Bridges To Excellence

Hosted by Desmond Nicholson

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Mar 2025

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About the show

Bridges To Excellence brings you conversations with the most fascinating people, on top of their game, across the Payments & Fintech's ecosystems... Leaders, Influencers and Experts who in their own way, have transformed or impacted the industry. Their personal stories are meant to inspire and challenge you to explore your possibilities, unlock your inner superpowers, and live your best life. Join host, Desmond Nicholson a thirty (30) year Payments veteran each week, as he invites you to a front-row seat, upfront and personal, with his special guest, as they share their journey to Excellence with insightful wisdom, practical advice, and actionable takeaways. Whether you're a seasoned Payments/Fintech professional or the industry's novice, this podcast is for you. Follow us today and join #bridgestoexcellence About The Show Host. Desmond Nicholson, is a thirty (30) year veteran of the Financial Services Industry, specifically in the Merchant Payments Processing sector. Throughout those years, he worked for CitiCorp and First Data Corporation, where he held various senior management positions, including Vice President of Training and Education. During his tenure at First Data now Fiserv, Desmond was responsible for training hundreds of sales executives and managers, some of whom are among today's most seasoned and respected Payment Professionals and leaders throughout the Acquirer space, ISO, ISV, Agent, VAR, Fintech sector, and Banking communities. It’s from a position of service and gratitude, paying it forward, giving back to the industry that served him well, why Desmond chose to create the Bridges To Excellence podcast. Desmond’s favorite quote: “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed”....Albert Schweitzer

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14 recent

March 9, 202536 min

Transformational Leadership: Insights from Christopher Justice – Partner, CEO Coaching International.

Transformational Leadership: Insights from Christopher Justice In this episode of Bridges to Excellence, host Desmond Nicholson converses with Christopher Justice, a seasoned CEO with a track record of transforming businesses in the fintech sector. They discuss the nuances of leadership, scaling companies, and strategic decision-making, with a focus on Chris's extensive experience including his tenure at Global Payments, Fiserv, and Pavilion Payments. Chris shares his insights on overcoming challenges during a complex business carve-out and the importance of mentorship in his career. The episode also features perspectives on leadership styles, work-life integration, and the role of CEO Coaching International in helping executives grow and succeed. 00:00 Introduction to Bridges to Excellence 01:10 Meet Christopher Justice: A Six-Time CEO 06:38 Chris's Career Journey in Payments 10:14 Joining CEO Coaching International 12:20 Challenges and Strategies for CEOs 20:03 The Pavilion Payments Carve-Out 28:51 Personal Insights and Mentorship 32:31 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts Contact Information: email: chrisjustice@ceocoaching.com Book an Appointment: https://ceocoachinginternational.com/coach/christopher-justice/

January 26, 20251 hr 1 min

From “Street Fighter” to a FinTech person of Influence: Meet Damian Tanenbaum…his journey in Payments/FinTech and beyond.

In this episode of Bridges to Excellence, host Desmond Nicholson interviews Damian Tanenbaum, a seasoned leader in the payments and fintech industry. Damian shares his incredible journey being of humble beginning from Brooklyn, New York to becoming the Chief Customer Officer at One Inc. He recounts his career milestones at giants like First Data, Heartland Payments, TSYS, and Ingenico, along with his entrepreneurial ventures and his passion for martial arts. The conversation dives deep into his leadership philosophy, the role of data analytics and AI in customer experience, and the importance of balancing professional and personal life. Damian also discusses his foray into acting and the lessons he's learned along the way, offering actionable takeaways for anyone aspiring to excel in their career. 00:00 Introduction to Bridges to Excellence 00:35 Meet Damian Tannenbaum 04:20 Damian's Early Life and Career Beginnings 08:43 Climbing the Corporate Ladder 11:45 Venturing into the Philippines 14:08 Heartland Payment Systems and Beyond 15:15 Joining Fifth Third and Pivotal Payments 16:48 Cayenne and the TSYS Acquisition 20:11 Navigating Global Payments and BJJ Link 21:32 Engenico and the COVID Challenge 23:29 Consulting and Joining One Inc. 29:50 The Role of Data Analytics and AI 30:38 Leveraging AI in Customer Experience 32:01 The Role of AI in Call Centers 33:00 Transition to Personal Passions 36:25 From Martial Arts to Acting 38:06 The Journey of a Martial Artist 43:13 Leadership and Mentorship Insights 45:36 Balancing Work and Life 49:41 Advice for Beginners and Companies 58:14 Future Endeavors and Final Thoughts

September 29, 202458 min

Charting new paths in Fintech Education…Women of Impact Series; Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy.

Summary: In this episode of "Bridges to Excellence," host Desmond Nicholson welcomes Laura Gibson-Lamothe, the Executive Director of the Georgia FinTech Academy. Laura takes us through her incredible journey from a globally diverse upbringing, through a multifaceted career in the FinTech industry, and into her current role. The podcast dives deep into the objectives she aimed to achieve upon stepping into her role in January 2023, including enhancing strategic industry partnerships, increasing student engagement, and boosting the visibility and reputation of the academy. Laura shares insights about the Academy's programs and partnerships, highlighting FIS as a top sponsor. She outlines her strategic efforts for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the academy, ensuring a broad representation of students entering the FinTech sector. Listeners will also get a glimpse of international partnerships, such as the Transatlantic FinTech Exchange in Ireland, and the move to integrate innovative educational models like student exchange and apprenticeship programs. Laura discusses the importance of mentorship in her career and the Academy, offering a heartfelt acknowledgment of mentors who shaped her professional journey. Desmond and Laura wrap up with a discussion about her leadership style, future goals for the Georgia FinTech Academy, and her personal motivators. Tune in to get inspired by Laura's story and to gain practical insights into the evolving landscape of FinTech education. Be sure to subscribe to the Bridges to Excellence podcast so you don't miss an episode and remember: the more you expect from yourself, the more you excel. Key Highlights : Introduction to Laura Gibson-Lamothe and her early life experiences. Laura's objectives and achievements as Executive Director. Strategic partnerships with top-tier companies like FIS. The Georgia FinTech Academy's focus on DEI. International collaboration for advancing FinTech education. The role of mentorship in professional growth. Laura's leadership style and vision for the Academy's future. Insights into career opportunities in the FinTech sector. For more information, visit the Georgia FinTech Academy on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and their official website at georgiafintechacademy.org. Be sure to subscribe to the Bridges to Excellence podcast so you don't miss an episode and remember: the more you expect from yourself, the more you excel.

July 31, 202438 min

Kimberly Fitzsimmons, CEO of Talus…Leadership exemplified. Our special curated series featuring “Women of Impact”

Welcome to Episode #10 of the "Bridges to Excellence" podcast. This week's episode features a compelling conversation with Kimberly Fitzsimmons, CEO of Talus. Kim shares her journey of constant learning, fair and transparent leadership, and the unyielding drive for excellence. Highlights include... Kim's Leadership Principles: The importance of being fair, maintaining transparency, embracing culture, and understanding details. Talus's Achievements: Recognition by the Electronic Transactions Association and American Bankers as a top performer in the industry. Growth Strategies: Discussion about Talus's recent acquisitions, Jobox.AI and Clarus, that have enhanced the company’s capabilities and customer offerings. Personal Insights: Kim’s upbringing in St. Louis, her early career in payments, and how pivotal moments shaped her path to success. Work-Life Balance: Her philosophy of unplugging and the significance of family support. Mentorship and Networking: The vital role of mentors like Diane Vote Faro in her career and the importance of building a professional network. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation where Kim offers actionable advice and deep dives into her personal and professional life, sharing her strategies for success and the challenges she faced along the way. Hosted by Desmond Nicholson, the episode is part of our curated series featuring women of impact in payments and FinTech. Company website : https://taluspay.com

June 2, 202450 min

Diane Faro, CEO of Savify – Payments & FinTech trailblazer and industry icon. Our special series featuring; Women of Impact.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Diane Faro, a true trailblazer in the payments and Fintech world and the CEO of Savify. Diane’s journey through the financial services industry spans an awe-inspiring five decades, showcasing her exceptional leadership and visionary strategies. In this episode, Diane opens up about her extensive corporate leadership roles, including her time as CEO of Chase Merchant Services and President of Global Merchant Services at First Data. She shares candid insights from her tenure as CEO of JetPay Corporation, where her strategic guidance along with her colleagues led to the landmark acquisition by NCR Corp in 2018. This pivotal move solidified NCR’s standing as a global leader in Point of Sale software for the retail and hospitality sectors. We dive deep into the strategies Diane employed to position JetPay for its successful sale. We also explore her significant contributions to key industry associations. As the past president of the Electronic Transaction Association (ETA) and co-founder of Women Networking in Electronic Transactions (now PayTech Women), Diane has been a driving force in shaping the industry. Diane’s numerous awards and accolades, including her induction into the inaugural 2018 Electronic Transactions Association Hall of Fame and the Women in Payments Distinguished Professional Award, underscore her profound impact on the financial services landscape. Join us for this inspiring conversation as we uncover Diane’s extraordinary journey and share actionable takeaways that can propel your career in payments & Fintech. Cheers! Company: https://Savify.co Phone: 877-712-7229

April 21, 202442 min

Sebastian Builes, Co Founder & CEO of Arcum…The making of an award winning Fintech startup.

In a world where innovation reigns supreme and dreams are transformed into reality, there exists Arcum. A testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering determination. At the helm of this company stands Sebastian Builes, Co-Founder and CEO. In this episode, part of our Founders series, we delve deep into the heart of Arcum, a fintech startup that champions the cause of reducing merchant churn for payments companies. Launched in 2018 along with Co-Founder Tad Zhang, fast forward to the present, and Arcum stands tall as the "darling" fintech startup in its vertical. Its journey, a continuum, culminated in being honored among Georgia's Top 40 Innovative Companies of 2024 by the Technology Association of Georgia. Join us as we unravel the narrative of Sebastian Builes. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered as we unveil the wisdom gleaned from his journey. Cheers! Desmond Miscellaneous notes: A book mentioned: The FountainHead by Ayn Rand

March 10, 202444 min

Tim McWeeney, Head of U.S. Indirect Acquiring and ISO Sales at Ingenico…covering Key tenets to leveling up your professional selling skills

I recently had the chance to chat with Tim McWeeney, Head of U.S. Indirect Acquiring and ISO Sales at Ingenico, to reflect on his successful career Journey in payments. This interview, came on the heels of his most recent recognition, among ETA’s 2024 Honorees of Top Payments Sales Professionals. Tim’s Journey in Payments, spans over two decades with a focus on Sales, Leadership, and strategic partnerships, primarily in the Acquiring space providing Point of Sale product solutions. Tim’s early days growing up, began in the town of La Mirada southern California. As a young adult, he spent many years working in the motor carrier transportation industry, where he honed his selling skills, before entering the payments industry. Working with the top equipment providers of our time, Tim’s performance at every level of sales and sales management earned him top sales honors and accolades throughout his tenure with respective companies. At the core, Tim is the consummate sales professional disciplined and committed to continuous learning. Here in this episode, he delivers a mini masterclass conveying the “why” behind four empowering tenets of the professional salesperson. 1. Why repetitive practice is essential 2. Why one should never assume the customer is “all-powerful” 3. Why selling by partnerships is the key to a lasting relationship 4. Why it is essential to embrace skepticism and objections during the sales process. This you do not want to miss…and much, much more. Join us on this journey and invite a friend along. Cheers!

January 28, 202446 min

Paulette Rowe CEO at Stax Payments … Trailblazer Series featuring “Women of Impact”

In this episode, a part of our Trailblazer series, featuring “Women of Impact,” our special guest is Paulette Rowe. Paulette is the appointed CEO of Orlando-based, tech unicorn Stax Payments…as of August 2023. Step into the world of inspiration as we delve into the remarkable journey of Paulette Rowe, a trailblazer whose story epitomizes resilience, determination, and the power of embracing uniqueness. Born in London, England, where she was raised by a single mother in an immigrant family, Paulette learned early on that her differences were not weaknesses but strengths waiting to be unleashed. With this empowering mindset as her compass, Paulette navigated through the corridors of academia, shattering stereotypes as the lone woman in her mechanical engineering graduate class. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the prestigious INSEAD business school in France, a beacon of excellence in the realm of MBA programs. But Paulette's journey was far from over. She carved her path through the intricate landscape of banking, payments, and fintech, leaving a trail of leadership and accomplishments in her wake. From the Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest to Barclaycard Payment Solutions, Facebook, and Paysafe, she left her mark, earning accolades and recognition along the way. But what truly sets Paulette apart is not just her list of accomplishments, but her unwavering commitment to lifting others as she climbs. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Payments, listed in the Digital Banking Club’s Power 50, and named one of 100 Executive Women in Tech to watch, to name a few. Inspired and energized by the startup's visionary founders, Suneera Madhani and Sal Rehmetullah, Paulette embraced their innovative subscription-based model and user-friendly platform design, propelling Stax towards unprecedented success. In this captivating episode, Paulette shares her secrets to effective leadership through the lens of her GE-adopted 4Es model and the transformative P.I.E. coaching model. But her excitement doesn't end there. She envisions Stax's future as a global powerhouse in the realm of payments, poised to revolutionize the industry on an international scale. So, join us on this exhilarating journey as we uncover the wisdom, passion, and unwavering determination of Paulette Rowe. Tune in, be inspired, and let her story ignite the fire within you to embrace your uniqueness and carve your path toward greatness. Cheers! Desmond

January 7, 202440 min

O.B. Rawls – A Payments Legend…Executive Director of Wellesley Hills Financials & founder of Jeroboam Advisory Services

OB Rawls is an accomplished senior-level executive with phenomenal success in FinTech payments and banking. He previously served as CEO of global payment processing for Paysafe and CEO and President of iPayment. His career of more than 30 years also includes senior-level executive roles with First Data now Fiserv, Hypercom, and Bank of America. OB will be taking us on the twists and turns of his journey, including his most recent move, joining the firm of Wellesley Hills Financial as partner and executive director. And of course, along the way, he will be sharing with us a few insightful, actionable takeaways. So stay with us.

December 3, 202353 min

Todd Ablowitz Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Infinicept

In this episode, my special guest is Todd Ablowitz, a friend of 27 years and an industry veteran serving the same span. In 2014, Todd along with Deana Rich Co-founded Infinicept, making them both Co-founders and Co-CEOs. Infinicept provides tools and services that enable companies to get payments going their way. Todd is a globally recognized authority on payment technology and emerging payments trends. As a well-respected thought leader in the industry, investors, media, analysts and industry watchers rely on Todd for expert advice, trend insights, and consulting. An early adopter of the Payment Facilitator, and embedded payments model, since 2020 Infinicept has experienced exponential growth, tapping into the embedded finance market, which is projected to reach $585 billion by 2030. In this episode, among other actionable takeaways, Todd shares his perspective on why Fintech is one of the hottest areas of innovation right now; opportunities and cautions. Todd also talks about what he believes to be the greatest challenges facing the Payments/Fintech space today. During our chat, Todd was impassioned, paying homage to those who have helped or influenced him on his journey. Among the many include Diane (Vogt) Faro, an industry icon, Scott Wagner, Mohammed Anwar Khan, Charles Drucker, Henry Helgeson, Eula Adams, and Samir Govil. (giving credence to “It takes a village…”) Todd will be taking us on his journey; one of perseverance, setbacks, and dogged determination that transformed him into the entrepreneur he has become. For Infinicipt the future is “blue sky,” with Todd and Deana remaining focused on their mission, steering the company on its continuum of excellence and growth.