Behind the Brand®

Neo Financial

Welcome to Behind the Brand® presented by Neo, hosted by Jeff Adamson, co-founder of Neo Financial and SkipTheDishes. On this podcast, we learn from leaders who are reimagining, innovating, and transforming the financial and retail industries across Canada. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

The Future of Global Banking with Miklós Dietz, Senior Partner, Managing Partner of Vancouver Office at McKinsey & Company
Jul 16 2024
The Future of Global Banking with Miklós Dietz, Senior Partner, Managing Partner of Vancouver Office at McKinsey & Company
S02:E08: The Future of Global Banking with Miklós Dietz, Senior Partner, Managing Partner of Vancouver Office at McKinsey & CompanyMiklós Dietz | Senior Partner, Managing Partner of Vancouver Office | The Future of Global Banking“Winning business models are not stuck in one sector.”—  Miklós DietzThis time, on Behind the Brand, we sit down with Miklós Dietz. Miklós leads the Global Banking Strategy and Innovation team at McKinsey. He is also the managing partner of McKinsey’s Vancouver Office. Since joining McKinsey, Miklós has led more than 450 engagements across 40 countries and 100 financial institutions. It doesn’t stop at financial services.  Miklos has also served governments and regulators to support economic development, as well as helped telecom, technology, retail, consumer goods and energy companies in starting and scaling up digital businesses.Miklos has written over 200 articles and reports that span topics such as banking, strategy, and digital transformation including “Springtime for Canada’s fintech industry?”, and is the author of the book ‘The Ecosystem Economy’. We talk about what banking systems look elsewhere in the world, how Canada’s banking system is at its largest inflection point, and why ecosystems are the business model of the future. Enjoy! Looking for more?Discover more about Miklós Dietz here. Read ‘The Ecosystem Economy’ here.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Modernizing Payments Infrastructure with Ron Morrow, Executive Director at the Bank of Canada
Jul 2 2024
Modernizing Payments Infrastructure with Ron Morrow, Executive Director at the Bank of Canada
S02:E07: Modernizing Payments Infrastructure with Ron Morrow, Executive Director at the Bank of CanadaRon Morrow | Executive Director at the Bank of Canada | Modernizing Payments Infrastructure“You want a system that is stable and reliable, but not one that is so stable and reliable that it stifles innovation and competition. So it's a challenge to find [the] trade off.I think a lot of what is going on in the world of payments right now is trying to ensure that we are striking that right balance.”—  Ron MorrowIn this episode, we speak with Ron Morrow, the Executive Director of Payments, Supervision, and Oversight at the Bank of Canada. The Bank of Canada’s mandate is “to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada.” In his role, Ron is responsible for the supervision of retail payment service providers and the oversight of financial market infrastructures. He also guides the Bank’s work to explore the potential design of a digital form of the Canadian dollar.We cover everything from the modernization of money movement to the productivity crisis in Canada, and get an understanding of the new payment provider supervision under the new Retail Payment Activities Act which will come into effect in November 2024. Enjoy! Looking for more?Discover more about Ron Morrow here.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Bringing Real-Time Payments to Canada with Donna Kinoshita, Chief Payments Officer at Payments Canada
Jun 4 2024
Bringing Real-Time Payments to Canada with Donna Kinoshita, Chief Payments Officer at Payments Canada
S02:E05, Donna Kinoshita, Chief Payments Officer at Payments CanadaDonna Kinoshita | Chief Payments Officer at Payments Canada | Bringing Real-Time Payments to Canada with Donna Kinoshita, Chief Payments Officer at Payments Canada“We call it… the three legged stool. You've got the Retail Payments Activities Act as the rules. The Canadian Payments Act is the who can be members and participants… Then the third leg of the stool is the infrastructure. And so we like to refer to the Real-Time Rails as that third leg…The ambition is the stars align and all three happen concurrently. That's the ambition. ”—  Donna KinoshitaIn this episode, we speak with Donna Kinoshita, Chief Payments Officer at Payments Canada. Payments Canada underpins the Canadian financial system and economy by owning and operating Canada’s payment clearing and settlement infrastructure. As the Chief Payments Officer, Donna is responsible for managing Payments Canada's relationships with its members, stakeholders and regulators, and Payments Canada's communications, policy and research functions. As payments continue to rapidly evolve, Donna and her teams work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure the Canadian payment ecosystem is inclusive, enables fair competition and supports a thriving Canadian economy.Prior to Payments Canada, Donna led Symcor’s integrated sales, product and marketing strategy to support market expansion and revenue growth in the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. Previous to Symcor, Donna held the role of Senior Vice President and Group Head of Global Products and Solutions at Mastercard Canada.In our conversation, we cover a wide variety of topics including the Retail Payments Activities Act, what that is, how it will impact the financial industry, and the progress of the Real-Time Rail. Enjoy! Looking for more?Discover more about Donna here.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Delivering Frictionless Financial Experiences for Canadian Enterprises with Rob Khazzam, Co-Founder and CEO at Float
May 21 2024
Delivering Frictionless Financial Experiences for Canadian Enterprises with Rob Khazzam, Co-Founder and CEO at Float
S02:E04, Rob Khazzam, Co-Founder and CEO at FloatRob Khazzam | Co-Founder and CEO at Float | Delivering Frictionless Financial Experiences for Canadian Enterprises with Rob Khazzam, Co-Founder and CEO at Float"There's a million reasons for a company like Skip or Neo or Float or any business to not go anywhere. They get built by people who go 'I will go through every single rabbit hole, I will unearth every rock and I will prove that this business can exist or I will prove that it's impossible'" – Rob Khazzam On this episode of Behind the Brand, we speak with Rob Khazzam, Co-Founder and CEO of Float, an all-in-one corporate card & spend management solution that helps Canadian businesses control their spending. Float has raised a $37M Series A led by Tiger Capital and just announced $50M in Debt Financing in February of this year led by Silicon Valley Bank. Float enables businesses to eliminate employee reimbursements and expense reports, seamlessly pre-approve credit card expenses, and automatically collect receipts.Prior to Float, Rob was the General Manager of Uber for Central and Eastern Europe, then Canada. In this episode we cover a lot of topics from how to go about defining a mission and vision for your team, how Float builds their products, and why you shouldn’t wait for Open Banking legislation.Looking for more?Discover more about Rob here, and Float here. You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
The Future of Open Banking in Canada with Abraham Tachjian, Canada's Open Banking Lead
Apr 9 2024
The Future of Open Banking in Canada with Abraham Tachjian, Canada's Open Banking Lead
S02E01: Abraham Tachjian, Director of Digital Banking, PwCEpisode Title: Abraham Tachjian | Former Open Banking Lead to the Government of Canada“Consumers don’t care about open banking… It's an industry term… They care about the capabilities that come with it.”—  Abraham Tachjian  We’re speaking with Abraham Tachjian, Open Banking Lead to the Government of Canada and the self-described authority on Open Banking. In March 2022, the Government of Canada named him the country’s open banking lead. He was tasked with the mandate to empower Canadians and businesses with greater control over their financial data. Through a report that he provided to the Government of Canada, he established the foundation for Canada’s open banking system that will be implemented through legislation. Currently he is a Director at PwC where he heads the firm’s Canadian open banking practice. Before joining PwC, he has been involved in FinTech as a founder of a digital bank in Hong Kong and as a director at a digital banking in Singapore. In this episode we talk about Canada’s implementation of Open Banking, how it can help consumers, and how our system might look different then systems across the globe.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about PwC here.Follow them on LinkedIn.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
E42: Mike Murchison | CEO, Ada | The world of AI entrepreneurship: Navigating risks, embracing authenticity, and scaling up
Mar 5 2024
E42: Mike Murchison | CEO, Ada | The world of AI entrepreneurship: Navigating risks, embracing authenticity, and scaling up
“And that's what that's what entrepreneurship gives you. It gives you access to problems that are really hard to solve that, in my case, at least, for the kind of problems I like to solve, I can't find anywhere else.”—  Mike MurchisonIn this episode, Mike Murchison, the co-founder and CEO of Ada, shares insights on redefining success beyond external measures and embracing intrinsic motivation for personal growth. He emphasizes the founder's role in intimately understanding and solving problems, advocates for commitment to the problem while staying open to innovative solutions, and provides valuable perspectives on scaling as a leader, including the importance of embracing discomfort and establishing clear decision-making processes.Here are some highlights from the episode:Defining success: Mike challenges the common notion of success tied to external measures like company valuation or financial success. He emphasizes the intrinsic motivation of learning and personal growth as more sustainable sources of fulfillment, rather than tying one's self-worth to the success of a company.Proximity to the problem: Mike highlights the significance of founders immersing themselves in the problems they aim to solve. He contends that a deep understanding of the problem is crucial for early company advancement. Attachment vs. commitment: Mike advocates for founders to be committed to the problem they want to solve but not overly attached to a specific solution. This openness to alternative approaches fosters innovation and accelerates progress.Scaling as a founder and leader: Embracing discomfort as a pathway to learning, Mike emphasized the value of curiosity, drawing insights from experienced individuals, and establishing clear decision-making processes.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about Ada here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
E41: Brett Colvin | CEO & Co-Founder, Goodlawyer | Revolutionizing legal services: Navigating legal education, innovation, and AI in the Canadian landscape
Feb 13 2024
E41: Brett Colvin | CEO & Co-Founder, Goodlawyer | Revolutionizing legal services: Navigating legal education, innovation, and AI in the Canadian landscape
“There is so much unmet legal need within businesses of all sizes that I don't see AI as a threat, I see it as an opportunity to make legal more important and more valuable to the businesses that it's serving.”—  Brett ColvinIn this episode, Jeff delves into the vibrant realm of legal services alongside Brett Colvin, a fellow founder based in Calgary. Tune in as Brett unfolds his remarkable path from law school to transforming the legal landscape through his own venture, Goodlawyer.Here are some highlights from the episode:Solving industry challenges: Brett highlights how Goodlawyer addresses critical issues in the legal sector, including inefficient billing practices and industry hesitancy towards innovation.Harnessing the power of AI: Explore the intersection of technology and law as Brett delves into the integration of AI in legal processes and its potential to boost efficiency.Legal services as a business imperative: Brett emphasizes the vital role of legal services in the business domain and how they can be used as a strategic tool for effective risk management and the unlocking of untapped business opportunities.Capital chronicles in Canada: Brett openly shares his experiences navigating the Canadian market, shedding light on the complexities of raising capital and alternative approaches entrepreneurs can explore when seeking financial support in the distinctive landscape of Canadian business.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about Goodlawyer here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
E40: Mark Harrison | Founder & Public Speaker, MH3 Collective | Pathways to entrepreneurial success: Relationships, risks, and data-driven decisions
Jan 16 2024
E40: Mark Harrison | Founder & Public Speaker, MH3 Collective | Pathways to entrepreneurial success: Relationships, risks, and data-driven decisions
“I think entrepreneurship is the profession of the future, and I think ‘entrepreneurial’ is the trait of the future.”—  Mark HarrisonIn this episode, Jeff sits down with Mark Harrison, Founder of MH3 Collective, who shares his approach to life and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-management and taking control of one's destiny. Mark highlights the significance of building relationships and going above and beyond to solve clients' problems. He shares stories of taking risks and making personal sacrifices to achieve success. In this conversation, Mark discusses the undervalued opportunities in the market and the importance of entrepreneurship in Canada. He believes that entrepreneurship is the profession of the future and provides innovation and resilience. Here are some highlights from the episode:How self-management and owning one's career are essential for success in entrepreneurship.Building strong relationships and going above and beyond for clients can lead to long-term success.Taking risks and making personal sacrifices are often necessary to achieve goals.Data and insights play a crucial role in decision-making for partnerships and sponsorships.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about MH3 Collective here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf | Founder & CEO, Manzil | Empowering financial inclusivity: Unleashing the potential of fintech in Canada
Dec 12 2023
Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf | Founder & CEO, Manzil | Empowering financial inclusivity: Unleashing the potential of fintech in Canada
“This is the element of humanity and compassion and empathy of banking that we don't have today that really needs to come in.”— Dr. Mohamad SawwafJoin us on this episode of Behind the Brand as we sit down with Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf, a dynamic force in the world of finance, ethics, and innovation. With an impressive academic background and a diverse portfolio of experiences, Dr. Sawwaf has dedicated his career to transforming the financial landscape and driving inclusive practices.As the founder and CEO of Manzil, a company focused on ethically-conscious products and halal financing and investments, Dr. Sawwaf has been at the forefront of pioneering ethical financial solutions that empower communities in Canada while adhering to the principles of Islamic finance. His journey encompasses roles in academia, advisory boards, and impactful organizations, all working towards one common goal–financial inclusion.Takeaways include: Financial inclusivity and ethical banking: Manzil prioritizes financial inclusivity with an ethical approach, demonstrating the success of Islamic finance principles in serving a diverse demographic.Challenges in partnering and regulatory support: Exploring the potential benefits of official regulatory support, the discussion reflects on the UK's successful creation of an Islamic banking framework.Governmental role and policy changes: Highlighting the crucial role of government, the conversation underscores the need for proactive policy changes to support financial inclusivity.This episode is filled with insights on financial inclusivity, challenges in collaboration with larger institutions, and the crucial role of government and policy changes in fostering a competitive and inclusive financial landscape in Canada.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about Manzil here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Kirsten Gauthier | Founder & President, Public Office | Navigating creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact
Nov 21 2023
Kirsten Gauthier | Founder & President, Public Office | Navigating creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact
“I think specialization is really important. Do what you're really, really good at, be really well known for it, and then they will start giving you other things to do because they know that they can depend on you.”—  Kirsten GauthierJoin us in this episode of Behind the Brand as we sit down with Kirsten Gauthier, the founder of Public Office. From her early days in advertising to her entrepreneurial ventures, Kirsten shares valuable insights on adaptability, the changing dynamics of the creative industry, and the power of entrepreneurship with a social mission.Takeaways include: Adaptability and entrepreneurial journey: Kirsten's career journey is a captivating tale of adaptability and hands-on learning. Starting in advertising, she later made a daring entrepreneurial leap, establishing her production company, Production Kitchen. Changing dynamics in the creative industry: In the fiercely competitive agency business, Kirsten sheds light on the evolving dynamics. Specialization and client relationships take center stage, and she advocates for a hub-and-spoke model. Social impact and entrepreneurial wisdom: Goodfoot Delivery, a venture with a social mission, stands as a beacon of entrepreneurship. Kirsten shares her wisdom on viewing failure as a crucial learning process and the personal aspects of the entrepreneurial journey.This episode is filled with inspiration, entrepreneurial wisdom, and a deep dive into the ever-changing landscape of the creative industry. Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about Public Office here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Colin Deacon | Independent Senator, Senate of Canada | Innovation, competition, and financial empowerment: A path to a better Canada
Oct 3 2023
Colin Deacon | Independent Senator, Senate of Canada | Innovation, competition, and financial empowerment: A path to a better Canada
“Problems are great things once they’re identified, and if there’s a willingness to address them. Because they alert you to a way to get better.” —  Senator Colin DeaconIn this episode, we sit down with ‌Senator Colin Deacon, a leading voice in Canada's financial landscape. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for empowering consumers, Senator Deacon's perspective is nothing short of enlightening.Senator Deacon believes that open banking could be a game-changer for Canadians, shifting control of peronsal financial data from banks back to customers. Imagine having the power to improve your credit score as a new Canadian, paving the way for better financial opportunities. It's about creating opportunities from problems, a mindset that transcends sectors.Here are some highlights from the episode: Innovation as an attitude, and the need for more of it in our government services. The need for regulatory change in Canada, especially in the banking and financial sectors. The transformative potential of open banking. It's time to empower consumers and enhance competition in Canada's financial landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the world of finance.Looking for more?Discover more about Senator Colin Deacon here.Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Hanna Zaidi | Chief Compliance Officer, Wealthsimple | Banking on the future: Blending trust and innovation in the financial world
Sep 19 2023
Hanna Zaidi | Chief Compliance Officer, Wealthsimple | Banking on the future: Blending trust and innovation in the financial world
“We're in this position and in this space where we can do things differently than what incumbents do, because we have the opportunity to reimagine it.”—  Hanna ZaidiWith her extensive regulatory compliance expertise and forward-thinking approach, Hanna Zaidi has been a driving force behind innovation and transparency in the financial sector. Her leadership has propelled Wealthsimple to the forefront of digital finance, offering accessible and user-friendly investment solutions to empower individuals on their financial journeys. Under her guidance, Wealthsimple has played a pivotal role in advocating for modernizing payment systems and open banking frameworks in Canada, with the aim of enhancing competition and improving financial services for consumers nationwide.In this episode, Hanna and Jeff deep dive into the transformative potential of modernizing payment systems, discussing the benefits for consumers and its impact on competition within the Canadian financial landscape.Here are some highlights from the episode:The lack of competition and modernization in the Canadian financial system can lead to higher costs for consumers and limited access to better services. Trust factors are changing; younger generations prioritize user experience, speed, and convenience in trusting financial providers.Compliance is a chance for innovation, not a hindrance. Fintechs can gain a competitive edge by mastering regulatory requirements.Enjoy!Looking for more?Discover more about Wealthsimple here.Follow them on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Ilya Brotzky | Founder & CEO, VanHack | Reshaping tech talent acquisition and fostering global connections
Sep 5 2023
Ilya Brotzky | Founder & CEO, VanHack | Reshaping tech talent acquisition and fostering global connections
“Another thing the best companies are doing is just moving fast or being very clear in the interview process.”—  Ilya BrotzkyWhile working in Brazil, Ilya Brotzky joined a startup accelerator that aimed to connect American invcestors with Brazilian startups. Immersed in the startup culture, he observed a pool of skilled Brazilian developers wanting to move to Canada but facing language and soft skills barriers.Upon his 2014 return to Vancouver and in the midst of his own job search, he identified a demand for developers but the lack of supply in Canada. Drawing from his Brazilian experience, he started an online school to teach developers English which quickly evolved into VanHack, a talent and recruitment platform. Now, with over 370,000 members across 100+ countries, VanHack strives to create a borderless world for tech talent.Here are some highlights from the episode:Creating defined career paths is crucial for preventing employee stagnation and offering a clear sense of direction within the organization.Offering engaging challenges sustains employee motivation and growth, while nurturing both personal and professional development.A clear mission and compelling purpose in an organization motivate candidates and foster deeper engagement in their roles.Looking for more?Discover more about VanHack here.Follow them on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50
Karen Danudjaja | Co-Founder & CEO, Blume | Guiding your entrepreneurial path with a mindset of growth and resiliency
Aug 22 2023
Karen Danudjaja | Co-Founder & CEO, Blume | Guiding your entrepreneurial path with a mindset of growth and resiliency
“The opportunity for me is like to look at the challenges as part of the fun of it, right? … How do you overcome those challenges in a way that pushes the business forward?”—  Karen DanudjajaFrustrated by the limited non-caffeinated options in cafes and a desire to move beyond commercial real estate, Karen Danudjaja harnessed her entrepreneurial prowess to launch Blume – a brand that would transform our approach to daily beverages.Nearly 6 years later, Blume has emerged as North America’s premier superfood brand, offering a range of locally-crafted products comprising 100 percent natural and organic ingredients.Here are some highlights from the episode:Instead of fixating solely on the destination, find joy in the day-to-day process, learn from experiences, and take ownership of your happiness. Every setback presents a chance to adapt, refine strategies, and enhance processes for future success.Successful entrepreneurship involves navigating challenges, uncertainties, and setbacks while maintaining the determination to keep moving forward.Looking for more?Discover more about Blume here.Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.You can learn more about Neo Financial here.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.Interested in joining Neo? Unlock a special offer for podcast listeners here: join.neo.cc/podcast50