In this episode of Searching for Mana, Dan & Sachin are joined by Steffen Vollert, Co-Founder and CEO of Volt.io — one of the leading players driving real-time payments across borders through open banking infrastructure.

From the early days of Volt’s seed raise to the complexity of global expansion — including their launch in Australia — Steffen shares what it takes to build a high-growth payments business without compromising on culture, product, or people.

He unpacks why talent retention and cultural alignment are key differentiators at scale, and how “extreme ownership” has shaped Volt’s internal DNA.

The conversation also dives into:

 – The future of Web3 in payments

 – How digital assets could accelerate infrastructure

 – Why Europe lags behind the U.S. in fintech innovation

 – And yes… even a few thoughts on tractors, habits, and consistency

Steffen’s calm, pragmatic approach is matched by a sharp clarity around product and growth — a CEO who codes, thinks, and scales with intention.

A must-listen for anyone building in payments, fintech, or digital infrastructure.
 

Steffen Vollert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vollerts/

Daniel O'Riordan

X (Twitter): https://x.com/Dan_ORiordan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-o-riordan-0636257b/

Sachin Doshi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-doshi-1b87094/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Stani Kulechov, the founder and CEO of Avara, to delve into the transformative impact of decentralised finance. 

Stani discusses the origins and growth of Aave, the significance of blockchain technology, and the innovative solutions his team is developing in the DeFi space. The conversation includes insights into Aave's pioneering lending and borrowing protocols, while also touching on the broader implications of tokenised real-world assets (RWAs), and the importance of security and scalability in blockchain networks. Stani shares his vision for a future where DeFi can provide equal financial opportunities to all, emphasising the importance of resilience and creativity.

Tune in to gain insightful perspectives on financial democratisation, the role of Ethereum, and the seamless integration of blockchain in mainstream finance.

Stani Kulechov

X (Twitter): https://x.com/StaniKulechov

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stani-kulechov-361284132/

Lloyd Wahed

X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

Stay updated with Searching For Mana

Official website: https://mana-group.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of the Kanoo Group, for a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of tradition and innovation in business.

Kanoo shares insights into his family's business legacy, the importance of professional management, and the role education plays in ethical leadership. The episode also tackles broader themes such as the socio-economic impacts of AI and the importance of community and respect in business. 

Tune in for a deep dive into the principles, challenges, and future trends in business and technology.

Mishal Kanoo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishal-kanoo-14099111b/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed speaks with Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, to delve into the expansive possibilities of blockchain technology and Cardano's unique position in the ecosystem. 

Discussing Cardano's resilience, decentralised governance, and long-term vision, Gregaard sheds light on how the Foundation's non-profit ethos drives innovation and social impact. The conversation touches on the challenges and successes faced by Cardano, its academic foundation, and the potential for blockchain to redefine global governance and economic identity. 

Gregaard also shares his personal leadership philosophy and vision for a future where blockchain empowers communities globally.

Don't miss this insightful episode to understand the intricate balance between technology, ethics, and the future of decentralised networks.

Cardano Foundation website: https://www.cardanofoundation.org/

Frederik Gregaard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregaard/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

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In this episode of Searching for Mana, Lloyd Wahed meets with Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, to unpack her journey from an early fascination with Bitcoin to leading one of blockchain’s most groundbreaking ecosystems. With her expertise spanning traditional finance and digital assets, Lily provides a rare, balanced view of where blockchain is heading and how Solana is advancing the technology’s global impact.

Discover Solana's evolution from a fledgling network to a blockchain powerhouse, overcoming hurdles like the FTX crash while cultivating a vibrant community and ecosystem with over $5 billion in TVL.

Lily’s perspectives on self-custody, economic sovereignty, and user-first blockchain products are a must for anyone following the evolution of digital assets.

Don't miss this episode for a glimpse into crypto’s future, the challenges and promise of blockchain, and the unique strength of the Solana community.

Solana website: https://solana.com/

Lily Liu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calilyliu/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

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In this episode of Searching for Mana Fintech, co-hosts Dan and Sachin engage in a compelling conversation with Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix, a pioneering company providing AI-driven SaaS solutions for the financial and insurance sectors. 

Since its founding in 2001, Earnix has led innovation with dynamic tools that transform insurer operations, from risk evaluation to real-time pricing.

The discussion explores strategies that have positioned Earnix as a key player in this evolving industry, covering global market expansion and complex regulatory environments.

Robin shares insights on how Earnix’s technology enables insurers to launch products faster, make smarter pricing decisions, and stay competitive. He also addresses the challenges of global scaling and navigating diverse regulations.

Tune in to discover the strategies positioning companies like Earnix at the forefront of industry advancements.

Earnix website: https://earnix.com/

Robin Gilthorpe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robingilthorpe/

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Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mana.search/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

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In this compelling episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jeremy Allaire, the visionary Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle.

Together, they explore the transformative journey of Circle and its flagship digital currency, USDC. Delving deep into the origins, challenges, and subsequent rise of Circle, the conversation sheds light on how stablecoins like USDC are pioneering the future of digital finance, providing a seamless bridge between cutting-edge blockchain technology and traditional financial systems.

From navigating the turbulent waters of ‘crypto winters’ to scaling operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode highlights the resilience and foresight required to integrate blockchain technology with established financial systems, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the future of digital currencies.

Circle's website: https://www.circle.com/en/

Jeremy Allaire's profile on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyallaire/

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Website: https://manasearch.co.uk/browse-jobs/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1

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