FinTech's DEI Discussions – Powered by Harrington Starr

Hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti

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Episodes

649

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 15, 202618 min

Inclusion is Not Charity | Arunjay Katakam, Author, Founder of Inclusive Action Lab and Co-Founder of ThriveNow Education

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, host Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Arunjay Katakam, Author, Founder of Inclusive Action Lab and Co-Founder of ThriveNow Education, to explore why diversity of thought is a competitive advantage and how financial services can move beyond traditional approaches to inclusion. Arunjay shares his journey from investment banking to financial inclusion, the importance of challenging echo chambers, and why the convergence of traditional finance, decentralised finance and AI presents a major opportunity to rethink the future of financial services. From building purpose-driven businesses to making financial and economic inclusion a reality, this conversation explores why inclusion and commercial success should go hand in hand. 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

October 13, 202621 min

Stop Hiring the Same People | Vanessa Neal, Head of Product Compliance at Elavon Europe

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Vanessa Neal, Head of Product Compliance at Elavon Europe, to explore why businesses need to look beyond traditional career paths and recognise the value of transferable skills, curiosity and different perspectives. Vanessa shares her own unconventional journey into banking and discusses why previous industry experience shouldn’t always define someone’s potential. From problem-solving and stakeholder management to communication and curiosity, they explore the skills that can cross industries and open the door to successful career pivots. The conversation also looks at the importance of creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and challenging the way things have always been done. Vanessa shares how collaboration, recognition and giving people genuine opportunities can help individuals grow while bringing new thinking into businesses. Because building more inclusive workplaces isn’t simply about who gets through the door. It’s about looking wider, recognising what people can bring and giving them the opportunity to show 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

October 8, 202630 min

Who's Missing From the Room? | Elitsa Angelova, Chief of Staff at Mouro Capital

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Elitsa Angelova, Chief of Staff at Mouro Capital, to explore why diversity of thought can lead to stronger teams, better decisions and new opportunities. Elitsa shares lessons from her career across consulting, innovation and venture capital, discussing why confidence shouldn’t be mistaken for capability, why businesses should hire for “culture add” rather than simply “culture fit”, and how creating space for quieter voices can change the decisions organisations make. The conversation also explores inclusion within venture capital, from widening founder networks and challenging traditional sourcing models to recognising overlooked founders and underserved markets as genuine opportunities. From hiring and investment to communication and leadership, Elitsa shares practical ways organisations can listen more effectively, challenge established thinking and open the door to different perspectives. 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

September 29, 202616 min

Why Aren’t Women Investing? | Rosie Gill, MD at Manor House Financial Services Ltd & Founder of Let’s Grow Girls

Why does talking about money still feel so uncomfortable? On this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Rosie Gill, Managing Director at Manor House Financial Services Ltd and Founder of Let’s Grow Girls, to explore financial education, female empowerment and why more needs to be done to give women confidence when it comes to their money. Rosie shares the story behind Let’s Grow Girls and discusses the barriers that can leave women feeling disengaged from personal finance and investing. From the gender pension gap and financial education to making conversations around money more accessible, Rosie explores the practical changes that could make a real difference. They also discuss the importance of dropping financial jargon, creating safe spaces to ask questions, improving financial education in the workplace and encouraging more open conversations about money. 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

September 22, 202628 min

Why the Best Workplaces Never Stop Learning | Carine Cohuet, Head of HR at Covantis

In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Carine Cohuet, Head of HR at Covantis, to explore the people strategy behind a fast-moving technology business. Carine shares why continuous learning is essential for both individual development and business success, how Covantis gives employees greater ownership of their growth, and why standing still in an age of AI and rapid technological change can mean falling behind. They also explore how Covantis has built a remote-first culture across multiple countries, the importance of maintaining human connection when teams work remotely, and why diverse perspectives can be a real strength for innovation. 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

September 11, 202630 min

Recognising and Challenging Workplace Bias | Shannon Nutter, board member, financial services executive, and co-author of Walking on Broken Glass.

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Shannon Nutter, board member, financial services executive and co-author of Walking on Broken Glass , for a powerful conversation about the realities women continue to face in the workplace. Shannon explores the bias and double standards that can shape women’s careers, from being labelled as “too much” or “too little” to workplace “takedowns” that can leave successful individuals isolated and questioning their own achievements. The conversation also turns to action. Shannon shares practical ways to protect your career, recognise when something isn’t right, support colleagues who may be experiencing workplace mistreatment, and challenge the behaviours that prevent truly inclusive workplaces. 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

September 10, 202617 min

Why Every Voice at Work Matters | Lisa Loud, Head of Product at Ubuntu Tribe

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Lisa Loud, Head of Product at Ubuntu Tribe, to explore why listening, belonging and meaningful contribution are so important to genuine inclusion. Lisa shares her journey across technology and blockchain, the challenges she has faced throughout her career, and why creating workplaces where every voice is heard matters. The conversation also explores financial inclusion, representation and the potential for technology to create greater access to financial systems. From finding a workplace where your values align to ensuring people feel empowered to contribute, this episode asks what it really takes to build a more inclusive future for FinTech. 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

September 1, 202620 min

Why Psychological Safety Is Essential for Innovation | Michelle Wright, FinTech Chief Product Officer

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Michelle Wright, FinTech Chief Product Officer, to explore the intersection of product, commercial thinking and inclusion. Michelle shares her experience of being the different voice in the room, why women can struggle to communicate their own value, and how she has reframed self-promotion around demonstrating expertise rather than simply listing achievements. They also discuss diversity of thought, psychological safety, mentoring, and why creating truly inclusive workplaces means giving people the confidence to speak up, and be heard. 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

August 25, 202615 min

Can FinTech Open the Global Economy to Everyone? | Fereshteh Forough, Founder and Executive Director of Code to Inspire

In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions , Nadia is joined by Fereshteh Forough, Founder and Executive Director of Code to Inspire , to explore what inclusion really means when access to education, technology and financial systems is not guaranteed. Fereshteh shares her journey from growing up as an Afghan refugee to founding Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women, and discusses how technology can create pathways to education, economic independence and financial freedom. The conversation also explores the role of FinTech and crypto in connecting excluded communities to the global economy, and why inclusion must be built into financial products and systems from the very beginning. 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

August 18, 202617 min

The Leadership Blind Spot Holding Back Great Talent | Christina Di Nolfo, CEO of Collection Pot

What does it really take to build an inclusive workplace where different perspectives are heard, potential is recognised, and people feel safe enough to challenge the status quo? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia is joined by Christina Di Nolfo, CEO of Collection Pot, to explore why diversity should be viewed as a commercial advantage, not simply a moral obligation. Christina shares lessons from more than 30 years across technology, financial services and global business, discussing the importance of psychological safety, constructive tension and creating cultures where the best ideas can come from anywhere. They also explore one of the biggest blind spots in hiring: recognising potential. From the different standards often applied to men and women, to the barriers around access, sponsorship and opportunity, Christina challenges businesses to rethink how they identify and develop talent. 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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