PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

Soar Payments LLC
PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

Welcome to PayPod, a show that explores the fast-changing world of payments and fintech. The show features interviews with leaders and entrepreneurs in the payments and fintech industries. Each episode, you’ll hear an interview directly with a leader of the payments industry. We talk with fintech entrepreneurs, security experts, mobile developers, eCommerce pros, and more... From credit card processing to bitcoin... from retail point of sale systems to cutting edge digital payments software… merchant accounts. mobile checkout, lending marketplaces, and beyond… we cover it all!

  1. -2 J

    Automating Document Processing and Building a Team in the Age of AI with Encapture's Will Robinson

    Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist is joined by Will Robinson, CEO of Encapture, to discuss the transformative power of AI in banking and document processing. Encapture’s innovative SaaS platform simplifies how financial institutions extract and process critical loan data. Will shares insights into how automation and machine learning are reducing manual tasks, improving compliance, and enabling teams to focus on strategic work. The conversation also explores the evolving role of AI in enhancing financial sector efficiency, from reducing errors in document processing to accelerating decision-making. Will addresses common misconceptions, including concerns about job loss and bias, and highlights AI’s potential to enhance transparency, reduce bias, and drive operational success for financial organizations.   Lessons You’ll Learn Discover how leading banks are using AI to automate repetitive tasks and free up their compliance teams to focus on more impactful work. Will Robinson shares practical examples of how AI minimizes human error, accelerates document processing, and ensures regulatory compliance without sacrificing accuracy. You’ll learn why embracing AI is no longer optional for growing organizations and how teams that leverage tools like Encapture can boost productivity, reduce costs, and create a better experience for both employees and customers. Will also provides key insights into building high-performing teams that effectively integrate AI, creating a culture of trust, accountability, and innovation.   About Our Guest Will Robinson is the CEO of Encapture, a leading SaaS platform that uses machine learning to simplify document processing for financial institutions. Under his leadership, Encapture has helped banks and financial organizations automate manual tasks, improve data accuracy, and enhance compliance. With years of experience in leadership roles, Will is passionate about creating strong company cultures and empowering teams to adopt AI as a force multiplier. He shares his expertise on building AI-driven workflows, enhancing organizational efficiency, and fostering a mindset of innovation and accountability in a rapidly evolving financial landscape   Topics Covered This episode explores how AI in banking is transforming document processing and compliance by automating repetitive tasks, reducing errors, and improving efficiency. Will Robinson shares real-world examples of how Encapture enables financial institutions to streamline operations, allowing teams to focus on strategic, high-value priorities. The discussion addresses common misconceptions about AI, including fears of job loss and bias, while emphasizing its role in enhancing transparency, accuracy, and decision-making. Will also highlights the importance of fostering a strong company culture and mindset to successfully integrate AI into workflows. Looking ahead, the conversation delves into the future of AI-driven automation, the opportunities it presents for innovation, and its potential to redefine the financial sector by improving operational speed and customer experience.

    25 min
  2. -5 J

    Growth Equity Strategy with Portage's Daniel Ballen

    Episode Topic Fintech is at the forefront of global economic transformation, and this episode explores the trends, challenges, and opportunities driving the industry. From AI’s transformative power to the untapped potential of decentralized finance, Daniel Ballen, co-head and partner of Portage Capital Solutions, provides actionable insights into what’s shaping the future of financial services. Discover why legacy systems remain ripe for disruption, how liquidity mismanagement undermines startups, and the critical role of leadership in scaling successful companies. Whether you're a founder, investor, or fintech enthusiast, this conversation sheds light on navigating the complexities of this dynamic field. Lessons You’ll Learn Gain deep insights into what makes fintech companies thrive—and fail. Daniel unpacks the secrets to effective liquidity management, explains why retention matters more than hiring, and emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership with growth strategies. Learn how AI and blockchain are disrupting traditional finance and why understanding regulatory shifts is essential for success. Packed with practical takeaways, this episode equips listeners with the tools to navigate innovation in fintech, avoid common pitfalls, and embrace strategies for long-term success in a competitive market. About Our Guest Daniel Ballen is a seasoned fintech investor and Co-Head at Portage Capital Solutions. With over a decade of experience in financial services, Daniel has guided investments across growth equity, structured equity, and special situations globally. His career began before the 2008 financial crisis, giving him firsthand experience in navigating volatility and change. At Portage, Daniel specializes in scaling fintech businesses and fostering innovation. Known for his forward-thinking approach, he combines his passion for technology with deep industry expertise to drive meaningful impact in the fintech sector Topics Covered This episode dives into the transformative trends shaping fintech, including the rise of AI and its impact across all stages of business maturity. Daniel Ballen highlights the untapped potential of decentralized finance, discussing how blockchain technology is revolutionizing capital markets and risk management. He emphasizes the importance of addressing legacy systems in financial services, which remain outdated and ripe for disruption. The conversation also explores critical challenges like liquidity mismanagement, a leading cause of startup failure, and how effective strategies can mitigate this risk. Additionally, Daniel shares insights into scaling fintech companies, retaining top talent, and navigating regulatory shifts that significantly impact growth opportunities.

    25 min
  3. 12 DÉC.

    Revolutionizing Payments Jodie Kelley on Innovation, AI, and Leadership

    Episode Topic In this episode of Paypod, Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Jodie Kelley, CEO of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA), to explore the pivotal role of the payments industry in shaping global commerce. From the evolution of payment technologies to the advocacy efforts required in a complex regulatory landscape, this conversation uncovers how the industry empowers economic growth and innovation. Kelley shares her journey from Harvard Law to becoming a leading voice in fintech, offering a compelling view of how advocacy and innovation intersect in the ever-evolving payments ecosystem. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode delivers insights into how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and biometrics are revolutionizing the payments industry. Kelley also discusses the critical role of consumer demand in driving innovation, the challenges posed by public policy, and the importance of gender diversity in fintech. Learn how organizations can navigate these complexities to foster inclusivity, resilience, and security in the fast-paced world of digital payments. About Our Guest Jodie Kelley is the CEO of the Electronic Transactions Association, a Harvard Law graduate, and a passionate advocate for innovation and equality. With a rich background spanning law, financial services, and trade associations, Kelley has dedicated the last five years to shaping public policy and promoting technological advancements in the payments space. Under her leadership, ETA has become a beacon for collaboration and education, helping payments professionals thrive in a rapidly changing environment. Topics Covered This episode explores the transformative role of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) in shaping the future of payments through innovation and advocacy. Topics include the rise of AI, blockchain, and biometrics in revolutionizing payment systems, the growing demand for seamless consumer payment experiences, and the challenges posed by public policy and regulatory complexities. Jodie Kelley highlights the importance of gender diversity and mentorship in fintech and shares lessons from the pandemic on resilience and adapting to change in a fast-paced industry.

    35 min
  4. 10 DÉC.

    Barath Narayanan on Open Banking and the API Revolution

    Episode Topic In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of open banking and fintech innovation, exploring how these technologies are reshaping the global financial landscape. Open banking is bridging the gap between traditional banks and consumers by enhancing transparency, security, and accessibility. From real-time payments to embedded finance, we uncover how these advancements are creating a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem. Whether you’re curious about the role of APIs in banking or how AI is revolutionizing fraud prevention, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of financial services. We also discuss the global disparity in adoption, comparing Europe’s regulatory leadership to the US’s innovation-driven market. These contrasts reveal fascinating trends shaping the industry and provide actionable ideas for businesses and consumers alike to navigate this evolving space. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how open banking is driving financial inclusion and reducing reliance on traditional banking systems. The discussion explores how APIs enhance data security and integration, while real-time payments and account-to-account transfers are set to redefine transactional norms. Ethical considerations of AI in finance are also addressed, offering insights into its potential for fraud detection and management. The episode highlights key differences between Europe’s regulation-first approach and the US’s innovation-led adoption of financial technologies, providing a balanced perspective on navigating this evolving space. About Our Guest Our guest is a leading voice in the world of open banking and fintech, bringing years of experience at the intersection of technology, regulation, and financial services. Known for spearheading initiatives that drive innovation while prioritizing consumer needs, they offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving industry. Their work focuses on fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry leaders, promoting embedded finance, and advancing data security practices. Their expertise offers listeners a unique combination of visionary thinking and practical strategies to understand and thrive in the modern financial ecosystem. Topics Covered This episode covers a comprehensive range of topics, including the fundamentals of open banking and its transformative impact on financial systems. We discuss how APIs ensure security and enable seamless integration across platforms, the emergence of real-time payments as a new standard, and the growth of embedded finance in creating new opportunities for fintech. The conversation also addresses the ethical considerations of AI in financial management and fraud prevention. Listeners will gain insights into the global contrasts between Europe’s regulatory approach and the US’s innovation-driven model, understanding how these factors shape the financial industry’s future.

    26 min
  5. 5 DÉC.

    Sailing Through B2B Challenges Holly Rollo on Leadership and Innovation

    Episode Topic In this episode of Pay Pod, host Kevin Rosenquist interviews Holly Rollo, a strategic GTM advisor, bestselling author, and CEO of Surge Strategies. Holly brings over 30 years of experience in B2B tech marketing, transformation, and value creation. The discussion dives into the essentials of go-to-market (GTM) strategies, navigating digital transformation, and aligning product-market fit with audience needs. Holly shares her journey from corporate leadership to global sailing adventures, intertwining business lessons with personal insights. The episode is a masterclass for tech entrepreneurs and executives looking to unlock new growth opportunities through effective marketing and AI-powered strategies. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode sheds light on key lessons for success in today’s dynamic tech landscape. Holly explains why identifying your core market segments and beachheads is crucial for growth. She delves into the role of radical unity across marketing, sales, and customer success, emphasizing a unified approach to overcome silos and ensure seamless customer experiences. Additionally, Holly discusses the transformative power of AI in reshaping GTM strategies and how companies can leverage it for exponential gains. You'll also learn practical ways to achieve differentiation in crowded markets like fintech and cybersecurity by hyper-targeting niche audiences with relevant messaging and offerings. About Our Guest Holly Rollo is a seasoned B2B tech leader and author of Power Surge: Five Ways to Supercharge Your B2B Software Business and Unleash Hidden Value. As CEO of Surge Strategies, she advises executives and boards on navigating growth and transformation. Holly’s illustrious career includes roles at global tech firms, expertise in national security, and fostering diversity in male-dominated industries. Beyond the boardroom, Holly is an avid sailor, currently circumnavigating the globe, blending her passion for adventure with valuable life lessons she applies to leadership and strategy. Topics Covered In this episode, Holly Rollo dives deep into the key principles of effective go-to-market (GTM) strategies, sharing valuable insights on how businesses can align their marketing efforts with their broader business goals. She emphasizes the importance of product-market fit and the need for companies to identify their core segments and beachheads, helping them prioritize where to focus their resources for maximum impact. Holly also highlights the critical role of AI in reshaping B2B strategies, explaining how it can drive growth and efficiency when properly integrated. Throughout the conversation, Holly addresses the challenges of competing in crowded sectors like fintech, cybersecurity, and HR tech, offering advice on how businesses can break through the noise by focusing on niche markets and delivering highly relevant, tailored messaging. Additionally, she discusses the importance of unity across marketing, sales, and customer success teams, advocating for a holistic approach to customer experience that eliminates silos and enhances collaboration across departments.

    44 min
  6. 3 DÉC.

    Breaking Barriers Raul Lomeli on Empowering Immigrant Communities with Welcome Tech

    Episode Topic In this compelling episode, host Kevin Rosenquist dives into the challenges and triumphs of immigrant integration in the United States with guest Raul Lomeli-Azoubel, co-founder of Welcome Tech. The discussion centers on the organization's innovative approach to providing immigrants with critical tools and resources, including financial education, healthcare access, and career guidance. Welcome Tech has been described as a “digital Ellis Island,” helping individuals navigate life in the U.S. while addressing misinformation and systemic barriers. Together, they explore the need for reform and the potential of fintech and education to drive inclusion and opportunity for millions of immigrant families.   Lessons You’ll Learn The critical role fintech can play in empowering immigrant communities, from establishing bank accounts to improving credit scores.Insights into Welcome Tech’s three-layer approach to support financial literacy and healthcare savings, including a unique membership program that bypasses traditional Social Security requirements.How targeted education and behavioral change can enable immigrants to become more active participants in American society.The broader societal benefits of addressing systemic challenges, like misinformation and healthcare inequities, through innovative platforms and resources. About Our Guest Raul Lomeli-Azoubel is an entrepreneur, advocate, and visionary leader dedicated to enhancing the lives of immigrant communities in the United States. As co-founder of Welcome Tech, Raul has leveraged his experience at Wells Fargo and his entrepreneurial ventures like Saber Es Poder to create a platform addressing financial and social inclusion. With over 4 million registered users, Welcome Tech provides immigrants with vital resources to navigate complex systems, from healthcare to financial services. Raul’s passion for ed Topics Covered This episode explores the transformative work of Welcome Tech, a platform likened to a “digital Ellis Island” for immigrants in the United States. The conversation addresses the challenges immigrants face, such as navigating financial systems, accessing healthcare, and combating misinformation. Raul Lomeli-Azoubel shares insights on how Welcome Tech provides tools like financial education, health savings programs, and job resources, enabling immigrants to integrate and thrive. The discussion also delves into the broader narrative of immigration, touching on historical shifts in U.S. immigration policy and the pressing need for reform. Topics include the potential of fintech solutions, like stablecoins, to revolutionize the remittance industry, and how education can empower immigrants to become active participants in society. Raul emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers through targeted education and innovation to create a more inclusive future.

    28 min
  7. 30 NOV.

    Unzer's Revolution Robert Bueninck on Unified Commerce and the Future of Payments

    Episode Topic In this episode of Pay Pod, Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Robert Bueninck, CEO of Unzer, to explore the cutting-edge world of unified commerce and its transformative impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From its roots as a German payment processor, Unzer has evolved into a European fintech leader, offering modular solutions tailored to modern commerce needs. The discussion highlights how real-time data integration across channels redefines customer experiences, making it easier for businesses to adapt and grow. Key insights also include the slow shift towards cashless payments in Germany and the company’s innovative POS Go solution designed for SMEs. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or a business owner, this episode offers a fascinating dive into the future of payments. Lessons You’ll Learn Discover why unified commerce goes beyond omnichannel strategies by ensuring seamless, real-time integration of data across online and offline platforms. Robert shares practical examples, such as inventory synchronization and enhanced customer experiences, that demonstrate the advantages of this approach. Learn about the challenges and benefits of building versus buying capabilities, particularly in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Additionally, uncover why fostering customer relationships through white-label solutions for buy now, pay later (BNPL) can be a game-changer for merchants. Finally, the episode emphasizes the importance of blending in-office collaboration with hybrid work models to foster innovation, team building, and efficient problem-solving. About Our Guest Robert Bueninck is the visionary CEO of Unzer, a European fintech innovator committed to empowering SMEs with modular payment and commerce solutions. Under his leadership, Unzer has expanded from a German-centric payment processor to a European powerhouse, introducing groundbreaking products like the unified commerce platform and POS Go. With years of experience in the BNPL space and a keen understanding of Germany’s unique market dynamics, Robert has a deep passion for equipping businesses with tools to compete in the digital age. Based in Berlin, he combines strategic insight with a collaborative leadership style, championing technology’s role in simplifying commerce. Topics Covered This episode delves into the difference between omnichannel and unified commerce, emphasizing real-time data integration and the rising demand among SMEs for seamless online and offline customer experiences. It also explores Unzer’s approach to BNPL, which prioritizes merchant branding and customer relationships, and examines Germany’s slow adoption of cashless payments, highlighting how POS Go addresses this gap. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the role of hybrid work models in fostering collaboration and innovation, as well as insights on the future of fintech, from modular ecosystems to leveraging data for innovative merchant solutions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in payments, fintech innovations, and the strategies driving business transformation

    27 min
  8. 25 NOV.

    Revolutionizing Gifting How Giftly Redefines Personalization and Choice Timothy Bentley

    Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, we explore how Tim Bentley, founder of Giftly, is transforming the gifting experience. Traditional gift cards often feel impersonal, placing merchants at the center of the transaction. Giftly flips the script by allowing consumers to create personalized, meaningful gifting experiences that build stronger connections between givers and recipients. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or corporate rewards, Giftly provides a flexible and customizable approach, empowering recipients to use their gifts wherever they prefer. Tune in to discover how Tim’s innovative platform is redefining how we give and receive gifts in the modern era. Lessons You’ll Learn Tim Bentley shares invaluable lessons on creating a product that puts people first. You’ll learn how personalization in gifting fosters deeper relationships and how Giftly balances customization with recipient flexibility. Tim also provides insights into entrepreneurial perseverance, highlighting the importance of setting long-term goals, embracing challenges, and leveraging early career experiences for future success. For those in business, this episode offers a unique perspective on consumer-centric innovation and strategies for improving customer satisfaction. About Our Guest Tim Bentley is the visionary founder of Giftly, a platform revolutionizing the gifting experience through personalization and recipient flexibility. With a background in engineering, physics, and business, Tim’s career journey has been one of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From his fascination with cutting-edge technologies as a child to his pivot into finance and eventual business leadership, Tim has consistently pursued meaningful ways to connect people. His experience spans starting and selling businesses, including his current venture, Giftly, which empowers users to send personalized, thoughtful gifts that recipients can redeem in countless ways. Topics Covered This episode covers the evolution of gift cards, exploring how they have transitioned from merchant-centric tools to personalized gifting solutions that strengthen relationships. Tim Bentley explains how Giftly balances customization with flexibility, allowing recipients to use their gifts in ways that suit their preferences. The conversation delves into the effects of the pandemic on gifting trends, highlighting how the desire for connection and thoughtfulness has shaped consumer behavior. Additionally, Tim shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early passion for theoretical physics to founding Giftly, offering insights into the role of empathy and personalization in building meaningful businesses and fostering a culture of innovation.

    31 min
4,7
sur 5
13 notes

À propos

Welcome to PayPod, a show that explores the fast-changing world of payments and fintech. The show features interviews with leaders and entrepreneurs in the payments and fintech industries. Each episode, you’ll hear an interview directly with a leader of the payments industry. We talk with fintech entrepreneurs, security experts, mobile developers, eCommerce pros, and more... From credit card processing to bitcoin... from retail point of sale systems to cutting edge digital payments software… merchant accounts. mobile checkout, lending marketplaces, and beyond… we cover it all!

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