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The DEI Discussions

The ground-breaking podcast series, The DEI Discussions, is hosted by Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Chief Customer Officer here at Harrington Starr.

With an unwavering commitment to embedding Diversity and Inclusion into the foundations of financial technology, Nadia created The DEI Discussions to provide inspiration to people also looking to better DE&I in our industry.

The DEI Discussions features four series: Humans of FinTech, Talent of FinTech, Families of FinTech and the longest-running series, Women of FinTech.

Each episode, no matter the series, demonstrates the work we can be doing to #walkthetalk for change across the entire industry.

We are always looking for people from across the industry to join us on The DEI Discussions? Keen to get involved? Or know someone ideal for the show?

Get in touch:

  • Katharina Blog
    The DEI Discussions #WomenofFinTech | Katharina Lueth, CCO & Managing Director at Raisin

    SpotifyAppleBuzzsprout​​Joining Nadia on this episode of The DEI Discussions is Katharina Lueth, CCO & Managing Director at Raisin.In this podcast episode, Katharina emphasises the significance of workplace inclusion, discussing both gender equality and the often-overlooked aspects of background and introvert/extrovert traits. She delves into how Raisin highly values diversity and has implemented various inclusion initiatives. Katharina advocates for a conscious effort to combat unconscious bias in recruitment and highlights the numerous benefits that diverse teams bring. Ultimately, she argues that workplace inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also leads to enhanced performance and a better society as a whole.Thank you Katharina for joining us on the Women of FinTech Podcast!

  • Ninika Blog
    The DEI Discussions #WomenOfFinTech | Ninika Nanda, Head of Product Management, Technology at Compare the Market

    ​SpotifyApple​Buzzsprout​Joining Nadia on this episode of The DEI Discussions is Ninika Nanda, Head of Product Management, Technology at Compare the Market. In this episode, we explore Ninika’s strong belief in helping others and making the most of her environment, which has led to success in both her work and personal life.The pair discuss the progress made in championing inclusion, where Ninika emphasises the need to increase visibility for female role models, challenge societal narratives, and implement DE&I as core values. Discover the transformative power of coaching and mentoring, and the importance of walking the talk as a leader, fostering a positive company culture that welcomes innovation and creates opportunities for inclusion.Thank you Ninika for joining us on the Women of FinTech Podcast!

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    The DEI Discussions #WomenOfFinTech | Sanghmitra Adhage, OEMS Development Lead and Director at TS Imagine

    ​You can listen to the full episode now across all major podcast streaming platformsApple Podcasts:​Spotify:​​Welcome back to The DEI Discussions #WomenOfFinTech. Today, Nadia is joined by the fantastic Sanghmitra Adhage, OEMS Development Lead and Director at TS Imagine. Sanghmitra shares her career journey, starting with her interest in technology during secondary school in Mumbai, India, and her subsequent experience working in software development in the UK for over 10 years. She celebrates the learning and challenges she has encountered in the finance and technology industry.The conversation also focuses on the perception of women in technology and how to attract more women to the field. Sanghmitra highlights the need to introduce technology career options to school children.As a hiring manager, she stresses the importance of unbiased recruitment processes based on skills and interests rather than gender or background. She also emphasizes the need for an inclusive and encouraging work culture that promotes diversity and provides opportunities for growth.Thank you, Sanghmitra, for sharing your inspiring story!

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    The DEI Discussions #WomenofFinTech | Emmy Granström, Global Head of Marketing and Alicia Ariffin, Global Head of People and Culture at SteelEye

    ​Spotify AppleBuzzsprout​Joining Nadia on this episode of The DEI Discussions is Emmy Granström, Global Head of Marketing and Alicia Ariffin, Global Head of People and Culture at SteelEye. Emmy and Alicia share how their remarkable integration of trades and communications is transforming the FinTech landscape. SteelEye's success goes beyond technology—it's the exceptional individuals driving it. In this episode, they delve into SteelEye's commitment to inclusivity, from championing women's benefits and driving allyship to addressing challenges faced by pregnant employees. They also explore the essential elements for fostering workplace inclusion in FinTech and discover how companies can embrace diversity to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.Thank you Emmy and Alicia for joining us on the Women of FinTech Podcast! 

  • Lauren Wof Blog
    The DEI Discussions #WomenofFinTech | Lauren Carter, Commercial Director of Demica

    ​SpotifyAppleBuzzsprout​​On this episode of The DEI Discussions, Nadia welcomes Lauren Carter, Commercial Director of DEMICA.The pair put a focus on evolution. Demica is doing incredible work to develop their inclusive practices — building structures, working groups and policies that reflect authentic employee needs. Critically, they ensure inclusion is embedded, not simply advertised; it is an actionable part of the day-to-day.Notably, Demica has implemented family-friendly policies. Recognising different family arrangements and what's actually needed, Lauren and the team are paving the way for a new approach to parenthood.And Nadia and Lauren share how policies such as the latter can be transferred to the wider industry. Understanding the breadth of perceptions in the industry, and the potential each holds, is key to elevating financial technology to new heights.

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    The DEI Discussions #TheAdvocateSeries | Pay & Money

    Stream the Full Episode now on your chosen podcast platform.Apple Podcasts:Spotify:The DEI Discussions is delighted to bring The Advocate Series: conversations that tackle some of the real issues in the workplace that hold us all back.In the second episode of this exclusive series, we gather industry experts to discuss money. Joining Nadia is:- Isabel Pitt, Product Director at Shieldpay- Will Marwick, CEO at IFX Payments- Neha Mittal, VP Europe at Viola CreditAsking for a pay rise, understanding benefits and bonuses, negotiating a salary when starting a new role: all often tricky, sometimes awkward, conversations.Amidst an ever-expanding pool of benefits, money will always play a role in talent retention, and in explaining why people leave firms.Nadia speaks with Isabel, Will and Neha to remove the taboo around money. They share their understanding and experiences on the subject, delving into: how you should ask for a pay rise; why the subject of money is often a tricky one; and how to remove the stress around the matter. 

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    The DEI Discussions #WomenofFinTech | Alisa DiCaprio, Chief Economist at R3

    ​SpotifyAppleBuzzsprout​​​​Joining Nadia on this episode of The DEI Discussions is Alisa DiCaprio, Chief Economist at R3.Alisa discusses R3, who are at the forefront of enabling the secure exchange of value in regulated industries where trust is crucial. Alisa delves into R3's mission, which focuses on establishing an open and connected digital economy. During their discussion, they delve into the significant impact this sector has in transforming industries. They explore the intriguing patterns of growth and decline, along with the crucial focus on governance within the realm of digital currency.The pair also address the subject of gender equality reflecting on how much progress has been made over the years, acknowledging that while bias still exists, it has become more unconscious. However, there is still much work to be done to achieve full equity.Thank you Alisa for joining us on the Women of FinTech Podcast!

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    The DEI Discussions #WomenOfFinTech | Silvia Mensdorff-Pouilly, Co-Founder of European Women's Payment Network (EWPN)

    ​​​​Joining Nadia on this episode of the Women of FinTech Podcast is Silvia Mensdorff-Pouilly, SVP Head of EMEA Corporates & International Banking at FIS, and the Co-Founder of the European Women’s Payment Network (EWPN).The EWPN is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated networks in the industry — and Silvia offers us an exclusive look at their eye-opening origins. Tackling unconscious bias and advocating for proactive change, the EWPN is catalysing a positive shift in the payments space.This episode is a masterclass in positive disruption. We are shown how to elevate, sponsor and advocate for our female colleagues. We’re reminded to do that even when they’re not in the room. We’re reminded that allyship isn’t a token gesture.And Silvia explores the various lenses through which we should consider diversity. In her role as Head of EMEA, Silvia is frequently exposed to differing backgrounds and experiences — and it is this breadth of diversity that can make our industry so powerful. It means greater diversity of thought, greater innovation, and sponsoring a more inclusive future.