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He wanted to be an actor. Then a newspaper advert changed everything. 🎬  In the latest episode of Flex and the City, I was delighted to sit down with Russell Andrews, Head of Wealth and Asset Management at FIS.  Russell grew up in Romford wanting to become an actor. A teacher spotted a newspaper advert for a schooling programme at the Bank of New York and suggested he apply.  Twenty-six years later, he is leading a global technology vertical.  I loved this conversation because Russell’s career is such a good reminder that we do not always know where our careers are going to take us. Sometimes you just have to be curious enough to see what happens next.  We talked about AI and what leadership looks like when the pace of change is accelerating. Russell’s view is that leaders increasingly need to be facilitators. Creating the right environment, giving people the tools they need and, importantly, giving them permission to experiment.  His advice to his 18-year-old self probably sums up the conversation perfectly:  Be patient.  Be curious.  Ask why.  Write things down.  A really enjoyable conversation about careers, leadership, AI, strengths and the lessons we can take from elite sport.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Mandy Rawlinson, Head of UK and EMEA for Aberdeen Investments and author of You Don't Belong Here, for the latest episode of Flex and the City. Mandy's career didn't follow the path she originally imagined. Growing up in the Scottish Borders as a first-generation corporate, she studied law with ambitions of joining the police before finding her way into financial services. More than twenty years later, she now leads across the UK and EMEA, but what stayed with me wasn't the career journey itself. It was the conversation we had about the future of leadership and the skills we'll need most in the years ahead. As AI becomes part of more of what we do, it's easy to focus on the technical capabilities people will need to develop. Mandy challenged that thinking. She believes the skills we've spent years referring to as "soft skills", including judgement, storytelling, critical thinking, empathy and the ability to solve problems, will become even more valuable because they are the skills technology can't replace. In fact, she doesn't think they should be called soft skills at all. I think she's right. One of the other ideas that really resonated with me was her perspective on innovation. Organisations often say they want people to think differently, yet many are still uncomfortable with failure. If people don't feel they have permission to experiment, it's difficult to create the conditions where innovation can genuinely happen. It's a conversation that goes well beyond financial services. We talked about confidence, leadership, curiosity, and what it means to prepare both ourselves and the next generation for a world of work that is changing rapidly. It certainly gave me plenty to think about, and I hope it does the same for you. 🎙️

In the latest episode of Flex and the City, I was delighted to sit down with Denis Harty, Country Head of Waystone Continental Europe and CEO of Waystone Management Company, and one part of the conversation stayed with me in particular. His perspective on teamwork. Denis moved from County Kerry to Luxembourg 25 years ago and entered financial services almost by accident while studying law. Since then, he has built a career across firms including JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, and now helps lead an organisation of more than 2000 people globally. But what stayed with me was not the career journey. It was the way he described rugby as a metaphor for leadership and business. Every person has a role to play. The ball moves through multiple hands. If one person does not do their job properly, the next person cannot do theirs. “You don’t win in isolation.” It is a simple idea, but it says a lot about leadership. Strong teams are not built around one standout individual. They are built on trust, interdependence, and recognising that different people bring different strengths. For those entering the industry, his advice was equally practical. Stay curious. Keep adapting. Build skills beyond your specialism. The future belongs to people who can connect different disciplines and think more broadly about where value is created. He also shared a reminder that I think many people need to hear at some point in their career: “This too shall pass.” A grounded conversation about leadership, resilience, and what strong teams really look like in practice. 🎙️

I really enjoyed my conversation with Olivier Portenseigne, CEO of FundsDLT and Head of Digital at Clearstream Fund Services, for the latest episode of Flex and the City. He started his career as a temp, keying manual trades in Luxembourg. Nearly three decades later, he is leading a blockchain-based infrastructure platform. But what stayed with me was not the career journey. It was how simply he described his purpose: “We want to make funds accessible everywhere, anywhere, by anybody. Cheaper.” That's not a fintech pitch. That's a belief system.  He also gave me the best leadership metaphor I've heard in a long time. The secret to success in finance? It's the same as the perfect boeuf bourguignon — harmony of ingredients. Different skill sets, different origins, different perspectives, all cooking together. Diversity isn't a nice-to-have. It's the recipe.  It is a simple idea, but it lands. Diversity is not something separate. It is part of how good work actually happens. For those entering the industry, his advice was equally clear. Build your network early. Develop a strong understanding of technology, even if you are not technical. And learn to communicate a vision in a way that others can connect to and believe in. A conversation that gives you something to think about. 🎙️ #FlexAndTheCity #Leadership #FinancialServices

Some leadership journeys do not start with a perfect plan. They start with a decision to jump. In this new episode of Flex and the City, I had the pleasure of speaking with Georges Bock, Founder and CEO of Investre S.A. and Moniflo. Georges spent decades in a senior leadership role at a Big Four firm. Successful. Respected. Comfortable. But he realised that comfort is not where transformation happens. So he took a leap without certainty, but with a strong sense of purpose. What followed was not just the creation of a company, but the beginning of a vision. To reimagine financial services as a more inclusive, transparent and human space. To help people not only grow their wealth, but also their freedom. To position money not as the problem, but as part of the solution. What stood out most in our conversation was Georges' honesty. He spoke openly about courage, failure and resilience. He reminded us that every meaningful career, whether entrepreneurial or corporate, includes setbacks and difficult decisions. The real difference lies in how you respond. You reflect, you learn, and then you stand up. Every time. In this episode, we explore: - Why entrepreneurship starts with courage, not certainty - How financial inclusion and sustainability belong together - Why failure is not the opposite of success, but part of the journey Georges' story is a powerful reminder that purpose and leadership are not titles. They are choices. They are acts of courage.

Some of the best leadership lessons come from the most unexpected places. In this new episode of Flex and the City, I had the pleasure of speaking with Albert Howard, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development at MiniBranch. Albert’s career path is anything but ordinary. From his early days in sales to his time in banking and now business development, every step of his journey has been guided by one simple idea — people come first. What struck me most in our conversation was his ability to draw leadership lessons from everywhere, even from selling mattresses. Albert shared how listening, curiosity, and genuine care are the foundations of trust, whether you’re serving customers or leading teams. We also talked about how credit unions are redefining connection and community in financial services, and how adaptability, honesty, and empathy continue to shape meaningful leadership. In this episode, we explore: ➡️ What the financial world can learn from the mattress industry ➡️ How curiosity and empathy build loyalty that lasts ➡️ Why trust is still the ultimate competitive advantage ➡️ The human side of leadership, business, and growth Albert’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or hierarchy. It’s about presence, curiosity, and the courage to keep learning.

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Philip Brown, CEO of Clearstream Banking S.A., and I have to say, this conversation really stayed with me. From his early days in banking during London’s Big Bang to leading one of Luxembourg’s most established institutions, Phil’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and connection. What struck me most was his deep belief in people, in trust, long-term relationships, and the human side of finance. He reminded me that leadership isn’t about control but about creating space for others to grow and thrive. In this new episode of Flex and the City, we explore how purpose, curiosity, and connection continue to shape leadership in an increasingly complex industry. In this episode: ➡️ Why trust, relationships, and integrity still define success in the post-trade world ➡️ The marginal gains mindset and how lessons from cycling and cooking can transform efficiency and leadership ➡️ Why young professionals should embrace curiosity, problem-solving, and flexibility over perfect planning ➡️ How the financial industry can reshape its narrative by highlighting its real human impact For anyone passionate about leadership, trust, and purpose in financial services, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Dr. Stephanie Eckermann, Executive Board Member of Deutsche Börse AG and Chairwoman of Clearstream entities, for Flex and the City. We talked about career paths, female leadership, attracting young talent to finance, AND the surprising link between running a global post-trade business and hosting a great BBQ. From AI to agency, data to diversity—this episode is packed with insights for leaders at every level. - The REAL skills modern finance leaders need - Why curiosity at the top isn’t optional - Attracting the next gen to finance - AI, agency, and authenticity Stephanie is a powerhouse in European finance—and also a mother of three, a diversity champion, and someone who leads with heart and clarity in a complex world. It’s bold, brilliant, and absolutely worth a listen.

In this new episode of Flex and the City, I sit down with Stéphane Pesch, CEO of the Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (LPEA). He’s not just navigating Luxembourg’s private capital space — he’s shaping it. And he’s doing it with values, vision, and a deep belief in people. 💥 In this episode: ➡️ From liquid funds to private equity — Stéphane’s personal pivot ➡️ Why curiosity, adaptability and self-belief are non-negotiables for future leaders ➡️ How Luxembourg is building an ecosystem rooted in purpose, education, and innovation ➡️ The books and moments that shaped his leadership philosophy This one’s thoughtful, grounded — and just disruptive enough. 🎙️ Tune in now — and hear leadership through a very different lens.

In this week’s episode of Flex and the City, I’m joined by Florent Albert, CEO of Utmost, for an insightful conversation on the art of leading through change. Florent’s journey spans the globe—Provence, New Caledonia, Paris, Leeds, the US—and each chapter has shaped his unique approach to leadership. From navigating mergers and acquisitions to understanding team dynamics and regulation, one thing is clear: change is inevitable, but it’s how leaders respond that truly matters. Florent doesn’t just manage change—he thrives through it. He embraces resistance, knowing that creating a sense of safety, calm, and connection is what sparks meaningful transformation. 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿: - How to hold responsibility with grace, even in uncertain times - Why calmness is the ultimate leadership superpower - How to stay grounded and human in an increasingly data-driven world This episode is for anyone who’s navigating personal or professional transformation—the journey to change can be tough, but it’s a lot easier when you have the right mindset.

In the final episode of Flex and the City for 2024, I have the pleasure of connecting with the visionary Paul Chapman, Managing Director of HornbyChapman! 💼✨  Paul shares his invaluable insights on why the next generation of Financial Services professionals—especially Gen Z—must embrace AI and sharpen their sales skills to thrive in this dynamic industry.  Key Takeaways: Resilience wins: Your circumstances don't define your future. Paul's story is a testament to perseverance and embracing change, showing that life’s biggest shifts can lead to unexpected growth. ✨ Embrace innovation: Paul highlights the transformative power of technologies like AI, blockchain, and DLT to replace outdated systems. He encourages the new generation to adopt these tools and challenges older leaders to recognize younger workers’ strengths and fresh perspectives. 🔄  Be open to new beginnings: Moving beyond your comfort zone, whether it’s relocating or embracing new skills, can open doors you never imagined. Paul urges young professionals to prioritize sales skills, build trust-based relationships, and seek balance and happiness over money. 🌍  Focus and discipline matter: Drawing parallels between clay pigeon shooting and success in financial services, Paul shares his "traffic light system" for mental focus. 🔴 Red = Relax and enjoy life. 🟠 Amber = Prepare to focus. 🟢 Green = Fully commit and execute with precision. Mental health matters: Paul reflects on the growing awareness of stress and burnout, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy from leaders. Removing stigma and fostering healthier environments is key to long-term success. 😇  Paul's story is a powerful reminder that our past shapes us, but it doesn’t hold us back. Tune in for personal reflections, life lessons, and inspiration to keep pushing forward! 🎧 #Podcast #Leadership #Resilience #Innovation #LifeJourneys #FlexInTheCity #Inspiration

In the latest episode of Flex and the City, I had an inspiring conversation with Brian Godins, Chief Commercial Officer at Callistone. His 31-year journey through financial giants like Morgan Stanley and HSBC offers insightful wisdom for every listener. The Chief Commercial Officer of Calastone shares what financial services can learn from Doods the cat and how they need to adapt and stand out to attract Gen Z talent.  🚀 A Few Key Highlights: From Tennis Dreams to Finance: Brian’s shift from aspiring sports commentator to a leader in finance highlights the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. 🎾  Leadership Style: Emphasizing team dynamics, client engagement, and continuous learning, he draws inspiration from mentors like Kian Burke and Ria Leckie. 💡  Attracting Gen Z: By understanding their needs for transparency and diverse opportunities, Brian reveals strategies for drawing young talent into the financial sector. 👩‍💼  Brian’s reflections offer a profound understanding of the evolving landscape in financial services, emphasizing adaptability and a human-centered approach to success.  #Leadership #GenZ #Diversity #Inclusion #FinancialServices #CareerInsights #FlexAndTheCity #Podcast #BrianJourney 🎧 Don't miss out on these insights—tune in today!

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 🚀 In my latest episode of Flex and the City, I engaged in an enlightening conversation with Philippe Renard, Deputy CEO of Caecis and former CEO of RBC in Luxembourg.  Philippe shares his remarkable journey from engineering to finance, offering valuable insights that resonate across industries. 𝗔 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Philippe transitioned from a chemical engineering background into banking, emphasizing that banking operations can be viewed through an industrial lens—focusing on processes, KPIs, and scalability. 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: As market margins shrink, financial institutions must prioritize efficiency and cost management, similar to manufacturing practices. 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Philippe stresses the importance of fostering diverse teams to unlock potential and drive innovation, acknowledging that the financial industry has a long way to go in achieving gender balance. Philippe Renard’s insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership and the future of financial services. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability, diversity, and a human-centric approach in driving success. 🌍💼

I'm thrilled to share our latest episode of Flex and the City, where I had the privilege of speaking with David Sarfas, The Managing Director at CSC. 🎙️ ✨  In this episode, David Sarfas, Co-Head of Global Funds and UK Country Head at CSC, shares his thoughts on the future of financial services.  He emphasises that if the industry wants to win gold, it must focus on increasing transparency, safety, and security—not just for its clients but for the public as a whole. 💼 🎯  In this episode, David also opens up about: 🚀 Navigating a global career in financial services — The unique challenges and opportunities he encountered while working across major financial hubs.  💙 Leadership with energy and authenticity — Why bringing your true self to work can fuel your success and inspire those around you.  💡 Advice for young professionals — Valuable tips on breaking into the industry and making an impact, no matter where you start.  📗 Must-read recommendations for CEOs — David shares the one book he believes every business leader should have on their shelf.Fl Whether you're just starting out in the industry or you're a seasoned professional, David’s global insights and leadership experience offer invaluable lessons on navigating today’s dynamic financial landscape.

Dave Micallef dives into an engaging conversation with Aric Faber, the dynamic President and CEO of SalesPage, on the latest episode of Flex and the City. From starting with Aric Faber's background, leadership philosophy, and experiences in business.  To emphasising the importance of authentic leadership, influenced by his early experiences in sports and mentorship. He values teamwork and building a strong, motivated team that aligns with personal and professional goals.  He also highlights the need for the financial services industry to better communicate its positive impact on society and suggests that companies should offer flexible roles to attract diverse talent. From Athlete to Advisor: Aric talks about giving back to nurture talent and foster success.