Fintech Chatter: Insights From Fintech Leaders

Most people treat networking like fitness - they lie on the sofa for three years, then panic when they're out of shape. In this episode, Dexter Cousins breaks down the 95-5 principle: 95% of your job hunting success comes from 5% of your network. Learn how to identify the critical 5% of your network, activate them strategically, and turn two-minute conversations into warm introductions. This is networking done right.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe 95-5 Principle: Focus on your critical 5%, not broadcasting to thousands T1/T2/T3 Framework: How to filter your network strategically The Two-Minute Ask: Why small requests get bigger results Compounding: How one conversation generates 1-2 warm introductions  The Trust Shortcut: Borrow credibility through warm introductionsFREE DOWNLOADNetwork Activation Worksheet - Get your T1/T2/T3 filter template, email scripts, and conversation guide. https://tieronepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Network_Activation_Worksheet-1.pdfABOUT THE HOSTDexter Cousins is Managing Director of Tier One People, the executive search firm for Fintech. With 25+ years in recruitment, Dexter has an unmatched record helping fintech companies build exceptional leadership teams.NEXT EPISODEEpisode 4: The Interview - How to interview like you're diagnosing their business, not begging for a job.Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

🚀 Hire outstanding Fintech talent - https://tieronepeople.com✅ Follow Dexter on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dextercousins/⬇️ Download the worksheet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rkcgAsabfYtPrZw1owzg1BpsnUxvLCDR/view?usp=sharingIn this episode of FinTech Chatter, Dexter Cousins shares insights on how to find your next role in the fintech industry using the Lean Startup methodology. He emphasizes the importance of creating a career balance sheet, identifying problem customers, and positioning oneself as an expert before applying for jobs. Dexter provides practical steps to research and validate hypotheses about companies' needs, turning job hunting into a targeted and strategic process.00:00 Creating Your Professional Brand06:24 Leveraging Top Brands07:42 Finding Target Companies08:31 Organizing Your Research10:42 Iterating Your Approach12:02 The Importance of Precision in Job ApplicationsSend us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

Thinking about your next career move in 2026? Maybe you're actively hunting for your next role in Fintech?This is Episode 1 of a 5-part series that completely flips the script on job hunting in fintech. Whether you're looking for a permanent role or exploring fractional opportunities, this approach will transform your entire career conversation.Most job seekers approach their career transition completely backwards. They ask the wrong questions, compete on the wrong battlefield, and leave millions in untapped value on the table. This episode introduces the framework that transforms you from "Please hire me" to "Here's the problem I solve. Here's why you'd be crazy not to talk to me."We break down:- Why conventional job hunting is fundamentally broken- The questions you should be asking instead- How to identify the concrete problems you solve- The Career Balance Sheet framework- Real-world examples of value creation ($1.5M, $20M+, +40% revenue growth)- Why this framework makes you remarkably hireableSend us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

In this episode, Dexter discusses the silent crisis affecting job seekers, highlighting the alarming rates of burnout and mental health issues before employment. He explores the current job market landscape, the challenges candidates face, and the impact of financial stress on mental health. TakeawaysTwo-thirds of job seekers are experiencing burnout.The average job hunt takes almost six months.Job seekers send an average of 294 applications before landing a job.Financial stress and mental health are intertwined issues.Over 70% of employers research candidates on social media.82% of employees are at risk of burnout in 2025.Gen Z and millennials report peak burnout at just 25 years old.Financial pressure is the top concern for young Australians.Candidates may exhibit odd behavior due to stress.Understanding candidates' contexts is crucial in recruitment.Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn

Dexter Cousins brings a new weekly insight on Fintech careers and hiring.In this episode he explores the growing trend of C-suite professionals contemplating a shift from their current roles to alternatives that better support their well-being. While at the same time executives who have made the shift by becoming self-employed or starting Fractional service offerings, are seeking permanent work again.Let s know what you think. What has been your experience in either offering Fractional Exec services or using them?Send us a textConnect on with Dexter Cousins on Linkedin Hire Exceptional Fintech Talent Subscribe on LinkedIn