In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, Rachel Curtis, the CEO of Inicio, shares her insights on AI, FinTech startups, and the challenges of leading a fast-growing business and raising investment. She discusses her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and how it was a more accidental path for her. 

Episode Highlights: 

[00:02:01] Conversational AI in banking. 

[00:04:21] Corporate expertise in fintech. 

[00:07:35] Mental health and financial struggles. 

[00:12:31] Raising investment as a female founder. 

[00:15:08] The value of accelerators. 

[00:19:08] Scaling with strategic partnerships. 

[00:22:41] Building a strong board. 

[00:26:48] Ethical considerations in development. 

[00:30:04] AI in fintech safety. 

[00:34:08] AI transforming financial services. 

[00:37:20] The psychology behind AI. 

Revolutionizing Financial Assistance 

 Rachel, during her work in affordability processes, identified a significant barrier where people in debt fear judgment, hindering them from seeking assistance. To address this, Inicio developed Budgie, a conversational AI-powered virtual agent that guides users through affordability assessments without judgment. By leveraging data from credit agencies and open banking, Budgie streamlines the process, resulting in a 30-35% increase in customer engagement. 

Budgie's impact is twofold: it offers customers a non-judgmental experience, easing fears and improving approachability, while organizations benefit from enhanced efficiency and ethical collection practices. Rachel emphasizes the importance of aligning purpose with commercial success in leadership. Her journey from traditional banking to fintech underscores how passion and industry expertise can drive success, emphasizing the potential for individuals to make a lasting impact in any field when driven by passion and expertise. 

About Rachel Curtis 

Rachel Curtis is an experienced financial services leader with over 20 years in banking. She was a founding executive at Cambridge & Counties Bank, leading marketing, savings, customers and operations. Achieved 98% customer satisfaction within 13 months of launch. Currently CEO of Inicio AI and Non-Executive Director at Loughborough Building Society, chairing Remuneration Committee. 

• Rachel Curtis on LinkedIn 

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

In this episode, I was joined by Vincent Cano, Chief People Officer at Agicap, a fast-growing fintech company based in Paris. We discussed lessons learned from failed attempts at rolling out global HR policies, balancing consistency with local needs when expanding internationally, determining critical roles to add during rapid growth, and more. 

Episode Highlights: 

2:22 - Need to customize policies to different local norms and cultures  
6:07 - Get local buy-in when translating HR policies across regions  
8:25 - Think long term, stay close to local markets, get the right leaders when expanding internationally  
15:54 - Organizational design flexibility critical even if aligned to business goals  
18:47 - Bring in HR specialists only when scale and needs are clear  
27:34 - Build HR function around key employee lifecycle touchpoints 

Vincent and I discuss lessons learned from failed attempts at rolling out global HR policies without properly adapting them to local contexts and cultures. Vincent emphasizes the need to get local buy-in, understand political and cultural nuances, and find the right local leadership when expanding globally. 

We also talk about determining critical roles to add as organizations scale, while maintaining flexibility in organizational design. Even if structure is aligned to business goals, things change quickly during hypergrowth periods so agility is key. Vincent covers building out the HR function and specializations like learning & development only when there is enough clarity on needs and resources to support it. A key framework he discusses is structuring people operations around vital employee lifecycle touchpoints - effective talent acquisition, smooth onboarding, impactful development, and proactive retention. 

One of the best pieces of advice Vincent gives in this episode is that when expanding internationally, companies need to think long term, stay closely connected to local markets even after launch, and ensure the right local leaders are in place to drive success. 

About Vincent Cano:
Vincent Cano is currently the Chief People Officer at Agicap, a fast-growing FinTech providing cash flow management solutions to SMEs across Europe. He has international experience leading people operations and HR functions during rapid scaling and growth stages at both startups and mature global companies.

• LinkedIn 

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

In this episode, we're joined by Jess Igoe, Chief People Officer at Amici. Jess shares her expertise in building highly effective engineering teams, hiring salespeople, developing career ladders, getting the culture right, and more.

0:41 - The importance of hiring self-motivated engineers
3:15 - Sales recruiting requires more planning and consistency
5:17 - Using psychometric assessments in the hiring process
9:47 - The power of probing questions in interviews
15:00 - Rebuilding company culture after redundancies
20:47 - Incorporating soft skills into career ladders
26:44 - Routinely communicating and updating career ladders
31:34 - Founders must model desired company values
35:00 - Adapting culture initiatives when challenges arise
40:27 - Boosting engagement in hybrid work environments
45:09 - Handling the transition back to on-site work
51:28 - Jess's key advice - know yourself, communicate your values, demonstrate them

I spoke with Jess Igoe, a seasoned Chief People Officer, about hiring self-motivated engineers and building successful sales teams. Jess emphasized the importance of finding passionate individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and recommended a structured recruitment process with tailored interview questions. She also advised conducting comprehensive reference checks and incorporating psychometric testing.

Jess stressed the need for effective communication and compassion during times of layoffs or redundancies, encouraging managers to motivate and support their teams. In terms of career advancement, Jess warned against promoting based solely on job titles and encouraged creating career ladders using real workplace competencies.

Jess recommended self-reflection and executive coaching for individuals transitioning to leadership roles and emphasized the importance of understanding all aspects of the business. To foster a desired culture, Jess suggested visibly celebrating company values and keeping motivational initiatives going during challenging times. She advised bringing in dedicated HR professionals as the business scales and adjusting location flexibility in a hybrid working environment.

Jess's ultimate advice was to know yourself, exemplify expected behaviors, and transparently communicate the vision from day one to retain top talent and cultivate an inclusive culture.

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

In this episode, I am very fortunate to have Neil Bruce to discuss the growth marketing and key trends impacting the success of marketing in tech companies. Neil, who has experience in both in-house and agency roles, shares valuable insights on the in-house agency dynamic. 

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:10] Growth marketing strategies. 
[00:05:37] The creation of growth teams. 
[00:08:07] Retention and customer optimization.
[00:20:36] Leveraging network effects. 
[00:24:13] AI-driven personalization and recommendations. 
[00:33:22] Targeted advertising based on data. 
[00:38:15] Using data for customer value. 
[00:52:02] Building diverse teams. 
[01:01:28] Empowering team members to grow. 
[01:08:26] Time management techniques. 

Data's Crucial Role in Marketing

In today's digital world, data is marketing's lifeblood, essential for understanding customer behavior, spotting trends, and seizing opportunities. Lack of data insights can cost revenue and customer satisfaction.

AI's Transformative Impact

AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, offering a wealth of opportunities and challenges. AI-driven personalization is enhancing customer engagement, with tailored product recommendations taking center stage. Predictive analytics, powered by AI, provides a deeper understanding of customer behavior and trends, facilitating data-driven decision-making. Chatbots, AI-powered virtual assistants, are revolutionizing customer interactions and content creation. 

About Neil Bruce

Neil Bruce is an experienced digital marketing leader with over 15 years in the industry. He has worked with major global brands across 30+ markets. Neil has particular expertise in mobile marketing, having served as Head of Mobile for digital agency Mindshare in the UK for 5 years. There, he led mobile strategy and innovation, helping brands optimize campaigns through partnerships with Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, and more. Neil has also held senior roles at ironSource and GoDaddy. He is skilled in areas like growth marketing, startups, leadership, and digital strategy.

• Neil on LinkedIn

Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy

• The Role of AI and Data Technology in Solving Business Problems, with Duncan Hart of DeepMiner

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

In the ever-evolving world of business and leadership, one thing stands out as the ultimate game-changer: culture. If you've ever wondered what sets successful companies apart from the rest, our latest podcast episode dives deep into the transformative power of culture and its role in scaling up and thriving in today's competitive landscape. Our guest speaker makes it clear – it's all about 'culture, culture, and culture.' 

I am very fortunate to be joined by Richard Doherty, a distinguished expert in the industry. Richard emphasizes that without a robust culture, an enterprise's aspirations and desired outcomes remain elusive. He contends that the individuals within an organization are its lifeblood, and their presence alone is insufficient. Instead, he underscores the necessity of empathetic leadership, driven by purpose, capable of galvanizing the entire organization, ensuring unwavering alignment with the established culture. 
 

Episode Outline and Highlights 

[00:00:48] The culture of collective transformation. 
[00:06:13] Having a growth mindset. 
[00:09:04] Humility and customer-centricity.   
[00:19:36] Leaders learning from other leaders. 
[00:22:10] Developing talent at the leadership level.   
[00:30:41] Daily video communication for teams. 
[00:35:44] Three important pieces of advice: culture, culture, and culture.  
[00:39:10] Successful transformations.

Culture is the linchpin for success in transformation efforts, as emphasized by Richard Doherty in this podcast. He underscores the significance of empathetic leadership and a collective culture over a superhero culture. Structured conversations play a vital role in effective learning, requiring planning, agendas, clear goals, and inclusivity. A growth mindset is crucial for revenue, productivity, and innovation, not just for leaders but throughout the organization, achieved through learning opportunities and fostering innovation.

About Richard Doherty 

Richard Doherty is a seasoned professional with a remarkable 15-year career dedicated to driving business and technology transformation within the realms of Financial Services, Investment Banking, Exchanges, and Fintech. He excels at aligning large-scale IT and digital initiatives with client strategies, consistently achieving impactful results. 

• Richard on LinkedIn 

Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy 

• Achieving True Culture Success While Scaling and Transforming, Insights from Amabel Grant 

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

The convergence of technologies like AI, Blockchain, VR, and Metaverse will reshape society and the future of work. How are you preparing your business and your workforce to adapt and leverage AI to your advantage?

Episode Outline and Highlights

• [01:28] Exploring AI's Impact on Society and the Future of Work.
• [04:32] Equipping the Workforce for AI Adaptation.
• [09:11] Theo's Vision of the Future for Businesses and Technology.
• [15:36] Addressing Bias Risks and Ethical AI Implementation.
• [19:41] The Regulatory Landscape's Influence on AI in Tech.
• [25:01] Nurturing Critical Skills in Your Team.
• [29:58] Debunking Misconceptions and Discussing the Future of the Metaverse.
• [34:42] Theo's Unique Perspective as an Anti-Futurist.
• [37:03] Insights on AI-Induced Doom-Mongering.
• [39:30] Theo's Approach to Staying Informed in His Field.

About Theo Priestly

Theo has over two decades working across various industries and held exec roles in software companies focusing on product management and marketing. He also bootstrapped and raised funding for personal ventures, mentored startups within top accelerators, wrote a book on the future, and did everything else in between.

Theo has appeared on many podcasts, written over 300 articles across publications including Forbes, WIRED, HuffPost, and VentureBeat, and given keynote talks across the world. He has been featured on multiple thought leaders and influencer lists in the past on topics relating to virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies and continues to write articles that get people talking.

• Theo on LinkedIn
• The Future Starts Now book by Theo Priestly

Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy

• How Can Enterprise Companies Leverage AI? With Gary Crawford

Would you like to be a guest? 

Book a time to speak with Rebecca:  https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

Climate change is a global crisis that affects everyone, regardless of location or industry. In this episode, you will hear how Snugg, a fintech based in the UK is playing a significant role in contributing to net-zero initiatives. My special guest is Robin Peters, Snugg’s Co-Founder and CEO. Robin revealed the idea behind their astonishing platform and how they make it easy for both consumers and other businesses to overcome the barriers to energy efficiency.

Episode Outline and Highlights

• [01:38] How Robin came up with the idea of simplifying home energy efficiency which led to the foundation of Snugg.
• [06:04] Robin discusses long-term mortgages and other solutions that can help drive energy efficiency and home improvement initiatives.
• [08:45] The global market potential for energy efficiency solutions and the significant amount of investment needed to address this issue.
• [10:53] Simplifying solutions and presenting consumer data in a simpler way for consumers.
• [14:33] The B2B side of Snugg.
• [18:54] Challenges and opportunities in the supply chain for improving homes and implementing net-zero energy efficiency initiatives.
• [23:27] Talent-related challenges that Robin faced in their startup.
• [26:29] Building a psychologically safe working environment.
• [27:39] Tips on building and scaling by hiring the right people.
• [35:57] Transitioning from the corporate business to the startup world.
• [39:56] Leveraging transferable skills and where to look if someone is interested in engaging in climate tech.

Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy

• Startup to Acquisition: Scaling and Disrupting Online Marketplaces to Millions of Users, with Shirish Nadkarni

Would you like to be a guest? 

Book a time to speak with Rebecca:  https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales, and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology, and employer brand development.

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

I am thrilled to be joined by the brilliant tech entrepreneur and visionary, Shirish Nadkarni! With a career spanning decades, Shirish has left an indelible mark on the tech industry, contributing to the success of iconic products like MSN, Blackberry, and Rosetta Stone.

Shirish co-founded Livemocha, a language-learning platform that rapidly garnered 15 million users across 200 countries. His wealth of experience in launching, scaling, and even exiting tech businesses is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In this episode, we'll dive deep into Shirish's remarkable journey, uncovering the strategies and insights that propelled him to success. From overcoming the intricacies of marketplace dynamics to the art of retaining end-users and even his thoughts on the future of tech disruption, Shirish will leave you inspired and informed.

Episode Outline and Highlights

●     [01:41] Shirish’s Perspective on Jumpstarting a Marketplace

●     [07:54]  Discussing Marketplaces Evolving into Monopolies

●     [12:48]  AI's Disruptive Influence on Established Marketplaces

●     [15:00]  The Potential Challenge to Market Monopolies by Social Networks

●     [18:08]  Transitioning from Founder/CEO to a Senior Employee

●     [21:30]  Going from Startup to Acquisition: Shirish’s Key Success Factors

●     [26:10]  Recognizing the Value of End-User Retention

●     [28:47]  The Impact of Immigration on Successful Startup Formation

How to Engage End-Users and Successfully Jumpstart a Tech Marketplace

Shirish’s astonishing career contains a series of achievements that impact millions of lives today. As I think about his career, I am fascinated by the number of products that he has been involved in which I used: Hotmail, the Blackberry, and Rosetta Stone which he sold one of his businesses. He co-founded Livemocha, a language learning platform, in 2007. They rapidly grew their users and client base to 15 million in 200 countries. I wanted to get Shirish’s insights on how they were able to gain traction in increasing their users and jumpstarting a marketplace. I was also keen to know his thoughts on jumpstarting a marketplace and how to overcome the chicken-and-egg issue of buyers and sellers. 

Below are some of my takeaways:

●     Focus on a specific category or geography

●     Focus on the supply side of the equation first

●     Local is the key to going global

●     The best PR is word of mouth - so focus on your product’s value

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

The trend of community-based business models in the tech sector is driven by the recognition that empowered and engaged users can propel a business to new heights. As technology continues to evolve, these models will likely become even more integral to business strategies, shaping how tech products and services are developed, marketed, and embraced by users.

My special guest, Taavi Kotka, shares his insight on how their platform can enable your business to engage with your community. Taavi is the Co-Founder and CEO of the equity platform Koos and the former CIO of the Estonian Government.

In this episode, Tavi provides insights into leveraging communities, digital governance, and equity models to drive business growth while emphasizing the importance of engaging people around purpose.

Episode Highlights

• [01:31] The future of tech companies - how strong communities will be the ‘beating heart’ of every successful business.
• [10:17] Discussion on the emerging challenges of digital governance.
• [15:38] Taavi discusses the idea behind Koos and their billion-dollar give-back goal.
• [19:59] How marketplaces use Koos for businesses to incentivize their suppliers and get meaningful feedback.
• [21:44] Taavi’s insights on how they rapidly grew their client base.
• [25:06] Top leadership tips to ensure success for your team.
• [27:40] Setting up the HK Unicorn Squad, providing knowledge and skills in technology as hobby education only for girls.
• [35:36] Wrap up - looking into the future of community-based startups.

Links

• Taavi on LinkedIn
• Koos website link
• HK Unicorn Squad website link

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.

Not all tech companies may find it easy to transition to a fully remote work setup. Challenges regarding infrastructure, security, collaboration, and technology can stop some business leaders from adopting a remote-first culture.

On the other hand, many tech companies have successfully embraced remote work and reaped its benefits, such as access to a broader talent pool, reduced office costs, and improved employee satisfaction. DirectID, a  global fintech founded in Edinburgh, Scotland, is one outstanding example.   James Varga and Laura Tejada, Head of Employee Experience and People Strategy, share with us their journey of transitioning to a remote-first culture and what tangible positive impact they have gained since.

Episode Outline and Highlights

• [01:50] The remote working journey - James shared their transition to becoming remote-first as a company.
• [03:38] Laura explains her role as Head of Employee Experience.
• [04:30] Why settle to be remote-first after the pandemic?
• [06:47] Personalize the experience for each employee and what it looks like.
• [08:40] What are the 7 Truths of Flexibility?
• [10:08] Why incentives should also be inclusive.
• [12:30] Tech stacks for managing your team’s collaboration and structured communication.
• [15:45] Creating opportunities for your team members to engage with one another in a remote setup.
• [21:19] Make a clear development plan for your people.
• [24:53] Discussion on OKRs and embedding a mindset and culture of achievement.
• [30:02] How the truths of flexibility should impact your way of working.
• [33:55] Why Direct ID did not pursue adopting a 4-day work week.
• [37:17] Tangible benefits that DirectID realized upon going remote first.
• [42:33] What is next in employee experience for DirectID?

Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/

Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call

The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/

The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/

Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.