Paypod: The Payments Industry Podcast

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod. Anthony Nitsos, the founder of SaaS Gurus, shares his journey leading to the establishment of the company in January 2020, the focus is on the dynamic world of SaaS (Software as a Service) and the pivotal role of a fractional CFO. The episode explores the niche of SaaS startups and delves into why fractional CFO services are crucial for their success. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain valuable insights into the SaaS industry's current state and maturity process. Anthony discusses whether the market has reached a level of maturity and explores the operational efficiency in the B2B SaaS world compared to B2C. He also shares common mistakes hindering SaaS companies' growth and unveils the factors influencing the choice between annual and monthly pricing models. Expect to learn about the evolving role of CFOs and the characteristics that distinguish successful companies. About Our Guest: Anthony Nitsos, the visionary founder of SaaS Gur

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod. Michael Heffner, Vice President of multiple divisions within Appian Corporation, discusses the world of process automation. The discussion centers on Appian's journey since its founding in 1999, its evolution in technology, and its commitment to helping large institutions optimize their work processes. Michael shares insights into the complex challenges faced by companies in integrating and orchestrating their existing architectures while embracing innovation and adapting to the tools of today. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain valuable insights into the significance of process automation in the modern business landscape. Michael Heffner sheds light on the critical role of low-code and no-code tools in simplifying application development, addressing backlogs, and fostering innovation. The episode also explores the relevance of the Gartner Magic Quadrant and how Appian's leadership in low-code capabilities is assessed. Additionally, the

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod, where we explore the dual impact of generative AI—it's a boon for hackers and a blessing for cybersecurity professionals. James Fair, the senior vice president of IT services at Executech discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the mainstream adoption of generative AI and the enduring impact of blockchain technology. The episode navigates through the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, exploring how advancements in AI have both empowered malicious actors and provided new tools for defenders. Additionally, it sheds light on the transformative potential of blockchain in enhancing security measures, particularly in supply chain management. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain insights into the dual nature of generative AI's influence on cybersecurity. James Fair highlights the challenges posed by AI-powered phishing attacks and the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. On the positive side, the episode emphasizes how A

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod, where we dive into the evolution of Customizable Payment products and the modernization of payment infrastructure. John Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Episode Six, discusses the company's journey since its founding in 2015. The conversation revolves around the challenges and opportunities in the payments industry, with a particular emphasis on Episode Six's unique approach to providing a versatile tech platform that empowers financial institutions to build customized payment solutions. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of the payments market, the significance of modernizing payment infrastructure, and the role of Episode Six in simplifying complex payment systems. John Mitchell shares lessons learned from the company's experience, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the mission, adapting to market changes, and providing solutions that bridge the gap between legacy systems and innovative technologies

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod, the hub of insights into the world of payments and fintech. In this episode, we unravel the evolution and dynamics of G2A, the world's leading marketplace for digital entertainment. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Dorota Wróbel, the Chief R&D Officer, From its humble beginnings in Poland to becoming a global player, G2A's journey is explored, emphasizing the transformation from a retailer to a digital marketplace. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners will gain insights into the significance of offering a diverse range of payment methods, with over 200 options discussed in the episode. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding user preferences and regional behaviors in the gaming community. Dorota Wróbel, Chief R&D Officer at G2A, shares valuable lessons on building and securing a marketplace, navigating the shift from physical to digital, and addressing fraud risks. About Our Guest: The featured guest in this

Episode Topic: Welcome to an insightful episode of PayPod, the hub of insights into the world of payments and fintech. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of B2B trading agreements and rebates, exploring how technological innovation is reshaping the landscape. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Nick Rose, the CFO at Enable, a SaaS platform revolutionizing B2B rebate management. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners can gain insights into the significance the pivotal role of technology in reshaping B2B transactions as Nick Rose provides key insights. Learn about the challenges companies face in managing intricate rebate agreements and why traditional tools like Excel fall short. Uncover how Enable's SaaS platform is transforming the landscape, fostering collaboration, and enhancing efficiency between trading partners. About Our Guest: Nick Rose, the Chief Financial Officer at Enable, brings a wealth of experience in the finance sector. As a former customer turned executive, he shares first

Episode Topic: Welcome to an enlightening episode of PayPod, where we shift our focus to a fundamental pillar of e-commerce prosperity. We embark on a comprehensive exploration into the intricate world of financial strategies, unveiling the challenges that businesses face in the dynamic realm of online commerce. Central to this financial narrative is the indispensable Matt Putra, Chief Financial Officer of EightX, wielding significant influence in optimizing the delicate dance of cash flow dynamics. Lessons You’ll Learn: Listeners can gain insights into the significance of cash flow in e-commerce, common mistakes businesses make, the impact of fixed costs, and the role of marketing spend in influencing cash flow. The conversation also touches on effective negotiation strategies with suppliers and the potential drawbacks of certain lending practices. About Our Guest: The guest, Matt Putra, is the founder and CFO at Eightx, a company specializing in e-commerce financial architecture. With a background in accou

Episode Topic: Jacob Hollabaugh in this eye-opening PayPod episode, engages in an enlightening conversation with Kevin Fu, co-founder and CEO of Repool. Debunking myths around hedge funds, they discuss the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of smaller funds, emphasizing reduced complexity. Explore the pivotal role of technology in streamlining fund management for increased efficiency, benefitting both managers and investors. Lessons You’ll Learn: The episode highlights the misconceptions around launching and operating a hedge fund, emphasizing that it's more accessible and cost-effective than commonly believed. Insights into the advantages of smaller funds, including reduced administrative and regulatory complexity, and the potential for more diverse and scalable strategies. The role of technology in simplifying the fund management process, making it more efficient, and the benefits this brings to both fund managers and investors. About Our Guest: Kevin Fu is the co-founder and CEO of Repool, a company foc

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we delve into the world of financial modeling, shedding light on the intricacies of accurately reflecting and projecting the movement of money. We engage with Chris Reilly, the founder of Mission Capital Consulting and Financial Modeling Education, to explore the crucial role financial modeling plays in decision-making within the financial industry. Lessons You’ll Learn: In this episode, listeners will gain insights into the challenges and nuances of financial modeling, with a particular emphasis on the importance of solid design and avoiding unnecessary complexity. Chris Reilly shares valuable lessons drawn from his experiences, highlighting the significance of building models as effective decision-making tools rather than getting lost in perfectionism. The conversation unfolds to reveal the balance between technical skills and soft skills, emphasizing the role of empathy and emotional intelligence in sustaining long-term success in the field. About Our Guest: Chris

Episode Topic: Join Jacob Hollabaugh in this riveting episode of PayPod, as he explores the transformative journey of real-time payments in the financial landscape with Rusiru Gunasena, a distinguished guest from The Clearing House. Delve into the evolution, challenges, and future trends shaping the payments ecosystem, focusing on the significant impact of the Real-Time Payments (RTP) system over the past six years. Lessons You’ll Learn: In this episode, listeners will gain insights into the transformative journey of the Real-Time Payments (RTP) system over the past six years. Discover the impact of RTP on the payments landscape, its technical intricacies, and the strategies employed to ensure continuous operation. Learn about the integration of RTP with existing banking systems and its scalability for future digital payment growth. Explore the influence of emerging technologies and understand the competitive dynamics in the payments ecosystem, including the impact of the Federal Reserve's FedNow. About Our G

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, our host Jacob Hollabaugh delves into the world of financial innovation with Kayla Underkoffler, the Lead Security Technologist at HackerOne. Kayla shares her expertise and insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, especially as it relates to the financial services industry. Lessons You’ll Learn: In this episode, Jacob and Kayla stress the growing importance of cybersecurity in finance due to increased digitization. Kayla explains HackerOne's role in connecting organizations with ethical hackers to strengthen security. They discuss challenges in financial services, like cross-site scripting and improper access control, and efforts to speed up vulnerability fixes. The episode also explores the impact of emerging technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and blockchain, emphasizing proactive engagement with ethical hackers to secure these innovations. About Our Guest: Kayla Underkoffler serves as the Lead Security Technologist at HackerOne, a compan

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we dive into the world of financial innovation with Adelina Grozdanova, a seasoned expert in the payments and fintech industry and the Co-Founder and Head of the Investor Group at Upgrade. Adelina shares her journey, starting her career in the financial world, and the driving force behind co-founding her company, followed by insights into the unique approach and affordable credit solutions of her company, which have redefined the landscape of financial services. Lessons You’ll Learn: We explore Adelina Grozdanova's journey in finance, her motivation to co-found a company, and her drive to offer affordable credit solutions. Learn how Upgrade redefines finance by offering affordable and responsible credit and mobile banking, targeting mainstream consumers. Discover how Upgrade builds trust with consumers, tackles industry traditions, and creates meaningful connections. Explore the innovative Upgrade OneCard, which provides flexibility in credit. We also delve int

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, Sophie Condie, COO of Shieldpay, delves into the intricacies of the legal and professional services industry's payment landscape. Discover how Shieldpay is revolutionizing complex transactions, enhancing efficiency, and providing security in the legal sector's payment operations. Lessons You’ll Learn: During this episode, you'll gain insights into the unique challenges faced by the legal and professional services industry when it comes to complex transactions and payment management. Explore the impact of cybercrime, the complexities of holding client funds, and the time-intensive nature of KYC collection. Learn how Shieldpay is transforming these challenges into opportunities for innovation, streamlining operations, and ensuring the security of high-value complex transactions. About Our Guest: Sophie Condie is the COO at Shieldpay, a regulated payment technology company specializing in simplifying complex transactions for the legal and professional services

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we explore the world of payment orchestration and its vital role in the complex airline industry. Joining us is Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital, a leading payment orchestration company. We delve into the intricacies of payment orchestration, its significance in the airline sector, and the evolution of payment methods. Discover how the airline industry's unique complexities demand innovative solutions like payment orchestration. Lessons You'll Learn: During this episode, you'll gain insights into the challenges faced by airlines in managing their payment processes, the rise of buy now, pay later solutions, the growing popularity of mobile wallets, and the importance of being payment provider-agnostic. Understand how payment orchestration helps airlines optimize their payment operations and enhance the customer experience. About Our Guest: Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital, has extensive experience in the world of payments and technology

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod we explore the critical role of community banks in the fintech landscape and how they are poised to thrive in the digital age. Joining us is Brandon Oliver, a venture capitalist at BankTech Ventures. We'll delve into the insights and trends that shape this unique intersection of fintech and community banking, and discover the compelling mission of BankTech Ventures. Brandon shares his personal journey, underlining the importance of community banks in today's ever-evolving financial landscape. Lessons You'll Learn: During this episode, you'll discover the pivotal role that community banks played during the pandemic and why they continue to be significant in the broader US economy. Gain insights into how BankTech Ventures uniquely serves as a strategic investment fund for community banks, driving innovation and enhancing their competitiveness within the fintech landscape. Explore the potential for a domino effect in the adoption of fintech solutions by community b

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod: The Payments & Fintech Podcast, we dive into the world of fintech investments with Rikhil Bajaj, Head of Fintech & Software at Tarsadia Investments. Discover the key insights and trends shaping the fintech landscape and gain a deeper understanding of how investors like Tarsadia identify promising opportunities in this dynamic industry. Lessons You'll Learn: Gain invaluable insights into fintech investments, discovering the significance of visionary founders and innovative concepts. Explore the concept of "category-defining companies" and their disruptive potential. Delve into the evolving landscape of "as-a-service" models and consider the importance of data analytics in payments and credit access. Uncover key findings from Tarsadia's recent payments whitepaper and insights into current fintech trends, along with a glimpse into the critical trends shaping the industry's future. About Our Guest: Our guest, Rikhil Bajaj, is a seasoned professional wit

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod, we dive into the world of private capital and alternative investments, tracing their evolution and discussing the impact of fintech innovation, notably, the birth of Entrilia, co-founded by Eric Faw, Explore how Entrilia's offerings empower financial participants while addressing challenges in automating payments. Discover the keys to successful financial collaborations, the significance of "cloud-native" in fintech, and the transformative role of AI and ML technologies. Get insights into the success factors driving the ever-evolving fintech industry. Lessons You’ll Learn: Discover the evolution of private capital and alternative investments, delve into fintech innovation driving Entrilia's creation, and learn how their services empower financial participants. Explore the challenges in automating payments, the keys to successful financial collaborations, the significance of being "cloud-native" in fintech, and the role of AI and ML technologies. Uncover the suc

Episode Topic: In this episode of Pay Pod, host Jacob Hollabaugh explores the transformative potential of PayZen, the operating system for healthcare affordability. He is joined by Itzik Cohen, co-founder and CEO of PayZen, to discuss how fintech and innovative payment solutions are reshaping the healthcare industry. Discover how PayZen is simplifying healthcare payments, improving patient access to care, and helping providers focus on what they do best. Lessons You'll Learn: Join Jacob and Itzik as they delve into the challenges of healthcare affordability and how PayZen addresses them. Learn about the importance of getting healthcare providers out of the financial services business, making it easier for patients to access essential care. Explore the impact of PayZen's payment plans and the new Care Card product, and understand how these innovations are changing the way healthcare is financed. Gain insights into the role of fintech in improving healthcare affordability and the broader implications for

Episode Topic: In this enlightening episode of PayPod, wealth management expert Kristen Ragusin, Senior Vice President of Investments at Raymond James, delves into the transformative potential of money. She unveils a world where currency can be reimagined to benefit society, emphasizing the importance of community and producer-backed credits. Through thoughtful exploration, Ragusin challenges conventional monetary systems, sparking a conversation on how we can create a fairer, more equitable financial landscape for all. Lessons You'll Learn: Join Kristen Ragusin, a wealth management expert on a captivating journey through the evolution of money. Inspired by her grandfather's wisdom, she embarks on a quest to unravel the profound influence of currency on society. The 2008 financial crisis shook her faith in traditional finance, sparking questions about its sustainability. Kristen introduces the concept of abundance money to shift our mindset from scarcity to plenty. Explore the rise of alternative curre

Episode Topic: In this episode of PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast, hosted by Jacob Hollabaugh, the Payments Industry podcast delves into the significance of partnerships and affiliate marketing in the financial sector. The discussion primarily focuses on how these strategic approaches can be effectively utilized to foster growth and enhance customer acquisition. Throughout the episode, Nicky Senyard, founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing within the financial industry, emphasizing the critical role of compliance in establishing and sustaining successful partnerships. Additionally, she sheds light on the innovative use of technology to navigate the intricate nuances of this space, ultimately delivering substantial value to customers. Lessons You'll Learn: Throughout the conversation, Nicky Senyard highlights the significance of affiliate marketing in the financial sector. She emphasizes the importance of data in marketin