FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr

Epizódok

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  Why the Best Workplaces Never Stop Learning | Carine Cohuet, Head of HR at Covantis 22.09.2026 28p

  In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Carine Cohuet, Head of HR at Covantis, to explore the people strategy behind a fast-moving technology business. Carine shares why continuous learning is essential for both individual development and business success, how Covantis gives employees greater ownership of their growth, and why standing still in an age of AI and rapid technological change can mean falling behind. They also explore how Covantis has built ...
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  Recognising and Challenging Workplace Bias | Shannon Nutter, board member, financial services executive, and co-author of Walking on Broken Glass. 11.09.2026 30p

  In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Shannon Nutter, board member, financial services executive and co-author of Walking on Broken Glass, for a powerful conversation about the realities women continue to face in the workplace. Shannon explores the bias and double standards that can shape women’s careers, from being labelled as “too much” or “too little” to workplace “takedowns” that can leave successful individuals isolated and questioning their own achievements. T...
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  Why Every Voice at Work Matters | Lisa Loud, Head of Product at Ubuntu Tribe 10.09.2026 17p

  In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Lisa Loud, Head of Product at Ubuntu Tribe, to explore why listening, belonging and meaningful contribution are so important to genuine inclusion. Lisa shares her journey across technology and blockchain, the challenges she has faced throughout her career, and why creating workplaces where every voice is heard matters. The conversation also explores financial inclusion, representation and the potential for technology to create g...
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  Why Psychological Safety Is Essential for Innovation | Michelle Wright, FinTech Chief Product Officer 01.09.2026 20p

  In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Michelle Wright, FinTech Chief Product Officer, to explore the intersection of product, commercial thinking and inclusion. Michelle shares her experience of being the different voice in the room, why women can struggle to communicate their own value, and how she has reframed self-promotion around demonstrating expertise rather than simply listing achievements. They also discuss diversity of thought, psychological safety, mentori...
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  Can FinTech Open the Global Economy to Everyone? | Fereshteh Forough, Founder and Executive Director of Code to Inspire 25.08.2026 15p

  In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Fereshteh Forough, Founder and Executive Director of Code to Inspire, to explore what inclusion really means when access to education, technology and financial systems is not guaranteed. Fereshteh shares her journey from growing up as an Afghan refugee to founding Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women, and discusses how technology can create pathways to education, economic independence and financial freedom.&nbsp...
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  The Leadership Blind Spot Holding Back Great Talent | Christina Di Nolfo, CEO of Collection Pot 18.08.2026 17p

  What does it really take to build an inclusive workplace where different perspectives are heard, potential is recognised, and people feel safe enough to challenge the status quo? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Christina Di Nolfo, CEO of Collection Pot, to explore why diversity should be viewed as a commercial advantage, not simply a moral obligation. Christina shares lessons from more than 30 years across technology, financial services and global bu...
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  The Hidden Career Currency That Shapes Who Gets Ahead in Financial Services | Janet Pope, DCMS Audit & Risk Chair. Chair CAF Bank. RemCo Chair, Environment & Social Purpose Chair at Yorkshire Building Society 11.08.2026 28p

  What does it really take to turn inclusion from good intentions into meaningful change? In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Janet Pope, DCMS Audit & Risk Chair, Chair of CAF Bank, RemCo Chair and Environment & Social Purpose Chair at Yorkshire Building Society, and StepChange Trustee. Drawing on her extensive leadership career, Janet explores why creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than policies. She shares the power of sponsor...
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  How Do You Scale Without Losing Your Culture? | Emma Hagan, UK Chief Executive Officer at ClearBank 28.07.2026 17p

  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. FinTe...
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  EWPN The New Frontier: Human Centric AI in the Future of Finance and Payments | Melanie Ockerse, Ruta Kairyte and Nilixa Devlukia 23.07.2026 32p

  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 A...
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  Why Smart Data Needs a Human Purpose | Heather Xiao, Founder and Lead at Horizon Zero Ltd 21.07.2026 13p

  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 ou...
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  Building a More Resilient Future for Payments | Sumaiyah Ali Qadri, Founder at Zentra 16.07.2026 21p

  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...
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  Human Centric Leadership: The Superpower AI Cannot Replace | Leila Foulon, Gaya Ananda, Violas Xiao 14.07.2026 33p

  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 develop...
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  The Hidden Cost of Inequality in Financial Services | Rosie Crowley and Rajni Rughwani from Smart Pension 09.07.2026 25p

  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 ment...
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  The Future of FinTech Hiring Is Still Human | Nadia at Money 20/20 Speaking with FinTech Garden 07.07.2026 6p

  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...
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  The Talent Hidden in Plain Sight | Cia Kouparitsas, CEO at Greenbeam 02.07.2026 14p

  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...
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  How Inclusive Innovation Creates Better FinTech Businesses | Joel Blake, Founder and CEO of GFA Exchange 30.06.2026 20p

  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-maki...
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  The Power of Purpose in Financial Services | Stacy Litke, VP, Banking Programs at Green Check Verified 25.06.2026 13p

  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 ha...
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  The 100-Year Life Is Reshaping Financial Services | Helene Panzarino,  experienced FinTech relationship professional, former banker, investment readiness consultant, and business advisor 23.06.2026 23p

  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 w...
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  How to Pivot Your Career and Thrive in FinTech | Joanna Akers-Khan, Senior Director, Global Regional Marketing at Feedzai 18.06.2026 27p

  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 fin...
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  Building the Human Infrastructure Behind FinTech | Srishti Jain Andreasen, Global Executive for Business Development at RS Software and Country Ambassador for Denmark for EWPN 16.06.2026 18p

  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. Sr...