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Published by Nadia Edwards-Dashti
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Stacy Litke, VP, Banking Programs at Green Check Verified, for a powerful conversation about purpose, financial inclusion, leadership and creating opportunities for others. Stacy shares her unique career journey through banking, technology and the rapidly evolving cannabis finance sector, explaining how Green Check Verified is helping financial institutions provide compliant banking services to an industry that has historically been excluded from traditional financial services. She discusses why purpose became the driving force behind her career and how she found an organisation where her experience could create a meaningful impact. The conversation also explores Stacy's personal experiences as a woman working in banking and technology, from facing discrimination early in her career to becoming a leader committed to mentoring, championing and promoting other women. She reflects on the importance of succession planning, recognising talent, sharing credit, and building environments where people can 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
What happens when people start living to 100, but financial services is still designed for a much shorter life? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Helene Panzarino, experienced FinTech relationship professional, former banker, investment readiness consultant, and business advisor, to explore one of the biggest demographic shifts facing the industry. From pensions and investing to mortgages, credit scoring, and financial inclusion, Helene explains why many financial products are no longer aligned with the realities of modern life, and where the biggest opportunities for innovation lie. 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
In this episode of FinTech’s DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Joanna Akers-Khan, Senior Director, Global Regional Marketing at Feedzai, to explore the power of career pivots, inclusive leadership, and creating meaningful change in financial technology. Jo shares her journey from a small town in Australia to a global leadership role in FinTech, reflecting on how curiosity, transferable skills, and a willingness to embrace new challenges led her into the world of fraud and financial crime prevention. She discusses why fraud prevention has become one of the most important sectors in financial services, the human impact of financial crime, and how technology is helping protect consumers around the world. The conversation also dives into what inclusion really means in practice. From leading Women in Tech initiatives and employee resource groups to championing opportunities for others, Jo explains why inclusion is not about grand gestures but the small, consistent actions that create a ripple effect across organisations. 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
What does it take to build both the technology infrastructure and the human infrastructure that power modern FinTech? In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, Nadia Edwards-Dashti is joined by Srishti Jain-Andreasen, Global Executive for Business Development at RS Software and Country Ambassador for Denmark at EWPN. Together, they explore a career that has spanned cybersecurity, global payments, open banking and international business development across Asia, Europe and North America. Srishti shares her experiences of navigating male-dominated industries, overcoming imposter syndrome, building cultural agility across continents, and learning why diversity is a competitive advantage rather than a challenge to overcome. She also discusses her work launching EWPN Denmark, the importance of male allyship, and why meaningful inclusion requires action from every leader, manager and colleague. 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
In this episode of FinTech's DEI Discussions, recorded live at Fin.Tech Marketing Conference 2026, Nadia Edwards-Dashti sits down with Kelly Waller, Global VP Field Marketing at Quadient, to explore the role leaders and organisations must play in creating truly inclusive workplaces. Drawing on her experience leading teams across both FinTech and MarTech, Kelly shares why developing people has been a constant thread throughout her career and why inclusion cannot be left to chance. The conversation explores the responsibility marketing teams have to build trust, the importance of bringing your whole self to work, and the growing concern around organisations stepping back from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 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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Observed September 20, 2026.
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