impressive expansion of their cash business currently operating in 60,000 retail locations. We explored the fascinating evolution of payment methods, with a particular focus on the emergence of "Payments 3.0" companies. These businesses are redefining how payments are made, leveraging technology to create seamless payment experiences for consumers. Danny underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this transformation, noting how it is reshaping the consumer payment experience.One of the key insights from Danny was the continued relevance of cash payments in today's digital age. Despite the rapid digitization, there is a segment of consumers who prefer to use cash, which underscores the importance of offering a variety of payment methods to cater to different consumer preferences.

Nov 16, 2023 • 19min
Anytime Anywhere Payments Series: Vijay Sondhi, CEO of NMI | Episode 277
Picture a world where all transactions are so seamless, they feel non-existent. Well, that's the future of payments we're exploring today with the insightful NMI CEO, Vijay Sondhi. Promising an enlightening discussion, we dive into the realm of Anytime, Anywhere Payments. An idea that's all about eliminating the friction from payments and creating experiences that are so smooth, they feel like they never happened. We delve into the evolution of smartphone payments, looking at how these handy devices are becoming the ultimate tools for transactions. Tune in as Vijay shares how different sectors such as ISOs, ISVs, Payfacs, and banks should approach this concept for a frictionless future.Interestingly, the influence of Gen Z on the future of payments was also discussed. Gen Z, the digital natives armed with smartphones and short attention spans, are leading the charge towards a future of frictionless payments. They demand speed, convenience, and security, which are becoming the benchmarks for payment experiences. Vijay also pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, leading to a paradigm shift with card-not-present transactions becoming the new norm.For those involved in the payments industry, this episode offers an insightful exploration into the future. It serves as a reminder to always strive to deliver the best payment experience - the one that never happened.

Nov 14, 2023 • 29min
Joshua Silver, CEO of Rainforest | Episode 276
Ready for a deep dive into the future of payments? Our thoughtful conversation with Joshua Silver, the CEO of Rainforest, is one you won't want to miss. Rainforest helps software companies seamlessly integrate payments into their platforms, carving a niche across diverse sectors, from healthcare and field services to logistics and construction. Joshua shares the competitive edge that Rainforest provides by absorbing all the risk and liability, allowing software companies to focus on what they do best - writing software and serving their customers. This model is a significant departure from traditional payment facilitator models, and it's proving increasingly attractive to software companies.Small businesses are no longer procuring payments from their bank, but payments are embedded in the software they use to run their business. This evolution of payment distribution has significant implications for ISOs and the industry at large. We also delve into the burgeoning arena of faster payments and alternative payment methods. Joshua underscores the cruciality of customer-centricity in the payments industry, the impact of cost-cutting measures, and the indispensability of aligning with companies that reflect your values.

Nov 9, 2023 • 25min
Anytime Anywhere Payments Series: Sarah Hoisington, VP of Strategy and Marketing at Matera | Episode 275
Ever wondered how those black and white square codes we see everywhere are revolutionizing the world of payments? We're about to decode this mystery with our guest, Sarah Hoisington, the VP of Strategy and Marketing for Matera. Join us as Sarah provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of QR codes and their role in transforming traditional payment methods, especially in countries like Brazil, China, and India. She'll also discuss their emerging role in the U.S. and how they're becoming a critical component in the shift towards more pay-by-bank transactions.Don't miss out as we dive into the future of instant payments with QR codes and how they're shaping the payments industry. Sarah helps us understand how the combination of QR codes and API-based technology is enhancing the user experience and the potential they hold for facilitating instant payments. You'll also get a sneak peek into how Matera is assisting financial institutions in the U.S. to offer instant payments. The fusion of QR codes and instant payments promises a revolution in the world of transactions, propelling us into the future of anytime anywhere payments.

Nov 7, 2023 • 22min
Vinodh Poyyapakkam, CEO of Coris | Episode 274
Get set for an enlightening conversation with Vinodh Poyyapakkam, the CEO of Coris, as he takes us on a fascinating journey through his professional life and the world of payments, fintech and risk management. Coris is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way small businesses manage risk, providing them with a modern risk infrastructure to tackle fraud more effectively. Vinodh offers an inside look at how Coris is making it easier for small businesses to access financial products, their go-to-market strategy, and typical use cases. As the CEO of a smaller company, Vinodh's perspective on the challenges and rewards of leadership is unique and enlightening. This episode is a wealth of knowledge on the future of payments and risk management, with Vinod underscoring the importance of problem-solving in the risk space to smoothen the path for payments. Vinod's passion for payments and geopolitics is infectious, and his insights into the payments industry, particularly the role of AI in fraud and risk prevention, are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate this complex space. Tune in, learn, and be inspired!

Nov 2, 2023 • 24min
Anytime Anywhere Payments Series: Debbie Guerra, Chief Product Officer at ACI Worldwide | Episode 273
Debbie Guerra, Chief Product Officer at ACI Worldwide, discusses omnichannel commerce, the shift to real-time payments, and the rising trend of digital fraud. They explore the concept of Anytime Anywhere Payments and how it's shaping consumer demands and retail trends. They also cover intelligent payments orchestration, the impact of FedNow, and the importance of local acquirers for cross-border commerce. Overall, the podcast dives deep into the evolving landscape of payments and the role of ACI Worldwide in driving this change.

Oct 31, 2023 • 21min
Mitch Davis, CRO & Co-founder at PayAmigo | Episode 272
Ready to uncover the secrets behind a successful fintech venture? Join us as we explore the world of e-commerce and emerging markets with Mitch Davis, the CRO & Co-Founder of PayAmigo. Mitch captivates us with his professional journey, emphasizing the unique position of PayAmigo in the fintech sector and the strategies that set them apart from the competition. We'll pull back the curtain on PayAmigo's approach to enabling e-commerce growth in emerging markets and discuss the verticals they focus on.In our enlightening conversation with Mitch, we'll journey through his transition from the video game industry to the launch of PayAmigo. His deep passion for emerging markets and insights into their high growth potential will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll also delve into the complexities merchants face in these challenging markets and discuss how technology and industry trends can be leveraged for success. Tune in for an episode full of captivating insights and powerful tips.