.png)
A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership
What does it really take to build world-class tech teams and lead with impact in today’s data-driven world?
I’m Michael Young from MBN Solutions and after two decades placing top talent across data, AI, and tech, I’ve seen the real stories behind high-performing teams.
On A Class Act, we go beyond buzzwords. You’ll hear real life, experience-led conversations with the leaders shaping digital transformation - those hiring top tech talent, building data science capability, and leading with purpose.
Whether you're a data leader, people manager, or recruiter, join us for honest, human-first insights into leadership, strategy, and building great teams in tech.
Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space.
A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership
S1E4:Stephen Ingledew on Building One of the UK’s Most Respected Fintech Ecosystems (And What It Really Takes to Lead With Purpose)
What does it really take to lead change not just in your company, but across an entire industry?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Michael Young speaks with Stephen Ingledew, Chair of FinTech Scotland and a driving force behind one of the UK’s most respected fintech ecosystems.
Stephen shares his 40+ year journey through financial services from traditional corporate roles to building a 250+ firm innovation cluster.
Along the way, he unpacks what leadership means in complex environments, why purpose must be your anchor, and how lasting impact often comes from stepping back, not stepping up.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How Stephen helped scale FinTech Scotland from 26 to over 250 firms and what made it work
- Why “you don’t need another player kicking the ball… you need a coach on the sidelines” might be the most important leadership lesson in 2025
- How to lead with clarity, adaptability, and inclusion
- The leadership “golf club” mindset and why you can’t use one style for every challenge
- How Stephen hopes to leave a legacy of inclusion, innovation and purpose
Whether you're leading data and AI teams, scaling fintech, or building capability in a fast-changing landscape, this conversation is packed with real, experience-led insight.
Connect with Stephen Ingledew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-ingledew-obe-a444a92/
About Your Host: Michael Young is the Managing Director of MBN Solutions and host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership. With nearly two decades of experience helping organisations build high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams, he brings frontline insight into what makes exceptional talent and leadership.
Please note: The views expressed by Stephen Ingledew in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.
Connect with Michael and MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com