Shows
Conversations with Michael BarnettRedefining Success in Tech: Purpose, Equity, and the Founder’s Journey with Jess DrislaneIn this episode, Michael Barnett, Founder & CEO of Loanspark, and Jess Drislane, Founder & CEO of OpenScholar, dive into the real work of building early-stage, mission-driven companies that scale by enabling others. They explore what it means to create partner-first platforms, why trust is the most valuable currency in growth, and how to balance speed with purpose in high-stakes environments. Jess shares her journey from investment firm to science-focused tech founder, leading OpenScholar in its mission to help researchers and institutions speed discovery through smarter digital infrastructure. Tune in to learn how OpenScholar powers aca...2025-05-0137 minConversations with Michael BarnettBuilding Purpose-Driven Success: Scaling with Sustainability, Culture, and Partnerships with Drew ShulaIn this episode of Conversations with Michael Barnett, Michael sits down with Drew Shula, Founder and CEO of Verdical Group, a sustainability consulting firm dedicated to decarbonizing the built environment by helping to create efficient, resilient, and regenerative buildings. Drew shares his inspiring journey from launching his company in a garage to building a thriving 20-person business known for its impact-driven mission.Whether you're a startup founder, business leader, or sustainability advocate, this episode offers valuable lessons on integrating environmental responsibility into your business strategy.Tune in to learn how businesses can embrace sustainability without...2025-04-0148 minConversations with Michael BarnettBuilding the Future of Banking: Fifth Third’s Approach to Embedded Finance with Ali MalvicinoIn this episode, Michael Barnett talks with Ali Malvicino, Head of Solutions for Newline™ by Fifth Third Bank, about the transformative world of embedded finance. They explore the evolution of financial technology, from prepaid cards to API-driven banking-as-a-service platforms, and discuss how Fifth Third Bank is leading the charge with innovative solutions like the Newline platform. Discover how compliance, trust, and forward-thinking are shaping the future of payments.Connect with Ali Malvicino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimalvicino/Connect with Michael Barnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/2025-03-0231 minConversations with Michael BarnettFrom Fencing to Fintech: Resilience, Pivots, and How Tax Titans is Revolutionizing the Accounting Industry with Alan BlakeboroughIn this episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Alan Blakeborough, founder of Tax Titans, to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, and the journey of building a disruptive SaaS platform for the accounting industry. Alan shares his unique career path, from being a competitive fencer to an Army officer, and how those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. They dive into key topics such as the power of pivoting in business, finding your niche, and the importance of resilience for startups. Alan also introduces Enterprise Bridge, Tax Titans' groundbreaking platform that allows accounting professionals to buy, sell, and trade clients seamlessly—re...2025-02-0137 minConversations with Michael BarnettThe Future of Payments: From Legacy Systems to Consumer-Driven Innovation with Michael BalzerIn this episode, Michael Barnett interviews Michael Balzer, a payments industry veteran, about the evolution and future of payments. They discuss how cloud technology, open systems, and API-driven innovation have enabled startups to challenge legacy players, driving consumer-focused solutions. The conversation explores the influence of consumer behavior on payment trends, the role of trust and security in adopting new technologies like biometrics, and the industry’s shift toward personalized, value-added services.Connect with Michael Balzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbalzer/Connect with Michael Barnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/2025-01-1534 minConversations with Michael BarnettLeading Through Burnout: Resilience, Purpose, and the Entrepreneurial Journey with Matt BaxterIn this episode, Michael Barnett chats with Matt Baxter, CEO of Wedge HR, about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from his journey starting a lawn care business to leading a successful HR tech company. They dive into the realities of burnout, the resilience required to keep going, and the importance of balancing ambition with well-being. Matt shares strategies for managing stress, focusing on meaningful work, and sustaining motivation through small wins and a strong support network. This honest conversation reveals insights on connecting with others through authentic leadership and the value of purpose-driven work in building a lasting...2024-12-1545 minConversations with Michael BarnettEmbedded Lending in Europe vs. the U.S.: Ethics, Regulation, and Building Trust in Fintech with Thorsten SeegerIn this episode, Michael Barnett speaks with Thorsten Seeger, an expert in the European lending market, about the evolution of embedded lending across Europe and the U.S. They dive into COVID’s role in accelerating digital acceptance, the technology gap in European banks, and the impact of embedded lending platforms like Loanspark in advancing the industry. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of ethics in lending, navigating regulatory challenges, and Michael and Thorsten's commitment to responsible, transparent practices in SMB finance.Connect with Thorsten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorstenseeger/Connect with Michael on...2024-12-0143 minConversations with Michael BarnettThe Art of High-Performance Leadership: Strategies, Sacrifices, and Sustaining Excellence with Shayan MozaffarIn this episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Shayan Mozaffar, CEO of 10x10Y Investments, to discuss the profound challenges and rewards of high-performance leadership. They delve into the importance of resilience, purpose-driven goals, and making conscious sacrifices for sustained success. With insights on aligning life choices with personal values, this conversation is a roadmap for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.Connect with Shayan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayanmozaffar/Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcbarnett/Follow Loanspark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loansparkFollow...2024-11-1556 minConversations with Michael BarnettBuild vs. Buy in FinTech: Why Embedded Payments and Lending Are the Future with Aditya RaikarIn this insightful episode, Michael Barnett sits down with Aditya Raikar, VP of Growth & Partnerships at Checkbook, to explore the rapidly growing space of embedded finance. Discover why embedded payments and lending are transforming the Fintech landscape, making it easier for companies to offer versatile financial services without building them from scratch. From tackling the build-vs-buy dilemma to understanding market demands, Michael and Aditya share industry expertise and predictions on how embedded solutions will shape the future of finance.Connect with Aditya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityaraikar1/Connect with Michael on LinkedIn...2024-11-0142 minConversations with Michael BarnettConversations With Michael Barnett | Official TrailerSeveral years ago I made a bold move...I left behind the world of working for others and set out into the wild world of entrepreneurship. Since then, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and celebrated some incredible victories. Today, I’m proud to lead Loanspark, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the U.S. But here’s the thing—the journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting started. Every day is a new adventure, a new lesson, and a new opportunity to grow. Twice per month, I sit down with some o...2024-10-1501 min
Lodestar's Lending LeadersWisdom for Small Business OwnersFor this week’s episode of Lending Leaders, Jim interviews Michael Barnett, CEO and Founder of Loanspark, about what SMBs need to know to succeed in the world of finance and lending.2024-05-1620 min
Predictable B2B SuccessHow to redefine B2B loans and financing to boost customer satisfactionWelcome to another enlightening episode of Predictable B2B Success, where we delve into the intricacies of B2B strategies and the secrets behind sustainable company growth. I'm your host, Vinay Koshy. In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of financial technology, focusing on lending.
Our distinguished guest, Michael Barnett, is the pioneering founder of Loanspark, a cutting-edge Fintech marketplace revolutionizing how companies access capital. With over two decades of leadership in consumer and commercial lending, Michael brings an invaluable depth of knowledge to our discussion.
In this episode, Michael unravels the complexities of...2024-02-1349 min
The CEO Next DoorSasha Yablonovsky - LoansparkWhat's it like growing up in Russia? How do you adjust to a new way of life after immigrating to America as a teenager? Why leave a stable, corporate career behind to start a business? What does it mean to be a Co-CEO?We touch on these questions and more with Sasha Yablonovsky, Co-CEO of Loanspark. 2023-11-3042 min
Chrisman Commentary - Daily Mortgage News11.13.23 Loan Officer Survey; Loanspark’s Michael Barnett on Commercial Real Estate; Credit TrendsThanks to today's podcast sponsor, LoanCare. LoanCare has successfully navigated clients and homeowners through market change for 40 years. The mortgage subservicer is known for delivering superior customer experience through personalization and convenience. Its award-winning portfolio management tool, LoanCare Analytics™, supports MSR investors with a focus on customer engagement, liquidity, and credit risk. LoanCare is part of Fidelity National Financial, a Fortune 500 company and leading provider of services to real estate and mortgage industries.2023-11-1330 min
She Sparks TechFrom Corporate Leadership to Fintech Startup with Sasha Yablonovsky - Women Redefining EntrepreneurshipSasha Yablonovsky is a trailblazing executive and a passionate advocate for gender diversity in the technology industry. As the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Loanspark, a fintech startup revolutionizing business lending, Sasha has not only redefined her career but is also reshaping the tech landscape. Her journey is a testament to the power of technology to drive personal and professional growth.
With a background that spans senior leadership roles in established corporations like CareerBuilder, Sasha's transition into the dynamic world of fintech startups embodies the spirit of embracing technology for career transformation. Her leadership at Loanspark has been...2023-11-0928 min
Leaders in LendingHigh-Touch Service in Changing Commercial Lending TechIs your bank adapting to evolving credit demands?Banks and private lenders have been slow to adopt technology, but with shifting demands for credit products in both consumer and business markets, the imperative to offer a diverse portfolio of lending products is higher than ever. Michael Barnett, Founder and CEO at Loanspark, shares how banks are leveraging automation and the innovative ways technology is streamlining processes and increasing efficiency in the commercial lending landscape.Join us as we discuss:The impact of customer preferences on the lending processThe role of technology in high-touch vs. low-touch...2023-10-1144 min
Small Business PivotsFrom The USSR To The USA: Sasha Yablonovsky's Rise To Entrepreneurial SuccessSend us a textHave you ever wondered about the challenges and triumphs you might face on your journey to entrepreneurship? This episode opens a window into that world, as we chat with Sasha Yablonovsky, co-CEO and co-founder of Loanspark. Sasha’s gripping narrative takes us through her immigration to the US from the USSR, and how it set the stage for her incredible entrepreneurial career. Be prepared to be inspired by her tales of her parents' resilience, her childhood experiences, and path from the comfort of regular paychecks to the wild world of entrepreneurship.Sa...2023-09-1346 min
The Entrepreneur EthosSimplifying Business Finance with Michael BarnettSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | OvercastSupport the Show. Get the AudioBook!AudioBook: Audible| Kobo| Authors Direct | Google Play | AppleOn this episode of The Entrepreneur Ethos, host Jarie Bolander interviews Michael Barnett, the founder of Loanspark Marketplace. Michael shares his insights on the importance of finance for small businesses and startups, highlighting the difficulties they face in obtaining capital. He explains that Loanspark's marketplace model connects small businesses to lenders or individuals with capital or lines of credit. Michael emphasizes the need for...2023-08-2135 min