January 24, 2025

Empowering the Next Generation of Payment Industry Leaders

Author

Christina Daves

Christina Daves

On Air Lifestyle Expert, Host & Interviewer

PR for Anyone®

Empowering

In an era where the payments industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, cultivating a pipeline of capable leaders has become a top priority for organizations aiming to stay competitive. Leadership is no longer just about steering the ship; it’s about empowering a new generation to innovate, collaborate, and adapt to market demands. As I prepare to lead the session “Empowering the Next Generation of Payment Industry Leaders” at Nacha’s Smarter Faster Payments 2025 conference, I want to share some insights into fostering leadership within your teams and organizations.
 

Understanding What Matters to the Next Generation

By 2030, 75% of the workforce is going to be Gen Z or Millennials.1 To truly empower future leaders, it’s crucial to understand their values and priorities. 

Today’s emerging professionals (Millennials and Gen Z) prioritize purpose-driven work environments and often place a high emphasis on philanthropy, social impact, and giving back. Incorporating these elements into your organizational culture can significantly enhance employee engagement and loyalty. For instance:

  1. Community involvement: Encourage leaders to spearhead initiatives that positively impact their communities.
  2. Outline your organization culture: Articulate your core values and develop professional leadership programs that are aligned to them.
  3. Purpose-driven work: Foster a workplace environment where employees feel their contributions make a difference beyond profits.

When leadership actively supports these initiatives, it creates a culture that resonates with the next generation, motivating them to lead with passion and purpose.
 

Identifying High-Potential Talent

One of the foundational steps in building a leadership pipeline is recognizing the individuals within your organization who exhibit leadership potential. High-potential employees often display a combination of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to learn. Look for team members who consistently:

  1. Proactively solve problems: These individuals seek solutions rather than dwelling on challenges.
  2. Demonstrate resilience: They thrive in dynamic environments and quickly adapt to change.
  3. Inspire others: They naturally foster collaboration and motivate their peers.

Using a structured approach to identify talent—such as performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, and leadership assessments—ensures that you’re tapping into the right pool of future leaders.
 

Creating Opportunities for Growth

Identifying talent is just the beginning. The real work lies in nurturing that talent through targeted growth opportunities. Here are three strategies to consider:

  1. Cross-functional projects: Encourage employees to work on projects outside their immediate roles. This not only broadens their skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the organization.
  2. Leadership training: Invest in leadership development programs that equip employees with the skills to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and drive innovation.
  3. Stretch assignments: Assign challenging tasks that push employees out of their comfort zones. These experiences help them develop critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Remember, growth opportunities should be tailored to individual strengths and career aspirations. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
 

Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Collaboration

Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas are encouraged, failures are treated as learning opportunities, and collaboration is celebrated. To create such a culture:

  1. Encourage open communication: Establish platforms for employees to share their ideas, no matter how unconventional.
  2. Celebrate diversity: Diverse teams bring unique perspectives that lead to creative solutions.
  3. Lead by example: Leaders should model the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, including curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning.


Mentoring the Next Generation

Mentorship is a powerful tool for leadership development. Pairing seasoned leaders with emerging talent fosters a transfer of knowledge and experience that no training program can replicate. As a mentor, focus on:

  1. Active listening: Understand your mentee’s goals and challenges.
  2. Providing constructive feedback: Offer actionable insights to help them grow.
  3. Empowering decision-making: Encourage them to take ownership of their projects and decisions.


Staying Competitive and Adaptable

The payments industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. To prepare your leaders for this landscape:

  1. Embrace lifelong learning: Encourage continuous education through certifications, workshops, and industry events.
  2. Stay agile: Equip leaders with the tools to pivot quickly in response to market changes.
  3. Invest in technology: Familiarize your teams with emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and real-time payments.

By focusing on these strategies and integrating values like philanthropy and social impact, you’re not just preparing leaders—you’re future-proofing your organization while fostering a workplace culture that inspires and engages the next generation.

I look forward to seeing you at Smarter Faster Payments 2025 in New Orleans in April!
 

Register Now for Smarter Faster Payments 2025


Christina Daves is a publicity strategist and lifestyle expert, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses elevate their visibility through media. With a passion for transforming the "world’s best-kept secrets" into widely recognized brands, she guides professionals to move from Established to Known® through her proven Get PR Famous® formula. Christina is the author of two bestselling books on PR and a regular on-air expert, hosting monthly television segments. She is also the host of the top-ranked podcast, Living Ageless and Bold, which is now a regular television segment as well. With over 1,000 media appearances on platforms like the Today Show, Steve Harvey Show, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Washington Post, and AARP, Christina’s expertise is unmatched. Her strategies have led to over 1 billion views and generated over $100 million in sales for her clients through free publicity.

Christina Daves is a speaker at Smarter Faster Payments 2025 in New Orleans and the exclusive Keynote Speaker for Remote Connect, June 9-11, 2025.


1Source: Dept of Labor