In the world of fintech, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. Few embody this principle better than Neil Harris, a leading voice in financial technology. With 24 years of experience, he has played a transformative role in the payments industry, driving hyper-growth and fostering high-performance cultures.
As a founding partner at b.yond and a key figure in multiple fintech organisations, Neil’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the evolving landscape of payments and technology, or their own leadership journey.
Here are some of the most compelling takeaways from his conversation…
Influence over authority
Neil defines leadership not by title or position, but by influence. True leadership, he says, is about fostering trust, inspiring collaboration, and making tough decisions. “Paralysis is the enemy of leadership,” he explains, emphasising the importance of action even in uncertain situations. Leadership, in his view, is about grasping opportunities, even when they come with risks.
From corporate success to entrepreneurial grit
Neil’s path to leadership began in a large, thriving financial services company. When a business combination led to turmoil, he saw an opportunity to step up. The decision to take on this challenge required personal sacrifices, including time away from his young family. His story highlights that leadership often comes with tough choices, but ultimately shaped his ability to make a lasting impact.
Entrepreneurial vs. professional leadership
Neil draws a distinction between professional and entrepreneurial leadership. Entrepreneurs often emerge from frustration – seeing a problem and creating a business to solve it. Unlike structured corporate leadership, entrepreneurial leadership requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. Neil himself has founded three organisations and experienced both successful exits and lessons from failure.
Balancing leadership and personal life
Acknowledging the challenges of balancing leadership with family responsibilities, Neil credits his wife for being his grounding force. He also reflects on the shifting societal expectations around parental roles and work-life balance, emphasising the importance of mutual support in achieving professional and personal success.
The importance of hiring the right talent
For leaders struggling to step back and delegate, Neil shares his unique approach to hiring and team-building. He emphasises execution over ego and uses creative techniques to assess candidates beyond their resumes. One particularly insightful test involved observing how a potential hire selected a restaurant and ordered wine for a business dinner, revealing alignment (or misalignment) with company values.
Navigating regulations
Managing money comes with immense responsibility, and fintech leaders must balance consumer protection with innovation. Neil discusses the increasing regulatory pressures shaping the industry, the growing role of open banking, and the need for continuous investment to maintain competitive momentum. With payments contributing 18% to the UK’s GDP, he sees government and industry efforts aligning to drive forward-thinking growth.
Neil’s insights are a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or someone navigating the fintech space, his journey offers invaluable lessons on stepping up, taking risks, and building a culture of excellence.
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