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In this episode of Leaders & Founders, we sit down with Iman Majumdar, VP Engineering at ZOE Health, the company behind the world's largest nutrition science study and one of the most AI-forward product teams in Europe. Iman talks openly about what it actually looks like to run an engineering team with 84% AI adoption, why he insists on using different models to review AI-generated code, and what it means when a PM can ship a live product change with no engineer in the loop. The conversation gets into the harder questions too: - What happens to engineering teams when execution is largely automated? - Where does the next generation of senior talent come from? - Is the tech industry being honest enough about what this transition really means for the people inside it? Iman is optimistic about where this goes, but is also clear-eyed about the cost of getting there. We also cover Iman's own incredible journey into leadership, and how a once quiet and shy child is now heading up tech at one of the most advanced health and science-backed technology businesses. A genuinely honest conversation with someone building at the frontier.

Andrew Smith has spent his career quietly rewiring the plumbing of modern finance - the stuff that keeps the financial world running even when nobody’s looking. As the Founding CTO of ClearBank, he helped architect and launch the UK’s first new clearing bank in more than 250 years. What started as a blank sheet of paper became the backbone of real-time payments for fintechs, banks, and entire ecosystems. If you’ve used a modern UK fintech product in the last decade, there’s a good chance Andrew’s work helped move your money. Now, with SPORTA, he’s taking everything he learned from core banking, real-time payments, and RTGS-grade resiliency and applying it to a completely new space: grassroots sport. SPORTA is building the world’s first AI-native bank for sport, bringing financial access, automation, and operational speed to clubs and communities that have been left behind by traditional banking. In this episode we get into: How ClearBank was engineered from scratch: the architecture, the early bets, the existential risks, and the breakthrough moments. The reality of regulated, always-on payments infrastructure: what it takes to build systems that simply cannot go down. Behind-the-scenes lessons from working with schemes, regulators, and big-bank partners: including how to survive complex approvals and multi-year integrations. Why “boring” beats “flashy” in financial services: and how reliability becomes a competitive weapon. What Andrew is building now at SPORTA: and why the timing matters, from embedded finance in sport to AI-driven operations and compliance. Hard-earned advice for today’s fintech founders and product leaders: choosing the right problems, surviving regulation, and building products that last. If you’re curious about how money really moves, what it takes to build critical national-level financial infrastructure, or you’re a founder thinking about your next fintech play, this conversation will give you a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the systems and decisions that power the industry.

In this episode, Jack sits down with Lee Provoost, the Chief Technology Officer at Flagstone, to explore what it really takes to scale a fintech engineering organisation — responsibly, rapidly, and without compromising on innovation or compliance. Over the past year, Flagstone has grown its headcount by 30%, all while operating within one of the most tightly regulated sectors in tech. Lee opens up about the frameworks, leadership principles, and mindset shifts that made that possible — and how his team has built a culture that stays true to Flagstone’s mission while continually pushing boundaries. Together, Jack and Lee dive deep into: - Why 2025 wasn’t the year for AI at Flagstone — and why saying no can be the most strategic leadership decision you make. - The art of balancing innovation and regulation — and how to stay compliant without killing creativity. - What aspiring tech leaders should be doing right now to future-proof their careers in an age of constant disruption. - How to build and scale engineering teams that deliver quality at pace — even as expectations and complexity grow. It’s an honest, practical, and thoughtful conversation about what real leadership looks like inside a high-performing fintech. Whether you’re a CTO, engineer, or future founder, this episode offers rare insight into the challenges and decisions shaping modern financial technology. Listen now and hear how Lee and the team at Flagstone are redefining what it means to build with integrity, innovation, and impact.

Kirsty Rutter has over 25 years of experience in financial services, holding various roles in finance, strategy, risk, data, technology, innovation, and strategic investment across six top-tier financial institutions. She is passionate about driving organisational growth through cultural change, challenging traditional methods, and championing the opportunities presented by new tools and technologies. Currently, as the Group Fintech Investment Director, Kirsty leverages her diverse experience to support business growth objectives and delivery through strategic fintech investments. She focuses on creating value by actively managing the portfolio across all businesses. Kirsty is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She actively mentors young professionals and promotes initiatives that support the advancement of women in the financial services industry. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive culture has earned her recognition as a thought leader and role model in the industry. Outside of her professional life, Kirsty is married and a proud mother of two boys, who she says have taught her more than anything else she has ever done.

Darren is a seasoned sales and marketing channel specialist with a career spanning nearly three decades in the technology industry. Over that time, he has held a variety of senior leadership roles, shaping the strategies and cultures of the organisations he’s been part of. Since 2021, he has been serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Smartbox.ai, a multi-award-winning artificial intelligence company that is redefining how businesses leverage AI. Before joining Smartbox.ai, Darren founded and led Boost Performance, a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations unlock growth and overcome operational challenges. Earlier in his career, he was Managing Director at Bytes Document Solutions, where he steered a major business transformation, revitalising the organisation, reshaping its financial health, and building a strong foundation for future growth. Beyond his leadership roles, Darren is also a respected figure within the industry’s wider community. He is a long-standing judge of the CRN Sales & Marketing Awards, and he also contributes his expertise to the CRN Women in Channel Awards, championing recognition and representation in the sector. Darren’s career is marked by a combination of commercial acumen, people-first leadership, and a passion for driving meaningful change across the tech industry.

We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Conrad Ford to the L&F podcast today — a genuine heavyweight in the UK fintech and banking space. Conrad is Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank (⁠www.allica.bank⁠), which has been recognised as the UK’s fastest-growing company by The Sunday Times and as the fastest-growing financial technology firm in UK history by Deloitte. That’s no small feat. Allica is on a mission to transform the landscape of SME banking — bringing back the kind of expert, relationship-driven service that established businesses deserve, but with the power and scalability of cutting-edge technology. Before Allica, Conrad was the founder and driving force behind Funding Options, the online business lending marketplace that earned a spot on the Financial Times FT1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies. Under his leadership, it became one of the UK’s most significant fintech success stories, culminating in its acquisition by neobank Tide. On top of that, Conrad is a Chartered Management Accountant with a career that began in major banks — giving him a rare mix of boardroom credibility, entrepreneurial grit, and a deep understanding of how technology can reinvent financial services.

In this episode, we welcome Beks Yelland — a seasoned digital product leader with a track record across Financial Services, Health, Energy, Utilities and many more, and founder of the not-for-profit community The Female Product Lead. With a mission to build inclusive spaces in the tech and product world, Beks is inspiring a fast-growing network of women to thrive, share knowledge, and step confidently into leadership. Host Adam Kinder dives deep with Beks into: Balancing motherhood and leadership in the fast-paced tech world Breaking into — and excelling in — product as a woman in a male-dominated industry The origin and growth of The Female Product Lead community Actionable steps everyone can take to empower women to succeed in leadership roles What companies need to prioritise in 2025 & 2026 to attract and retain diverse talent Packed with personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and inspiring strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make their mark in product, leadership, or tech. Learn more about Beks on LinkedIn or discover The Female Product Lead at femaleproductlead.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Sergio Zavota , AI Architect and Lead MLOps Engineer at NewDay, and Co-Founder of NutriCoach. Together Jack and Sergio explore how AI is reshaping everything from consumer finance to personalised health.  We get into the nitty gritty of Sergio’s work building responsible AI systems at NewDay, and the vision behind NutriCoach, his startup using AI to deliver tailored nutrition at scale. With experience across both enterprise and startup businesses, Sergio shares valuable insights on the future of machine learning, ethical deployment, and what it really means to operationalise AI in the current economy. We can’t wait to see the full launch of NutriCoach later this year!

This episode, we’re joined by David Ferguson, the visionary CEO of Seccl and founder of Nucleus Wealth. With a deep background in financial services and a drive to eliminate friction, David shares how he’s transforming investment platforms, and the industry itself.    We dive into: Uncovering hidden inefficiencies: Why David believes the wealth tech space has "a tech gap." Lessons from Nucleus: The highs and hurdles of scaling and exiting a fintech, and how those experiences shaped his leadership at Seccl.Building better platformsLeading with impactWhat comes next   If you’re building in fintech, leading high-growth teams, or simply want fresh insight into the future of investing platforms, don't miss another insightful conversation on Leaders & Founders.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with David Wascha, a seasoned product and technology leader whose career spans major names like Microsoft, Travelex, Moo and Zoopla. David opens up about the lessons he’s learned across industries, the evolving role of technology in shaping great products, and how his family life has profoundly influenced his leadership style and career decisions. It’s an honest conversation about ambition, balance, and what it really means to lead with purpose.

Jason Oakley is the CEO of Afin Bank, where he leads a dynamic and diverse team united by a clear purpose: to redefine value in financial services through innovation, agility, and purpose-driven leadership. With nearly 40 years of experience in banking and investment, Jason has a consistent track record of launching, scaling, and guiding businesses to success across a wide range of markets. At the core of Jason’s leadership is a deep passion for building high-performing teams creating the right conditions for people to thrive while bringing bold, entrepreneurial ideas to life. His latest venture, Afin Bank, reflects that vision and is currently poised to receive its full UK banking licence. Jason holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School and a Fintech Disruption Certificate from Cambridge Judge Business School, among several other professional finance qualifications. He believes deeply in the power of innovation, trust, and people and his career reflects a unique blend of strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and a passion for transforming the future of finance.

In episode 41 of Leaders & Founders, we sit down with Nicole Olbe, a true force in fintech and the current UK Managing Director at Adyen UK - one of the world's most innovative payment platforms.  With a career spanning Barclaycard, The Logic Group, and Verifone, Nicole brings unmatched expertise in global financial services, strategic partnerships, and payment innovation. She also opens up about her journey into leadership, the challenges and rewards of creating inclusive teams, and why diversity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a business imperative. Whether you're in fintech, payments, tech leadership, or just love hearing from inspiring changemakers, this episode is packed with insights into life at Adyen and why the world of payments is so fast paced and exciting!

Jas Shah is a Fintech Product Leader, who has spent over 16 years ideating, developing and helping bring products to life in fintech and FS organisations. He's worked with organisations and led the build and launch of Digital Banks, Open Banking Products, Payments Systems, Trading Platforms, and many other FS products for consumers, businesses and enterprise, as well as advising several Seed and Scale up fintechs.  It was great to sit down with Jas and discuss all things Product and Fintech.  Tune in to hear: Where big banks are going wrong when it comes to innovation. What the future of Product looks like in an AI world. How founders can approach Product in the early days of scaling. Plenty of analogies (he is the king of analogies Reach out to him if you're looking for fintech product expertise for your for your bank, fintech, accelerator or innovation studio.

Hold on tight—this one’s a game-changer! In this episode of Leaders & Founders, we’re joined by the incredible Beth Horn, UK Managing Director at Pinterest—one of the world’s most inspiring and fastest-growing digital platforms. Beth is a powerhouse in the tech and digital space, with an impressive career spanning Meta, Spotify, and search-driven commerce before taking the helm at Pinterest UK. As MD, she’s driving commercial growth, partnerships, and innovation, helping businesses, creators, and users unlock the full potential of the platform. Outside of work, she is a passionate music and theatre fan and calls sunny Scotland her favourite place on the planet. Beth recently invited us to her London home to share insight on what 2025 looks like for Pinterest, the huge mission she is embarking on, and of course, we are ever-grateful for her kind hospitality and incredible Home DIY inspo! Pinterest: The Platform That Inspires Action Unlike traditional social media, Pinterest is a place to plan, not just scroll. With over half a billion monthly users, the platform continues to grow while others struggle—proving that people crave a positive, forward-thinking digital space. 🔹 1.5 billion Pins are saved every week 🔹 10 billion boards globally 🔹 85% of users visit Pinterest to plan a project—from home makeovers to career goals 🔹 96% of searches are unbranded, making Pinterest a discovery powerhouse 🔹 80% of users find new brands on the platform—a goldmine for businesses Pinterest isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about taking action. Users come to the platform with intent, and with Pins lasting 6-12 months, content here has staying power far beyond the fleeting moments of other platforms. What’s Inside This Episode? We go deep with Beth on: ✅ What makes Pinterest different from traditional social media ✅ The secret behind Pinterest Predicts—an 80% accurate trend report shaping industries ✅ The future of digital discovery & commerce—and how Pinterest is leading the charge ✅ How to build high-performing teams and create a winning culture ✅ What’s next for Pinterest in 2025 (PS: Cherry Red & Fisherman Aesthetic, anyone?) If you're in tech, e-commerce, social media, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and inspiration you won’t want to miss. 🔊 Tune in now and get ahead of the trends before they happen!

Leda is a seasoned fintech executive and former banker, with a career spanning two decades working in transformation and technology functions across a variety of financial services verticals. She is the author of best-selling book‘Bankers Like Us: Dispatches from an Industry in Transition’ (Taylor and Francis, 2023) and of the upcoming‘Beyond Resilience: Patterns of Success in Fintech and Digital Transformation’ (Taylor and Francis, 2025). She a frequent keynote speaker at flagship industry events globally including Sibos, M20/20, Finovate as well as specialist regional and corporate events for banks, tech companies, issuers and regulators; and she is the author of the highly acclaimed #LedaWrites column on Fintech Futures. Leda is a Visiting Professor of Practice for the University of Loughborough London, focusing on fintech and the digital economy. She works as an external advisor to boards and executive teams for banks, financial institutions and technology companies globally, supporting leadership teams in transition: be it a process of transforming themselves, their business or their software infrastructure. Additionally, Leda works with established technology and younger fintech companies as a board director and advisor . Leda is the Chairman of the Board for Bourn and recently served as a Non Executive Director for Flagstone (who achieved one of the highest capital raises of its kind in the UK with backing from Estancia Capital). She was a NED at Simply Pay Me (until its acquisition by MyTown Technologies) and she chaired the Board of Geophy (now a Walker and Dunlop company) through its successful exit. Leda served as the Chief Client Officer of 10x Banking and the founding CEO of 11:FS Foundry (both in the cloud-native core banking space); she was the Chief Innovation Officer of Qatar National Bank and held a variety of innovation and transformation roles at BNY Mellon. Leda completed her undergraduate studies at King’s College Cambridge and holds an MSc and PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science.