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

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Episodes

The Real-World Impact of AI on Trading Workflows | Rachel Przybylski, Chief Product Officer at SIGMA

Live from the FIX EMEA Trading Conference 2025, FinTech’s DEI Discussions welcomes Rachel Przybylski, Chief Product Officer at SIGMA, for a powerful conversation with host Nadia. From taking a leap of faith into startup life, to championing diverse thinking and authentic leadership, Rachel shares her honest insights on building inclusive cultures, the future of AI in trading workflows, and the importance of creating environments where everyone can thrive. This is a must-listen for anyone passion...

Mar 27, 20258 min

Creating Inclusive Workplaces with Al in FinTech | Ashlea Atigolo, Founder of INATIGO and Finley AI

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Ashlea Atigolo, Founder of INATIGO and Finley AI, to explore the incredible potential of AI to transform the financial services industry. Ashlea takes us through her journey from research to developing cutting-edge AI solutions that are driving efficiency, productivity, and inclusivity in FinTech. Ashlea discusses how generative AI is not just a tool for innovation but a game-changer for empowering teams, improving workplace ...

Mar 25, 202514 min

Women Should be at the Forefront of Financial Discussions | Laurie McAughtry, Head of Capital Markets at Euromoney

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , recorded at the FIX EMEA Trading Conference in London, Nadia sits down with Laurie McAughtry, Head of Capital Markets at Euromoney, to explore her fascinating career journey in financial services. From overcoming challenges to leading in capital markets, Laurie shares her valuable insights on independence, career progression, and the importance of skills transfer across industries. Tune in to hear how Laurie’s unique path has shaped her leader...

Mar 20, 202514 min

How to Make Inclusion More Than a Buzzword | Lee Chambers, CEO of Male Allies UK

Is Allyship the Missing Link to True Workplace Inclusion? How do we move beyond performative allyship and create real, lasting change in the workplace? In this powerful episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Lee Chambers, CEO of Male Allies UK, to break down what true allyship looks like, why men need to be part of the inclusion conversation, and how small, intentional actions can drive big impact. From workplace culture shifts to everyday advocacy, Lee shares eye-opening insig...

Mar 18, 202525 min

Where AI Meets Human Connection | Ninika Nanda, Founder & CEO at Invest Connect Marketplace

Where AI Meets Human Connection In this week’s episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Ninika Nanda, Founder & CEO at Invest Connect Marketplace, to discuss the power of inclusivity in driving innovation within FinTech. Tune in to hear Ninika share her journey of building a platform that connects investors, founders, and business experts to bridge gaps in the ecosystem. They dive deep into the importance of creating an inclusive environment for emerging technologies, suppor...

Mar 13, 202521 min

FinTech Inclusion Includes YOU | Harrington Starr's Panel Discussion

Missed our Inclusion Includes You event? Now’s your chance to catch every moment of the powerful conversations, bold commitments, and game-changing insights that are shaping the future of FinTech! From AI and empathy to diverse leadership and active allyship, our incredible speakers – Lynda Clarke, Ashlea Atigolo, Oge Opera-Nadi, and Eugénie Colonna d'Istria, hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti – delivered an unmissable discussion on why true inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Watch as seven mal...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 1 min

Accessibility, Security, and Efficiency in Financial Services | Nigar Rustamova, CFO at Guavapay.

Accessibility, Security, and Efficiency in Financial Services... In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down with Nigar Rustamova, CFO at Guavapay. From breaking barriers in global payments to championing diversity in leadership, Nigar shares her journey, insights, and the intentional actions needed to drive real change. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, p...

Mar 06, 20257 min

Why Every Personality Has a Place in Technology | Jayven Sandy

What Does True Inclusion in FinTech Really Look Like? In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down with 40 under 40 DEI award winner Jayven Sandy to dive into the real stories behind success, inclusion, and resilience in the world of asset management. From navigating career pivots to becoming "The Glue" in tech teams, Jayven shares invaluable advice on workplace confidence, active listening, and why genuine connections matter more than ever. "Everyone has a place in techn...

Mar 04, 202524 min

Building Companies Where Everyone Belongs | Caitriona Staunton, VP of People at Primer

How do you build an inclusive, high-performing workplace—especially in a remote-first world? In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , we’re joined by Caitriona Staunton, VP of People at Primer, to explore the power of flexibility, trust, and intentionality in creating workplaces where everyone thrives. From breaking outdated hiring norms to fostering psychological safety and equity, Caitriona shares invaluable insights on scaling culture, enabling growth, and making inclusion more than jus...

Feb 27, 202523 min

How Culture Drives True Belonging in FinTech | Sung Kim, Chief People Officer at Kueski

What does true workplace inclusion look like in action? In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Sung Kim, Chief People Officer at Kueski, for an insightful conversation on building truly inclusive workplaces—where equity isn’t just a policy but a lived experience. From her personal journey as an immigrant navigating different cultures to her role in shaping Kueski’s people strategy, Sung shares how DEI is embedded into every aspect of leadership, career progressio...

Feb 25, 202515 min

How Flexibility & Inclusion Shape the Future of FinTech | Katherine Chan, Co-Founder and CEO at Juice

Shaping a Truly Inclusive Future in FinTech In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions host Nadia sits down with Katherine Chan, Co-Founder and CEO at Juice, to explore her journey from banking to founding a FinTech startup. Katherine shares her insights on: - The challenges of accessing capital for SMEs - Why grit and resilience are key to startup success - How we can create truly inclusive workplaces - The importance of supporting women returning to the workforce FinTech's DEI Discussions is...

Feb 20, 202512 min

A CEO'S Perspective on True Inclusion | Ugne Buraciene, Group CEO at payabl.

Is inclusion in FinTech a reality—or just empty talk? In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down with Ugne Buraciene, Group CEO at payabl., to explore what real inclusion looks like in the financial technology industry. With nearly two decades of experience in payments and leadership, Ugne shares how payabl. is breaking down barriers, fostering a culture of transparency, and driving meaningful change. But is the industry truly making progress, or are we still stuck in surface...

Feb 18, 202514 min

Women, Leadership, and Al's Ethical Future | Maninder Paul, Growth Marketer and AI Educator at Digital Connectors

What does real inclusion in FinTech and AI look like—and who’s making it happen? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia sits down with Maninder Paul, Growth Marketer and AI Educator at Digital Connectors, to explore the intersection of technology, ethics and representation. From AI ethics and prompt engineering to the power of visibility for underrepresented voices in tech, Maninder shares invaluable insights on creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. She also challen...

Feb 13, 202510 min

Inclusion Includes YOU: Why FinTech Leaders Are Backing DE&I

Why does inclusion matter now more than ever? In this special episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , we sit down with the sponsors of our International Women’s Day: FinTech Inclusion Includes YOU event—leaders who have stepped up when so many others have stepped back. Lynda Clarke, CEO of Tribe Payments, Matt Cheung CEO of iPushPull and Matt Smith CEO of SteelEye share why inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative, but a business one too. From overcoming DEI setbacks to building workplaces that tr...

Feb 11, 202515 min

Invisible Ceilings, Visible Changes | Christine Meredith, Head of Fixed Income Technology at Janus Henderson Investors

Is Inclusion in FinTech Still Just Talk—or Are We Finally Taking Action? On this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , host Nadia sits down with Christine Meredith, Head of Fixed Income Technology at Janus Henderson Investors and Investment Woman of the Year winner. Christine shares her journey into FinTech, the hurdles she faced breaking into leadership, and why inclusion isn't just a conversation - it's an action. From navigating an eight-round interview process to challenging industry norms,...

Feb 06, 202516 min

Sustainability Meets Inclusion | Gihan Hyde, CEO at CommUnique

Can sustainable success in FinTech exist without inclusion? In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , host Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Gihan Hyde, CEO at CommUnique, to uncover the transformative intersection of sustainability, inclusion, and ESG in financial technology. From breaking down the differences between ESG and sustainability to discussing the power of diversity in building thriving workplaces, Gihan shares invaluable insights and actionable advice for creating real,...

Feb 04, 202514 min

The Hidden Cost of Wealth Gaps | Nitika Vyas, Co-Founder at Aila Money

Are We Doing Enough to Close the Gender Wealth Gap? Join Nadia as she sits down with Nitika Vyas, Co-Founder at Aila Money to explore the bold mission of closing the gender wealth gap—an issue that could take seven generations to resolve if left unchecked. Nitika shares her journey from investment banking to becoming a founder, her insights on financial empowerment for women, and how her new app, Aila Money, is transforming personal finance by acting as a personal trainer for your wealth goals. ...

Jan 30, 202518 min

The Human Side of FinTech | Ceren Danis, Co-Founder, CPO & CFO at Unique Payments

The late Payment Crisis, DEI and Unique Tech In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions podcast, Nadia welcomes Ceren Danis, Co-Founder, CPO & CFO at Unique Payments, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, inclusion, and innovation in the financial technology space. From tackling the staggering cost of late payments to empowering SMEs with innovative financial solutions, Ceren shares how Unique Payments is transforming the B2B landscape. She also opens up about her personal journe...

Jan 28, 202518 min

A Journey Toward Authentic Inclusion | Dörte Dye, FinTech Co-Founder, Payment Expert and Board Advisor,

Can FinTech Revolutionise Inclusion and Innovation in Our Ever-Changing World? In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at the ExCeL Centre in London with Dörte Dye, FinTech Co-Founder, Payment Expert and Board Advisor, shares her insights on embracing diversity in AI, tackling unconscious bias, and fostering authentic inclusion in FinTech. From transforming EV charging to empowering innovation, this conversation highlights how technology c...

Jan 23, 20258 min

Will FinTech Close the Financial Literacy Gap and Redefine Wealth? | Tamara Kostova, Founder and CEO of Velexa

Recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at London’s Excel Centre, Tamara Kostova, Founder and CEO of Velexa, joins Nadia on FinTech's DEI Discussions for an inspiring conversation about driving inclusive change in the financial technology sector. Tamara shares her journey as a female founder in FinTech, her mission to close the global financial literacy gap, and how Velexa is redefining wealth management to empower diverse communities. From navigating challenges with resilience to building authent...

Jan 21, 202515 min

Are We Brave Enough in FinTech? | Rick Biggs, Sales Director at Moneyhub.

Are We Brave Enough to Challenge Inclusion Every Single Day in FinTech? On the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Rick Biggs, Sales Director at Moneyhub. Rick shares his journey through multiple career transitions, the challenges of navigating workplace inclusion earlier in his career, and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Reflecting on his own experiences, Rick highlights the emotional tax of non-inclusive workpla...

Jan 16, 202524 min

Leading with Courage and Impact in FinTech | Richard Baker, Founder and CEO of Tokenovate

Can Authentic Leadership Transform the Future of FinTech? We’re excited to bring you a powerful new conversation from FinTech's DEI Discussions , recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at the ExCeL Centre in London. In this episode, Nadia sits down with Richard Baker, Founder and CEO of Tokenovate, to discuss the transformative potential of innovation in financial technology. Richard shares his journey as a leader in the FinTech space, offering a unique perspective on breaking down barriers to in...

Jan 14, 202510 min

Financial Futures Rewritten | Atlyn Forde, Head of Engagement and Inclusion at Pepper Money and Founder of Communicate Inclusively

Breaking Barriers and Building Belonging In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by the Alton Forde, Head of Engagement and Inclusion at Pepper Money and Founder of Communicate Inclusively. Atlyn shares her remarkable journey from marketing to inclusion leadership, her transformative work at Pepper Money, and the powerful campaigns she's spearheaded to foster authentic belonging. From the creation of inclusive language guides to launching a consultancy that drives equ...

Jan 09, 202529 min

The People-First Vision of Zopa Bank | Lucas Germanos, Vice President at Zopa Bank

Can Diversity Drive Profitability? Zopa Bank’s Formula for Success 👇 Recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at the ExCeL Centre in London, this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia features an inspiring conversation with Lucas Germanos, Vice President at Zopa Bank. Lucas shares Zopa’s incredible journey to becoming Britain’s best bank, with insights into their groundbreaking diversity and inclusion initiatives, from building a 50/50 gender-diverse leadership team to empowering u...

Jan 07, 202510 min

What’s at Stake for AI, Ethics and the Future of Work

Is AI the Key to a Better Workplace or the Biggest Challenge Yet? The latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions is here, featuring an incredible panel discussion recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at the ExCeL Centre in London. Nadia is joined by Theo Bell, Head of AI Product at Rimes; Shirley George, Senior Manager, Financial Services at Accenture; Krishna Nadella, Chief Commercial Officer at SigTech; and Maninder Paul, Growth Marketer. Together, they explore the transformative role of AI ...

Dec 17, 202449 min

What Really Matters in Financial Tech Diversity? | Bhavna Saraf, A Payments and Banking Senior Executive

What Really Matters in Financial Tech Diversity? Join us on FinTech's DEI Discussions, hosted by Nadia, as we sit down with the inspiring Bhavna Saraf, a payments and banking senior executive, recorded live at FinTech Connect 2024 at the ExCeL Centre in London. In this episode, Bhavna shares her incredible journey of career pivots, driving inclusive decision-making, and how inclusion can power the global economy. From democratising finance to building diverse workforces that truly represent the ...

Dec 12, 202410 min

Menopause, Parenting and the Digital Skills Gap in FinTech | Emma Martindale, Business Analyst, and Chris Garbutt, Operational Effectiveness Manager, from Atom Bank

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia, is joined by Emma Martindale, Business Analyst, and Chris Garbutt, Operational Effectiveness Manager, from Atom Bank. From their innovative four-day workweek to championing menopause support programs and bridging digital skills gaps, the pair share practical steps every organisation can take to build a truly inclusive culture. Hear how they’ve transformed conversations about mental health and menopause into actionable initiatives that e...

Dec 10, 202417 min

Open Finance, Happy Teams, and a Platform for Change | Louise Beaumont, SVP Global Open Banking & Open Finance Engagement at Mastercard

How Can Collaboration and Inclusion Revolutionise FinTech? 🎙️ In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Louise Beaumont, SVP Global Open Banking & Open Finance Engagement at Mastercard, to explore how collaboration and inclusivity can shape the future of financial technology. Louise shares powerful insights on building thriving teams, creating opportunities, and driving actionable change in the workplace. FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Star...

Dec 05, 202417 min

Supporting Diversity Through Industry Networks | Dee Habeeb, Global Tech Leader in Financial Technology

How Can We Turn Talk into Action for True Workplace Inclusion? On this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia sits down for an inspiring conversation with Dee Habeeb, Global Tech Leader in Financial Technology. From navigating a dynamic tech career to championing diversity and inclusion, Dee shares her mission to create pathways for underrepresented groups, her insights on the power of diversity in driving innovation, and actionable steps to foster workplace inclusion. FinTech's DEI Discus...

Nov 28, 202415 min

Voices of Change in the Tech World | Keren Ben Zvi and Shiri Schneider, PayU

Are we truly listening to the voices that drive change in the tech world? In this episode of FinTechs DEI Discusssion, Nadia speak with Keren Ben Zvi, Chief Data Officer and Shiri Schneider, Chief Technology Officer from PayU. Join us as we explore their powerful career journeys, lessons on leadership, and actionable insights for fostering genuine inclusivity in the workplace. From breaking down barriers to embracing imperfection and empowering others, this episode is filled with wisdom and prac...

Nov 26, 202429 min
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