Leaders In Payments

This week on Leaders in Payments Podcast, we journey through the symbiotic relationship between banks and tech firms, discussing the tailored support Treasury Prime offers to community and regional banks. Co-Founder and CEO of Treasury Prime, Chris Dean’s expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in the practical challenges of real-time reconciliation, settlement, and the adaptive strategies banks are employing to lead in this fintech renaissance. We examine what truly differentiates Treasury Prime in the fiercely competitive fintech industry. From their unique direct integrations with core banking systems to the anticipation of industry consolidation and heightened regulatory pressures, Chris provides guidance on maintaining the delicate balance of innovation and compliance.   Through his dual passion for startup culture and beekeeping, we explore the parallels between the precision required in fintech and the meticulous care needed for apiary management. It's an episode rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights. 

Unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs across the globe with insights from Jane Prokop, Mastercard's dynamic leader for SMEs, who joins us to shed light on the unique obstacles women in business face. Discover the sweeping impact of small and medium enterprises and grasp the specific challenges that hold back women founders, from the limited access to venture capital to the intricate labyrinth of securing bank loans. Jane doesn't just expose the issues; she shares Mastercard's robust toolkit of digital resources and educational programs that are leveling the playing field and fostering success for women in business. Learn about the groundbreaking initiatives, including the Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard and the Women by Design program, that are tailoring support to the needs of these trailblazing women. Revel in the stories of resilience and innovation as Jane paints a picture of a future where women's business ventures flourish, supported by a network of mentorship, state-of-the-art digital tools, and collaboration among governments, nonprofits, and private sectors. And for the small businesses reeling in a post-pandemic economy? Jane unveils how Mastercard's innovative products are not just a lifeline but a launchpad into a thriving digital-first future.

As the visionary behind Paymentwall, Honor Gunday, Founder and CEO, reveals the remarkable transformation of his company, which began as a specialized payment solution for gamers and has since expanded to a global gateway, mastering over 150 local payment methods. In the vibrant crossroads of Istanbul and Miami, Honor's rich cultural experiences and academic endeavors at Stanford University fueled his passion for innovation, setting the groundwork for his ventures in tech. Gain priceless wisdom from Honor's entrepreneurial journey, which maps out how he navigated from managing fraud prevention to embracing the world of alternative digital payments.Hear firsthand how Honor's linguistic agility transcends the personal, becoming a strategic asset in the diverse world of international commerce. As we unravel the compelling narrative of Honor's career, from the challenges of payment processing within the travel industry to his ventures like FasterPay and Terminal3, the roadmap for aspiring professionals in fintech becomes clearer. Discover the treasured virtues of knowledge, trust, and becoming indispensable, and how they forge the path to success in the dynamic intersection of technology, commerce, and innovation.

Unlock the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the payments industry with Motie Bring, the visionary CEO of PPRO. This episode promises enlightening strategies that can help your business thrive by embracing the multitude of benefits a diverse workplace offers. Motie, with his rich experience leading a frontrunner in local payment solutions across Europe and Latin America, shares how PPRO's deep-rooted commitment to DE&I not only distinguishes them but also catalyzes their financial and cultural growth. Learn from his insights on the tangible impact of a varied workforce on innovation and success, and why nurturing this diversity is an essential belief, not just a statistic, at the core of their company.This episode guides you through practical steps for fostering an inclusive environment at every stage of your business's development, from ambitious startups to expanding enterprises. Discover why transparency in sharing diversity data and recognizing individuality during recruitment can be game changers for businesses seeking to boost innovation and stay ahead of the curve. Motie illuminates the path toward an inclusive workplace, highlighting the ongoing efforts and humility required to address gaps in DE&I practices. Join us for a candid conversation that not only broadens your perspective but also equips you with the wisdom to spearhead change within your organization.

Unlock the future of transactions with Ingenico's Tony Walsh in our latest episode, where we explore the revolutionary SoftPOS technology. This innovation is reshaping how merchants interact with customers, shedding the shackles of conventional payment hardware. By leveraging NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices, SoftPOS is not just a glimpse into the future of digital payments, but a stride into a world where mobile and contactless transactions seamlessly integrate into our daily commerce.During our conversation, Tony illustrates the practicality and versatility of SoftPOS, painting a picture of a business landscape that's both agile and cost-effective. From bustling cafes to expansive enterprise retailers, this technology tailors to the unique needs of any business. Learn how SoftPOS is transforming the restaurant industry by simplifying pay-at-table services, reducing hardware attrition, and envision a retail environment where line busting becomes the norm. By embracing Ingenico's SoftPOS, we are unlocking payment freedom and taking a significant leap towards the future of commerce. This episode not only educates but also inspires a rethinking of how we engage in transactions, both as consumers and businesses.

Joining me this week in the first of a four-part series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is Monica Eaton, the CEO of Chargebacks911. Monica's start-up story in the fintech space serves as a beacon for aspiring women in technology and finance. As a pioneer in the payments industry, Monica shares her trajectory from being a merchant grappling with chargebacks to helming a company with global reach. Her story isn't just a personal triumph; it's a roadmap for other women who aim to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling in a sector traditionally dominated by men.Monica's commitment to empowerment isn't confined to her corporate achievements. Her initiative, LIFT, is a testament to the potential mentorship holds in elevating women within the fintech space. LIFT connects female professionals with C-suite executives, fostering an environment where wisdom, experience, and guidance flow freely, thus nurturing the next generation of female leaders.Through mentorship, education reform, and a commitment to DE&I, Monica is forging a path for inclusive growth and empowerment in fintech and beyond.

Brazil's financial sector is experiencing an unprecedented digital transformation, a subject which Carlos Netto, the Co-Founder and CEO of Matera, tackles with keen insight in our latest podcast episode. This revolution is centered around Pix, Brazil's instant payment system that has flipped traditional banking on its head with its user-friendly interface and cost-effective transaction model. As we explore this phenomenon, it's evident that Pix has not only altered how transactions are conducted but also democratized financial services, fostering inclusion for those who were previously marginalized from the banking system.In discussing the intricacies of Pix, Carlos provides an analysis that is both comprehensive and insightful. Pix's integration into everyday life in Brazil, from street vendors to e-commerce, signals a profound cultural shift. Its omnipresence has not only simplified transactions but has also encouraged the banking sector to innovate and remain competitive. The "Pix by the Numbers" report, as dissected in the podcast, underscores the system's sweeping success and its potential to inspire similar transformations globally.In summary, the podcast episode featuring Matera Co-Founder and CEO Carlos Netto is not just a conversation about the current state of digital banking in Brazil but a deep dive into the possibilities that fintech holds for the future. It is a story of innovation, inclusion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic interplay between technology and finance and the transformative power it holds.

As we navigate through an ever-evolving financial landscape, it's leaders like Kirk Coleman, President of Q2, who are at the forefront of revolutionizing how banks and credit unions serve us. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, from the seamless integration of digital banking experiences to the resilience of checks in an age of instantaneous payments. Kirk's journey from Ohio to the helm of Q2 in Austin is as compelling as the innovative solutions he champions, bringing a personal touch to the complex world of banking technology.Kirk and I delve into the current state of play in the payment industry, where challenges abound but so do opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate. We explore the intrigue of mergers and acquisitions, the quiet before the storm of 2024, and how banks are finding value in efficiency over expansion. The episode peels back the layers on the scalability of new payment systems and the shifting generational talent within the banking sector, offering a clear view of what it takes to succeed in this rapidly changing environment.Topping off our conversation, Kirk shares pearls of wisdom on achieving a balance between a demanding career and a fulfilling family life, emphasizing mentorship and the adaptability required within the payments and financial services sectors. He also encourages us to chip away at the complexities that often muddle the financial services industry, advocating for collaboration towards simplicity, security, and improved customer service. Join us for this enlightening discussion that's as much about the heartbeat of financial innovation as it is about the human stories that drive it.

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.