Live Interview
And why does that matter?
This is how a Mato agent talks. Take the other seat: answer a few and feel it follow the thread.
Podcast charts
Published by Nadia Edwards-Dashti
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
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Emma Hagen, UK CEO of ClearBank, to explore inclusive leadership, workplace culture and the human side of growth. Emma shares how ClearBank has approached scaling while protecting its values, why belonging matters, and how everyday decisions can shape a more inclusive workplace. From supporting people to thrive to keeping culture at the heart of rapid growth, discover why scaling successfully is about more than technology. 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.harringtonstarr.com
Artificial intelligence is transforming finance and payments at an extraordinary pace, but how do we make sure innovation never comes at the expense of people? Recorded live at Money20/20 2026, this special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions sees Nadia joined by Melanie Ockerse , VP Customer Success at Entersekt, Ruta Kairyte , Commercial Director at Tribe Payments, and Nilixa Devlukia , CEO of Payments Solved, for an insightful conversation. Together, they explore why diversity in AI development matters, how bias can unintentionally find its way into financial services, and what organisations must do to build technology that is inclusive, transparent and trustworthy. From fraud prevention and financial accessibility to agentic commerce, consumer consent and the future of regulation, this episode examines the opportunities AI presents alongside the responsibility that comes with deploying it. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Heather Xiao, Founder and Lead at Horizon Zero Ltd, to explore why the future of AI, smart data and open banking depends on putting people first. Heather shares her journey from banking and consulting to founding Horizon Zero, and explains why the biggest challenge facing financial services isn't the technology itself, it's creating the partnerships, trust and shared purpose needed to deliver meaningful outcomes. 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.harringtonstarr.com
What does the future of payments look like, and who is building it? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Sumaiyah Ali Qadri, Founder of Zentra, to discuss payment resilience, intelligent infrastructure and the future of financial services. Drawing on leadership experience at Amazon, Monzo and Barclays, Sumaiyah shares the inspiration behind Zentra, the realities of fundraising as a solo founder, and why empathy, sponsorship and inclusive leadership are essential to building stronger FinTech businesses. A thought-provoking conversation on payments, innovation, leadership and creating a more resilient financial ecosystem. 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.harringtonstarr.com
Can AI improve how we work without losing what makes great leadership human? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Leila Foulon, Gaya Ananda and Violas Xiao for a thought-provoking conversation on the leadership qualities that technology cannot replicate. Recorded live, the discussion explores why empathy, curiosity, trust and psychological safety are becoming even more valuable as AI transforms financial services. The panel shares practical insights on developing future leaders, creating inclusive workplaces where every voice is heard, building diverse teams that drive better decision-making, and why succession planning, sponsorship and recognising individual strengths are critical for long-term success. 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.harringtonstarr.com
What does it really mean to build a fair workplace?In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Rosie Crowley , Director of Transformation, and Rajni Rughwani , Lead Data Analyst at Smart Pension, for a powerful conversation on inclusion, equality and the long-term impact of workplace decisions. Together, they explore the realities of the gender pension gap, why "fair doesn't always mean equal", the role employers play in creating more inclusive workplaces, and how mentorship, representation and education can shape better outcomes for everyone. They also discuss the opportunities and risks AI presents for diversity and inclusion, and why organisations must take conscious steps to ensure technology supports fairness rather than reinforces bias. 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.harringtonstarr.com
What does the future of fintech hiring look like in an AI-driven world? Recorded live at Money20/20, Nadia Edwards-Dashti, joins Igor to discuss how the FinTech talent market has evolved, the impact of AI on recruitment, and why keeping hiring human-centric has never been more important. From the shift in market conditions since the hiring boom of 2021 and 2022 to the growing challenges around talent retention, candidate experience, and developing the next generation of industry leaders, this conversation explores the realities facing employers and professionals across financial technology today. Nadia also shares her concerns around the industry's approach to junior talent, the long-term consequences of prioritising short-term efficiency, and why transferable skills, diversity of thought, and continuous learning will be critical to the future of work. 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.harringtonstarr.com
How can organisations unlock the talent they already have while building more inclusive, future-ready workplaces? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Cia Kouparitsas, CEO at Greenbeam, to explore the power of skills-based hiring, workforce capability data, and why human potential should never be underestimated. From hidden talent and transferable skills to AI, leadership, and gender equity, Cia shares practical insights on how organisations can make better people decisions and create opportunities for individuals to thrive. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Joel Blake OBE, Founder and CEO of GFA Exchange, to explore why inclusion should be viewed as a competitive advantage, not just a moral imperative. From access to finance and inclusive innovation to governance, risk, and resilience, Joel shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and explains how organisations can embed inclusion into every aspect of their business to drive growth, strengthen decision-making, and create lasting impact. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Stacy Litke, VP, Banking Programs at Green Check Verified, for a powerful conversation about purpose, financial inclusion, leadership and creating opportunities for others. Stacy shares her unique career journey through banking, technology and the rapidly evolving cannabis finance sector, explaining how Green Check Verified is helping financial institutions provide compliant banking services to an industry that has historically been excluded from traditional financial services. She discusses why purpose became the driving force behind her career and how she found an organisation where her experience could create a meaningful impact. The conversation also explores Stacy's personal experiences as a woman working in banking and technology, from facing discrimination early in her career to becoming a leader committed to mentoring, championing and promoting other women. She reflects on the importance of succession planning, recognising talent, sharing credit, and building environments where people can thrive. 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.harringtonstarr.com
What happens when people start living to 100, but financial services is still designed for a much shorter life? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Helene Panzarino, experienced FinTech relationship professional, former banker, investment readiness consultant, and business advisor, to explore one of the biggest demographic shifts facing the industry. From pensions and investing to mortgages, credit scoring, and financial inclusion, Helene explains why many financial products are no longer aligned with the realities of modern life, and where the biggest opportunities for innovation lie. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Joanna Akers-Khan, Senior Director, Global Regional Marketing at Feedzai, to explore the power of career pivots, inclusive leadership, and creating meaningful change in financial technology. Jo shares her journey from a small town in Australia to a global leadership role in FinTech, reflecting on how curiosity, transferable skills, and a willingness to embrace new challenges led her into the world of fraud and financial crime prevention. She discusses why fraud prevention has become one of the most important sectors in financial services, the human impact of financial crime, and how technology is helping protect consumers around the world. The conversation also dives into what inclusion really means in practice. From leading Women in Tech initiatives and employee resource groups to championing opportunities for others, Jo explains why inclusion is not about grand gestures but the small, consistent actions that create a ripple effect across organisations. 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.harringtonstarr.com
What does it take to build both the technology infrastructure and the human infrastructure that power modern FinTech? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Srishti Jain-Andreasen, Global Executive for Business Development at RS Software and Country Ambassador for Denmark at EWPN. Together, they explore a career that has spanned cybersecurity, global payments, open banking and international business development across Asia, Europe and North America. Srishti shares her experiences of navigating male-dominated industries, overcoming imposter syndrome, building cultural agility across continents, and learning why diversity is a competitive advantage rather than a challenge to overcome. She also discusses her work launching EWPN Denmark, the importance of male allyship, and why meaningful inclusion requires action from every leader, manager and colleague. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, recorded live at Fin.Tech Marketing Conference 2026, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Kelly Waller, Global VP Field Marketing at Quadient, to explore the role leaders and organisations must play in creating truly inclusive workplaces. Drawing on her experience leading teams across both FinTech and MarTech, Kelly shares why developing people has been a constant thread throughout her career and why inclusion cannot be left to chance. The conversation explores the responsibility marketing teams have to build trust, the importance of bringing your whole self to work, and the growing concern around organisations stepping back from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 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.harringtonstarr.com
Recorded live at the Fin.Tech Marketing Conference 2026, this special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions brings together some of the brightest minds in financial services, technology and marketing to explore the future of inclusion, innovation and leadership in FinTech. Hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, this episode features insights from Conrad Ford (Allica Bank), Monika Kucharska (Quod Financial), Nicole Heringer (Enfuce), Sinead Lanyon (Symphony), Elaine Mullan (Corlytics), Franky Kentish (10x Banking), Rashmi Prabhakar (Temenos), Dalia Nightingale (Vixio) and Professor Iwa Salami (University of East London). Together, they discuss the impact of AI on the future of work, why diversity of thought remains critical for innovation, how leaders can create environments of psychological safety, and whether the famous phrase "culture eats strategy for breakfast" still holds true in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti shares her contributions from the Westminster Business Forum webinar on Women in the Workplace, exploring the implications of the Employment Rights Act 2025 and what it means for women across financial services, fintech, and technology. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in recruitment, Nadia examines the structural challenges that continue to impact women’s careers, from representation and retention to progression and pay equity. 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.harringtonstarr.com
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.harringtonstarr.com
What responsibility does marketing have in building a more inclusive FinTech industry? In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Emma Callaghan, Director of Marketing at KOR, recorded live at the Fin.Tech Marketing Conference 2026 in London. Emma shares her journey from journalism into FinTech marketing, while exploring how marketing teams can drive real change through inclusive branding, accessible content, transparent leadership, and creating workplaces where everyone feels part of the conversation. The discussion also covers the evolving skills needed in FinTech marketing, why employers should hire for attitude and potential, and how simple acts of kindness and inclusion can transform workplace culture. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Marie Weidlich from Open Banking to explore transferable skills, neurodiversity, leadership, innovation, and the future of financial services. From career pivots across fintech and investment management to advocating for inclusion and redefining leadership through impact, Marie shares an honest and thought-provoking perspective on what it means to thrive in an industry constantly shaped by change. The conversation also dives into AI, community-building, adaptability, and why the future of finance will belong to people who can think beyond traditional career boxes. 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.harringtonstarr.com
In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, recorded live at Pay360 2026, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by John SamKubam, CEO for Africa at Crown Agents Bank, for a powerful conversation on leadership, representation and what real inclusion in financial services looks like. From moving to the UK from Cameroon to study law, to building a career across global banking institutions including JP Morgan, HSBC and now Crown Agents Bank, John shares the journey that led him to CEO and the lessons he has learned along the way. 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.harringtonstarr.com
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 20, 2026.
Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Pairs with
Bring this source into Mato to read its transferable patterns, then turn them into an original show for your own audience.