FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr

This week, Nadia is joined by Becky Stark, Head of Talent Acquisition at Partners Capital, for a powerful conversation that challenges traditional hiring models and redefines what inclusion really looks like in 2025. From mental health first aid to neurodiversity in the workplace, Becky shares actionable insights on why values-based hiring matters more than culture fit, how inclusion needs to evol...

In the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia sits down with Sophia Nadri , Financial Services Engineering Manager and Leadership Coach, to explore what it really means to lead inclusively in the tech space. From redefining leadership pathways to fixing environments—not people—Sophia shares her mission to make engineering management more accessible, more human, and more impactful. FinT...

In this special live episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, recorded at The Summit for Wealth Management 2025, Nadia sits down with Delyth Richards, Former Head of Client Strategy at SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank. Together, they explore the uncomfortable truths and overlooked opportunities in our industry's approach to inclusion—highlighting the importance of social mobility, authentic leader...

Asha Patel, Portfolio and Index Sales Trader at Instinet Incorporated, joins Nadia on the latest episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions to share her remarkable journey—from navigating the fallout of Lehman Brothers to building a career rooted in inclusion, growth, and resilience. In this candid conversation, Asha discusses the importance of diverse thinking, why inclusion must go beyond surface-leve...

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia welcomes Kristine Medlar, Author of The FinTech Doctor and FinTech advisor. Together, they explore how to build inclusive and impactful FinTech solutions, the real-world applications of AI in customer experience, and what it takes to turn an idea into a successful, sustainable product. Kristina also shares the story behind her new book, offering...

In this powerful conversation, Pam Kaur , Head of Bank Technology at BankTech Ventures, joins Nadia , to share how she’s redefining the intersection of banking and technology — and why authentic inclusion, empathetic leadership, and community-building aren't just ideals, but business-critical strategies in FinTech. From tackling imposter syndrome to founding a space where women in FinTech fee...

In this powerful conversation, Jenny Hadlow, Chief Operating Officer at Checkout.com, joins Nadia on FinTech’s DEI Discussions to share how she’s building a culture of belonging across a global FinTech. From personally recruiting DEI community leaders to helping deliver 47% female representation in hiring, Jenny is a true example of walking the talk. This episode is packed with actionable insights...

In this inspiring episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Tiffany Johnson, Chief Product Officer at NMI and one of American Banker’s Most Influential Women in FinTech 2024. From launching innovations like Apple Cash and Uber Instant Pay to driving real inclusion through mentorship and advocacy, Tiffany shares her journey and the actionable steps we can all take to create lasting...

This week, Nadia is joined by Louisa Schepers, Head of Marketing at Zodia Custody, for an incredibly honest and thought-provoking conversation about what inclusion really means in the world of FinTech. Louisa shares her journey through tech and digital assets, reflecting on the moments that shaped her perspective and ignited her passion for creating more inclusive environments. She doesn’t shy awa...

In this inspiring live episode, Irina Chuchkina, Chief Growth Officer at Wallet in Telegram, sits down with Nadia to discuss what inclusion really looks like in FinTech. From leading global growth to launching Southeast Asia’s largest mobile wallet, Irina brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective on building inclusive, purpose-driven teams. She shares how real change starts at hom...

Recorded live at Pay360 2025, this powerful episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions welcomes the brilliant Liz Lumley — award-winning journalist, podcaster, keynote speaker, moderator, and all-round FinTech expert. Hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti, this conversation goes beyond the surface to challenge performative DEI, unpack the complexity of payments, and explore what true inclusion really means in...

Recorded live at Pay360 2025, this latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions features a powerful conversation between Helen Owen, VP of Marketing at BR-DGE, and Nadia. Helen shares candid insights into the state of the payments industry, the power of community, and how small, practical actions can create lasting change when it comes to inclusion. From her journey through freelance roles to...

We're excited to share a special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions recorded live at Pay360 2025. Join Nadia as she speaks with an incredible panel of experts discussing the pressing challenges and opportunities in the payments and FinTech space. This episode features insights from Darren Wood, Senior Solutions Consultant at ACI Worldwide, Emily Baum, Volunteer - Workstream Lead at Pro...

In this episode recorded at Pay360 2025, Nadia is joined by Charlotte Bullock, Chief Product Officer at Bank of London, who shares her unconventional career journey—from apprenticeship to CPO—and the pivotal moments, people, and decisions that shaped her path. Charlotte’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent is recognised early and opportunities are made accessible.  FinTech...

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia is joined by Lana Hoffman, Founding Partner and COO at epta-x, for a powerful live conversation recorded at PAY360. Lana shares her incredible journey from humanitarian aid to FinTech, revealing what it really takes to build inclusive, innovative, and sustainable businesses. This episode explores why inclusion is more than a value...

In this powerful conversation, Lorraine Mouat , Partner, Payment Services at Thistle Initiatives , joins Nadia to share her deeply personal and professional journey—highlighting the importance of inclusive career paths, the evolving challenges in the payments space, and what true diversity and equity should actually look like across financial services. From unconventional starts to industry leader...

In this special FinTech’s DEI Discussions episode, Nadia is joined by Nanna Bergmann , General Manager at Moonrise by Lunar , for an honest and empowering conversation on leadership, inclusion, and innovation in financial technology. From building psychological safety in high-growth teams to breaking down barriers in the Nordic payments landscape, Nanna shares practical insights and personal stori...

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussion, Nadia sits down with Elena Treshcheva, Program Manager at ExactPro Systems, to explore the power of transferable skills, AI's role in software testing, and the importance of inclusive leadership in FinTech. This conversation dives deep into Elena’s incredible career pivot—from academia to financial technology—and the lessons she’s learned alon...

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Allison Theunissen , People and Culture Manager at Aveni , joins Nadia for a powerful conversation on creating truly inclusive workplaces.  She shares how businesses can move beyond the tick-box approach to diversity, the importance of retention before recruitment, and why inclusion should be everyone’s responsibility. From fostering belong...

FinTech’s DEI Discussions brings you a special live recording from the Women Defining AI panel, hosted by Nadia. This episode captures an inspiring discussion with Emma Alexander, Founder of Mother Bran, Zahra Shah, AI & Frontier Tech Expert, and Vivian Chan, Board Advisor & NED , as they explore how we can redefine the AI landscape. Recorded live at the Women Defining AI UK launch, this c...

Hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti, this roundtable special brings together Warren Mead (CEO at Sumer), Greg McCaw (Chief People Officer at BKL), Alexander Mark Deakin-Mckay (Marketing Director at Xeinadin), and Julie McKittrick (Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Sumer) to explore how accountancy is evolving through technology—and why DEI must be at the heart of that transformation. This is an ho...

Is inclusivity genuinely at the heart of your FinTech business leadership? Here’s how to know: In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , host Nadia sits down with Mia Patel, CEO and Owner of Moola Pay, to discuss the importance of inclusivity, breaking barriers in FinTech, and the power of leadership driven by empathy. Mia shares her inspiring journey from door-knocking in the paym...

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Joanne Wensley, Engineering VP at Smarsh, to discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in the FinTech industry. Joanne shares her incredible career journey and the four pillars of great leadership: vision, communication, integrity, and empathy. Together, they explore how FinTech can move beyond quotas and truly cultivate a...

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 im...

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 gene...