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In this episode of Wrestling Payments, host Joe Casali sits down with Kevin Olsen, the Payments Professor. Kevin shares his unexpected journey into the payments field, sparked by a job loss during the dot-com bubble. His path led him to become a leader in the industry, teaching others about the intricacies of electronic payments.

The conversation shifts to the creation of Kevin's podcast, the Payments Podium. Kevin reveals how a casual comment from a colleague led him to start recording his discussions about the payments industry. He shares his approach to finding guests, focusing on individuals with years of experience and knowledge to share.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about the future of payments, particularly the importance of instant payment capabilities. Kevin emphasizes the need for the U.S. to compete globally in this area. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of the payments industry and the power of lifelong learning.

Guest-at-a-Glance

Name: Kevin Olsen
What he does: The Payments Professor
Company: Payments Professor
Noteworthy: Kevin Olsen, a tech graduate turned teacher, found his way into the payments industry by accident during the dot-com bubble burst.
Where to find Kevin: LinkedIn / Podcast

Key Insights

The Birth of Payments Podium 

Kevin Olsen shares the story behind his podcast, the Payments Podium. A casual comment from a colleague inspired him to record his discussions about the payments industry. He began by inviting people he knew to be guests and then expanded his network by asking each guest to recommend others. This approach has led to a wide variety of guests, each with their own unique experiences and insights to share. The podcast has become a valuable resource for anyone interested in the payments industry.

The Importance of Fun and Joy in Learning

Kevin discusses the importance of making learning fun, especially when it comes to complex topics like electronic payments. He emphasizes the effectiveness of 'edutainment,' a blend of education and entertainment, in facilitating learning. He also highlights the importance of bite-sized, easily digestible content that busy professionals can revisit and relearn at their own pace.

The Future of Payments 

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the future of payments. Kevin underscores the need for the U.S. to develop instant payment capabilities in order to compete globally. He believes that staying abreast of changes in the industry is crucial for success and that financial institutions must strive to be more than just 'afloat' – they should aim to lead.