Ever wondered how a prolific payments technology company gets started? Join us on Leaders in Payments as we chat with John Mitchell, CEO and Co-Founder of Episode Six, who recounts his intriguing journey from Colorado Springs to Austin, Texas. You'll gain insights into how Episode Six is innovating the payments landscape, helping financial institutions and brands move away from outdated systems. Discover the versatility of their platform that caters to a wide range of clients—from small banks to global financial behemoths—and learn how Episode Six's unique ability to virtualize hardened cores supports seamless international operations. John Mitchell dives deep into the story behind the founding of Episode Six, starting from a significant moment in 1999 that set the stage for building one of the largest prepaid processors. Fast forward to 2015, and the journey of Episode Six's creation unfolds, highlighting early triumphs like securing contracts with HSBC and Japan Airlines. Listen as John shares the highs and lows of penetrating the financial institutions market and emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Alongside his professional journey, John also opens up about his personal passions and provides invaluable advice for aspiring fintech professionals. Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation with a true leader in payments technology.

In today's episode, key leaders from NMI discuss how Gen Z and millennials are shaping the payments landscape and what businesses need to do to stay relevant. Tiffany Johnson, Chief Product Officer, starts by explaining how these generations influence payment preferences. Millennials, having witnessed the rise of the internet, exhibit diverse payment preferences ranging from cash to digital wallets, prioritizing quality, service, sustainability, and convenience. Gen Z, as true digital natives, expects seamless, mobile-first payment experiences and highly values privacy and security. Johnson emphasizes the importance of embedded payments and creating secure, seamless consumer experiences for NMI stakeholders.Vijay Sondhi, CEO of NMI, further explores the evolving payment preferences of these generations, noting that Gen Z primarily uses digital wallets and mobile payments, viewing their phones as extensions of themselves. Both generations are quick to abandon brands with friction-filled payment processes, favoring seamless, secure, and convenient methods. Sondhi highlights the potential of biometrics for secure authentication and the transformative role of AI in payments, which could shift focus towards enriching life experiences. He underscores the need for businesses to rapidly adapt, adopt scalable and inclusive payment solutions, and think like Gen Z to remain competitive.Kate Hampton, Chief Strategy Officer at NMI, concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of omnichannel strategies and payment orchestration in meeting the expectations of Gen Z and millennial consumers. Omnichannel strategies provide a consistent, connected, and seamless shopping experience across multiple channels, including in-person, mobile, online, and unattended. Consumers seek to eliminate friction by having various payment options contextually presented at the right time. For merchants, the challenge lies in integrating these payment methods while maintaining their brand’s customer experience. Hampton explains that payment orchestration involves configuring and coordinating complex payment processes to create a smooth and differentiated experience. When done right, payment orchestration is invisible, ensuring effortless payments and enhancing overall customer experience and brand loyalty.This episode is a summary of three NMI podcast episodes - please visit NMI to listen to each separate episode. 

How does one rise to become a powerful voice in the payments industry? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Bunita Sawhney, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products and Processing at Mastercard, who shares her remarkable journey from Newport Beach to New York. We'll uncover the deeply supportive family environment that nurtured her, her academic pursuits at Cal Berkeley and Columbia, and her dynamic career spanning retail banking and product innovation. Bunita's insights into her role at Mastercard and her passion for promoting gender diversity through the Women's Leadership Network provide a compelling narrative for anyone interested in leadership and empowerment.Explore the complex challenges female leaders face today, including underrepresentation and gender pay gaps, and how Mastercard is making strides to overcome these barriers. Bunita offers a candid look at her own career challenges and the importance of mentorship programs. She also discusses the mission of the 30% Club and offers invaluable advice for young women eyeing a future in the payments industry. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical tips, showcasing Bunita's dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable corporate landscape. Tune in to discover her guiding principles for success and her unwavering commitment to empowering women in the business world.

What if you could tap into the mind of a key player in the payments industry and learn the secrets behind managing $2 trillion in daily transactions? Join us for a compelling conversation with Margaret Weichert, Chief Product Officer at The Clearing House, as she takes us through her inspiring journey from upstate New York and Georgetown University to the helm of one of the most significant institutions in the financial world. Margaret shares her rich background and reveals how her upbringing and education paved the way for her impactful career. Margaret's expertise shines through as she discusses the complexities of leadership and team dynamics, offering valuable insights into effective communication and decision-making. She candidly addresses the unique challenges faced by female leaders, including strategies to navigate unconscious biases in the workplace. Listen to Margaret recount her bold transition from the payments industry to a political role within the US federal government, where she learned crucial lessons in governance and service that profoundly impact her current role in a not-for-profit organization.The episode wraps up with a focus on the importance of mentorship in the payments industry. Margaret emphasizes the significance of building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships and provides practical advice for newcomers. Margaret’s candid reflections and expert advice offer a rich narrative that will resonate with anyone interested in leadership, mentorship, and the evolving world of payments. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a true leader in the field.

How do you carve out a trailblazing career in the competitive world of payments? Join us in an inspiring conversation with Kathleen Pierce Gilmore (KPG), SVP and Global Head of Issuing Solutions at Visa, as she takes us through her journey from her early days in Las Vegas to her current leadership role in Bethesda, Maryland. KPG's responsibilities at Visa involve spearheading a team that offers innovative issuing solutions, loyalty programs, and digital enablement tools, all designed to help clients better engage and retain consumers. Her vibrant storytelling and passion for her work make this episode a must-listen.KPG's career story is nothing short of remarkable. From her formative years at McDonald's, where she honed her leadership skills, to her strategic roles at American Express and Capital One, she has always been driven by guiding principles of intention and serendipity. Listen as she recounts her dynamic stints at PayPal and the startup world, ultimately leading to her impactful role at Silicon Valley Bank. Each step in her journey is filled with insightful lessons on career growth, resilience, and the importance of vision and passion in leadership.In a candid discussion, KPG opens up about the challenges she faced as a female leader in the corporate landscape. We also delve into the significance of mentorship and the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Concluding with reflections on the value of time and appreciation, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the experiences and wisdom of a pioneering woman leader in payments.

Discover the captivating journey of Dru Armstrong, CEO of AffiniPay, as she shares her unique path from growing up in Los Angeles influenced by her father's legal profession to taking the helm of a fintech powerhouse. Dru’s story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the high expectations instilled by her entrepreneurial parents. She reveals how AffiniPay transformed from serving associations to dominating the legal and professional services payments landscape, while offering a personal glimpse into her life through a fun icebreaker segment.From law to management consulting, private equity, and ultimately the CEO role, Dru Armstrong's career transitions are nothing short of inspiring. She emphasizes the pivotal role of mentors and sponsors in her journey, the shift from relying solely on analytical skills to the importance of emotional intelligence, and the critical need for trust-based teams. Dru candidly discusses the unique challenges she faced as a young CEO and underscores the importance of aligning with ethical investors and colleagues to achieve sustainable success.Tune in to hear Dru's insightful reflections on leading through strategic change and growth, particularly in a thriving company like AffiniPay. She shares her thoughts on the value of mentorship, the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks, and the joy of finding career roles that align with personal passions. Whether you're entering the fintech sector or navigating your own career path, Dru’s experiences and advice offer valuable lessons on authentic leadership, the power of mentorship, and the fulfillment of impactful work.

Curious about the journey from a small town in France to leading a global financial platform? Gabrielle Bugat, CEO of G+D ePayments, shares her incredible story and the principles that guided her to success. From her education at MINES ParisTech to her international career across Texas, Mexico, and Germany, Gabrielle reveals how she navigated each challenge and opportunity with resilience and ambition. She opens up about her current role, leading financial platforms within G&D Group, and the strategies she employs in managing strategy, product development, and talent across continents.Discover the guiding principles that have shaped Gabrielle's leadership style, emphasizing collective intelligence, being outcome-driven, and maintaining a business-centric approach. Gabrielle recounts her early days as a young manager, the pivotal experiences that honed her leadership skills, and the unique challenges faced as a female leader. Listen as she shares practical strategies for fostering teamwork, breaking down silos, and leading acquisitions with humility and respect. Her stories, from simple team-building exercises to navigating post-merger environments, offer valuable lessons for leaders at any stage of their career.The importance of mentorship and career growth is a key highlight of our conversation with Gabrielle. She delves into stepping out of one's comfort zone, adapting to new cultural norms, and the value of informal mentorship and networking. Gabrielle emphasizes the significance of soft skills, self-belief, and continuous learning, particularly for women in the workplace. Her insights and personal anecdotes provide a powerful message of encouragement for anyone pursuing their goals with determination. Tune in to be inspired by Gabrielle Bugat's journey and the wisdom she's gained along the way.

Carly Brush's career trajectory is nothing short of inspirational, a true testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and mentorship. In this enlightening podcast episode, Carly Brush, SVP of Human Capital Management at DailyPay, delves deep into her fascinating journey from an aspiring fashion designer to a key leader in the fintech industry. Her story is one of navigating through professional hurdles, leveraging mentorship, and constantly stepping out of her comfort zone to achieve growth.Carly's story isn't just about success—it's about the growth that comes from challenges and the invaluable role of mentorship. She provides candid insights into overcoming professional hurdles, including a pivotal project failure at DoorDash, and underscores the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. Carly also offers practical advice for young women eyeing a career in fintech, emphasizing collaboration, continuous learning, and the satisfaction of working with dedicated colleagues. Tune in to gain inspiration and actionable wisdom from Carly Brush as she discusses her remarkable career and contributions to the fintech landscape.

Our latest episode of Leaders in Payments focused on women leaders in our industry, takes you through Tiffany Johnson's inspiring path, characterized by resilience, empathy, and a relentless drive for innovation. Tiffany uncovers her role at NMI, comparing it to an "air traffic controller," where she orchestrates everything from market insights to technical solutions.We dive deep into Tiffany's core leadership principles, emphasizing the critical importance of empathy and relationship-building. Hear about her unconventional career path, likened to a rock wall, and how it prepared her to tackle challenges with a "yes" mentality and curiosity. Learn about the supportive women's professional network at her company, and get practical advice for young women aiming to break into the payments industry. From maintaining confidentiality to fostering professional growth, Tiffany's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving payments landscape.In conclusion, Tiffany’s leadership principles, emphasis on mentorship, and commitment to building a supportive professional network provide valuable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the payments industry. Whether you're a young professional or an experienced leader, Tiffany's experiences and advice offer inspiration and practical guidance for navigating and succeeding in the ever-evolving world of payments.

Unlock the secrets to a thriving career in the payments industry with our special guest, Gretchen Bender, Senior Vice President at MAPP Advisors. Gretchen's journey from Springfield, Illinois, through her academic pursuits at the University of Arizona and UC Irvine, to her pivotal move to Las Vegas in 2010, is a testament to the power of seizing unexpected opportunities. Learn how she stumbled into the payments industry in 1996 and discover the unique role MAPP Advisors plays in the fintech advisory market, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and payments processing. Gretchen offers an insider’s view into the tailored approaches MAPP Advisors uses to bring unparalleled value to their clients, from portfolio evaluations to payments monetization.In this episode, we also delve into the transformative power of mentorship and diverse work experiences. Gretchen shares invaluable advice on proactively finding mentors, especially for those in smaller companies, and underscores the importance of internships in navigating the payments and Fintech landscape. We discuss the enriching experiences gained from working in both large and small companies, and how these experiences can be a springboard for entrepreneurial success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the payments industry. Gretchen Bender’s journey and insights provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From the importance of mentorship and diverse work experiences to the unique approaches taken by MAPP Advisors, there is something for everyone in this episode. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to take the next step, Gretchen’s advice and experiences will provide valuable guidance and motivation. Tune in to discover the secrets to a thriving career in the payments industry and learn from one of the industry’s leading experts.