Leaders In Payments

Ever wondered how a leader in the payment processing world thinks and innovates? Zach Martinez, the CEO of PAYARC, joins us to peel back the curtain on the intricate workings of digital transactions and customer relations. With a blend of Philadelphia grit and global savvy, Zach takes us through his formative years, from Boston University to the vibrant streets of Madrid, before steering PAYARC to $5 billion in annual merchant volume. He passionately discusses the bedrock of their success: a commitment to humanizing customer service in an industry where automated responses have become the norm, and how their new payment facilitator product is set to redefine the market.Beyond the technical aspects of payment processing, Zach shares his commitment to a philosophy known as extreme ownership, inspired by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. This philosophy, according to Zach, is the cultural bedrock that has allowed PAYARC to cultivate resilience and accountability at every level of the organization. By championing a mindset that encourages employees to embrace and learn from failure, Zach fosters an environment of continuous improvement and leadership development.

Embark on a journey through the intricate world of financial compliance with Natasha Vernier, the Co-Founder and CEO of Cable, as she joins me, Greg Myers, on the Leaders in Payments podcast. Natasha takes center stage, weaving the story of Cable's inception and its mission to equip compliance officers with a robust platform for pinpointing regulatory slips and control failures. The company's unique SaaS model is not only redefining compliance monitoring but is also scaling to serve a variety of financial institutions, big and small. Together, we discuss Natasha's impressive transformation from finance to the forefront of the fintech revolution. We also uncover the origins of Cable's distinctive name and its pivotal role in crafting agile, compliant financial services.  As we progress through the episode, the focus shifts to the transformative power of automation in compliance testing within the banking sector. Natasha likens automated banking controls to the essential dashboard alerts in a car, pointing out the need for similar advancements in financial services. The dialogue explores the intriguing concept of the 'bank of Taylor Swift,' suggesting a future where financial services are woven into consumer platforms that people already use and love, further emphasizing the role of technology in appealing to the tech-savvy Gen Z demographic.

Unlock the future of transactions as you ride along with Tom Nipper, Global Head of Energy and Mobility at JP Morgan Payments and Markus Kuhnt, Co-Founder and Chief Technologist of Starfish, two titans in the realm of mobility and in-vehicle payments. They don't just predict the next wave of consumer convenience, they're creating it. Our conversation weaves through the intricate network of digital payment technologies that are transforming your car into an extension of your wallet. Imagine breezing through transaction points as if they were green lights, thanks to the innovative partnership between JP Morgan Payments and Starfish that's steering the industry towards a frictionless payment experience. This episode is a journey through the rapidly evolving ecosystem of automotive OEMs and how they're engaging with consumers well beyond the showroom floor. With vehicles becoming platforms for secure and seamless buying experiences, the industry faces the challenge of aligning with futuristic transportation, such as autonomous driving, while maintaining a user experience that rivals leading mobile wallet providers. We navigate the complex roads of EV charging and biometric advances with insights that shine headlights on the importance of customer-centric design in mobility payment solutions. Buckle up for a ride into a future where every stop is an opportunity for a transaction as smooth as your drive.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkuhnt/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomnipper/ 

In our latest podcast episode, Hamed Arbabi, CEO and Founder of VoPay, provides a comprehensive look into the world of financial technology, sharing the journey of VoPay from its inception to its current role in the industry. We delve into the company's impact on the embedded payments ecosystem and its innovative approach to integrating payment solutions into various digital platforms. Hamed sheds light on how VoPay's advanced API is driving change across sectors, including insurance and healthcare, and the significance of strategic partnerships in revolutionizing financial operations within ERP systems.Hamed’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he recounts his journey from starting a business to navigating the complexities of the payment industry. The discussion serves as an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs and established professionals alike, illustrating the potential for personal growth and the realization of ambitious goals through perseverance and strategic thinking.

This week on Leaders in Payments Podcast, we journey through the symbiotic relationship between banks and tech firms, discussing the tailored support Treasury Prime offers to community and regional banks. Co-Founder and CEO of Treasury Prime, Chris Dean’s expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in the practical challenges of real-time reconciliation, settlement, and the adaptive strategies banks are employing to lead in this fintech renaissance. We examine what truly differentiates Treasury Prime in the fiercely competitive fintech industry. From their unique direct integrations with core banking systems to the anticipation of industry consolidation and heightened regulatory pressures, Chris provides guidance on maintaining the delicate balance of innovation and compliance.   Through his dual passion for startup culture and beekeeping, we explore the parallels between the precision required in fintech and the meticulous care needed for apiary management. It's an episode rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights. 

Unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs across the globe with insights from Jane Prokop, Mastercard's dynamic leader for SMEs, who joins us to shed light on the unique obstacles women in business face. Discover the sweeping impact of small and medium enterprises and grasp the specific challenges that hold back women founders, from the limited access to venture capital to the intricate labyrinth of securing bank loans. Jane doesn't just expose the issues; she shares Mastercard's robust toolkit of digital resources and educational programs that are leveling the playing field and fostering success for women in business. Learn about the groundbreaking initiatives, including the Hello Alice Small Business Mastercard and the Women by Design program, that are tailoring support to the needs of these trailblazing women. Revel in the stories of resilience and innovation as Jane paints a picture of a future where women's business ventures flourish, supported by a network of mentorship, state-of-the-art digital tools, and collaboration among governments, nonprofits, and private sectors. And for the small businesses reeling in a post-pandemic economy? Jane unveils how Mastercard's innovative products are not just a lifeline but a launchpad into a thriving digital-first future.

As the visionary behind Paymentwall, Honor Gunday, Founder and CEO, reveals the remarkable transformation of his company, which began as a specialized payment solution for gamers and has since expanded to a global gateway, mastering over 150 local payment methods. In the vibrant crossroads of Istanbul and Miami, Honor's rich cultural experiences and academic endeavors at Stanford University fueled his passion for innovation, setting the groundwork for his ventures in tech. Gain priceless wisdom from Honor's entrepreneurial journey, which maps out how he navigated from managing fraud prevention to embracing the world of alternative digital payments.Hear firsthand how Honor's linguistic agility transcends the personal, becoming a strategic asset in the diverse world of international commerce. As we unravel the compelling narrative of Honor's career, from the challenges of payment processing within the travel industry to his ventures like FasterPay and Terminal3, the roadmap for aspiring professionals in fintech becomes clearer. Discover the treasured virtues of knowledge, trust, and becoming indispensable, and how they forge the path to success in the dynamic intersection of technology, commerce, and innovation.

Unlock the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the payments industry with Motie Bring, the visionary CEO of PPRO. This episode promises enlightening strategies that can help your business thrive by embracing the multitude of benefits a diverse workplace offers. Motie, with his rich experience leading a frontrunner in local payment solutions across Europe and Latin America, shares how PPRO's deep-rooted commitment to DE&I not only distinguishes them but also catalyzes their financial and cultural growth. Learn from his insights on the tangible impact of a varied workforce on innovation and success, and why nurturing this diversity is an essential belief, not just a statistic, at the core of their company.This episode guides you through practical steps for fostering an inclusive environment at every stage of your business's development, from ambitious startups to expanding enterprises. Discover why transparency in sharing diversity data and recognizing individuality during recruitment can be game changers for businesses seeking to boost innovation and stay ahead of the curve. Motie illuminates the path toward an inclusive workplace, highlighting the ongoing efforts and humility required to address gaps in DE&I practices. Join us for a candid conversation that not only broadens your perspective but also equips you with the wisdom to spearhead change within your organization.

Unlock the future of transactions with Ingenico's Tony Walsh in our latest episode, where we explore the revolutionary SoftPOS technology. This innovation is reshaping how merchants interact with customers, shedding the shackles of conventional payment hardware. By leveraging NFC-enabled Android and iOS devices, SoftPOS is not just a glimpse into the future of digital payments, but a stride into a world where mobile and contactless transactions seamlessly integrate into our daily commerce.During our conversation, Tony illustrates the practicality and versatility of SoftPOS, painting a picture of a business landscape that's both agile and cost-effective. From bustling cafes to expansive enterprise retailers, this technology tailors to the unique needs of any business. Learn how SoftPOS is transforming the restaurant industry by simplifying pay-at-table services, reducing hardware attrition, and envision a retail environment where line busting becomes the norm. By embracing Ingenico's SoftPOS, we are unlocking payment freedom and taking a significant leap towards the future of commerce. This episode not only educates but also inspires a rethinking of how we engage in transactions, both as consumers and businesses.

Joining me this week in the first of a four-part series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is Monica Eaton, the CEO of Chargebacks911. Monica's start-up story in the fintech space serves as a beacon for aspiring women in technology and finance. As a pioneer in the payments industry, Monica shares her trajectory from being a merchant grappling with chargebacks to helming a company with global reach. Her story isn't just a personal triumph; it's a roadmap for other women who aim to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling in a sector traditionally dominated by men.Monica's commitment to empowerment isn't confined to her corporate achievements. Her initiative, LIFT, is a testament to the potential mentorship holds in elevating women within the fintech space. LIFT connects female professionals with C-suite executives, fostering an environment where wisdom, experience, and guidance flow freely, thus nurturing the next generation of female leaders.Through mentorship, education reform, and a commitment to DE&I, Monica is forging a path for inclusive growth and empowerment in fintech and beyond.