FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr - podcast cover

FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr

Nadia Edwards-Dashtiwww.harringtonstarr.com

Welcome to the award-winning FinTech’s DEI Discussions, the podcast where we explore how financial technology can lead the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Join our host, Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, as she inspires us to 'walk the talk' and create more equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Each episode invites you into the conversation, offering actionable steps to foster an inclusive environment in your organisation. From recruitment to retention and investment in talent, engagement, productivity, and career progression can mean different things to different people. 

Through our series specials and insightful discussions, we delve into these varying experiences, learning together how to better support diversity in our workplaces.

Join us as we discuss, learn, and advocate for meaningful change in the FinTech sector.

Powered by www.harringtonstarr.com

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Embracing Diversity for Stronger Careers | Noemie Koffler, Director of Business Development at Riskified

What if inclusion was the key to unlocking your career potential? In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down with Noemie Koffler, Director of Business Development at Riskified, to dive into the powerful role inclusion plays in career growth and workplace culture. Noemie shares her insights on how we can build more diverse and inclusive environments in FinTech, why networking is key to unlocking career success, and how to overcome the barriers of bias in professional dev...

Nov 21, 202420 min

Bounceback Careers: Bumps, Jumps and Squiggly Lines | European Women's Network Event 2024

How do you turn career setbacks into stepping stones for growth? Join Nadia as she leads a powerful discussion recorded live at the European Women Payments Network (EWPN) event. She's joined by an inspiring panel of leaders: Nicola Marins, Head of Commercial at The Payment Firm Limited; Megan Dunford, Former Chief Operating Officer at Lumon; and Divya Eapen, Chief Risk Officer at Risk Strategy Consulting Ltd. They explore the concept of "bounce-back careers," navigating the bumps, jumps, and "sq...

Nov 19, 202425 min

Turning Personal Challenges into Corporate Strengths | Emma Steeley, CEO at Aro

The Ripple Effect of Supportive Workplaces On this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussion Nadia sits down with Emma Steeley, CEO at Aro to explore the journey of inclusive leadership. From her powerful career path to her transformative approach in workplace culture, Emma shares impactful insights on turning personal challenges into policies that create safer, more supportive workplaces. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For...

Nov 14, 202414 min

Risk, Resilience and Real Change in the FinTech Workplace | Lindsay Gustafsson, Head of Risk Novena

Can resilience and risk pave the way for real change in FinTech? In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions Nadia welcomes Lindsay Gustafsson, Head of Risk at Novuna. Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from teaching to risk management, along with powerful insights on fostering inclusion from every level of an organisation. Discover how Lindsay champions diversity, drives change, and builds environments where everyone can thrive. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr,...

Nov 12, 202417 min

Prioritising Disability & Neurodiversity in FinTech | Cressida Stephenson, Disabled CEO & Founder at EdenChase Associates

Prioritising Disability & Neurodiversity in FinTech On this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions Nadia sits down with our guest Cressida Stephenson, CEO & Founder at Eden Chase Associates. Cressida shares her inspiring journey and the vital role of disability inclusion in creating a more equitable financial technology landscape. Her passion and expertise illuminate the path toward creating workplaces that truly embrace diversity and accessibility. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by ...

Nov 07, 202416 min

Women in Credit Event 2024 | Inclusion Should Include Everyone, Nadia Edwards-Dashti

Do you know the difference between diversity and inclusion? On this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, host Nadia discusses inclusion and diversity in the workplace at the recent women in credit conference. Nadia shares her journey through the recruitment landscape, tackling the challenges of ensuring everyone feels included while addressing the misconceptions surrounding DEI initiatives. How can we redefine inclusion, embrace diversity, and build a culture where everyone is truly heard? FinT...

Oct 31, 202429 min

Humanising Tech Leadership | Amie Durr, Chief Product Officer at Visual Lease

What if embracing vulnerability was the secret to unlocking FinTech's true potential? On the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Amie Durr, Chief Product Officer at Visual Lease who opens up about her personal journey, how she overcame imposter syndrome and why embracing vulnerability has been key to her success. This episode discusses how being intentional about inclusion can spark true change in the workplace, why allyship matters more than ever, and how companies c...

Oct 29, 202425 min

How to Build Thriving, Diverse Teams in FinTech | Gary Prince, CEO at The Payfirm

In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia speaks with Gary Prince, CEO of The Payfirm, about his journey in transforming workplace culture and leading with inclusion. From building diverse teams to challenging traditional hiring practices, Gary shares how he’s making bold moves in the FinTech space. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.ha...

Oct 24, 202420 min

Pioneering FinTech Infrastructure and Challenging Industry Norms | Ximena Aleman, Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Prometeo

Bridging the Gap In our latest episode of the FinTech's DEI Discussions podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Ximena Aleman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Prometeo. Ximena shared her journey of building FinTech infrastructure in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of getting the foundations right to "empower the future of financial services." She also touched on the challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur, especially the harsh reality of the funding gap: "28 percent of FinTech fo...

Oct 22, 202422 min

Redefining Inclusion for Women in FinTech | Leah Glass, VP of Global Marketing at Convera

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, we’re joined by Leah Glass, VP of Global Marketing at Convera, for an eye-opening conversation on diversity, inclusion, and leadership in the financial technology industry. Leah shares how Convera is pushing the boundaries of commercial payments innovation while fostering a culture of compliance and ethics. She dives deep into breaking down the "excuse matrix" surrounding diversity in tech and financial services and highlights the ongoing chall...

Oct 17, 202412 min

Powering Change in FinTech Through Inclusion and Leadership | Nona Fayaz, Head of Partnerships at Fuse Finance

Championing Inclusion in FinTech: Resilience, empowerment and driving DEI in FinTech In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia dives into an inspiring conversation with Nona Fayaz, Head of Partnerships at Fuse Finance. Nona shares her journey from starting as an office manager to leading in FinTech, and how resilience and empowerment helped her overcome personal and professional challenges, including her battle with breast cancer. Nona also shares powerful insights on how compan...

Oct 15, 202416 min

Sustainability, Inclusion and the Power of Community in FinTech | Katy Zack, Head of Sustainability at Griffin

Join us on FinTech’s DEI Discussions as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Katy Zack, Head of Sustainability at Griffin. Katy shares her incredible journey from fintech communications to a mission-driven focus on sustainability, sparked by a life-changing epiphany. In this episode, Katy opens up about how Griffin is pioneering sustainability and inclusion in the fintech world, the power of community in driving change, and why it's crucial for businesses to "walk the talk" when it comes ...

Oct 10, 202411 min

Building a More Inclusive FinTech Industry Through Transforming Boardrooms | Jude Davis, Ex Apple Marketer/ Director of Business Operations at Olmec

In our latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down with Jude Davis, former Apple marketeer turned nonprofit leader, to explore the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in the FinTech industry. Jude shares his inspiring journey from the corporate world to leading Olmec, a race equality organisation that’s making waves in empowering underrepresented communities. We dive into the impact of diverse boardrooms, the importance of leadership in driving change, and actionable steps ...

Oct 08, 202420 min

Shattering FinTech’s Glass Ceiling by Leading the Change | Asya Kuznetsova, Senior Product Manager at Wise

In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia welcomes Asya Kuznetsova, Senior Product Manager at Wise, to explore the real challenges and wins in building an inclusive FinTech industry. From navigating male-dominated environments to leading with authenticity, Asya shares her inspiring journey and why fostering gender equality in leadership is crucial. "So if this senior leadership is mostly men, their perception of who is a good leader or bad one would largely depend on the male pe...

Oct 03, 202416 min

Building Inclusive Workplaces in FinTech | Inesa Smigola, Head of Presales at Xceptor

In this episode of FinTechs DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia, Inesa Smigola, Head of Presales at Xceptor, talks about her career and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fintech. Inesa shares her journey at Xceptor, where she leads the EMEA and APAC sales engineering teams. She explains the role of sales engineers and how Xceptor uses data and process automation to solve problems for major financial institutions. A key focus of the discussion is DEI. Inesa highlights the W...

Oct 01, 202413 min

From Leaky Buckets to Lasting Change | Abi Bryant Spolar, Global Head of Customer Success at Notabene

On the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Abi Bryant Spolar, Global Head of Customer Success at Notabene. In this episode, Abi shares her career journey, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and flexibility in the fintech industry. She passionately discusses the need for better workplace environments that support individuals through pivotal life moments, ensuring that talent, especially women, can thrive without compromising their personal lives. Abi emphasises...

Sep 26, 202417 min

Rebuilding Confidence, Inclusion and Thriving After a Career | Karine Martinez, Head of Sales at EdenRed Payment Solutions

This episode focuses on Karine's career journey and her insights on financial inclusion, workplace diversity, and her return to work after a long career break. Karine describes Edenred Payment Solutions' mission, emphasizing their commitment to financial inclusion not only for the underserved but across a broad spectrum, enhancing everyday lives through payment solutions. She highlights how Edenred balances innovation with a strong company culture. Karine also shares her personal story, discussi...

Sep 24, 202419 min

Building Bridges in the World of Accessibility | Isaac Harvey MBE, a Disability Advocate, Ambassador for numerous charities, and President of Wheels and Wheelchairs

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Isaac Harvey MBE, a Disability Advocate, Ambassador for numerous charities, and President of Wheels and Wheelchairs. In this episode, Isaac shares his inspiring journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability. He emphasises the importance of true inclusivity, not just within the workplace but also in the daily journeys that disabled individuals face. The conversation moves beyond mere awareness,...

Sep 19, 202412 min

Are Crypto Payments the Game Changer FinTech Needs? | Meryem Habibi, Chief Revenue Officer of Bitpace

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , we explore how diverse career paths can lead to leadership in FinTech. Our guest, Meryem Habibi, CRO of Bitpace, shares her journey from marketing to sales and partnerships, and how these experiences shaped her success in crypto payments. We dive into the differences between crypto payments and crypto trading, highlighting the role of Bitpace in making cross-border payments faster and more accessible for businesses globally. Meryem also discusses th...

Sep 17, 202417 min

The Power of Empathy | Limor Bergman Gross, an Executive Coach and Mentor

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Limor Bergman Gross, an Executive Coach and Mentor. In this episode, Limor shares her journey from software engineer to leadership, highlighting the crucial role of mentors and sponsors in her career. She discusses her passion for supporting women in tech and emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering inclusive workplaces. The pair delve into actionable strategies for creating truly inclusive environmen...

Sep 12, 202410 min

Powering Inclusion Through Personalisation | Matt Ryan, Chief Transformation Officer at Totem

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Matt Ryan, Chief Transformation Officer at Totem, live at our London office to discuss how Totem's tech arm, Reef, evolved to enhance audience engagement in the financial services sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasises the importance of learning from industries like retail to personalise and improve user experiences in fintech. Matt also highlights the role of technology in promoting inclusivity and acce...

Sep 10, 202410 min

Empowering FinTech Inclusion | Claire Seydoux, Client Success Lead at Ozone API

How can we drive real change in fintech while fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Claire Seydoux, Client Success Lead at Ozone API, shares her inspiring career journey, her transition from a large corporation to a smaller FinTech company, and her commitment to inclusion. Claire's career began at American Express, where she spent years in various roles across project management, business planning, sales and client management, balancing pro...

Sep 05, 202417 min

Leading with Values | Frances Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at Avantgarde

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Frances Edwards, Chief Operating Officer at Avantgarde. In this episode, Frances shares her journey, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership and the critical role of psychological safety in fostering inclusive workplaces within the fintech industry. The pair delve into the nuances of navigating both formal and informal company cultures to ensure that inclusion permeates every aspect of an organisation. The con...

Sep 03, 202415 min

Is DEI Dying? How to Stop the 2024 Anti-Diversity Trend | Money 20/20 2024

In this special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, recorded live at Money 20/20 in Amsterdam, Nadia is joined by Mary Agbesanwa (Lloyds Bank), Lynda Clarke (Tribe Payments), and Anil Hansjee (Fabric Ventures) to explore the question: "Is DEI Dying?" The discussion delves into the relevance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s corporate world, addressing the potential 2024 anti-diversity trend. Mary emphasises the lived experiences of women and minorities, stressing DEI's criti...

Aug 29, 202426 min

Redefining Pride in the Workplace | Alexander Mark Deakin-Mckay, Commercial Marketing Director at Xeinadin

In this episode of Fintech's DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Alexander Mark Deakin-Mckay, Commercial Marketing Director at Xeinadin, about fostering inclusivity in the financial technology sector. Alexander shares his journey emphasising the importance of creating safe work environments to unlock employees' potential. He highlights the role of middle management in promoting inclusivity and suggests leaders engage in sincere conversations with employees about their experiences. Alexander un...

Aug 27, 202427 min

Beyond the Rainbow: Everyday Inclusion | Natalie Brock, Chief of Staff at Thought Machine

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions series, Natalie Brock, Chief of Staff at Thought Machine, shares her journey from a traditional, male-dominated recruitment firm to her current role, where she fosters a diverse and inclusive culture. Natalie highlights Thought Machine’s open environment and her role in co-founding the "Outer Thought Machine" group to support LGBTQ+ employees. She concludes by discussing the need to sustain inclusivity beyond specific events, integrating it into every...

Aug 22, 202418 min

Building Inclusive Fintech Teams | Oge Opara-Nadi, Head of Developer Experience and Operational Excellence

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Oge Opara-Nadi, Head of Developer Experience and Operational Excellence. In this episode, Oge shares her career journey, highlighting the systemic barriers faced by women and underrepresented groups in tech and fintech. Oge emphasises the importance of building diverse and inclusive teams by establishing long-term talent relationships and reducing subjectivity in hiring. She also talks about retaining team members by aligning...

Aug 20, 202416 min

Securing VC: The Struggle for Underrepresented Founders | Deborah Barta, Global Head of Retail & Fintech @ Fireblocks

Join us on FinTech's DEI Discussions as Nadia interviews Deborah Barta, Global Head of Retail & FinTech at Fireblocks. Deborah shares her inspiring journey from Deloitte to MasterCard and now Fireblocks, highlighting her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the FinTech industry. In this episode, Deborah discusses the challenges underrepresented founders face in securing venture capital and the importance of recruiting diverse teams to drive innovation and profitability. She also delves i...

Aug 15, 202417 min

Driving Systemic Change | Jill Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Jill Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In this episode, Jill delves into her mission to eliminate systemic barriers to access to capital. She highlights the historical exclusion of Black communities from wealth-building opportunities and its ongoing impact on financial success. Jill discusses the crucial role of mentors and sponsors in guiding and opening doors for underrepresented...

Aug 13, 202411 min

Understanding the 'Why' in Diversity | Toby Mildon, Diversity and Inclusion Architect at Mildon

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Toby Mildon, Diversity and Inclusion Architect at Mildon. As an experienced diversity and inclusion specialist, Toby shares his insights on creating equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies that attract, recruit, and retain diverse talent. Toby discusses his personal journey with inclusion and exclusion, influenced by his experiences with a rare neuromuscular disability and his professional background in technology. He als...

Aug 08, 202411 min
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android