Leaders In Payments

Can you imagine turning every software company into a payment powerhouse? That's exactly what Jo Phillips and Will Corbera, co-CEOs of Payabli, are doing. In this episode, we chat with Jo and Will about their groundbreaking work in the payments industry, transforming software businesses by providing a unified API for payment acceptance, issuance, and operational management. From Jo's roots in his grandfather's jewelry business in Southern California to Will's multicultural upbringing across Miami, Barcelona, and Costa Rica, you'll hear about the personal journeys that led them to joining forces at Payabli.Jo and Will share insider advice for newcomers to the payments industry, underscoring the value of understanding the payments value chain, having a mentor, and focusing on a specific vertical. Plus, they express their gratitude to their hardworking team and announce exciting job openings at Payabli, offering a golden opportunity for aspiring fintech professionals. They also encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap into the fintech space, highlighting its potential for disruption and innovation.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the payments industry can be a daunting endeavor, but with the right insights and guidance, it can also be an area ripe with opportunities for growth and innovation. In a recent episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast, Brent Rose, CEO of EPSG, offers a wealth of knowledge gleaned from his 30-year journey in the payments sector. Brent's background is deeply rooted in the Midwestern values of integrity and hard work, which have played a significant role in his ascent to the helm of EPSG.The podcast episode delves into the transformative journey of EPSG from a sales-centric organization to a full-service acquiring payments provider. This shift underscores the company's strategic investments in technology and infrastructure, which are crucial for staying competitive in the rapidly changing FinTech arena. Brent emphasizes the importance of supporting small merchants, particularly in the densely populated New York-New Jersey metro area, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards that come with catering to this segment.Brent's personal stories, including his experiences in youth sports coaching underscore the parallels between his coaching philosophy and his professional ethos. As EPSG continues to make strategic strides in the payments industry, Brent's insights offer valuable lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of enduring relationships in business.

How did a pre-med student from Yale end up transforming the landscape of chargeback mitigation? Join us as Qi Cao, the co-founder and CEO of Chargeblast, reveals his fascinating journey from life science consulting and hedge fund analysis to pioneering tech-forward solutions in the payments industry. Discover how Chargeblast is slashing chargeback rates by up to 99% for hyper-growth startups using Stripe and Shopify. Get an insider look at the unique strategies Chargeblast employs, the pivotal role of social media for business growth, and the significance of strategic partnerships with industry giants.This episode also uncovers the incredible potential of Generative AI in optimizing chargeback alerts across sectors like health, subscription SaaS, and e-commerce. You'll hear about the latest trends in payments, including the future of peer-to-peer transaction chargebacks and the crucial role of card tokenization. Qi also shares his personal passions, from daily workouts to mentoring a diverse team, offering invaluable advice for anyone venturing into the fintech or payments space. Don’t miss out on the practical tips and inspiring stories packed into this compelling conversation!

Ready to uncover how consumer demographics are transforming the payments landscape? Join me in a fascinating discussion with Yael Barak, VP of Product Management and Kari Finley, Senior Director of Global GTM from WorldPay. They share their unique perspectives on how omnicommerce is evolving and why it's crucial for merchants to provide seamless experiences across all channels. We dive deep into the generational preferences shaping payment trends. Discover why Gen Z is so comfortable with mobile transactions and willing to share personal data for convenience, while millennials lean towards buy now, pay later options and loyalty programs. Gain insights into the ongoing relevance of point-of-sale and cash transactions for Gen Xers and baby boomers, highlighting the diverse needs that must be met within the payments ecosystem.Lastly, we explore the impact of COVID-19 on omnicommerce adoption across generations. Hear how the pandemic accelerated digital commerce, even among older consumers, and brought lasting changes to shopping habits. Our conversation also tackles the challenges faced by smaller merchants in implementing omnicommerce solutions and underscores the importance of providing multi-channel experiences to attract younger consumers. Plus, learn how WorldPay's omnicommerce solutions streamline operations, making it easier for businesses to integrate and reconcile various processes. Don't miss this comprehensive look at the future of commerce!

The financial industry has been undergoing a remarkable transformation, a topic comprehensively discussed in the latest podcast episode featuring Sarah Biller, Co-Founder of Fintech Sandbox. In a world increasingly driven by digital innovation, data has become the lifeblood of financial technology growth. This growth is not only reshaping the way we think about finance but also integrating tech into sectors as diverse as healthcare and the automotive industry.Sarah's journey is as fascinating as it is insightful, starting from her roots in West Virginia and culminating in her significant contributions to the Boston entrepreneurial ecosystem. She has been instrumental in aiding fintech startups to flourish by providing invaluable data access—ranging from market tick data to eclectic weather patterns—free of cost. This initiative supports the startups' growth at a critical stage, without the hindrance of data procurement expenses.Moreover, the episode touches upon the values of community and collaboration. These values are ingrained in Sarah's approach to fostering a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can connect and thrive. It's this belief in the collective that underpins the podcast discussion, as it reveals how financial services can seamlessly merge into various industries to optimize transaction experiences and enhance risk assessments.

In an era where financial transactions and corporate expense management are undergoing revolutionary changes, it's critical to stay ahead of the curve. Our latest podcast episode features Rick Fletcher, Group President of Corpay Payables, who shares his extensive knowledge and insights into mastering global expense management and embracing payment innovations.Rick discusses the complexities of managing corporate expenses, particularly for middle-market companies. He points out that while larger banks might overlook these businesses, Corpay thrives by offering comprehensive services tailored to their needs. This approach not only empowers companies to make better financial decisions but also ensures policy compliance through customized financial tools.As the market for financial outflows and payment solutions becomes more dynamic, Rick emphasizes the importance of fusing technology with human-driven processes. This blend is pivotal for creating specialized card programs that complement broader expense management strategies. Furthermore, the efficiency of back-office operations is crucial for executing payments, managing working capital, and preventing fraud.

This episode of the Leaders in Payments podcast introduces listeners to Bob Kaufman, the visionary founder of ConnexPay. His narrative not only shed light on the inception and growth of his company but also on the broader trends shaping the future of B2B payments. ConnexPay stands out in the payment industry as a disruptor, successfully handling both incoming and outgoing payments. It's a feat that sets them apart in a market where competitors often focus on just one aspect of the transaction.The discussion delved into the enduring prevalence of credit card use in the travel and e-commerce sectors, highlighting the advantages they offer, such as security and dispute rights. Bob contrasts this with the challenges presented by alternatives like PayPal and blockchain, noting the importance of simplicity and legal dispute mechanisms for consumer confidence. Furthermore, the episode emphasized the influence of Generation Z, whose expectations for digital-first, frictionless experiences are driving innovation in the payment space.

In a world where digital innovation is constantly reshaping the commercial landscape, understanding the evolution of omnicommerce is essential for businesses and consumers alike.  Yael Barak, VP of Product Management at Worldpay, sheds light on this very transformation during this latest collaboration between the Leaders in Payments Podcast and Worldpay. The discussion begins with an exploration of omnicommerce and its nuanced existence in today's economy. The fusion of brick-and-mortar stores with e-commerce platforms has revolutionized consumer expectations, with businesses now required to meet their customers wherever they are. This seamless blend of physical and digital shopping experiences has given rise to a new economy that thrives on accessibility and convenience. As we delve deeper, Yael explains how Worldpay is at the forefront of this revolution, providing scalable payment solutions that cater to a diverse range of clients, from nimble local shops to expansive enterprise networks.Yael also touches on the importance of understanding the varying needs of different verticals. For instance, mobile payment solutions that may be ideal for a contractor may not suit the needs of a restaurant that utilizes QR codes. It is this keen sense of specificity that has allowed Worldpay to craft payment solutions that resonate with individual merchant requirements, providing a frictionless purchasing process that enhances the customer experience.As the digital age continues to advance, the line between physical and online commerce blurs even further, paving the way for an omnicommerce ecosystem that is as boundless as the technology that fuels it. Businesses that embrace this revolution, with guidance from industry leaders like Yael Barak and companies like Worldpay, will be well-positioned to succeed in the digital economy that awaits us.

In an industry where financial inclusion and innovation are paramount, the latest episode with Arad Levertov, Co-founder and CEO of Sunbit, stands out as a beacon of progress. The episode focuses on how Sunbit is revolutionizing the financial landscape for essential services such as auto repairs and healthcare, by offering hassle-free financing options to consumers. With a staggering approval rate of 90% for applicants, Sunbit's approach is not only inclusive but also indicative of a significant shift in consumer lending practices.The impact of Sunbit's technology is not limited to the consumer experience. The company's innovative approach extends to its partnerships with merchants and the development of an ecosystem that transcends payment processing. Sunbit's emphasis on sales, partnerships, and the use of data analytics underscores the importance of a holistic approach to financial services—one that benefits all stakeholders involved.As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, companies like Sunbit are at the forefront, steering the industry towards a more inclusive and customer-centric future. Arad's foresight and leadership have positioned Sunbit as a pivotal player in the fintech revolution.         

In a world where convenience is king and technology reigns, the realm of live event payments is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Jake Stone, Chief Revenue Officer of Cantaloupe, graces us with his insights in a recent podcast episode, highlighting the seismic shift towards self-service and mobile payments in stadiums, entertainment venues and festivals. This move is not only enhancing the fan experience but also significantly augmenting venue revenue—a double win for the industry.The emergence of Generation Z as a driving force in the economy is shaping how payment systems evolve. Their mobile-first mindset and preference for digital solutions are paving the way for venues to rethink their service models. And as we cast our eyes towards the horizon, the future of event payments looks cashless and frictionless. Technologies such as AI and biometrics are on the cusp of redefining convenience and personalization. But this transformation isn't solely about the technology; it's about the human experience. These advancements in payment systems are designed to keep fans immersed in the event, reducing the time spent waiting in line and increasing the time spent enjoying the spectacle.In conclusion, the path towards a cashless, high-tech future in live event arenas is not just inevitable; it's already underway. The innovations spearheaded by companies like Cantaloupe are setting a new standard in the industry. As we embrace these changes, we're not just witnessing the evolution of payment systems; we're participating in the redefinition of the live event experience itself.