#195 Steve Monaghan: From Flying High to Finance Disruptor — No Seatbelts Required

Steve Monaghan went from piloting airplanes to piloting billion-dollar banking transformations—because why settle for one high-stakes job when you can have two? After trading in his wings for Wall Street, he’s spent 30 years disrupting finance and tech across Australia, Tokyo, and the Middle East. Now, with leadership roles at RAKBANK, FinMir.ai, and beyond, he’s proving that the real flight plan for success is innovation.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

The Foreigner’s Lens

“Being an outsider brings a unique perspective—an untainted view of industries and cultures. It’s about seeing things differently, learning from fresh angles, and questioning the norms others might take for granted.”

“Being an outsider has its perks and pitfalls. It offers clarity but also means navigating unfamiliar landscapes. The key is turning the so-called disadvantage of not ‘belonging’ into a powerful tool for change.”

Immigrant Wisdom - The Dual Edge

“Living as an immigrant since my twenties taught me resilience and adaptability. You’re always learning, always adjusting, and that shapes how you approach leadership and problem-solving.”

From Fear to Understanding

“People don’t resist change because they don’t want it. They resist because they don’t understand it. The journey is about removing fear by turning a ‘no’ into a ‘know’—helping them see the benefits and feel confident about the new direction.”

The Advantage of Experience - Ask the Right Questions

“In the generative AI era, older employees often have an edge—they know how to ask better questions. This ability to craft meaningful queries is a huge advantage, especially when navigating tools that rely on prompt engineering.”

“While younger employees might excel in technical adaptability, seasoned professionals bring a different kind of skill: the wisdom to ask the right questions. This balance of experience and curiosity is key to driving innovation forward.”

Engaging Overlooked Talent

“The bank in the Philippines found a surprising strength in its mature staff. When engaged and empowered, they contributed significantly to innovation, proving that tech adoption isn’t about age but about the opportunity to learn and apply.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Steve Monaghan

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--**Chief Change Officer**--
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--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1% Podcast.
Top 5 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<