FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr

Hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti

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Episodes

641

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

Welcome to the award-winning FinTech’s DEI Discussions, the podcast where we explore how financial technology can lead the way in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join our host, Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer at Harrington Starr, as she inspires us to 'walk the talk' and create more equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive. Each episode invites you into the conversation, offering actionable steps to foster an inclusive environment in your organisation. From recruitment to retention and investment in talent, engagement, productivity, and career progression can mean different things to different people. Through our series specials and insightful discussions, we delve into these varying experiences, learning together how to better support diversity in our workplaces. Join us as we discuss, learn, and advocate for meaningful change in the FinTech sector. Powered by www.harringtonstarr.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 11, 202628 min

The Hidden Career Currency That Shapes Who Gets Ahead in Financial Services | Janet Pope, DCMS Audit & Risk Chair. Chair CAF Bank. RemCo Chair, Environment & Social Purpose Chair at Yorkshire Building Society

What does it really take to turn inclusion from good intentions into meaningful change?In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Janet Pope, DCMS Audit & Risk Chair, Chair of CAF Bank, RemCo Chair and Environment & Social Purpose Chair at Yorkshire Building Society, and StepChange Trustee.Drawing on her extensive leadership career, Janet explores why creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than policies. She shares the power of sponsorship, the importance of actively opening doors for underrepresented talent, and why leaders have a responsibility to set people up for success.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 28, 202617 min

How Do You Scale Without Losing Your Culture? | Emma Hagan, UK Chief Executive Officer at ClearBank

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Emma Hagen, UK CEO of ClearBank, to explore inclusive leadership, workplace culture and the human side of growth.Emma shares how ClearBank has approached scaling while protecting its values, why belonging matters, and how everyday decisions can shape a more inclusive workplace.From supporting people to thrive to keeping culture at the heart of rapid growth, discover why scaling successfully is about more than technology.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 23, 202632 min

EWPN The New Frontier: Human Centric AI in the Future of Finance and Payments | Melanie Ockerse, Ruta Kairyte and Nilixa Devlukia

Artificial intelligence is transforming finance and payments at an extraordinary pace, but how do we make sure innovation never comes at the expense of people?Recorded live at Money20/20 2026, this special episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions sees Nadia joined by Melanie Ockerse, VP Customer Success at Entersekt, Ruta Kairyte, Commercial Director at Tribe Payments, and Nilixa Devlukia, CEO of Payments Solved, for an insightful conversation.Together, they explore why diversity in AI development matters, how bias can unintentionally find its way into financial services, and what organisations must do to build technology that is inclusive, transparent and trustworthy. From fraud prevention and financial accessibility to agentic commerce, consumer consent and the future of regulation, this episode examines the opportunities AI presents alongside the responsibility that comes with deploying it.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 21, 202613 min

Why Smart Data Needs a Human Purpose | Heather Xiao, Founder and Lead at Horizon Zero Ltd

In the latest episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Heather Xiao, Founder and Lead at Horizon Zero Ltd, to explore why the future of AI, smart data and open banking depends on putting people first.Heather shares her journey from banking and consulting to founding Horizon Zero, and explains why the biggest challenge facing financial services isn't the technology itself, it's creating the partnerships, trust and shared purpose needed to deliver meaningful outcomes.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 16, 202621 min

Building a More Resilient Future for Payments | Sumaiyah Ali Qadri, Founder at Zentra

What does the future of payments look like, and who is building it?In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Sumaiyah Ali Qadri, Founder of Zentra, to discuss payment resilience, intelligent infrastructure and the future of financial services.Drawing on leadership experience at Amazon, Monzo and Barclays, Sumaiyah shares the inspiration behind Zentra, the realities of fundraising as a solo founder, and why empathy, sponsorship and inclusive leadership are essential to building stronger FinTech businesses.A thought-provoking conversation on payments, innovation, leadership and creating a more resilient financial ecosystem.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 14, 202633 min

Human Centric Leadership: The Superpower AI Cannot Replace | Leila Foulon, Gaya Ananda, Violas Xiao

Can AI improve how we work without losing what makes great leadership human?In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Leila Foulon, Gaya Ananda and Violas Xiao for a thought-provoking conversation on the leadership qualities that technology cannot replicate. Recorded live, the discussion explores why empathy, curiosity, trust and psychological safety are becoming even more valuable as AI transforms financial services.The panel shares practical insights on developing future leaders, creating inclusive workplaces where every voice is heard, building diverse teams that drive better decision-making, and why succession planning, sponsorship and recognising individual strengths are critical for long-term success.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 9, 202625 min

The Hidden Cost of Inequality in Financial Services | Rosie Crowley and Rajni Rughwani from Smart Pension

What does it really mean to build a fair workplace?In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Rosie Crowley, Director of Transformation, and Rajni Rughwani, Lead Data Analyst at Smart Pension, for a powerful conversation on inclusion, equality and the long-term impact of workplace decisions.Together, they explore the realities of the gender pension gap, why "fair doesn't always mean equal", the role employers play in creating more inclusive workplaces, and how mentorship, representation and education can shape better outcomes for everyone. They also discuss the opportunities and risks AI presents for diversity and inclusion, and why organisations must take conscious steps to ensure technology supports fairness rather than reinforces bias.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 7, 20266 min

The Future of FinTech Hiring Is Still Human | Nadia at Money 20/20 Speaking with FinTech Garden

What does the future of fintech hiring look like in an AI-driven world?Recorded live at Money20/20, Nadia Edwards-Dashti, joins Igor to discuss how the FinTech talent market has evolved, the impact of AI on recruitment, and why keeping hiring human-centric has never been more important.From the shift in market conditions since the hiring boom of 2021 and 2022 to the growing challenges around talent retention, candidate experience, and developing the next generation of industry leaders, this conversation explores the realities facing employers and professionals across financial technology today.Nadia also shares her concerns around the industry's approach to junior talent, the long-term consequences of prioritising short-term efficiency, and why transferable skills, diversity of thought, and continuous learning will be critical to the future of work.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

July 2, 202614 min

The Talent Hidden in Plain Sight | Cia Kouparitsas, CEO at Greenbeam

How can organisations unlock the talent they already have while building more inclusive, future-ready workplaces?In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Cia Kouparitsas, CEO at Greenbeam, to explore the power of skills-based hiring, workforce capability data, and why human potential should never be underestimated.From hidden talent and transferable skills to AI, leadership, and gender equity, Cia shares practical insights on how organisations can make better people decisions and create opportunities for individuals to thrive.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

June 30, 202620 min

How Inclusive Innovation Creates Better FinTech Businesses | Joel Blake, Founder and CEO of GFA Exchange

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Joel Blake OBE, Founder and CEO of GFA Exchange, to explore why inclusion should be viewed as a competitive advantage, not just a moral imperative.From access to finance and inclusive innovation to governance, risk, and resilience, Joel shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and explains how organisations can embed inclusion into every aspect of their business to drive growth, strengthen decision-making, and create lasting impact.FinTech's DEI Discussions is powered by Harrington Starr, global leaders in Financial Technology Recruitment. For more episodes or recruitment advice, please visit our website www.harringtonstarr.com

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FinTech&#39;s DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr