Conversations with Michael Barnett

In this episode, Michael Barnett talks with Ali Malvicino, Head of Solutions for Newline™ by Fifth Third Bank, about the transformative world of embedded finance. They explore the evolution of financial technology, from prepaid cards to API-driven banking-as-a-service platforms, and discuss how Fifth Third Bank is leading the charge with innovative solutions like the Newline platform. Discover how compliance, trust, and forward-thinking are shaping the future of payments.

Connect with Ali Malvicino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimalvicino/
Connect with Michael Barnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Alan Blakeborough, founder of Tax Titans, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, and the journey of building a disruptive SaaS platform for the accounting industry. Alan shares his unique career path, from being a competitive fencer to an Army officer, and how those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. They dive into key topics such as the power of pivoting in business, finding your niche, and the importance of resilience for startups. Alan also introduces Enterprise Bridge, Tax Titans' groundbreaking platform that allows accounting professionals to buy, sell, and trade clients seamlessly—revolutionizing the accounting industry in the face of a nationwide talent shortage. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals seeking to innovate in their industries.

Connect with Alan Blakeborough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/f3zorroblake/
Connect with Michael Barnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this episode, Michael Barnett interviews Michael Balzer, a payments industry veteran, about the evolution and future of payments. They discuss how cloud technology, open systems, and API-driven innovation have enabled startups to challenge legacy players, driving consumer-focused solutions. The conversation explores the influence of consumer behavior on payment trends, the role of trust and security in adopting new technologies like biometrics, and the industry’s shift toward personalized, value-added services.

Connect with Michael Balzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbalzer/
Connect with Michael Barnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this episode, Michael Barnett chats with Matt Baxter, CEO of Wedge HR, about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from his journey starting a lawn care business to leading a successful HR tech company. They dive into the realities of burnout, the resilience required to keep going, and the importance of balancing ambition with well-being. Matt shares strategies for managing stress, focusing on meaningful work, and sustaining motivation through small wins and a strong support network. This honest conversation reveals insights on connecting with others through authentic leadership and the value of purpose-driven work in building a lasting business.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcbaxter/
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this episode, Michael Barnett speaks with Thorsten Seeger, an expert in the European lending market, about the evolution of embedded lending across Europe and the U.S. They dive into COVID’s role in accelerating digital acceptance, the technology gap in European banks, and the impact of embedded lending platforms like Loanspark in advancing the industry. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of ethics in lending, navigating regulatory challenges, and Michael and Thorsten's commitment to responsible, transparent practices in SMB finance.

Connect with Thorsten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorstenseeger/
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Shayan Mozaffar, CEO of 10x10Y Investments, to discuss the profound challenges and rewards of high-performance leadership. They delve into the importance of resilience, purpose-driven goals, and making conscious sacrifices for sustained success. With insights on aligning life choices with personal values, this conversation is a roadmap for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Connect with Shayan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayanmozaffar/
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

In this insightful episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Aditya Raikar,
VP of Growth & Partnerships at Checkbook, to explore the rapidly growing space of embedded finance. Discover why embedded payments and lending are transforming the Fintech landscape, making it easier for companies to offer versatile financial services without building them from scratch. From tackling the build-vs-buy dilemma to understanding market demands, Michael and Aditya share industry expertise and predictions on how embedded solutions will shape the future of finance.

Connect with Aditya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityaraikar1/
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending

Several years ago I made a bold move...I left behind the world of working for others and set out into the wild world of entrepreneurship. Since then, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and celebrated some incredible victories. Today, I’m proud to lead Loanspark, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the U.S. But here’s the thing—the journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting started. Every day is a new adventure, a new lesson, and a new opportunity to grow.
 
Twice per month, I sit down with some of the top founders and executives across all industries. We get real about the highs, the lows, the game-changing ideas, and the moments that make you question everything as a leader. No fluff, no filters—just candid conversations about what it really takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.  I’m your host, Michael Barnett, and this is the Conversations with Michael Barnett Podcast.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/

Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loanspark
Follow Loanspark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweredbyloanspark/
Follow Loanspark on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loansparkllc
Follow Loanspark on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@loanspark
Subscribe to Loanspark on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@poweredbyloanspark

Learn more about partnering with Loanspark: https://www.loanspark.com/landing/loanspark-embedded-small-business-lending