Why We Lead

SkyParlour

The Why We Lead podcast boldly explores leadership, innovation, and transformation, uncovering the stories shaping fintech and inspiring change. Ideal for fintech enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and fans of thought-provoking conversations, it offers fresh insights into modern leadership. Join Angela Yore and Lynda Clarke for inspiring stories and actionable takeaways designed to spark curiosity and drive impact. Follow us: Why We Lead: https://bit.ly/4hyZOmp Angela Yore: https://bit.ly/4hwRWSu Lynda Clarke: https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJ

Episodes

  1. 06/04/2025

    Why We Lead: Episode 5 - Joanne Dewar

    Former GPS CEO Joanne Dewar reveals the leadership strategies that built a multi-billion pound fintech empire and launched Project Nemo's disability inclusion mission. In this insightful episode of "Why We Lead," hosts Angela Yore (SkyParlour Founder) and Lynda Clarke (Tribe Payments COO) sit down with Joanne Dewar, former CEO of Global Processing Services (GPS) and the visionary founder of Project Nemo. Joanne shares her remarkable journey from a 7-year career break to leading a multi-billion pound fintech company. She offers actionable strategies for returning to leadership, building resilient teams, and navigating the complexities of the financial technology sector. Discover the driving mission behind Project Nemo and why Joanne is passionately championing disability inclusion and accessibility across the fintech industry – and what your business can do to make a real difference. Listeners will gain valuable insights on:• Navigating significant career breaks and re-entering senior leadership roles• The critical importance of disability inclusion and accessibility for fintech innovation and growth (Key takeaways from Project Nemo)• Authentic leadership: Finding your "True North" and leading with purpose, inspired by lessons like those from "The Great Man is Dead"• Practical crisis management lessons gleaned from challenges like the Wirecard collapse• Building a people-first culture and fostering high-performing, inclusive teams• Overcoming personal challenges, such as the fear of public speaking, to become an impactful voice• The future of ESG in fintech and building sustainable, purpose-driven organizations• Actionable advice for aspiring leaders, particularly women in fintech and underrepresented individuals This conversation is a must-listen for fintech professionals, payment industry executives, aspiring CEOs, startup founders, and anyone looking to develop their leadership skills with proven strategies from one of the industry's most respected figures. Key Moments:• [00:25] The Mission: Joanne Dewar on Launching Project Nemo• [04:55] The Comeback: From Career Break to Fintech CEO at GPS• [08:24] Deep Dive: Project Nemo's Strategy for an Inclusive Fintech• [25:58] In Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the Wirecard Situation• [34:27] Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety• [48:50] The "Why": Joanne's Motivation to Lead and Make an Impact Connect with our Guest & Hosts:• Project Nemo: https://projectnemo.co.uk/• Joanne Dewar on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joannedewar• Why We Lead (More Episodes & Blog): https://skyparlour.com/insights• Angela Yore on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/angela-yore-skyparlour• Lynda Clarke on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lynda-clarke-5b33a555 Follow Why We Lead for more leadership insights from the world of fintech and beyond. Key Topics: GPS CEO leadership, Project Nemo disability inclusion, fintech crisis management, Wirecard lessons, women in fintech leadership, inclusive financial services, career breaks and reentry, authentic leadership development, purpose-driven business strategy.

    51 min
  2. 04/30/2025

    Why We Lead 4 - Neil Harris

    Episode 4 is here!  Today, we have the absolute pleasure of welcoming a Fintech founding partner, Neil Harris, joined by one of our two hosts, Lynda Clarke.   Neil couldn’t better suit the archetype for the type of guests we want on the show. He’s played a huge role in transforming Fintech as an industry. He’s fostered high-performance cultures and been at the forefront of incredible corporate growth.   Neil gives us a real insight between entrepreneurial leadership vs. professional leadership which makes this episode so widely applicable, no matter what stage the listener is at. Through founding 3 separate organisations, Neil has an incredible wealth of experience, both positive and negative, to draw on and lessons to pass on.   This episode is full of raw honesty from Neil. Leadership throws up serious dilemmas, such as how to balance work leadership with family responsibilities. He talks on how societal expectations play a big role in parenting and how they are shifting fast.   This episode has it all. From taking on a huge leadership challenge while a company was in serious trouble, to describing the hardship of such time away from his young family.   We’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode after you’ve watched.  Follow us and our guests in the link below.  Why We Lead: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hyZOmp⁠ Angela Yore: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hwRWSu⁠ Lynda Clarke: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJ Neil Harris: https://bit.ly/3GlVtpB SkyParlour: ⁠https://bit.ly/4gjv1Jl⁠ SkyParlour Linkedin: ⁠https://bit.ly/3PW2hM5

    38 min

About

The Why We Lead podcast boldly explores leadership, innovation, and transformation, uncovering the stories shaping fintech and inspiring change. Ideal for fintech enthusiasts, aspiring leaders, and fans of thought-provoking conversations, it offers fresh insights into modern leadership. Join Angela Yore and Lynda Clarke for inspiring stories and actionable takeaways designed to spark curiosity and drive impact. Follow us: Why We Lead: https://bit.ly/4hyZOmp Angela Yore: https://bit.ly/4hwRWSu Lynda Clarke: https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJ