
Leaders In Payments
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2024 • 28min
Women Leaders in Payments: Tiffany Johnson, Chief Product Officer at NMI | Episode 339
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.

Jul 17, 2024 • 16min
Women Leaders in Payments: Gretchen Bender, SVP Business Development at MAPP Advisors | Episode 338
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.

Jul 15, 2024 • 41min
Women Leaders in Payments: Paulette Rowe, Jenn Reichenbacher, Lisa Roberts of Stax | Episode 337
This special episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and insights from three trailblazing women leaders at Stax Payments —Paulette Rowe, Jenn Reichenbacher and Lisa Roberts. Paulette Rowe, the CEO of Stax, provides a compelling narrative of her career journey, from consumer banking to leadership roles at PaySafe and Meta. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and professional development, sharing her experiences of stepping out of her comfort zone and taking on significant leadership roles. Paulette's journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on one's career trajectory.Jenn Reichenbacher, the Chief Marketing Officer, brings her extensive experience in the payments space to the table. She discusses her journey through various companies like Merchant Warehouse, EverCommerce, and her current role at Stax, where she focuses on driving growth through innovative marketing strategies.Lisa Roberts, the General Counsel, offers a unique perspective from her 25-year legal career. She highlights the importance of understanding the broader business context and the role of legal compliance in the evolving payments landscape. Lisa’s insights are particularly valuable for those looking to navigate the complexities of legal and compliance issues in the fintech industry.But it's not just about payments and technology; it's also about people and relationships. Paulette, Lisa, and Jenn open up about the power of mentorship and professional development within the industry. From building a "personal board of directors" to stepping out of one’s comfort zone with initiatives like executive rotation programs, discover how these leaders foster growth and collaboration at Stax. Whether it’s through lunch and learns or workout groups, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and creating a supportive community. Tune in for an enriching conversation that promises to leave you inspired and enlightened about the possibilities in the payments industry.

Jul 11, 2024 • 42min
Women Leaders in Payments: Kristy Duncan, Founder & CEO of Women in Payments | Episode 336
Have you ever felt the weight of imposter syndrome or the glass ceiling holding you back? Kristy Duncan, the inspiring founder and CEO of Women in Payments, shares her transformative journey from her early days on a small hobby farm outside Toronto to becoming a leader in the payments industry. This special edition of the Leaders in Payments podcast, celebrating Women Leaders in Payments Month, kicks off with a fun and personal rapid-fire round, giving you a glimpse into Kristy's world beyond her career.We then delve into the heart of Kristy's professional evolution, discussing the significant barriers that women encounter in the workplace. Kristy candidly addresses the challenges such as the sticky floor and crisis leadership roles and shares her invaluable strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Learn how mentorship, a robust professional network, and constant feedback have been her guiding principles for success. You'll also hear about pivotal experiences and personal anecdotes that shaped her resilient mindset and career trajectory.In the final segment, Kristy offers heartfelt reflections on the importance of mentorship and the inspiring role her daughters have played in her life. She emphasizes how mentorship and sponsorship can propel emerging leaders to new heights and recounts her own experiences with formal and informal mentoring. Kristy's dedication to her career and her family's encouragement provide a powerful narrative on balancing professional ambitions with personal life. This episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to break barriers and empower women in their careers.

Jul 8, 2024 • 40min
Women Leaders in Payments: Nino Maisuradze, COO, at Ingenico NA | Episode 335
Prepare to be inspired by Nino Maisuradze, the Chief Operating Officer at Ingenico North America. Nino's story is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and leadership that spans continents—from her roots in the country of Georgia to her current influential role in Atlanta, Georgia. With a diverse educational background in Germany and extensive experience in the payments industry, Nino brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insights that are both enlightening and motivating.The episode begins by exploring Nino's background, highlighting the significant cultural and educational experiences that have shaped her professional journey. Growing up in Georgia during a time of civil unrest, Nino learned the value of resilience and adaptability at a young age.The conversation then shifts to the role of mentorship in empowering female leaders. Nino emphasizes the importance of normalizing the challenges that women face in leadership roles and the immense value that diversity and inclusion bring to organizations.Nino's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of mentorship. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders, particularly women, to stand tall in the face of challenges and to continuously seek growth and improvement. The episode not only provides a wealth of knowledge about the payments industry but also offers practical advice on leadership, empowerment, and the significance of diversity and inclusion.

Jun 27, 2024 • 23min
Special Series: The Omnicommerce Revolution with Yael Barak, VP of Product Management at Worldpay | Episode 334
Unlock the secrets of Omnicommerce with Yael Barak, VP of Product Management at Worldpay, as she shares her expertise on creating seamless commerce experiences for small businesses. From micro merchants to small enterprises, Yael reveals how Worldpay’s extensive capabilities—from card payments to e-commerce and niche verticals—are revolutionizing the way merchants connect with customers. Discover how advancements in AI are enabling hyper-contextualized scenarios, offering the perfect product at just the right moment.Commerce360, an omni-channel solution designed by Worldpay, is a central focus of the discussion. Yael provides an in-depth look at its diverse functionalities, from handling retail locations and online sales to managing call centers and services, all through a central dashboard. This comprehensive solution allows businesses to streamline their operations and manage various aspects of their business from a single platform, enhancing efficiency and reducing the complexity of running a business.The episode concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of these advancements for the future of commerce. As AI and other technologies continue to evolve, the potential for new business models and innovative solutions will only grow. Worldpay's commitment to supporting small businesses and helping them navigate this rapidly changing landscape is evident throughout the conversation, highlighting the company's dedication to empowering merchants with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Jun 25, 2024 • 24min
Carlos Navarro, CEO of Corvia | Episode 333
In the latest episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast, host Greg Myers engages in a compelling conversation with Carlos Navarro, CEO of Corvia. Carlos takes us on an insightful journey through the company's strategic maneuvers and innovations. Discover why Corvia's focus on the SMB space and higher-risk areas sets them apart, and how their location in Austin, Texas, along with substantial investments in risk and compliance systems, gives them a significant edge. Carlos shares the company's impressive growth trajectory, robust partner ecosystem, and cutting-edge solutions for boarding and transaction monitoring, offering listeners a comprehensive look at what makes Corvia a standout player in a crowded market.Carlos also opens up about his personal journey, from founding a small consulting firm to holding pivotal roles at industry giants like IBM and JP Morgan, ultimately leading him to Corvia's helm. With a passion for mentoring and talent development, Carlos provides invaluable career advice for new graduates eager to break into the fintech world. Listen as he recounts his tenure on the Junior Achievement board in Atlanta, his role as a high school football coach, and his love for college football. Packed with personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone keen on understanding the dynamic landscape of payments and fintech.

Jun 20, 2024 • 18min
Special Series: The Omnicommerce Revolution with Yael Barack & Shae Orrick, Worldpay | Episode 332
Unlock the secrets of seamless Omnicommerce as we dive into Worldpay's Commerce360 product set with Shae Orrick, Senior Product Manager, and Yael Barak, VP of Product Management. Discover how small businesses can thrive by integrating payment acceptance across multiple channels into one robust merchant portal. Developed in partnership with GoDaddy, Commerce360 not only simplifies payments but also comes packed with marketing services and social media connections. Learn how the three concepts—Connect, Run, and Grow—are tailored to help businesses set up payments, streamline operations, and expand their customer base effortlessly.Ever wondered how friction impacts your business? Friction can turn customers away and complicate your business operations, but Commerce360 tackles this head-on. Yael and Shea shed light on how their solution bridges the gap between online and in-store experiences, smoothing out payment processes and making interactions easier for both consumers and merchants. Imagine consolidating multiple systems into one user-friendly portal, much like having a smartphone for all your business needs. Plus, the sleek design of the Commerce360 terminal adds a touch of modern flair and credibility. Tune in to see how this innovative tool can transform your business operations and elevate your customer engagement.

Jun 18, 2024 • 30min
Pulse of Payments: Swipe Right on SoftPOS: Unlocking Payment Freedom with Mike Barnes, Ingenico | Episode 331
The world of payments is rapidly evolving, and Ingenico's SoftPOS technology is at the forefront of this revolution. In this episode, Mike Barnes, Sales Director and Head of Banks and Acquirers at Ingenico, dives deep into the innovative features and capabilities of SoftPOS, offering valuable insights into its integration, customization, security, and future evolution.SoftPOS is a game-changer in the payments industry as it transforms any NFC-enabled mobile device into a seamless payment terminal. This means that merchants can accept payments on their smartphones or tablets, unlocking a world of possibilities. Mike Barnes emphasizes the importance of clear communication and ongoing collaboration between partners and Ingenico during the integration process.Security and payment flexibility are paramount in the world of payments, and SoftPOS by Ingenico delivers on both fronts. SoftPOS is an app-based solution that simplifies transactions, protects sensitive data, and ensures the highest level of security with stringent PCI certifications and software-based security measures. We share compelling success stories, like how SoftPOS provided reliable payment solutions during network outages, and explore the future evolution of SoftPOS. Learn how customer feedback is driving the development of new features such as DCC, loyalty programs, and installment payments, setting the stage for SoftPOS to revolutionize the payments landscape for SMBs and retailers worldwide.

Jun 13, 2024 • 20min
Special Series: The Omnicommerce Revolution with Shae Orrick, Sr. Product Manager at Worldpay | Episode 330
Unlock the secrets of omnicommerce and revolutionize your business with insights from Shea Orrick, Senior Product Manager at Worldpay. Ever wondered how to provide a seamless, unified shopping experience across multiple channels? Our latest episode promises to break down the complex world of omnicommerce into actionable steps that can help you adapt to ever-changing consumer buying habits. You'll gain valuable knowledge on how integrated systems and data can enhance the consumer experience while making business management more effective.Shea guides us through the journey of adopting omnicommerce solutions, often discovered through online research, ads, and trusted partners like banks. We dive deep into the top three pain points these solutions address—simplifying business operations into a single portal, improving inventory management through key business insights, and keeping customers happy with efficient, cost-effective marketing strategies. Learn about Worldpay's Commerce360, a powerful tool designed to streamline your operations with features like a robust payment system, seamless website integration with GoDaddy, and comprehensive marketing and inventory management tools.Shea provides an exclusive look at Commerce360's future plans, including an online order option for merchants not ready for a full-fledged website, advanced user management tools, and the integration of AI technology to make inventory management a breeze. With Worldpay and GoDaddy's combined expertise, you can expect continuous improvements and innovative features that future-proof your business.
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