Why We Lead

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 individualsThis 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 ImpactConnect 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-5b33a555Follow 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.

Episode 4 is here! Today, we have the absolute pleasure of welcoming a Fintech founding partner, Neil Harris, joined by one of our two hosts, Lynda Clarke.  Neil couldn’t better suit the archetype for the type of guests we want on the show. He’s played a huge role in transforming Fintech as an industry. He’s fostered high-performance cultures and been at the forefront of incredible corporate growth.  Neil gives us a real insight between entrepreneurial leadership vs. professional leadership which makes this episode so widely applicable, no matter what stage the listener is at. Through founding 3 separate organisations, Neil has an incredible wealth of experience, both positive and negative, to draw on and lessons to pass on.  This episode is full of raw honesty from Neil. Leadership throws up serious dilemmas, such as how to balance work leadership with family responsibilities. He talks on how societal expectations play a big role in parenting and how they are shifting fast.  This episode has it all. From taking on a huge leadership challenge while a company was in serious trouble, to describing the hardship of such time away from his young family.  We’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode after you’ve watched. Follow us and our guests in the link below. Why We Lead: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hyZOmp⁠Angela Yore: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hwRWSu⁠Lynda Clarke: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJNeil Harris: https://bit.ly/3GlVtpB SkyParlour: ⁠https://bit.ly/4gjv1Jl⁠SkyParlour Linkedin: ⁠https://bit.ly/3PW2hM5

Episode 3 of Why We Lead has landed!In this episode both our hosts delve into leadership with our guest, Tony Craddock, The Director General of the Payments Association.Tony knows about leadership at every level, and perfectly exemplifies the variety of qualities that a leader needs to possess to be successful.Tony is rightly often described as a serial entrepreneur, and he tells us how he didn’t initially think of himself as a potential leader, but how when needed, he stepped into a leadership role and has gone from strength to strength since. Tune in to hear how Tony went from launching his first business at 29 to facing a shocking £250,000 settlement request due to a fraudulent IT worker—only to go on and found The Payments Association, successfully positioning the UK as a global hub for payments innovation while shaping the country’s regulatory landscapeLet us know your thoughts below after watching!Follow us and our guest in the links below:Why We Lead: https://bit.ly/4hyZOmpAngela Yore: https://bit.ly/4hwRWSuLynda Clarke: https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJTony Craddock: https://shorturl.at/joR1VSkyParlour: https://bit.ly/4gjv1JlSkyParlour Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3PW2hM5

Get ready for Episode 2 of Why We Lead!  In this episode Angela Yore and co-host Lynda Clarke spoke with Paralympian Lord Christopher Holmes, Baron Holmes of Richmond MBE. Chris's life story is one of perseverance, passion, and resilience as he transitioned from a decorated Paralympian to a leading voice for disability rights and digital innovation.  Discover how personal challenges forged his leadership path, driving positive change across multiple sectors. This episode offers an enriching glimpse into the human side of leadership and the power of collective achievement.  Be sure to tune in for a transformative journey you won’t want to miss! Let us  know your thoughts below after watching!Follow us and our guest in the links below:et me know your thoughts below after watching!Follow us and our guest in the links below:Why We Lead: https://bit.ly/4hyZOmpAngela Yore: https://bit.ly/4hwRWSuLynda Clarke: https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJLord Chris Holmes: https://bit.ly/4hNYdd9SkyParlour: https://bit.ly/4gjv1JlSkyParlour Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3PW2hM5

Welcome to Why We Lead, a brand-new podcast that explores the transformative power of leadership, innovation, and the people driving change. In the first episode, Angela and Lynda sit down with the remarkable Laura McCracken—someone whose career journey has spanned continents and industries. From a small-town dreamer in Alabama to a global leader shaping the future of payments, fintech, and digital commerce, Laura’s story is one of resilience, bold ambition, and the art of making connections that matter. Tune in for insights that could redefine your understanding of leadership and success. You won't want to miss this one! Let me know your thoughts below after watching! Follow us and our guest in the links below: Why We Lead: https://bit.ly/4hyZOmp Angela Yore: https://bit.ly/4hwRWSu Lynda Clarke: https://bit.ly/3Cjn2hJ Laura Mccracken:https://bit.ly/4aVhWoN SkyParlour: https://bit.ly/4gjv1Jl SkyParlour Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3PW2hM5

Leadership has the power to transform—not just teams and businesses, but entire industries. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a project months in the making: a brand-new podcast exploring what it truly means to lead. 🎙  Whether you’re in fintech or just passionate about leadership, this podcast is for anyone looking for inspiring stories and actionable insights.  Stay tuned—Episode 1 is coming soon!