The Payments Leaders Show

The More You Adapt, The Luckier You Become.

In this episode I sit down with global business leader Ian McLernon to explore what it really takes to build a career that evolves, adapts, and thrives in today’s uncertain world. Ian’s career journey is anything but linear. From early roles in retail and marketing to leading global luxury businesses across London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York, he shares how success isn&r...

This episode was a little different.

I was not the host asking the questions I was in the hot seat. Communications strategist and stellar wordsmith Matt Pears turned the tables and put me through "The Career Decision Room": a set of powerful questions designed to uncover the 5 blind spots that quietly shape and limit our careers. What emerged was not just a conversation. It was a series of uncomfortable truths that I believe every p...

Candice Pressinger - Director of Customer Data Security, Elavon Europe talks to Adrian Evans.

Key learnings:

1. The "False Positive" commercial gap Candice reveals a staggering statistic: while global fraud costs the industry approximately $300 billion, the cost of "false positives" (legitimate transactions blocked by over-zealous security) is double that at $600 billion. Furthermore, 50% of customers rejecte...

In this episode of The Payments Leader Show, I was joined by Sulabh Agarwal, Global Head of Payments at Accenture, for an insightful conversation about the future of the payments industry and the forces shaping it between now and 2028.

Sulabh shares his personal journey into payments, from credit cards and analytics at Capital One to more than two decades at Accenture, where payments has remained a constant thread. What drives his p...

I had one of the most meaningful human conversations I have recorded to date with Dan Swift, CEO and founder of Numentum. What started as a discussion about leadership, enterprise sales, and technology quickly became a deeply human exploration of what actually drives long‑term success in business and in life.

Dan shared his journey candidly, from launching major initiatives at companies like LinkedIn and Sprinklr to building Nument...

In this episode I am joined by Willem Wellinghoff in a thoughtful and grounded conversation on leadership, curiosity, trust, and the future of payments. Willem shares his unconventional “squiggly” career journey from law into fintech and payments, emphasising that meaningful careers are rarely linear. A recurring theme throughout the discussion is curiosity which Willem describes as essential not just for leadership, bu...

Candice Pressinger - Director of Customer Data Security, Elavon Europe talks to Adrian Evans.

Key learnings:

1. Security and innovation are complementary There is a common misconception that security slows down innovation. Candice reframes this, arguing that they are not opposites but partners. Effective security is actually a "growth lever" that reduces friction and costs, enabling businesses to innovate sa...

In this powerful and insightful conversation, former hostage and crisis negotiator Nicky Perfect and I explored the art of communication, emotional intelligence, and human connection under pressure.

Drawing on decades of frontline experience, Nicky reveals what truly drives effective conversations whether in life‑or‑death situations or everyday leadership. Nicky unpacked the value of deep listening, the rare skill of giving someone ...

In this inspiring conversation, we explore an unconventional career journey that proves success is rarely linear and often far more interesting when it isn’t. From the very beginning, Ray’s story shows what’s possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance intersect.

Balancing family life, night school, and growing responsibilities in a demanding business environment, he demonstrates how barriers can be navigated ...

Had a compelling conversation, with Cian Fitzpatrick Dylan Fitzpatrick. We explored how the payments industry has transformed from a cost centre into a genuine source of competitive advantage.

What emerged throughout the discussion is a consistent theme: human connection. Whether onboarding clients or building long term partnerships, trust remains the foundation of every successful relationship.

We dived into opportunities shaping th...

Our conversation revolved around the power of curiosity, sincerity, and adding value. These guiding principles provide the foundation for building a meaningful career. Stefano’s natural curiosity about people and the world around him becomes the fuel for forming genuine, trust-based relationships.

Rather than networking for personal gain, he approaches others with sincerity and reciprocity, creating a multiplying effect where...

What a fascinating conversation, made even richer by an effortless, grounded style. In this episode, we explore five powerful themes that emerged from Divya's journey and leadership philosophy.

First, we uncover her unwavering commitment to doing the right thing and giving her best in every moment, a value set that forms the bedrock of how she leads and makes decisions.

Next we explored Divya's evolution across geographies, markets...

Esme Wilson, Private Equity VP, Pollen Street Capital and Philip Harding, Commercial Director, Cashflows talk with Adrian Evans.

There can be some confusion about how private equity firms and portfolio companies interact. If the roles are not clearly defined, it can lead to an unproductive dynamic.

In our latest podcast discussion with Esme Wilson, Private Equity VP at Pollen Street Capital and Philip Harding, Commercial Director at...

Clive Smith joined Adrian Evans on The Payments Leaders Show to talk about healthy organisational effectiveness. Clive brings a rare blend of sharp insight and deep humanity to the way teams perform and cultures evolve. They covered:

1. How maximising curiosity is the only way to minimise internal politics.
2. Why sending an email isn’t the same as creating clarity.
3. Read more