Leaders In Payments

In this revealing conversation with Conn Byrne, Executive Director of Integrated Payments at Payroc, we uncover the secret sauce behind their remarkably successful ISV program. Having fallen into payments during a six-week temporary position that turned into a 14-year career, Byrne brings a wealth of experience from his journey with WorldNet (acquired by Payroc in 2022) to his current role leading integrated partnerships. His perspective reveals why payment integrations fail when they focus solely on revenue shares rather than comprehensive support. "My team is pretty wide at this stage," Byrne explains, describing how Payroc surrounds partners with experienced business development resources, highly skilled sales engineers, integration engineers, and their newest differentiator - a dedicated go-to-market team. This collaborative, high-touch approach means partners never wonder where to turn when challenges arise or opportunities emerge. The conversation explores how Payroc has built a truly omnichannel solution supporting over 50 payment terminals alongside comprehensive card-not-present options. Byrne illustrates this advantage through compelling examples like car wash operations, where a single integration handles everything from license plate recognition with tokenized payments to unattended terminals, mobile POS, and subscription billing. Looking forward, Payroc continues expanding its capabilities through their cloud integration method (allowing implementation in under a week), enhanced API suite, and expanded hardware support - particularly for Android devices and unattended solutions. The company's flexible partnership models create multiple entry points for ISVs at different growth stages. The most telling insight? When Payroc recently gathered their largest partners for an advisory council, the recurring themes weren't about technology or pricing - they were about trust, flexibility, and the journey they'd shared together. Some partners who began with small referrals 7-10 years ago have grown alongside Payroc into sophisticated payment operations.

Our Modern Finance series continues with episode three, featuring Steve Buchberger and Heather Dawood from Deluxe. We explored why more than 80% of businesses are still managing accounts payable manually — and the insights may surprise you. The pair explain how today's finance professionals are caught in a challenging paradox: highly skilled individuals spending countless hours on manual tasks, serving as the frontline against fraud while having little time to implement strategic improvements. This has created peculiar workplace phenomena like "CFO Tuesdays," where executives come into the office specifically to manually process ACH payments – a clear misuse of talent and time. Beyond the inefficiencies, we explore the very real risks these outdated methods create. From human error and payment delays to check fraud and the burden of managing sensitive banking information, these challenges affect both operational efficiency and vendor relationships. As Heather pointedly observes, "Financial fraud was a white collar crime. Now it's an everyone crime." The conversation takes an encouraging turn as we unpack Deluxe's innovative approach to AP automation. Their solutions integrate directly with businesses' ERP systems to simplify payment processes regardless of method, while their recent acquisition of CheckMatch from Kinexys by J.P. Morgan creates a more secure digital alternative to mailing checks. Perhaps most compelling is how these improvements translate into stronger vendor relationships – offering payment choice, ensuring timely delivery, and providing transparency transforms the payment process from a potential friction point into a relationship-building opportunity. What stands out most is how Deluxe reframes AP from an operational burden into a strategic advantage. By delivering secure, streamlined processes and giving vendors more choice and transparency, automation transforms payments into a foundation for stronger, more trusting business relationships.

In the first episode of our three-part series with Payroc, Powering Payments Together: How Payroc Helps ISVs Scale Smarter, I sit down with Payroc President Adam Oberman to explore the shifting landscape of integrated payments. Once seen as a simple feature, payments have now become the financial backbone of successful software companies. Adam explains why the relationship between ISVs and their payment partners has never been more strategic. The most successful software providers now generate 20–40% of their revenue through payments, making it a critical driver of both growth and valuation. As he puts it, “ISVs don’t outgrow payments - they outgrow their payment partners.” We discuss how market expectations have evolved dramatically. ISVs are demanding global payment capabilities from day one - multi-currency processing, cross-border compliance, and frictionless user experiences are now table stakes. At the same time, the integration process itself has shifted toward low-code solutions that enable faster deployment without sacrificing functionality. What stands out most in Adam’s perspective is the human element of payments. Clean APIs may get an integration live, but it’s strategic guidance, problem-solving, and white-glove support that build long-term partnerships. “People do business with people,” Adam emphasizes, highlighting why technical capability must always be paired with trust and service. Looking ahead to 2026, Adam predicts payments will no longer be viewed as a utility but as a core competitive advantage. Companies that fail to prioritize their payment strategy risk falling behind more agile competitors not just in features, but in valuation and market position. Whether you’re an established ISV or just beginning to explore embedded payments, this episode offers essential insights into selecting a partner who can scale with you, adapt to change, and deliver value far beyond transaction processing.

What happens when you give ambitious entrepreneurs around the world the financial tools previously reserved for multinational corporations? John Caplan, CEO of Payoneer, reveals the transformative impact of enabling truly global commerce for small businesses on this episode of the Leaders in Payments Podcast. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Payoneer serves as a "foreign bank alternative" for 2 million active customers in virtually every country worldwide. With $80 billion in payment volume flowing through their platform annually and $7 billion in customer funds held in balance, Payoneer has established itself as a trusted financial partner for global entrepreneurs. Caplan explains how their multi-currency accounts and payment solutions help businesses receive international payments and manage global operations without the delays and excessive fees of traditional banking. The diversity of Payoneer's customer base highlights the universal need for better cross-border financial services. From goods exporters in China selling on Amazon to business process outsourcers in the Philippines, software developers in Argentina, and marketing firms in Dubai – Payoneer empowers businesses across sectors to participate in the global economy. Caplan's own journey to Payoneer reflects the value of fresh perspectives in payments. With an entrepreneurial background spanning Arizona Iced Tea, Starbucks, Ford Models, and transforming Alibaba.com from $800M to $3.5B in revenue, he brings cross-industry experience to financial services. He emphasizes that payments should evolve beyond mere "pipes and plumbing" to become truly value-accretive services, and encourages career-switchers to question industry conventions with persistent "why" questions that drive innovation. Looking ahead, Payoneer is expanding further into B2B payments, exploring stablecoins and blockchain for treasury operations, and developing workforce management tools – all aimed at making global business operations seamless for ambitious entrepreneurs. For listeners interested in financial innovation that empowers global commerce, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is democratizing access to the world economy.

Jonathan O'Connor brings a unique global perspective to the payments landscape as Division President of Third-Party Payments at Synovus, the oldest bank in Georgia. His journey from Dublin, Ireland to becoming a key player in Atlanta's "Transaction Alley" reveals how traditional banking and cutting-edge fintech can create powerful synergies. At Synovus, community remains the cornerstone of their approach. With $61 billion in assets, 244 branches, and nearly 5,000 employees, the bank has built its reputation on exceptional customer service and deep community engagement. O'Connor leads three key divisions: merchant services supporting bank customers, a sponsorship bank division enabling ISOs and fintechs to process card transactions, and a Money as a Service operation. What truly sets them apart is their consultative approach - they don't just provide payment processing but help businesses leverage payment data for growth while protecting against fraud. O'Connor's wealth of global payment experience shines throughout the conversation. From conducting Y2K reviews across Africa to witnessing the birth of e-commerce with early versions of now-giants like Adyen, his career spans continents and transformative industry shifts. Now firmly established in Atlanta's fintech ecosystem as Vice Chairman of Fintech Atlanta, he's passionate about positioning Synovus at the heart of "Transaction Alley" where 70% of global payments flow through. His enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of payment professionals is evident as he shares his work with UGA students launching their own payment company. His advice resonates for anyone in the industry: "Be passionate but link passion with purpose. Be curious, embrace change, build your brand, and play in traffic." Looking ahead, O'Connor sees transformative changes on the horizon with agentive AI, stablecoins, and blockchain reshaping how payments function - though he cautions that technology continues outpacing regulation. Discover how Synovus is bridging traditional banking with payment innovation and why Jonathan believes we're on the cusp of the most significant transformation the industry has ever seen.

Jared Ronski, Co-founder and President of Payarc, takes us behind the scenes of how modern payment technology is empowering independent sales agents and merchants alike. The conversation reveals Payarc's unique approach to partner relationships, where "growth through alignment" isn't just a catchy phrase but a business philosophy that has kept agents loyal since the company's earliest days. At a time when margins are under pressure and regulations constantly shift, Payarc has doubled down on relationship equity, transparency, and technological innovation. The spotlight shines on Payarc's groundbreaking PIE AI pricing advisor, a tool that transforms the traditionally time-consuming process of statement analysis into a streamlined, self-service experience. "It's like having a seasoned sales coach whispering in your ear during merchant conversations," Ronski explains. This AI-powered assistant helps agents confidently navigate complex pricing structures, even in challenging verticals like microtransactions where interchange economics can quickly erode profits if mishandled. What truly sets Payarc apart is their approach to agent relationships – treating them "like enterprise customers" with dedicated support teams, shared dashboards showing real-time data, and proactive risk monitoring that spots potential issues before they affect merchant processing. While some industry voices have long predicted the decline of the agent model, Ronski sees the opposite trend, with Payarc signing new agents daily and creating pathways for them to thrive in evolving markets. Listen now to discover how Payarc is turning payment complexity into opportunity and building lasting partnerships one transaction at a time.

Pat Moye, Executive Director of Product Innovation at Deluxe, unveils the surprising reality of accounts receivable departments still trapped in manual processes despite technological advances elsewhere in business. As he aptly points out, AR professionals often describe themselves as "cash detectives," spending valuable time hunting down payment information across disconnected systems - a critical bottleneck in business cash flow. The heart of modern AR transformation isn't flashy AI algorithms but rather solid data foundations. Pat emphasizes that payment information typically exists across multiple fragmented systems: "The data from ACH and wire payments is with the bank. The data from lockbox payments is with a company like Deluxe. The data about open invoices is in their ERP." This fragmentation creates significant challenges when attempting to implement automation, as these disparate data sources must first be unified and standardized. Organizations seeking to modernize their AR operations should resist the temptation to overhaul everything at once. Instead, Pat advocates for an agile approach that tackles specific pain points incrementally: "Don't think about making these big swings. Think about the incremental gains you can have by just changing some pieces of the puzzle." This methodical journey begins with consolidating basic payment data sources before expanding to incorporate unstructured data and advanced analytics - allowing teams to transform from operational cost centers into strategic business partners. Discover how Deluxe has evolved beyond its 110-year history as "the check company" to become a comprehensive payment and data solutions provider, helping businesses eliminate AR friction points and accelerate cash flow. Whether you're just beginning your automation journey or looking to enhance existing capabilities, this episode offers practical insights for finance leaders ready to transform their receivables operations.

Zac Schneiderman shares a deeply personal journey from political science student to VP of ISV at Payarc, where he's become a driving force behind the company's innovative approach to payment integration for software platforms. What does it take to build successful partnerships in the fast-evolving payments ecosystem? For Schneiderman, it begins with understanding what software companies truly need: feature-rich payment solutions that deliver reliability, flexible pricing models, and exceptional support. "Speed to revenue is the name of the game," he explains, detailing how Payarc's approach combines cutting-edge technology with human expertise to activate partners quickly. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the integration process – often the make-or-break moment for ISV partnerships. Schneiderman estimates a third of signed contracts fall apart during integration, which is why Payarc invests heavily in dedicated sales engineers, weekly check-ins, and robust sandbox environments. Their proprietary AI tool, PIE AI, represents the next frontier, helping debug code and streamline developer experiences. Looking toward the future, Schneiderman predicts a significant "decoupling of SaaS and payments" as technology evolves at breakneck speed. Software companies will increasingly rely on specialized payment partners rather than building in-house payment departments. Meanwhile, AI applications continue expanding beyond integration support to include lead generation, external developer tools, and merchant conversion campaigns.

Ever wonder what it takes to transform a basement startup into a global payments powerhouse processing over a quarter trillion dollars annually? In this fascinating conversation, Taylor Lauber, CEO of Shift4, reveals the remarkable journey that's taken the company from a small payment processor to an innovative force reimagining commerce across 75 countries worldwide. Taylor's own path to leadership wasn't straightforward. After beginning his career at Merrill Lynch and Blackstone, he initially resisted joining Shift4 despite his teenage connection to founder Jared Isaacman. His skepticism about the sustainability of the payments business model eventually gave way when he recognized that Shift4 wasn't just riding a fintech wave but actively creating their future through strategic innovation and problem-solving. "This was not luck," Taylor explains. "This is a team that can identify opportunities and manufacture success." What sets Shift4 apart in the crowded payments landscape? According to Taylor, it starts with humility – "If we stand still, we will not survive" – coupled with the ambition to tackle problems others avoid. Unlike competitors who choose a single strategy, Shift4 employs a three-pronged approach: building proprietary solutions when necessary, acquiring strategic assets that shouldn't be standalone features, and partnering intelligently where ownership might alienate collaborators. This flexibility has allowed them to serve diverse markets from single-location restaurants to massive enterprises like casinos and stadiums. Taylor offers particularly valuable insights about global expansion opportunities. While integrated payments have reached relative maturity in the United States, international markets remain in the "early innings," with payment experiences often resembling those in the U.S. from 15-20 years ago. This represents an enormous opportunity for companies that can adapt proven solutions to new cultural contexts. Listen now to discover how Shift4 balances innovation with execution, and how Taylor maintains his own equilibrium between leading a global enterprise and preserving sacred family time around the dinner table.

Stepping into the world of small business banking requires a fresh perspective, and that's exactly what Eyal Lifshitz brought when he founded Bluevine twelve years ago. Having watched his father run a physical therapy practice, Eyal witnessed firsthand the financial challenges small business owners face daily. Today, as Bluevine's CEO, he's transformed that understanding into a revolutionary banking platform serving over 750,000 small businesses across America. Traditional banking has long overlooked the unique needs of businesses generating less than $5 million in annual revenue. These companies represent half of the U.S. GDP and typically operate without finance departments, leaving owners to handle everything from payroll to invoicing themselves. Bluevine's solution? A comprehensive financial operating system that brings checking accounts, credit products, accounts payable, and receivable management together in one digital platform. What makes Bluevine truly stand out is its branchless, digital-first approach. While most banks still require small business owners to visit physical locations weekly, Bluevine delivers a fully online experience with no monthly fees and competitive yields on deposits. This approach resonates particularly with younger entrepreneurs who expect the same digital convenience in business that they enjoy in personal banking. Looking ahead, Eyal sees several transformative trends reshaping small business finance: accelerating adoption of digital-first banking, demand for real-time payment capabilities across all rails, and integration of AI-powered financial guidance. Listen to Eyal's full interview for insights on breaking free from traditional banking limitations and embracing the future of small business finance.

We’re proud to kick off our four-part Modern Finance series with a conversation with Deluxe's Yogs Jayaprakasam, SVP, Chief Technology & Digital Officer. AI isn't just changing treasury - it's completely reimagining how financial teams operate, transforming them from back-office functions into strategic business advisors. Yogs Jayaprakasam reveals how treasury departments are leveraging artificial intelligence to solve age-old challenges in revolutionary ways. While treasury has always focused on managing liquidity, cash flow, risk, and compliance, today's AI-powered tools are eliminating manual workloads and enabling real-time, data-driven decision making that wasn't possible before. The impact is already measurable. Document extraction accuracy has jumped from 65% to 95% using AI agents, dramatically reducing the need for manual matching and reconciliation. This frees treasury professionals to focus on strategic questions: What's driving cash flow delays? Why are dispute rates increasing? How can we optimize working capital? Real-world implementations at companies like McNaughton McKay demonstrate how these technologies improve not just receivables functionality but credit management as well. What makes today's AI revolution different from previous technological advances? As Yogs explains, "AI is moving at a speed I haven't seen before in my 25+ year career." The convergence of big data, cloud computing, and specialized hardware has created perfect conditions for transformative change. Yet the fundamentals remain constant - treasury's core problems haven't changed, but how we solve them has. For treasury leaders looking to navigate this transformation, Yogs recommends his "3×3" talent development framework, tailoring AI skills development across both proficiency levels and career stages. The message is clear: AI is here to stay, and the organizations that thrive will be those that embrace these technologies while maintaining unwavering focus on solving their customers' financial challenges. To learn more visit: https://www.deluxe.com/receivables-management/cash-application/

What happens when you combine lightning-fast payments with sophisticated identity verification? James Neville, CEO of Yaspa, reveals how his company is transforming financial transactions by connecting these two critical elements. Yaspa stands at the cutting edge of real-time payment processing, offering the fastest account-to-account transfers across Europe with expansion plans for the US market. But speed is just one part of their innovation. The company's true differentiator lies in how they package these payments with bank-based identity verification and financial health assessment using proprietary machine learning algorithms creating a comprehensive solution especially valuable for regulated industries. The gambling sector has become a particular focus, where Yaspa works closely with regulators to establish affordability standards and identify markers of potential gambling addiction. This approach represents a fundamental shift in how payment companies view their responsibilities: not just moving money, but ensuring transactions are appropriate and safe for all parties involved. With a recent $12 million funding round from Disruptive Capital, Yaspa is establishing an Atlanta office, strategically positioning themselves in one of America's payment technology hubs. Neville sees significant opportunity to shape the US regulated gaming market while it's still in its relative infancy, bringing lessons learned from Europe's more mature regulatory environment. Looking toward the future, Neville offers fascinating insights on everything from stable coins and central bank digital currencies to the potential (and limitations) of agentic AI in payment flows. He challenges conventional wisdom about account-to-account payments at point-of-sale, highlighting how consumer habits and technical constraints create barriers that many industry observers overlook. Tune in to discover how payments and identity verification are converging to create safer, faster, more intelligent financial ecosystems.

From her journey through marketing roles at large payments companies to building out the marketing function at Paysafe, Alisa Barber, CMO reveals the continuous learning and adaptation required to thrive in the rapidly evolving payments landscape. Her leadership philosophy centers on providing clear direction while creating space for team members to shine, emphasizing that growth comes not from singular defining moments but from getting better every day: "What we did yesterday is not good enough for tomorrow." Women bring unique strengths to payments, Barber explains, particularly empathy and a deeper understanding of consumer experiences. This perspective is invaluable when designing products and building systems, especially considering women make many household financial decisions yet are underrepresented in the industry. Their collaborative leadership style becomes increasingly crucial as artificial intelligence transforms payments – a change Barber predicts will be "as big as the internet was." The conversation explores mentorship's vital role in career development, with Barber noting that while most of her mentors were men, she now prioritizes mentoring women to provide the guidance she lacked early on. Her practical advice for aspiring payment professionals? Embrace change, speak up, view challenges as opportunities, and invest in relationships – because in an AI-driven world, human skills will differentiate the truly successful leaders. Whether you're a seasoned payments veteran or considering entering this dynamic industry, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating leadership with authenticity, building inclusive teams, and preparing for the technological transformation reshaping our financial landscape.

“This episode contains explicit language and may not be suitable for all audiences.” The journey from developer to co-CEO of a global payments provider isn't for the faint of heart. Monika Liikamaa knows this firsthand. As the co-founder of Enfuce, she's built a company that processes cards for 24 million cardholders worldwide, pioneering cloud-native solutions when the industry thought it impossible. Monika's story begins in northern Sweden, where Finnish parents raised a future engineer who would transform multiple industries. After cutting her teeth in telco during Finland's Nokia boom and subsequent crash, she found herself building a bank from scratch as a consultant. This experience sparked a revelation – she was a builder at heart, drawn to challenges others deemed too difficult. When offered the chance to create a financial institution capable of handling three countries, three currencies, two time zones and revolving credit, she couldn't resist. What makes Monika's leadership philosophy stand out is its refreshing directness. "Openness, honesty and trust," she explains, form the bedrock of effective leadership. She advocates for diversity not as a checkbox exercise but as a competitive advantage. With approximately 50% male and female employees representing over 20 nationalities, Enfuce harnesses diverse perspectives to create more effective payment solutions. This approach acknowledges a simple reality in payment design: women make the majority of household payment decisions, yet have historically been underrepresented in designing those very systems. Perhaps most revealing is Monika's response to crisis. When UNICEF needed relief cards for Ukrainian refugees, her team delivered in days what normally takes months. This experience crystallized what drives her – solving meaningful problems that make a tangible difference in people's lives. It's the same spirit behind the "Fortitude Pledge" she launched, challenging payment industry players to combat human trafficking and financial crime. For those looking to enter the payments industry, Monica offers practical wisdom: understand problems deeply, gain perspective from different sides of the table, and remember that no company has been built exactly like yours before.

Redefining leadership requires authenticity, cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to embrace non-linear career paths. Kari Wilhelm, SVP of Data Strategy and Commercialization at Worldpay, embodies these principles as she navigates the complex intersection of payments technology and data innovation. In this fascinating conversation, Kari reveals how her unconventional journey from economic research in Hong Kong to management consulting at McKinsey ultimately led her to the payments industry. Rather than viewing her diverse background as a limitation, she's leveraged these varied experiences as strategic assets that provide unique perspectives on complex business challenges. As she notes, "I've really experienced that kind of non-linearity as more of a strength rather than a setback." Kari offers profound insights on modern leadership, emphasizing the importance of building inclusive team cultures, setting clear expectations, and providing the necessary tools for success. She highlights how the pandemic has transformed leadership dynamics, creating new challenges for maintaining collaborative environments across dispersed teams. Her practical solutions for adapting leadership approaches in virtual settings demonstrate her thoughtful, pragmatic approach to team management. The conversation explores the unique strengths women bring to payments leadership, particularly their ability to work cross-functionally and build consensus across stakeholders. Kari observes that women often excel at listening deeply to understand underlying needs rather than just surface requests, allowing them to craft solutions that address fundamental issues and build alignment across diverse groups. As leader of Worldpay's data strategy initiatives, Kari provides fascinating glimpses into how AI and data analytics are transforming the payments landscape. Her current focus on leveraging Worldpay's vast transaction data to provide merchant insights represents the cutting edge of payments innovation, with potential to reshape how consumers discover and purchase products. Whether you're a payments veteran, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about the human elements that drive technological innovation, Kari's perspective offers valuable guidance on navigating today's complex business environment with authenticity and purpose.

The payments landscape is undergoing dramatic transformation, demanding new approaches to leadership and innovation. Karen Xu, Chief Financial Officer for North America at Ingenico, brings a fresh perspective on navigating this evolution while balancing personal and professional priorities. Growing up in Shanghai's French Concession sparked Karen's curiosity to explore the world, eventually leading her to America with a full scholarship to Emory University. After building expertise at consulting powerhouses and industrial giants like GE and Honeywell, Karen made the pivotal transition to Ingenico seeking greater impact in a private equity-backed environment. Within months of joining, she transformed the North American region into the company's top performer across all financial metrics. Karen shares a defining moment when her first-grade son wished for "mommy to be happier," prompting her career pivot from a demanding global CFO role requiring 70-hour workweeks to her current position. This recalibration allowed her to maintain leadership impact while reclaiming family time - a decision she reflects on with satisfaction rather than regret. The conversation explores why payments is more welcoming to women than traditional manufacturing sectors, and why this matters when women influence 70-80% of payment decisions. Karen believes women's natural empathy, collaborative approach, and diverse perspectives drive innovation essential for the industry's future. For emerging professionals, Karen offers wisdom gained from mentors who shaped her approach to leadership: "bloom where you are planted" and develop the ability to see what others cannot. The most successful payment solutions will combine trust, ease of use, and scalability - with women leaders positioned to excel by staying close to customer needs and leveraging data insights.

Aglika Dotcheva's journey from organizing student strikes in post-communist Bulgaria to becoming CFO of Riskified is a masterclass in resilience and adaptive leadership. With just $3,000 in her pocket and dreams of a better future, Agi arrived in New York, eventually studying at Columbia University before finding her path in fintech. What makes Agi's story particularly compelling is how she transformed setbacks into stepping stones. When her investment banking offer disappeared during an economic downturn, she pivoted to a tech company project that unexpectedly revealed her passion for the intersection of finance and technology. Nearly a decade ago, she joined Riskified as their first finance hire, building their financial infrastructure from scratch and guiding them through multiple funding rounds to a successful IPO in 2021 – remarkably accomplished during the height of the COVID pandemic. Throughout our conversation, Agi shares profound insights on modern leadership, emphasizing that while strategic vision remains essential, adaptability has become increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing business landscape. "Effective leaders must be able to adapt their strategies and remain flexible," she notes, reflecting on how Riskified has navigated various growth cycles. She also highlights the unique strengths women bring to the payments industry, including heightened resilience from overcoming biases, greater empathy, and superior collaborative skills – all vital for innovation in tech environments. For those aspiring to leadership in finance or fintech, Agi offers golden advice: don't be just a "numbers person." She emphasizes that true strategic leadership comes from understanding the business fundamentally, maintaining a continuous learning mindset, and – perhaps most importantly – viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. As she beautifully summarizes: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Listen now to discover how this philosophy has shaped one of the most dynamic leaders in fraud prevention technology.

What happens when bold career moves and authentic leadership philosophy unite? Just ask Outhay Lovan, Chief People Strategy Officer at VizyPay, who transformed from LinkedIn observer to executive leader by taking an unconventional path that started with "stalking" the company online. In this captivating conversation for Women Leaders in Payments month, Outhay reveals her remarkable journey from human resources management into the payments industry. Born in Laos with parents from Laos and Thailand, and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, her story exemplifies how strategic networking and stepping outside comfort zones create unexpected opportunities. After watching VizyPay's culture unfold on social media for months, she attended their office opening, boldly introduced herself to leadership, and ultimately created her own executive path. Outhay's leadership philosophy centers on a delicate balance that many strive for but few master: combining flexibility and empathy with clear accountability. "I want to be a leader that I would want," she explains, having experienced her share of ineffective management throughout her career. This authenticity has helped build VizyPay's standout culture in the payments space. She particularly highlights empathy as women's critical contribution to the industry, enabling stronger relationships and innovative thinking. The conversation explores how payment technologies are evolving, with Outhay noting the generational divide between her occasional check-writing and her children's fully digital payment habits. She stays innovative through industry networking groups and advises upcoming women leaders to "be bold, be curious" while advocating for themselves: "No one's going to fight harder for you to succeed than yourself." Listen now to discover how empathy-driven leadership and strategic boldness can transform both organizations and careers in the rapidly evolving payments landscape.

From humble beginnings as a mathematics student in India to overseeing Citi's payments operations across 94 countries, Debopama Sen's 29-year journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring leaders. Her perspective on leadership is refreshingly practical: find the signal amidst the noise, articulate a clear strategic vision, and focus on helping your team excel. "It shouldn't be about the leader," she emphasizes, noting that in today's AI-driven landscape, the competitive edge comes from developing adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration rather than just accumulating knowledge. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Debo discusses the inevitable shift toward real-time, 24/7/365 payment systems. This isn't merely a trend but a fundamental transformation that businesses must embrace to remain competitive. As she points out, even if your current business model doesn't demand instantaneous transactions, your customers, suppliers, or partners will eventually pull you in that direction. Citi has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolution with innovations like real-time liquidity solutions and 24/7 dollar clearing. Perhaps most inspiringly, Debo shares wisdom on mentorship and using your voice as a female leader. "You have a voice and therefore you have a responsibility to use it," she advises younger women in the industry. She encourages professionals to proactively seek mentors beyond formal corporate programs, noting that most leaders are eager to give back. Her collaborative approach to leadership - viewing partnerships between traditional institutions and Fintechs as opportunities where "one plus one makes five" - exemplifies how diverse leadership styles can drive innovation in payments. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about redefining leadership through influence, impact, and innovation in the evolving payments landscape.

"The ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities is on a different level with working mothers," observes Lena Hackelöer, CEO and founder of Brite Payments, during our illuminating Women Leaders in Payments episode. Five years after launching her company focused on account-to-account payments in Europe, Lena brings fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation, and diversity in the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape. Having cut her teeth at Klarna during its early growth stages, Lena's journey from marketing professional to FinTech founder offers a blueprint for aspiring women leaders. She challenges the notion that technical backgrounds are prerequisites for success in payments: "Don't shy away from the challenge just because you don't have a technical background. That's a really common misconception." Instead, she advocates gaining comprehensive understanding of business operations across departments, creating value through perspective rather than siloed expertise. What truly sets European payments apart right now? Lena highlights the game-changing instant payment regulation enabling 10-second transfers across the entire Eurozone. This cross-border capability is transforming how merchants and consumers interact with money, positioning account-to-account transfers as a formidable alternative to traditional card processing. With Brite Payments now operating across 27 European markets, Lena's insights into the region's payment transformation arrive at a pivotal moment. Her leadership philosophy balances high performance expectations with collaborative support - rejecting both the command-and-control approach and the ultra-consensus models that can slow innovation. This middle path creates space for diverse voices while maintaining the decisive momentum essential in FinTech. For women navigating this dynamic industry, Lena's structured mentorship approach, including strategically pairing board members with executives for built-in guidance, offers a replicable model for nurturing talent. Listen now for practical wisdom from a leader who's building the future of payments from the ground up.