tell.talks

In this episode of tell.talks, we sit down with Alana Parsons, COO at Caxton, to unpack what it really means to step into leadership.Alana shares her journey from operational roles to the C-suite, and the mindset shift that comes with it, from being the one doing the work to trusting others to deliver it.We cover:The hardest part of moving from operator to leaderWhy trust becomes your biggest unlock (and biggest challenge)How to lead teams through change when not everyone is readyThe role of networking, and why starting earlier mattersWhat AI and regulation could mean for the future of paymentsIt’s a grounded, honest conversation about leadership, growth, and the realities behind building and scaling in fintech.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin McAdam, CEO of Andaria, to talk through the realities of building and scaling in embedded finance.From Andaria’s evolution into a full embedded finance provider to the operational pressures of fraud, regulation and customer expectations, Kevin shares what it actually takes to build trust in today’s landscape.We get into why partnerships are becoming non-negotiable for growth, where regulation is helping (and where it’s not), and the leadership mindset needed to keep moving forward in a fast-changing industry.A practical conversation on how businesses evolve, collaborate, and stay relevant as the space continues to shift.

In this episode of tell.talks, we’re joined by Erica Katsambis to explore how innovation, partnerships and leadership intersect in the evolving world of embedded finance.Erica’s career has taken her from telecoms innovation in the early days of mobile technology through to the rapidly changing fintech landscape. Along the way she’s worked at the intersection of payments, commercial strategy and digital transformation, helping organisations rethink how financial services can be delivered outside traditional banking.In this conversation we explore:Why embedded finance is shifting from experimentation to long-term strategyHow brands outside banking could shape the future of financial servicesThe leadership lessons that come with driving transformation inside complex organisationsWhy clarity, trust and communication matter more than effort when leading teams through changeA thoughtful discussion on innovation, leadership and the next phase of embedded finance.

In this episode of tell.talks, we sit down with Luc Gueriane, CEO of Moorwand, to explore what separates truly successful fintechs from the ones that never quite make it. Drawing on years of experience working with emerging fintech businesses, Luc shares why the most exciting ideas are often the hardest to make sustainable, how customer experience matters more than buzzwords, and why many startups struggle when ambition overtakes reality. We also discuss collaboration in fintech, what makes partnerships work, and the leadership lessons learned from seeing countless fintechs succeed, and fail.

In this episode of tell.talks, we sit down with Nelson Wootton, CEO and Co-Founder of SaaScada, to unpack why banks still struggle to move at pace, and what needs to change.Nelson shares why many banks operate weeks behind reality, how legacy core banking systems slow innovation, and why replacing them can feel like “open-heart surgery while the patient walks around.”We also explore what true product agility looks like, why coexistence is key to modernisation, and how leadership, empowerment, and trust play a critical role in driving change.A candid conversation on the realities of banking transformation, what’s broken, what’s fixable, and why modernisation isn’t just a technology problem.

In this episode of tell.talks, we sit down with Catherine Dixon, Founder of The Payments Institutions Association (TPIA), to explore what’s happening behind the scenes of the UK payments ecosystem.Catherine shares why TPIA was created, the gaps it’s filling for smaller payment firms, and how trade associations can play a critical role in navigating regulation, compliance, and day-to-day operational challenges. From resolving real-world issues with HMRC and the FCA to advocating for firms that often don’t have a seat at the table, this episode offers a rare look into the grassroots side of payments.We also talk about:Why smaller PSPs often struggle to be heard in regulatory conversationsWhat “good” industry advocacy actually looks likeThe realities of building a member-led associationLeadership, career pivots, and backing yourself to build something newWhy listening is one of the most underrated leadership skillsIf you work in payments, fintech, or financial services, or you’re interested in how regulation meets real business, this one’s for you.

In this episode of tell.talks, we’re joined by Adam Betteridge, Partnerships, FinTech & Open Banking Lead at TSB Bank.Adam shares a candid view on what fintech innovation really looks like inside a major bank, from building meaningful partnerships with fintechs, to why listening and collaboration matter more than polished pitches.We explore:What makes a fintech partnership actually workWhy Open Banking is already a success (and where it’s going next)How banks and fintechs can move faster without compromising trustThe role of accelerators in turning ideas into real outcomesWhy customer impact should always come before technology hypeA grounded, honest conversation about collaboration, progress, and building the future of financial services the right way.

Lou Murray, Chief Sales Officer at Railsr, joins tell.talks to unpack some insights behind the Railsr–Equals merger, to explore what it really takes to bring two fast-growing fintechs together under one roof. She also opens up about her own personal journey: becoming one of the first women traders in the City, to leading global sales teams with energy, optimism, and a “pay it forward” leadership philosophy.  This is an honest, energetic and inspiring discussion with someone who has lived through and led through multiple waves of evolution in fintech.  If you’re interested in leadership, M&A, embedded finance, or the human side of scaling a fintech, this episode is for you.

In this episode of tell.talks, Teresa Connors shares how simplicity, security, and society form the foundation of effective leadership in financial services. From avoiding innovation pitfalls to embracing consumer duty and making value-driven decisions, Teresa offers practical insights for leaders building trust in the digital economy.

In this episode of tell.talks, Daria Dubinina, CEO and Co-Founder of Crassula shares what it takes to build a fintech without external investment. From ditching the “startup” label to building a platform trusted by banks worldwide, Daria discusses scaling, partnership, and why belief is the foundation of success.

In this conversation, Suresh Vaghjiani, CEO & Co-Founder of CLOWD9 shares what it takes to innovate in an industry weighed down by decades-old infrastructure, how to hire for challenge (not comfort), and why money should never cost you your soul.

We sat down with James Hickman, CEO of Finseta, to explore how sports sponsorship can drive brand recognition in unexpected ways. From golf to squash, James shares what works, what doesn’t, and how sponsorship can inspire both customers and teams.

Anu Raman takes us behind the scenes of Confirmation of Payee, from its challenging launch during Covid to becoming a cornerstone of trust in payments. Five years on, CoP now powers over 70 million checks a month and continues to shape the future of secure transactions.