#76 Lead with Purpose: PayPoint’s ex-CEO’s no-nonsense leadership approach

The Tech Leaders Podcast

Do you know the similarities between a Naval team and a successful tech team? According to this week’s guest, it’s having a “no bullshit” working culture.

Gareth is joined by Dominic von Trotha Taylor, ex-CEO at PayPoint turned Chairman and CEO iov42 as they explore his journey from submarines to tech leadership, the impact of blockchain, the danger of AI and ChatGPT - the “Rubbish in, Rubbish out” conundrum.

Dominic's success is testament to the power of diverse experiences. Growing up in West London, he was exposed to the world of commerce through his parents' antique dealing business in Portobello Road. Later, he ventured into the Navy, serving on submarines during the tense Cold War era, which instilled in him a no-nonsense leadership style with a direct purpose.

Dominic recounts his early career struggles and his fortuitous call back from Vodafone, where he played a crucial role in setting up the German branch, at a time when Vodafone was pioneering telephony and SMS messaging.

His subsequent journey as the former CEO of PayPoint revealed Dominic's innate ability to lead through the turbulent ever-changing landscape of the early Noughties, making PayPoint a trailblazer in the fintech space.

• What does good leadership mean to Dominic (02:15)
• Dominic’s tech voyage (04:35)
• Life and leadership on board a Royal Navy submarine (06:00)
• The fintech evolution (15:00)
• The dotcom boom and experiencing the Y2K issue (20:30)
• Why do people sell their businesses? (24:11)
• The benefits of working in a start-up company (28:30)
• What work is being done at iov42? (32:30)
• What is blockchain? (35:00)
• AI dangers of rubbish in, rubbish out (40:50)
• How to be more productive (44:00)
• Dominic’s advice to his 21-year-old-self (46:30)