Former GPS CEO Joanne Dewar reveals the leadership strategies that built a multi-billion pound fintech empire and launched Project Nemo's disability inclusion mission.
In this insightful episode of "Why We Lead," hosts Angela Yore (SkyParlour Founder) and Lynda Clarke (Tribe Payments COO) sit down with Joanne Dewar, former CEO of Global Processing Services (GPS) and the visionary founder of Project Nemo.
Joanne shares her remarkable journey from a 7-year career break to leading a multi-billion pound fintech company. She offers actionable strategies for returning to leadership, building resilient teams, and navigating the complexities of the financial technology sector. Discover the driving mission behind Project Nemo and why Joanne is passionately championing disability inclusion and accessibility across the fintech industry – and what your business can do to make a real difference.
Listeners will gain valuable insights on:• Navigating significant career breaks and re-entering senior leadership roles• The critical importance of disability inclusion and accessibility for fintech innovation and growth (Key takeaways from Project Nemo)• Authentic leadership: Finding your "True North" and leading with purpose, inspired by lessons like those from "The Great Man is Dead"• Practical crisis management lessons gleaned from challenges like the Wirecard collapse• Building a people-first culture and fostering high-performing, inclusive teams• Overcoming personal challenges, such as the fear of public speaking, to become an impactful voice• The future of ESG in fintech and building sustainable, purpose-driven organizations• Actionable advice for aspiring leaders, particularly women in fintech and underrepresented individuals
This conversation is a must-listen for fintech professionals, payment industry executives, aspiring CEOs, startup founders, and anyone looking to develop their leadership skills with proven strategies from one of the industry's most respected figures.
Key Moments:• [00:25] The Mission: Joanne Dewar on Launching Project Nemo• [04:55] The Comeback: From Career Break to Fintech CEO at GPS• [08:24] Deep Dive: Project Nemo's Strategy for an Inclusive Fintech• [25:58] In Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the Wirecard Situation• [34:27] Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety• [48:50] The "Why": Joanne's Motivation to Lead and Make an Impact
Connect with our Guest & Hosts:• Project Nemo: https://projectnemo.co.uk/• Joanne Dewar on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joannedewar• Why We Lead (More Episodes & Blog): https://skyparlour.com/insights• Angela Yore on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/angela-yore-skyparlour• Lynda Clarke on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lynda-clarke-5b33a555
Follow Why We Lead for more leadership insights from the world of fintech and beyond.
Key Topics: GPS CEO leadership, Project Nemo disability inclusion, fintech crisis management, Wirecard lessons, women in fintech leadership, inclusive financial services, career breaks and reentry, authentic leadership development, purpose-driven business strategy.
