Leaders In Payments

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.