Operate Podcast

Carey Ransom
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Operate Podcast Podcast

A behind-the-scenes look at company building from the perspective of builders themselves - this is how we operate! With host Carey Ransom.

  1. 5 SEPT

    Fintech Lending Legend: History & Future - Peter Renton, Founder and CEO of Renton & Co

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of fintech P2P and marketplace lending with Peter Renton, one of its pioneers. Peter shared his extensive background, starting from his early days as a self-directed investor to founding key fintech companies like Lend Academy and LendIt, which later became Fintech Nexus. We discussed his journey into peer-to-peer lending and its evolution as institutional investors entered the space. The conversation spans the rise of fintech innovation, the challenges of scaling peer-to-peer platforms, and the role of community banks in the future of financial services. Peter recounted the bubble in the fintech lending space around 2015 and how the industry adapted following the Lending Club debacle in 2016. He also shared his advice for fintech founders, emphasizing the importance of diversification in funding sources and customer acquisition strategies.  We delved into notable companies like Upstart and their pivots in the fintech landscape. Additionally, Peter reflected on the transition from LendIt to FinTech Nexus to encompass a broader range of fintech innovations for their content and events. We touched on the increasing interest of banks in fintech events from 2016 onwards and the changing landscape post-pandemic. Peter discussed emerging trends in fintech, such as embedded lending, mobile wallets, and new payment rails. He highlighted the necessity for community banks to adopt technology and attract younger customers. Lastly, Peter introduced his new consulting venture, Renton & Co, aimed at guiding fintech companies through content strategy, marketing, and market analysis. Enjoy this comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of fintech.   CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Preview  00:34 Intro 00:47 Sponsor 01:19 Meet Peter Renton: A Fintech Pioneer 02:50 Peter's Early Fascination with Finance 04:04 Discovering Peer-to-Peer Lending 05:36 Building Lend Academy and LendIt 09:21 The Evolution of Marketplace Lending 18:39 Reflections on the Fintech Lending Boom 27:19 Kudos to Dave Girard (UpStart) and Team 28:04 The Shift to FinTech Nexus 29:04 Expanding Beyond Lending 32:16 Challenges and Stress of the Events Business 32:48 The Impact of the Pandemic 33:54 Future of FinTech and Embedded Lending 37:47 The Role of Community Banks 42:38 Advice for Community Bank CEOs 49:18 Peter's New Venture: Renton & Co

    52 min

  2. 31 JUL

    Fintech Balancing Act: Risk, Growth & Regulation - Jason Mikula, Founder of Fintech Business Weekly

    In this episode, we get an insider look into the financial technology landscape with Jason Mikula. Jason shares his journey, from his unexpected entry into financial services and digital marketing to launching the publication Fintech Business Weekly. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer acquisition metrics and analyzes the evolution of fintech innovations like online lending, BNPL, Banking as a Service, etc. We delve into the mechanics of Banking as a Service (BaaS) and the complex relationships between fintechs, middleware platforms, and banks. Jason is currently in the middle of reporting on news as it breaks around Synapse, Evolve and several fintechs, as well as the thousands of customers caught in the middle of it. He highlights the regulatory challenges and the balancing act between risk and growth. Our discussion also addresses the current regulatory landscape and the future of partner banking, stressing the need for sustainable and economically sound practices. Tune in for a comprehensive conversation that explores the intricacies of fintech and digital banking services. CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Preview 00:45 Intro 00:58 Sponsor 01:31 Meet Jason Mikula, Analyst and Writer of FinTech Business Weekly 03:23 Jason's Background in Financial Services 04:27 Joining Enova and Learning Subprime Lending 05:22 Marketing Metrics and Customer Acquisition 07:05 Challenges in Digital Financial Services 09:09 The Importance of Digital Marketing in FinTech 14:29 Starting FinTech Business Weekly 17:38 Analyzing the FinTech Landscape 20:10 Insights on BNPL and Market Valuations 23:32 Banking as a Service and Middleware Companies 31:49 Regulatory Challenges and Partner Banking 40:23 Regulatory Priorities and Market Impact 44:46 Systemic Risks and Community Banks 48:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    52 min

  3. 17 JUL

    Short Story, Big Impact: An E-Commerce Fashion Revolution - Isabella Sun, Founder & CEO of Short Story

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at company building with Isabella Sun, Founder and CEO of Short Story, a subscription e-commerce company serving petite women. The discussion sheds light on Isabella's journey from a structured finance career to becoming a successful e-commerce entrepreneur catering to a niche market. We explore how a personal pain point sparked the idea for Short Story and how comprehensive market research highlighted the need for better-fitting apparel for petite women. Isabella shares her unconventional path to e-commerce, including her participation in Y Combinator and the early days of building Short Story from her apartment. We discuss the challenges and milestones of growing the company, the importance of understanding customer needs through data, and the nuances of creating products that foster loyalty and excitement among customers. The conversation also covers how Short Story has managed to achieve profitability without heavy reliance on marketing, leveraging organic growth and customer satisfaction. Isabella highlights her strategies for financing the company creatively and the role of technology and data in scaling operations. This episode provides valuable insights into staying ahead in a competitive market through continuous innovation and an unwavering focus on customer experience. Towards the end, we dive into Isabella’s personal routines, the mental toughness required for entrepreneurship, and her advice to budding entrepreneurs. This episode offers an inspiring look at how a strong vision and an obsessive customer-centric approach can lead to extraordinary results. Thank you to episode sponsor, BankTech Ventures. CHAPTER MARKERS:00:00 Preview01:00 Intro01:13 Sponsor01:45 Meet Isabella Sun, Founder of Short Story03:22 Identifying a Market Need05:07 Early Challenges and Growth08:35 Customer Connection and Proud Moments11:14 Navigating E-commerce and Apparel Industry14:39 Leveraging Data and Technology23:41 Future Opportunities and Competitor Insights28:32 Biggest Misconceptions 31:20 Personal Insights, Rituals, & Entrepreneurial Journey37:53 Closing Thoughts

    41 min

  4. 25 JUN

    Dancing Through Chaos: People Centric Leadership - Tiffany Haynes, COO of Fingercheck

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we got a behind-the-scenes look at company building from Tiffany Haynes, COO at Fingercheck. Tiffany discussed her transition from a 19-year career at Jack Henry to her role at Fingercheck, a startup focused on payroll and HR services for small businesses. She highlighted the challenges and learning curves she faced and the importance of establishing foundational structures for growth. Tiffany emphasized the need to slow down before speeding up and building a solid organizational core. Tiffany also reflected on her various roles at Jack Henry, including Chief People Officer and General Manager of a business unit that supported over 100 banks and credit unions. She shared her passion for transformational work and the importance of growth and resilience. These experiences provided her with deep insights into the banking industry's inner workings and maintaining strong customer relationships, which have been invaluable in her current role at Fingercheck. The discussion included Fingercheck's market differentiation by offering enterprise-level capabilities, tailored for small businesses. Tiffany talked about the company's mission to automate administrative tasks, allowing small business owners to focus on what truly matters. She shared her excitement about the company's growth potential and the team's unity, describing the joy of achieving their goals together. She provided strategic insights into the future of banking, emphasizing the need for regulatory clarity and collaboration among traditional banks, fintechs, and other stakeholders. She stressed the importance of a customer-centric approach, balancing personal relationships with digital convenience. Finally, Tiffany offered advice for early career professionals, encouraging them to take risks, stay resilient, and deliver meaningful work that improves lives. Thanks to show sponsor, BankTech Ventures. CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Preview 00:46 Intro 00:55 Sponsor 01:28 Meet Tiffany Haynes: COO at Fingercheck 02:39 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup 04:13 Challenges and Surprises in a Startup Environment 08:47 Fingercheck's Unique Market Position 13:49 Reflections on Jack Henry and Career Highlights 27:37 Challenges in Banking Sales and Marketing 29:45 Understanding Consumer Needs 32:17 Adapting to Digital Transformation 34:09 Innovative Ideas for Banking Industry 39:52 Personal Journey in Banking Tech 44:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life 47:24 Role and Success as a   49:16 Current Challenges in Sales and Marketing 50:35 Advice for Early Career Professionals 52:12 Closing Remarks

    53 min

  5. 7 JUN

    Bank & Fintech Partnerships: Compliance is Key - Rafael DeLeon, SVP of Industry Engagement at NContracts

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we dive deep into the evolution of 'Banking as a Service' (BaaS) and its complexities. My guest, Rafael DeLeon, the SVP of Industry Engagement at NContracts, shares his extensive insights on the partnership dynamics between community banks and fintech companies. We explored how these relationships started, the operational challenges they faced, and how they've matured over time. Rafael discussed the importance of trust, risk management, and regulatory compliance in these partnerships, highlighting the transition from what he calls the 'Wild West' of BaaS to a more structured environment today. We also talked about the broader regulatory environment in the banking industry, focusing on how regulators are handling the rapid pace of change, interest rates, and macroeconomic challenges. Rafael provided his perspective on recent enforcement actions and what they signal to the industry, emphasizing the need for transparency, strong risk management systems, and strategic planning. From there we addressed the impact of technology on smaller banks and how it can enable them to be more efficient and competitive. Rafael shared his optimistic outlook on the future of community banking, particularly how fintech partnerships and regulatory guidelines will shape the industry's landscape. Towards the end of our conversation, Rafael reflected on his career transition from a long tenure at the OCC to his current role at Ncontracts. He discussed how his new position allows him to leverage his regulatory expertise and passion for the banking industry to foster innovation and compliance. This episode provided a comprehensive look at the current and future state of community banking, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in financial services, fintech, and regulatory affairs. Thank you to show sponsor, BankTech Ventures. EPISODE CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Preview 00:36 Intro 00:49 Sponsor 01:21 Meet Rafael DeLeon: SVP of Industry Engagement at Ncontracts 02:27 Banking as a Service: Challenges and Evolution 05:58 Regulatory Oversight and Compliance 10:56 Risk Management in Banking Partnerships 19:46 Future of Banking and Regulatory Environment 35:36 Technology's Role in Small Banks 38:09 Bridging the Tech-Bank Language Gap 41:27 Journey to Becoming a Bank Regulator 47:20 Transition to NContracts 50:19 NContracts' Growth and Innovations 53:38 Rafael's Superpower: Connecting People 56:23 Future of Banking: AI and Payments 57:50 Regulatory Vigilance and Risk Management 59:47 Accountability in Regulatory Agencies 01:01:05 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    1h 2m

  6. 18 MAY

    Upgrading Commercial Real Estate Banking - Shayne Skaff, Co-founder & CEO of Blooma

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we delve into the use of AI & Machine Learning within the commercial real estate lending industry. My guest is Shayne Skaff, co-founder and CEO of Blooma, a SaaS company revolutionizing commercial real estate lending and portfolio management. Our discussion outlines Shane's entrepreneurial journey, the origins of Blooma, and the challenges and opportunities within the commercial real estate market. Shane shares insights into the impact of technology on underwriting and portfolio management, the adaptability of the workforce to technological advancements, and the significance of community banks to the economy. The conversation also touches on the future of machine learning and AI in banking, the importance of data quality, and the vision for Blooma to facilitate lender and borrower connections and streamline the syndication process within commercial real estate.Thanks to show sponsor, BankTech Ventures. CHAPTER MARKERS:00:00 Preview00:33 Intro00:46 Sponsor01:16 Meet Shayne Skaff: Co-Founder & CEO of Blooma02:26 Navigating the Complex Landscape of Commercial Real Estate Loans07:16 The Evolution of Blooma: From Idea to Industry Innovation10:08 Bridging the Gap: Technology Adoption Across Generations17:55 The Future of Commercial Real Estate: A Vision for Innovation20:18 Harnessing AI and ML: The Backbone of Blooma's Technology25:40 The Challenge of Data Management in Banking27:42 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Insights from Shane Scaff38:47 Mentorship and Continuous Learning: A Founder's Perspective43:53 Looking Ahead: Family, Business, and the Future

    45 min

  7. 3 MAY

    Security Culture In & Beyond Your Bank - David Shipley, Co-founder & CEO of Beauceron Security

    In this episode, we delve into cybersecurity and the importance of making it relevant to each individual, beyond just their organization. My guest is David Shipley, Co-founder and CEO of Beauceron Security. David shares his journey from a career-altering cybersecurity incident at the University of New Brunswick to leading a cloud-based platform designed to enhance personal and organizational cybersecurity practices by empowering people to be in control of technology. The discussion explores current cybercrime trends in the banking industry, as well as the impact of geopolitical instability and technological advancements on cyber risk, the role of AI in both aiding and complicating cybersecurity efforts, and strategies for building positive security cultures within organizations. He also reflects on the challenges and rewards of growing a startup in Canada, emphasizing the importance of team resiliency, continuous learning, and embracing failure as a pathway to innovation.  Thanks to show sponsor, BankTech Ventures. CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Meet David Shipley: From Military to Cybersecurity CEO 02:28 Current Cybersecurity Challenges and Trends 07:36 Strategies for Banks to Combat Cyber Threats 17:23 The Beauceron Inception Story: A Cybersecurity Journey 26:05 Evolving Security Awareness Training 26:59 Customer Success Stories: Phishing Defense and Employee Training 30:13 Reflections on the Startup Journey 33:27 The Impact of Cybersecurity Work 35:45 Operating a Canadian Startup 41:14 Looking Ahead: Growth, AI, and the Future of Cybersecurity 46:34 David's Rituals & Disciplines 50:24 Closing Remarks

    53 min

  8. 16 MAR

    Data-Driven Banking Strategies & Competitive Edge - Brian Bauer, CEO of Revio

    In this episode of the Operate Podcast, we delve into the essential role that technology and data analytics play in the banking industry's future. My guest was Brian Bauer, CEO of Revio, a promising banking and analytics technology startup that's making waves by assisting banks in leveraging their core banking transaction data to foster growth. Brian shares his journey from a 10-year military career to becoming a leader in the FinTech and banking sectors, emphasizing his participation in a FinTech accelerator and his experience co-founding a banking startup in the cannabis sector. Our discussion includes the significant impact of technology on banks' competitiveness, the shift towards a practical approach to innovation within community banks, and how data analytics can aid banks in understanding their customers better. Brian elaborates on how Revio empowers banks to not only identify but act on business opportunities through insightful analytics of customers' external financial activities. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of banking technology and how banks' ability to make timely decisions significantly influences their readiness for future challenges. Highlighting the importance of culture, team building, and the role of entrepreneurship in driving change, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how banks can navigate the volatile financial world by embracing innovation and data-driven strategies. CHAPTER MARKERS: 00:00 Preview 00:33 Intro 00:45 Sponsor 01:17 Brian Bauer, CEO at Revio 02:48 Banking in a Year of Change: Insights and Adaptations 07:35 The Shift Towards Practical Innovation in Banking 10:03 Revio's Mission: Deepening Bank-Customer Relationships Through Data 20:45 Real-World Impact: How Revio Empowers Banks with Data-Driven Insights 26:35 Competitive Analysis: A New Perspective for Banks 27:51 The Roadmap Ahead: Enhancing Bank Insights 30:57 Data Literacy and Infrastructure in Banking 37:21 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons from a Fintech Accelerator 45:02 Cultivating High Performance and Looking Forward And thanks to show sponsor, BankTech Ventures!

    50 min
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About

A behind-the-scenes look at company building from the perspective of builders themselves - this is how we operate! With host Carey Ransom.

Information

  • Creator
    Carey Ransom
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Operate Podcast

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