Flex and the City - Great leadership in financial services

Rachel Treece
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Flex and the City is about bringing heart and soul back into financial services. Rachel Treece, CEO of fts global and The Henka Institute interviews some of the industry's great leaders talks with them as human beings, their leadership style and asks them what is going to make financial services great again. 

  1. Flex and The City with Georges Bock - Episode 80

    25/11/2025

    Flex and The City with Georges Bock - Episode 80

    Some leadership journeys do not start with a perfect plan. They start with a decision to jump. In this new episode of Flex and the City, I had the pleasure of speaking with Georges Bock, Founder and CEO of Investre S.A. and Moniflo. Georges spent decades in a senior leadership role at a Big Four firm. Successful. Respected. Comfortable. But he realised that comfort is not where transformation happens. So he took a leap without certainty, but with a strong sense of purpose. What followed was not just the creation of a company, but the beginning of a vision. To reimagine financial services as a more inclusive, transparent and human space. To help people not only grow their wealth, but also their freedom. To position money not as the problem, but as part of the solution. What stood out most in our conversation was Georges' honesty. He spoke openly about courage, failure and resilience. He reminded us that every meaningful career, whether entrepreneurial or corporate, includes setbacks and difficult decisions. The real difference lies in how you respond. You reflect, you learn, and then you stand up. Every time. In this episode, we explore: - Why entrepreneurship starts with courage, not certainty - How financial inclusion and sustainability belong together - Why failure is not the opposite of success, but part of the journey Georges' story is a powerful reminder that purpose and leadership are not titles. They are choices. They are acts of courage.

    40 min
  2. Flex and The City with Albert Howard - Episode 79

    12/11/2025

    Flex and The City with Albert Howard - Episode 79

    Some of the best leadership lessons come from the most unexpected places. In this new episode of Flex and the City, I had the pleasure of speaking with Albert Howard, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development at MiniBranch. Albert’s career path is anything but ordinary. From his early days in sales to his time in banking and now business development, every step of his journey has been guided by one simple idea — people come first. What struck me most in our conversation was his ability to draw leadership lessons from everywhere, even from selling mattresses. Albert shared how listening, curiosity, and genuine care are the foundations of trust, whether you’re serving customers or leading teams. We also talked about how credit unions are redefining connection and community in financial services, and how adaptability, honesty, and empathy continue to shape meaningful leadership. In this episode, we explore: ➡️ What the financial world can learn from the mattress industry ➡️ How curiosity and empathy build loyalty that lasts ➡️ Why trust is still the ultimate competitive advantage ➡️ The human side of leadership, business, and growth Albert’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or hierarchy. It’s about presence, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning.

    27 min
  3. Flex and The City with Philip Brown - Episode 78

    15/10/2025

    Flex and The City with Philip Brown - Episode 78

    I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Philip Brown, CEO of Clearstream Banking S.A., and I have to say, this conversation really stayed with me. From his early days in banking during London’s Big Bang to leading one of Luxembourg’s most established institutions, Phil’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and connection. What struck me most was his deep belief in people, in trust, long-term relationships, and the human side of finance. He reminded me that leadership isn’t about control but about creating space for others to grow and thrive. In this new episode of Flex and the City, we explore how purpose, curiosity, and connection continue to shape leadership in an increasingly complex industry. In this episode: ➡️ Why trust, relationships, and integrity still define success in the post-trade world ➡️ The marginal gains mindset and how lessons from cycling and cooking can transform efficiency and leadership ➡️ Why young professionals should embrace curiosity, problem-solving, and flexibility over perfect planning ➡️ How the financial industry can reshape its narrative by highlighting its real human impact For anyone passionate about leadership, trust, and purpose in financial services, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

    26 min
  4. Flex and The City with Stephanie Eckermann - Episode 77

    25/06/2025

    Flex and The City with Stephanie Eckermann - Episode 77

    I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Dr. Stephanie Eckermann, Executive Board Member of Deutsche Börse AG and Chairwoman of Clearstream entities, for Flex and the City. We talked about career paths, female leadership, attracting young talent to finance, AND the surprising link between running a global post-trade business and hosting a great BBQ. From AI to agency, data to diversity—this episode is packed with insights for leaders at every level. - The REAL skills modern finance leaders need - Why curiosity at the top isn’t optional - Attracting the next gen to finance - AI, agency, and authenticity Stephanie is a powerhouse in European finance—and also a mother of three, a diversity champion, and someone who leads with heart and clarity in a complex world. It’s bold, brilliant, and absolutely worth a listen.

    24 min
  5. Flex and The City with Stephane Pesch - Episode 76

    03/06/2025

    Flex and The City with Stephane Pesch - Episode 76

    In this new episode of Flex and the City, I sit down with Stéphane Pesch, CEO of the Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LPEA). He’s not just navigating Luxembourg’s private capital space — he’s shaping it. And he’s doing it with values, vision, and a deep belief in people. 💥 In this episode: ➡️ From liquid funds to private equity — Stéphane’s personal pivot ➡️ Why curiosity, adaptability and self-belief are non-negotiables for future leaders ➡️ How Luxembourg is building an ecosystem rooted in purpose, education, and innovation ➡️ The books and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy This one’s thoughtful, grounded — and just disruptive enough. 🎙️ Tune in now — and hear leadership through a very different lens.

    27 min
  6. Flex and The City with Florent Albert - Episode 75

    13/05/2025

    Flex and The City with Florent Albert - Episode 75

    In this week’s episode of Flex and the City, I’m joined by Florent Albert, CEO of Utmost, for an insightful conversation on the art of leading through change. Florent’s journey spans the globe—Provence, New Caledonia, Paris, Leeds, the US—and each chapter has shaped his unique approach to leadership. From navigating mergers and acquisitions to understanding team dynamics and regulation, one thing is clear: change is inevitable, but it’s how leaders respond that truly matters. Florent doesn’t just manage change—he thrives through it. He embraces resistance, knowing that creating a sense of safety, calm, and connection is what sparks meaningful transformation. 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿: - How to hold responsibility with grace, even in uncertain times - Why calmness is the ultimate leadership superpower - How to stay grounded and human in an increasingly data-driven world This episode is for anyone who’s navigating personal or professional transformation—the journey to change can be tough, but it’s a lot easier when you have the right mindset.

    25 min
  7. Flex and The City with Paul Chapman - Episode 74

    17/12/2024

    Flex and The City with Paul Chapman - Episode 74

    In the final episode of Flex and the City for 2024, I have the pleasure of connecting with the visionary Paul Chapman, Managing Director of HornbyChapman! 💼✨  Paul shares his invaluable insights on why the next generation of Financial Services professionals—especially Gen Z—must embrace AI and sharpen their sales skills to thrive in this dynamic industry.  Key Takeaways: Resilience wins: Your circumstances don't define your future. Paul's story is a testament to perseverance and embracing change, showing that life’s biggest shifts can lead to unexpected growth. ✨ Embrace innovation: Paul highlights the transformative power of technologies like AI, blockchain, and DLT to replace outdated systems. He encourages the new generation to adopt these tools and challenges older leaders to recognize younger workers’ strengths and fresh perspectives. 🔄  Be open to new beginnings: Moving beyond your comfort zone, whether it’s relocating or embracing new skills, can open doors you never imagined. Paul urges young professionals to prioritize sales skills, build trust-based relationships, and seek balance and happiness over money. 🌍  Focus and discipline matter: Drawing parallels between clay pigeon shooting and success in financial services, Paul shares his "traffic light system" for mental focus. 🔴 Red = Relax and enjoy life. 🟠 Amber = Prepare to focus. 🟢 Green = Fully commit and execute with precision. Mental health matters: Paul reflects on the growing awareness of stress and burnout, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy from leaders. Removing stigma and fostering healthier environments is key to long-term success. 😇  Paul's story is a powerful reminder that our past shapes us, but it doesn’t hold us back. Tune in for personal reflections, life lessons, and inspiration to keep pushing forward! 🎧 #Podcast #Leadership #Resilience #Innovation #LifeJourneys #FlexInTheCity #Inspiration

    29 min
  8. Flex and The City with Brian Godins - Episode 73

    10/12/2024

    Flex and The City with Brian Godins - Episode 73

    In the latest episode of Flex and the City, I had an inspiring conversation with Brian Godins, Chief Commercial Officer at Callistone. His 31-year journey through financial giants like Morgan Stanley and HSBC offers insightful wisdom for every listener. The Chief Commercial Officer of Calastone shares what financial services can learn from Doods the cat and how they need to adapt and stand out to attract Gen Z talent.  🚀 A Few Key Highlights: From Tennis Dreams to Finance: Brian’s shift from aspiring sports commentator to a leader in finance highlights the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. 🎾  Leadership Style: Emphasizing team dynamics, client engagement, and continuous learning, he draws inspiration from mentors like Kian Burke and Ria Leckie. 💡  Attracting Gen Z: By understanding their needs for transparency and diverse opportunities, Brian reveals strategies for drawing young talent into the financial sector. 👩‍💼  Brian’s reflections offer a profound understanding of the evolving landscape in financial services, emphasizing adaptability and a human-centered approach to success.  #Leadership #GenZ #Diversity #Inclusion #FinancialServices #CareerInsights #FlexAndTheCity #Podcast #BrianJourney 🎧 Don't miss out on these insights—tune in today!

    27 min
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Flex and the City is about bringing heart and soul back into financial services. Rachel Treece, CEO of fts global and The Henka Institute interviews some of the industry's great leaders talks with them as human beings, their leadership style and asks them what is going to make financial services great again. 

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