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
How to Build Trust & Lead Teams in FinTech’s AI Era with Kent Mackenzie
In this episode, host Michael is joined by Kent Mackenzie, Group Chief Operating Officer at Corlytics and former Deloitte Partner.
Kent’s career has taken him from pulling apart ATMs as a curious young technologist, to leading Deloitte’s global FinTech and RegTech practice, and now to scaling one of the leading names in regulatory technology.
You’ll hear:
- Why “you don’t need to have all the answers” is one of the most powerful leadership lessons
- Kent’s framework for building high-performing teams: trust, competence, and psychological safety
- The biggest mistakes leaders make when scaling FinTech and RegTech solutions
- The hard calls he’s made, from retraining staff to steering business exits
- Why “it is AI” that will reshape SaaS and demand new human-centric leadership skills
Kent also shares his personal philosophy - from Stoic ideas like amor fati (“love your fate”) to simple rituals like Sunday pancakes - that keep him grounded while leading through complexity.
If you’re leading teams in FinTech, data, or AI, this episode offers practical strategies and honest reflections on what it really takes to lead through change.
Connect with Kent MacKenzie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-mackenzie-b807685/
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 the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.
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Connect with 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