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Mighty FinsightsExploring the frontiers of fintech Author: CSTMR
Welcome to "Mighty Finsights," the podcast where finance meets formidable insights and spirited storytelling. Hosted by fintech and financial services agency CSTMR, this show delves into the stories that shape the world of finance and fintech, brought to you straight from the minds of those who know it bestthe innovators, the disruptors, and the trailblazers. Each episode of "Mighty Finsights" is a journey into the heart of financial innovation and personal achievement. We sit down with finance professionals, fintech founders, and visionary leaders to uncover the narratives that are often overshadowed by numbers and charts. From humble beginnings to groundbreaking achievements, our guests share not just their successes, but the challenges and setbacks that have shaped their path in the finance industry. Whether you're a finance professional seeking to glean insights from leaders in the field, a fintech founder curious about the latest trends and technologies, or simply someone fascinated by the stories of grit and perseverance behind successful enterprises, "Mighty Finsights" is your gateway to understanding the complexities and capturing the spirit of the financial world. Join us as we unveil the powerful insights and the incredible people behind them, offering not just lessons in finance, but also in innovation, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. "Mighty Finsights" is more than a podcast - it's an experience where finance and insight come to life: www.cstmr.com/mighty-finsights-podcast. To be a guest on the podcast: https://cstmr.com/mighty-finsights-podcast-guest/. Language: en Genres: Business, Marketing, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Interview with Frank Young: Why Adaptive Leadership Can Save Fintech Firms Millions
Episode 32
Tuesday, 9 December, 2025
Host - Rory Holland - cstmr.com - Linkedin: CSTMRInterviewed - Frank T. Young, Frank’s Substack Want to be a part of the podcast? Contact Rory today!In this EpisodeEpisode 32 of Mighty Finsights features Frank T. Young, strategic advisor, angel investor, and former executive at Google and Global Payments. He joins Rory Holland to discuss what it’s liking building products at some of the biggest names in financial technology. This conversation tackles pivotal moments in payments modernization, including an insider look at why Google Wallet failed to secure a business model where Apple Pay succeeded. Young offers candid analysis on the fundamental culture clash between fast-moving tech and slow, regulated financial institutions, and explains how adaptive leadership is key to navigating that divide. He also shares personal stories—like a piano recital that helped him get hired at Google—and how Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba ethos influences his approach to consulting.Key TakeawaysThe role of Embedded Fintech: The highest standard of user experience in payments is one that is largely "invisible" (embedded fintech), allowing users to focus on commerce, not transactional complexity.Data vs. Privacy-First Business Models: The fundamental psychological problem for Google Wallet was that bankers did not trust Google with their data, an issue Apple circumvented by positioning itself as the "antithesis of Google" on data.Take the Time to Correctly Define Problems: A critical leadership lesson in consulting is to never misdiagnose an adaptive problem (like cultural readiness for change) as a technical problem.Market Dominance Does Not Equal Brand Recognition: Global Payments, despite massive growth, struggled to establish brand recognition as a "value-added service provider" due to insufficient investment in marketing.The Willingness to Become a Student Again: Young's personal story of a piano recital at age 39—on the day his daughter was born—illustrated the humility and relentless improvement necessary for leadership.Banks Require Technological Consistency: Google's internal "engineering cycle" often led to new teams re-architecting and re-engineering products soon after launch, sometimes hindering operational continuity.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Dunkin' Donuts Discussion01:17 Interview - Start02:23 How Frank Young Ended Up at Google 05:42 Unfolding the Google Wallet Experience08:45 Why Google Wallet Struggled to Gain Traction with Partners12:38 The Philosophy Behind Apple Pay's Rise to Dominance13:50 Rory Holland - Commentary14:20 The Philosophy Behind Apple Pay's Rise to Dominance - Continued15:18 Transitioning from Google to Global Payments19:13 Frank's Decision to Learn Piano at Age 3921:58 Creating the Googley Factor by Living Life Out Loud24:40 Wisdom Earned While Working at Global Payments27:42 Why Brand Recognition Matters So Much in Fintech29:13 Rory Holland - Commentary29:39 Why Brand Recognition Matters So Much in Fintech - Continued30:49 Falling Down the Rabbit Hole of Financial...
