"Unfair advantage needs to be fair. Talent isn't scarce, it's an opportunity and knowing the right information."  On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Afiya Chohollo, Co-Founder of CloudFO. In this episode, Afiya delves into the challenges and systemic issues in the tech industry, especially regarding financial inclusivity and the empowerment of underrepresented groups through technology. The pair explore Afiya’s approach to leadership and her initiatives...

Joining Nadia live from FIX Trading Community EMEA Trading Conference for this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions is Scott Charity, Senior Market Intelligence Specialist & Regulatory Affairs at Berenberg.    In this episode, Scott shares insights into his role at Berenberg and the importance of simplifying complex information for different stakeholders within the industry and highlights the significance of planning for future regulations and changes. We see how Scott advocates for...

“Fintech is an action-orientated industry. What actions are we taking here? So I would really encourage everyone to step back and think, what are you doing?” On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Rianna Kelly, Senior Manager— Data Modeling & Analytics Engineering at Zepz. In this episode, Rianna details her transition from traditional financial services to her current role in fintech, where she focuses on digital and financial inclusion in emerging...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Oya Celiktemur, Sales Director at Jacobi Asset Management. In this episode, Oya shares her journey highlighting the contrasts between structured corporate environments and the vigorous, unpredictable nature of startups. The conversation explores significant challenges Oya has overcome, including transitions during critical market upheavals and advocating for parental flexibility in the workplace.  Oya emphasises the...

On this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Amber Skinner-Jozefson, CEO of e.pop. Amber shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the transformative impact of her education at Howard University. Delving into workplace dynamics, she highlights the challenges faced by minorities and the liberation found in entrepreneurship.  The conversation navigates through the importance of representation, the fearless spirit of the next generation, and...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Tanya Ziv, Strategic Operations Executive. In this episode, Tanya shares her journey from legal expertise to leading pivotal roles in prominent FinTech companies, highlighting how her diverse background fuels innovation and progressive strategies in a traditionally tech-dominated field. Tanya advocates for leadership that not only drives operational excellence but also champions a supportive environment where every...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by JB Benjamin, Founder and CEO of Kryotech. In this episode, we delve into JB's journey from concept to execution and showcase the innovative approaches to encryption and user empowerment in the fintech industry. The conversation takes a deep dive into the societal impacts of technology, especially in terms of inclusivity and ethical practices. JB critiques the homogeneity in tech leadership and calls for a broader...

"You can't be a feminist if you are not looking at how to help other disenfranchised communities. And I know there are different strains of feminism, but I believe if you're helping one community, it has to really help the others." In this episode of #WomenOfFinTech, we spotlight the transformative journey and insights of Lisa Leid, Fintech PR and Communications Expert and Innovate Finance power listee.  With a passion for diversity and inclusion, Lisa shares her unique path into the...

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia leverages her 19 years in recruitment to spotlight the power of inclusive practices in the workplace.  She shares how engaging with thousands of female and non-binary candidates has revealed the importance of diversity in sparking innovation and breaking away from the norm of following the top earner's opinion.  Nadia stresses that despite the challenges faced in 2023, prioritising a culture of psychological safety, active...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Trier Bryant, Investor, People (HR) and DEI Executive. In this episode, Trier shares valuable insights on the nuances of DEI, emphasising the importance of a comprehensive strategy across the entire employee lifecycle. The pair discuss the challenges of making inclusion more inclusive and sustainable, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She encourages leaders to approach DEI with compassion and...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Meri Williams, CTO of Pleo. This episode highlights Meri's extensive experience, from building part of South Africa's first satellite as a teenager to leading tech initiatives in various sectors, including fintech at Pleo.  Meri brings a unique perspective on inclusion within the fintech industry, emphasising the importance of embracing neurodiversity and creating inclusive work environments.  The discussion...

In this special episode celebrating 400 episodes of Fintech’s DEI Discussions, host Nadia celebrates the series' journey towards fostering inclusion within the financial technology sector.  Since starting the podcast in 2019, Nadia has explored successes and challenges in advancing DEI.  Reflecting on stories from 400 participants, she emphasises the power of storytelling for change, the podcast's role in supporting marginalised individuals, and the need for allies in positions of...

"It's important for employers to understand how intersectionality impacts upon their workforce during all stages of the employee life cycle... Large groups of women still aren't represented or don't feel like they are heard or seen." Joining Nadia today in the #WomenOfFinTech series is Sahra Abdille, Director of Digital Investing at Coutts. Born in the Netherlands with Somali heritage and a journey that took her from a small village to the heart of London, Sahra’s rich cultural background...

Who is YOUR best person for a job? Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, is walking the talk for change and positively affecting the shocking gender imbalance in the financial technology space. Speaking at Harrington Starr and IG Group’s International Women’s Day Event, UnconventionALL: Inclusion Through a Different Lens, Nadia discusses the pervasive barriers in the workplace, focusing particularly on hiring practices and promotion opportunities. She...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Lynda Strutton, Chief Operating Officer at Tribe Payments. In this episode, Lynda unfolds her journey, emphasising the importance of supportive policies, intentional hiring practices, and leadership's role in promoting diversity. Lynda underscores the importance of policies accommodating work-life balance, citing her personal experience with flexible working arrangements and the significance of mentorship in smaller...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Adam Preis, Director of Product/Solution Marketing at Ping Identity. In this episode, Adam sheds light on the universal digital vulnerability that affects individuals in diverse contexts, emphasising the importance of an inclusive design approach in technology development. The conversation explores three domains of universal digital vulnerability—contextual, inherent, and systemic factors. Adam discusses the importance of adaptive...

We’re back at FinTech Connect for this special #OnTour episode of The DEI Discussions! This time Nadia is joined by Erlend Nitter-Hauge, Head of Fintech Partnerships in DNB. This episode delves into Erlend’s insights on fostering partnerships with fintech startups and the challenges within the financial technology industry.  The pair discuss the significance of embedded finance, automation, and the upcoming trends in AI as well as touching on innovation, customer needs, and DMB's...

We’re back at FinTech Connect for this special #OnTour episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions! This time Nadia is joined by Amandip Kaur Jheeta, Delivery Director, Banking Sector at NTT Data.  In this episode, Amandip tells her story, as a seasoned IT professional and a woman in tech for over 15 years, with a wide range of skills and experience.   Amandip recalls her great passion for IT but also the challenges she faced in her early career, and how she pulled through and how she constantly...

On this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Rebecca Gibergues, Executive Director, EMEA at FS-ISAC. In this episode, Rebecca discusses her journey to FS-ISAC following a personal experience with cybercrime and highlights the collaborative efforts of the organization in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Rebecca emphasises the importance of dispelling stereotypes in cybersecurity and promoting diversity from a young age. She shares insights from her...

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia welcomes Barbara Sessa, Senior Vice President at Mastercard. Barbara shares her journey in advocating for gender equality and diversity in the FinTech industry. She debunks myths about women in tech, emphasises the importance of equal opportunities, and discusses her role in shaping digital consumer products.  Barbara's unique approach to recruitment and her commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive workplace makes this a...

We’re back at FinTech Connect for this special #OnTour episode of The DEI Discussions! This time Nadia is joined by Sania Kudaibergen, VP of Operations and People at Hokodo. In this episode, Sania delves into specific initiatives at Hokodo, including de-biasing job descriptions and implementing objective criteria in hiring processes. Sania shares insights into the challenges of diverse representation at senior levels and highlights the need for leaders to address their biases.  The pair...

In this podcast episode live from FinTech Connect 2023, Nadia is joined by Yaiza Luengo, Global COO and Financial Services Expert.  A seasoned financial services specialist, Yaiza delves into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the fintech industry. She shares her journey from a scientist to a global COO, highlighting her dedication to gender pay parity and cultural transformation in organizations.  Luengo emphasises the necessity of transparent, systematic...

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is delighted to welcome Susi de Verdelon, Head of SwapClear and Listed Rates at LCH and Marisol Collazo, Managing Director, Global Head of Relationship Management at DTCC. The conversation highlights Women in Financial Markets efforts in breaking biases, empowering women through educational forums, leadership development, and the unique 'Wolfpacks' program.  They emphasise the importance of networking, proactive career management,...

“It’s time to stand up… We need your voices” On this special episode of Fintech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Joanne Dewar, CEO Payments Leader and Diversity Champion, and Kris Foster, Founder of Open Book Disability Awareness. In this episode, Jo and Kris delve into the importance of events like EWPN, highlighting their role in fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the industry. Jo shares her insights into her journey as a diversity advocate, emphasising the...