Leaders In Payments

Ever wondered how the fintech world is reshaping global payment and spend management? This episode of Leaders in Payments features Pedro Batista, CEO of Payhawk in the UK, who reveals the journey that took him from Porto, Portugal, through heavyweight fintech companies like CurrencyCloud and Plaid, all the way to his current role. Pedro shares invaluable insights into Payhawk's mission to streamline and automate financial operations for businesses, emphasizing real-time visibility, vertical integration, and fraud detection. Whether your company has frequent travelers, is scaling rapidly, or needs more efficient global spend management, Pedro's expertise will provide a roadmap to enhanced financial efficiency.Discover the innovation disparity between consumer financial technologies and B2B payment systems as we dissect the infrastructure evolution with Pedro. From the potential of blockchain in developing economies to the impact of real-time payment systems like FedNow, this episode offers a comprehensive outlook on the future of payments. Listen as Pedro discusses his passion for leveraging AI to optimize customer service and operational efficiency, along with the importance of adapting to regulatory shifts. We wrap up with Pedro's personal interests in traveling and sports, and his strategic advice for newcomers in the payments industry. Don't miss out on Pedro's vision for Payhawk's future, driven by real-time technology and exceptional customer support.

Ready to unlock the secrets behind efficient check processing and robust payment solutions? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Shai Stern, CEO and Co-Chairman of CheckAlt. Shai takes us through his incredible journey from Teaneck, New Jersey, to the helm of a pioneering company in the payments industry. Despite the digital age’s lean towards electronic transfers, discover why checks still hold significant value in today's payment landscape. Shai also dives into the sophisticated security measures CheckAlt employs to combat the ever-growing issue of check fraud.In this episode, we tackle the cash flow challenges faced by small businesses that rely heavily on check-based payments. Shai introduces a groundbreaking API designed to capture and deposit checks within business applications, eliminating the need for mobile banking. Learn how industries like property management, healthcare, and utilities can streamline their accounts receivable processes, enhancing efficiency with a unified software solution for checks, ACH, and card payments. Shai underscores the importance of exceptional customer service, a commitment that sets CheckAlt apart from competitors.But Shai’s insights go beyond payment processing. Hear about his entrepreneurial journey, from defying expectations in the SEC filing space to expanding a small entity formation business into a nationwide service provider. Aspiring fintech professionals will find invaluable advice on continuous learning, dedication, and understanding the consequences of your actions. With personal anecdotes and profound life lessons, Shai’s story embodies the spirit of hard work, innovation, and community responsibility. Don’t miss this inspiring episode with a true leader in the payments industry.

Curious about how to build a fintech business that champions financial inclusivity? Join us for a captivating conversation with Pat Napoli from Appressa, where we explore his remarkable journey from New Jersey to making waves in the payments industry. Pat shares how Appressa supports consumers who’ve been declined by prime banks, helping them secure credit cards through near prime and subprime banks. Discover how Appressa's innovative technology, paired with their strategic partnership with Prove, works to rehabilitate credit scores for millions of Americans, making a significant impact on the issue of credit card declines.Get inspired by Pat’s deep commitment to community service and his passion for inner-city education, exemplified by his involvement with St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, NJ. Together with his partner, Chris Mettler, Pat draws on experiences from MBNA and other renowned financial institutions to create a tech-driven solution for those with non-prime credit scores. As we wrap up, Pat offers invaluable advice for aspiring fintech professionals, underscoring the growing importance of data science in the rapidly evolving payments landscape. Don’t miss this insightful episode, packed with trends, strategies, and personal stories.

Curious about how loyalty points might soon replace cash and credit at your favorite stores? Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Silver, CEO of Engage People, and Len Covello, CTO of the same company, to unravel the groundbreaking "Pay With Points" technology. Discover how this innovative system transforms loyalty program points into a versatile payment method, making checkout smoother for members and more profitable for retailers. Jonathan and Len shed light on the significant advantages this offers to loyalty programs, members, and merchants alike, and discuss the compelling business case behind this game-changing payment option. They also share revealing insights from a recent consumer survey, showcasing the high demand for loyalty currency amidst the economic downturn and why points are seen as more stable compared to buy now, pay later plans and cryptocurrencies.But we're not stopping there. We also explore the future horizons of loyalty points in various retail landscapes—from gas stations to grocery stores and small businesses. Jonathan and Len reveal how major brands are successfully rolling out pay-with-points systems and the vision of loyalty points becoming an integral part of everyday transactions. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the fascinating future of loyalty points in payments!

Can real-time payments revolutionize your grocery shopping experience? Join us as we sit down with David Watson, President and CEO of The Clearing House, to uncover the transformative journey from its 170-year history to becoming a modern-day alternative to the Federal Reserve Bank. From high-value payment wires to ACH transactions and instant payments, David breaks down the extensive range of services The Clearing House offers and addresses the persistent myth that checks are disappearing. David's professional odyssey, spanning two decades in banking across various countries, offers a unique lens on the critical importance of user experience in payment technologies like Apple Pay and Zelle. We also explore the potential role of crypto and blockchain in the payments ecosystem, emphasizing the stringent safety and regulatory standards these technologies must meet. Passionate about fostering innovation and creating a secure environment for financial institutions, David provides invaluable advice for aspiring professionals in the payments or fintech industry: pursue what you love and remain open to change. Tune in for a deep dive into the dynamic and ever-evolving payments landscape and the exciting opportunities it presents.

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.