Avoid IRS Surprises With Year-Round Tax Planning Sohail Sadeghi PayPod: The Payments And Fintech podcast

22:02

Episode Topic: Matthew Stafford , Managing Partner at Build Grow Scale, joins PayPod to break down what’s really holding e-commerce stores back from growth—and how conversion rate optimization, rooted in behavioral psychology and powered by AI, is changing the game. Lessons You’ll Learn: Why most CRO fails without psychology, how customer friction kills conversions, and why real-time feedback and simple design build lasting trust. About Our Guest: Matthew Stafford is Managing Partner at Build Grow Scale, an optimization agency focused on maximizing revenue from existing traffic. With a deep background in e-commerce, Matt has worked with over 1,000 stores to optimize user experience, increase revenue per visitor, and leverage data intelligently. His approach blends UX simplicity, customer psychology, and modern AI tools like Google Gemini to help brands grow without unnecessary ad spend. Topics Covered: Why traffic isn’t the problem—conversion is Treating browsers and shoppers differently How friction kills trust Key trust-building elements for e-commerce Using AI to synthesize analytics and sales goals Psychological strategies for better UX and form design…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Automating Bank Disputes to Build Trust - Fatemeh Nikayin 27:09

15 days ago27:09

27:09

Episode Topic: Fatemeh Nikayin , Co-founder and CEO of Rivero AG , joins PayPod to reveal how AI-powered solutions are transforming how banks manage payment disputes. She shares how building trust, minimizing customer distress, and enabling lightweight innovation are critical for modern fintech success. Lessons You’ll Learn: How protecting customer data unlocks bank adoption, why customer dispute experiences can determine brand loyalty, and why AI needs to be applied differently in regulated industries like finance. About Our Guest: Fatemeh Nikayin is the Co-founder and CEO of Rivero AG, a fintech company helping banks modernize the payment dispute process using AI and rule-based automation. Fatemeh has deep experience working within financial services and studied Internet of Things platforms at the PhD level, giving her a unique perspective on platform adoption, customer experience, and privacy-centric innovation. Topics Covered: Why SaaS for banks must prioritize data sovereignty The growing strategic importance of payment operations How customer disputes can become trust-building opportunities Applying AI carefully: rule-based vs. LLMs in fintech Challenges of modernizing banks with legacy systems How payment dispute handling differs across regions…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Building Real Startups with Purpose – Kanyi Maqubela 37:18

19 days ago37:18

37:18

Episode Topic: Kanyi Maqubela, Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures, joins PayPod to discuss how values-led venture capital supports high-impact startups across fintech, climate, and more. Discover how Kindred identifies founders who move fast, think big, and adapt as they scale game-changing ideas into real-world solutions. Lessons You’ll Learn: Why startup success hinges on speed and altitude-shifting, how to think about funding vs. profitability, and the importance of empathetic market insight when serving underrepresented or global communities. About Our Guest: Kanyi Maqubela is the Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures, a firm backing mission-aligned startups that want to reshape industries. With investments across fintech, health, and frontier tech, Kanyi draws from years of founder-first investing and has a sharp lens on team-building, product-market fit, and scalable impact. Topics Covered: The role of velocity and quick iteration in startup success How VC can be a vehicle for real-world problem solving Startup risk frameworks and phases of survival The critical skill of "altitude shifting" in founders Diversity in startups: Empathy > Demographics Where fintech is heading—just-in-time lending, modular ledgers, and more Balancing profit and purpose in early-stage companies…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Avoid IRS Surprises with Year-Round Tax Planning Sohail Sadeghi 22:24

22 days ago22:24

22:24

Episode Topic: Sohail Sadeghi, founder of Atlantis Tax Group, joins PayPod to explore how business owners, investors, and high-income earners can shift their mindset from tax compliance to tax strategy. Sohail shares his insights on the most common tax mistakes he’s seen, provides guidance on leveraging real estate for tax benefits, and explains how proactive tax planning can save thousands of dollars in the long run. Lessons You’ll Learn: Discover the importance of proactive tax planning throughout the year. Learn the tax deductions and credits specific to your business or industry. Understand how to reduce your taxable income using retirement accounts and real estate investments.Find out why you should consult with a tax professional beyond tax season. About Our Guest: Sohail Sadeghi is the founder of Atlantis Tax Group, a firm dedicated to helping clients with tax planning and strategy. With years of experience in navigating the tax system, Sohail helps individuals and businesses lower their tax liabilities while building long-term financial success. His client-focused approach sets him apart from traditional tax firms by providing personalized strategies and regular planning sessions throughout the year. Topics Covered: Tax planning for business owners and investors Maximizing deductions and credits based on your industry The importance of tax planning beyond tax season Tax strategies for real estate investors and short-term rental deductions…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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How Alternative Data Transforms Credit Risk – with John Gordon 26:48

26 days ago26:48

26:48

Episode Topic John Gordon, CEO of ValidiFI, joins PayPod to discuss how alternative data is revolutionizing credit risk assessment. Discover how using ACH history, bank account behavior, and fraud signals is giving lenders a clearer, fairer view of consumer creditworthiness in today’s fast-changing financial landscape. Lessons You’ll Learn Explore why credit scores are no longer enough, and how alternative data fills the gaps. Learn how fraud prevention is evolving, how underserved populations benefit from better data, and why ACH validation is becoming a fintech essential. About Our Guest John Gordon is the CEO of ValidiFI, a SaaS platform that helps financial institutions assess credit risk and fraud through alternative data. With over a billion consumer inquiries analyzed, ValidiFI helps lenders, processors, and service providers unlock the power of bank behavior, account validation, and predictive analytics to make smarter decisions. Topics Covered: Credit scores vs. alternative data ACH validation and fraud detection Bank account behavior as a risk indicator Financial inclusion and non-prime consumers Buy Now, Pay Later and missing data in bureaus Emerging trends in data consortiums and fintech regulation…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Blockchain Money Transfer Tools for Finance Leaders to Cut FX Costs Globally with Kevin Lehtiniitty 33:39

5 weeks ago33:39

33:39

Episode Topic Today’s episode gets into the weeds into how stablecoins are transforming cross-border payments and financial access. Kevin Lehtiniitty, CEO of Borderless.xyz, reveals how his team is building the connective tissue for global stablecoin movement by partnering with licensed financial institutions. This episode uncovers the opportunities and challenges in building a compliant, scalable crypto payment network that thrives in both developed and emerging markets. Lessons You’ll Learn You’ll learn why stablecoins are reshaping how people save, spend, and move money globally, especially in inflation-stricken economies. Kevin breaks down the difference between fiat-backed and algorithmic stablecoins, explains how Borderless.xyz operates without holding custody of funds, and explores how compliance and innovation can coexist in crypto infrastructure. About Our Guest Kevin Lehtiniitty is the CEO of Borderless.xyz, a fintech startup building the world’s largest stablecoin orchestration network. Kevin’s journey began with a rejected Bitcoin transaction that led him to question the role of banks and the need for permissionless money. Before founding Borderless.xyz, he worked in regulated crypto custody and healthcare fintech. He’s a strong advocate for financial freedom, regulatory clarity, and building tech that levels the global playing field. Topics Covered: What stablecoins should be—and why algorithmic ones don’t qualify How Borderless.xyz connects local payment rails via a global network Dollarization and stablecoins as proxies for USD in emerging markets Regulatory challenges and why being non-custodial matters The rise of stablecoin-driven neobanks across Latin America and Africa CBDCs and the looming impact of forced conversions in authoritarian regimes Lessons from banking restrictions and the push for financial innovation…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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DeFi Yield Strategy for Fintech Builders to Launch Scalable Crypto Products with Maxim Galash 27:56

6 weeks ago27:56

27:56

Episode Topic Today’s conversation explores how decentralized finance (DeFi) has transformed the crypto landscape, especially for businesses in emerging markets. Maxim Galash, CEO of Coinchange, shares insights on building automated yield products, the role of stablecoins in global commerce, and how regulation is shaping the future of financial infrastructure in crypto. Lessons You’ll Learn You’ll learn how platforms like Coinchange offer passive income opportunities through a combination of staking, hedge funds, and DeFi protocols. Max explains why they pivoted to B2B after the collapse of Celsius and BlockFi, how stablecoins enable cross-border transactions, and what the future holds for regulation, innovation, and adoption in DeFi. About Our Guest Maxim Galash is the CEO of Coinchange, a fintech company offering automated crypto yield products tailored for fintechs and B2B platforms in emerging markets. Under his leadership, Coinchange has shifted from a retail-focused platform to a sophisticated infrastructure provider, enabling clients to earn yield via staking, hedge funds, and decentralized liquidity pools. Max is also closely involved with navigating international compliance, helping businesses provide regulated yield products globally. Topics Covered DeFi vs CeFi: What’s changed since the 2022 crypto crashes Why Coinchange moved from retail to B2B How stablecoins are used in cross-border payments Managing risk through diversified, automated strategies Regulatory challenges across the US, EU, and emerging markets The role of Telegram blockchain and the future of mini apps Tokenized T-bills and institutional DeFi adoption…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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The Future of FX Trading with Adam Katz 31:46

6 weeks ago31:46

31:46

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Adam Katz, founder and CEO of Kaletra, to discuss the challenges and inefficiencies in foreign exchange (FX) trading. Despite FX being a $7.2 trillion daily market, many financial institutions still rely on outdated legacy systems, leading to high fees, slow transactions, and inefficiencies. Adam explores why banks hesitate to modernize their FX infrastructure and how AI, automation, and fintech innovation can drive the future of cross-border transactions. They also touch on the role of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and geopolitical shifts in shaping the FX landscape. Lessons You’ll Learn In this insightful discussion, Adam shares why banks struggle with outdated technology, how legacy banking systems create hidden costs, and the impact of government debt on currency volatility. You’ll learn about the true cost of FX inefficiencies, how fintech disruptors are offering better alternatives, and why AI-driven automation is the key to lowering transaction costs. Adam also breaks down the hype vs. reality of blockchain in FX, revealing why traditional finance is still reluctant to embrace digital currencies. About Our Guest Adam Katz is the founder and CEO of Kaletra, a company dedicated to modernizing FX trading through cutting-edge financial technology. With years of experience in foreign exchange markets and fintech innovation, Adam has deep insights into the challenges banks face with legacy systems. From his early days in computer programming to his work in financial services, Adam has been passionate about building modern, efficient infrastructure for FX trading. Topics Covered The inefficiencies of legacy FX trading systems. Why banks resist technology upgrades despite high costs. The hidden fees in cross-border transactions. How AI and automation are reshaping FX trading. The role of blockchain and digital currencies in finance. Geopolitical shifts and their impact on global currency markets…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Real Time Website Protection for Security Leaders to Stop Push Button Scam Kits with Kate Cox 27:58

6 weeks ago27:58

27:58

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPd , host Kevin Rosenquist explores the urgent and growing issue of online impersonation and digital fraud with Kate Cox, Business Development Lead at Memcyco. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, Memcyco is pioneering real-time detection technology to uncover spoofed websites and protect both businesses and their customers from fraud. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode dives deep into how fake websites are created, the mechanics of phishing and spoofing attacks, and the real-time tools being used to stop fraud before it starts. You’ll gain insight into the role AI plays on both sides of the cybersecurity battle—enabling cybercriminals and empowering defenders. Kate also shares how businesses can protect their users and build long-term digital trust in an increasingly risky online world. About Our Guest Kate Cox is the Business Development Lead at Memcyco, a company at the forefront of digital fraud prevention. With a strong background in cybersecurity and business strategy, Kate works closely with organizations to implement proactive fraud protection solutions. Her mission is to make the internet safer by helping companies detect and block spoof sites in real time—before the damage is done. Topics Covered The rise and risk of spoofed websites The difference between phishing and spoofing attacks How Memcyco’s real-time detection technology works The role of AI in modern cybercrime Building digital trust through proactive protection Emerging threats like session hijacking and man-in-the-browser attacks…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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How Digital Banking Helps Investors Manage Money Efficiently Tomas Navickas 27:37

7 weeks ago27:37

27:37

Episode Topic In this episode, we dive into the world of fintech innovation with Tomas Navickas, the CTO and co-founder of myTU. He shares insights on how myTU is transforming digital banking and enhancing financial accessibility. As a leader in the industry, Tomas discusses the challenges of scaling a fintech startup, the role of technology in financial services, and how myTU aims to simplify money management for individuals and businesses. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode will equip you with key insights into modern banking solutions and the fintech landscape. You’ll discover how emerging financial technologies are reshaping the industry and what it takes to drive innovation in digital payments. Tomas also shares practical advice on entrepreneurship in fintech, the importance of security and compliance, and how businesses can leverage fintech solutions to streamline operations. About Our Guest Tomas Navickas is a seasoned fintech expert and technology leader with a passion for financial innovation. As the CTO and co-founder of myTU, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s vision, focusing on secure and user-friendly digital banking solutions. His expertise spans software development, financial technology, and business strategy, making him a key figure in the industry’s digital transformation. Topics Covered The evolution of digital banking Challenges of building a fintech startup The future of financial technology How myTU is changing money management…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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How Facilitation Transforms Teams & Drives Success with Therese Miclot 30:33

7 weeks ago30:33

30:33

Episode Topic Effective leadership is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-changing work environment. But what does it truly take to lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion? In this episode of PayPod, we welcome leadership coach and facilitation expert Therese Miclot, who has spent over two decades helping individuals develop the skills to lead with impact. We explore how facilitation plays a key role in leadership, how leaders can cultivate the right mindset, and why mastering communication is essential for team success. Whether you’re managing a remote team, navigating difficult conversations, or striving to improve your influence, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership skills. Lessons You’ll Learn Leadership is more than just managing people—it’s about guiding teams effectively, fostering engagement, and making strategic decisions that drive results. In this episode, you’ll learn how facilitation skills can make you a more effective leader, including active listening, storytelling, and navigating tough discussions. Therese shares why great leadership starts with mindset and how self-awareness can shape the way you interact with your team. We also explore practical ways to enhance meeting dynamics, prevent disengagement, and ensure your team feels heard and valued. Whether you’re leading in a traditional office, hybrid setup, or fully remote environment, these strategies will help you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability. About Our Guest Therese Miclot is an executive coach, leadership development expert, and the author of The Facilitation Advantage. With a background in industrial and organizational psychology, she has spent over 20 years working with top executives, helping them master the art of leadership through facilitation techniques. She has led global learning and development initiatives, worked closely with C-suite leaders on succession planning, and helped organizations enhance their team effectiveness. Through her coaching and workshops, she empowers leaders to communicate with confidence, delegate effectively, and create an environment where teams thrive. You can find her insights on leadership and facilitation at TheFacilitationAdvantage.com or follow her on LinkedIn. Topics Covered What facilitation really means in leadership and why it’s a critical skill.The impact of mindset on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.The importance of active listening and how it can transform team engagement.How to run better meetings, avoid disengagement, and encourage meaningful participation.Why storytelling is a powerful tool for influence and communication.The challenges of remote and hybrid leadership and how to adapt for success.How leaders can balance psychological safety with accountability.Practical tips for developing facilitation skills to elevate your leadership.…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Simplifying F&I Products in Auto Finance with F&I Sentinel's Stephen McDaniel 28:47

7 weeks ago28:47

28:47

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPad, we sit down with Stephen McDaniel, CEO of F&I Sentinel, to uncover the complexities of auto financing compliance and the hidden world of F&I products. From gap waivers to extended warranties, Stephen sheds light on how these financial products impact both consumers and lenders. We also explore how compliance regulations shape the car-buying experience, what role lenders play in ensuring fair practices, and how technology is revolutionizing auto finance compliance. Stephen shares his expert insights on what the future holds for car buying, digital retailing, and F&I product transparency. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode will provide a deeper understanding of F&I products, including what they are, why they matter, and how they can protect or potentially exploit consumers. You’ll learn how compliance in auto finance ensures fairness and transparency, why lenders need to be more vigilant about what they finance, and how technology-driven solutions like Citadel are reshaping the industry. If you've ever questioned the fine print on extended warranties, tire and wheel protection plans, or gap waivers, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter financial decisions when purchasing a vehicle. About Our Guest Stephen McDaniel is a regulatory compliance expert with nearly two decades of experience in the F&I industry. Before founding F&I Sentinel, he worked as a regulatory attorney, helping craft legislation and compliance frameworks for automotive finance products. His deep industry knowledge and legal expertise led him to create Citadel, a platform designed to help lenders validate and approve F&I products before financing them. With a background in law and accounting, Stephen brings a unique perspective on the intersection of business, compliance, and consumer protection in the automotive sector. Topics Covered We cover a wide range of essential topics, including: What F&I products are and how they impact car buyers The importance of compliance in auto finance and why lenders must pay attention How F&I Sentinel's Citadel platform is transforming the industry The shift toward digital car buying and what it means for consumers Common misconceptions about dealership add-ons and how to protect yourself The future of auto finance and how technology is making the process more transparent and fair…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Optimizing Subscription Payments with Revolv3's Robert Podlesni 35:03

8 weeks ago35:03

35:03

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Robert Podlesni, Chief Product Officer of Revolv3, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of subscription-based payment processing. As businesses increasingly shift to subscription models, optimizing payment approval rates and minimizing involuntary churn has never been more critical. Robert shares insights into the cutting-edge technology Revolv3 is leveraging to streamline payment processing, reduce transaction failures, and enhance revenue retention. Beyond payments, we dive into his passion for motorsports, drawing parallels between racing and the fast-paced world of fintech. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the challenges businesses face with payment declines and how strategic payment routing can significantly improve approval rates. Robert also breaks down Revolv3’s innovative pricing model, which only charges for successful transactions, making it a game-changer for merchants. Additionally, he shares his perspective on the future of payment technologies, from real-time payments to the evolving role of alternative payment methods and blockchain. His unique background in racing offers valuable lessons on handling pressure, agility in decision-making, and the importance of adaptability—essential qualities for navigating the fintech industry. About Our Guest Robert Podlesni is the Chief Product Officer of Revolv3, a company at the forefront of optimizing subscription billing and payment orchestration. With a career rooted in payments, he previously worked at Experian, where he spearheaded internal billing initiatives. Beyond fintech, Robert has an impressive background in motorsports, having won multiple championships in Formula F2000 and competed in endurance racing. Today, he not only drives innovation in payment processing but also coaches aspiring racers in the USF Pro 2000 series. His ability to balance the high-speed demands of both industries makes him a fascinating guest with a wealth of knowledge to share. Topics Covered The role of payment optimization in reducing involuntary churn How Revolv3 achieves industry-leading transaction approval rates The impact of real-time payments and alternative payment methods Lessons from the motorsports world that apply to fintech The future of subscription-based payment models The importance of security in payment processing without adding friction Robert’s journey from auto racing to payments and fintech leadership…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Exploring AI-Powered Financial Data Governance with Safebooks AI's Ahikam Kaufman 24:07

8 weeks ago24:07

24:07

Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, we explore the future of financial data governance with Ahikam Kaufman, co-founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. As financial data management becomes more complex, businesses must ensure accuracy, compliance, and security in real time. Ahikam shares insights on how AI-powered automation is revolutionizing the industry, allowing enterprises to seamlessly validate and substantiate their financial data. From navigating large-scale transactions to ensuring financial integrity, this episode provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of fintech and how Safebooks AI is pioneering change. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain a better understanding of financial data governance and the challenges enterprises face in managing financial records across multiple platforms. Ahikam explains the role of AI in automating reconciliation, reducing errors, and improving financial oversight. He also shares insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in fintech. Whether you’re a CFO, startup founder, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging AI for financial compliance and making data-driven decisions with confidence. About Our Guest Ahikam Kaufman is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. With a background that includes co-founding Check Inc. (now Intuit Mint Bills), Ahikam has been at the forefront of fintech innovation for over 15 years. His expertise in financial technology, AI-driven automation, and data integrity has helped transform how enterprises manage financial data. At Safebooks AI, he is leading efforts to bridge the gap between finance professionals and data experts, ensuring businesses have the tools to maintain financial accuracy and compliance at scale. Topics Covered This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of financial data governance, how AI is reshaping financial reporting, and the challenges of scaling a fintech company. Ahikam shares his journey as a founder, the lessons he has learned from building successful startups, and the impact of AI on financial data security and compliance. We also discuss how businesses can maintain financial integrity while adapting to evolving regulatory standards. Tune in to discover how AI-powered solutions are helping enterprises streamline operations and reduce financial risks.…

PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast

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Unlocking Embedded Finance with Green Dot’s Renata Caine 19:46

8 weeks ago19:46