Stratospheric Leaders

In this episode of Stratospheric Leaders, I sit down with Troy Kane, President andCOO of Inplay Global, Inc. an innovative company creating the world’s firstregulated marketplace for Performance Securities – a new asset class offinancial instruments tied to real-time sports team performance and fanengagement.
Troy’s story began on the Chicago trading floors at just 14 – shapedin his formative years by the trailblazing women in his family – including hisaunt who was among the first women on the trading floor of the Chicago Board ofTrade. From there he built a career defined by modernising markets helping drive the shift from open outcry to electronic trading, and today he brings that same pioneering energy to his role at Inplay Global.
A few takeaways from our conversation that stayed with me:
1. Influence = listening + evidence (not volume)
2. Don’t shut people down. Take time to understand other people’s perspectives.
3. Debates need to be rooted in fact.
4. Don’t be afraid to hire people smarter than you. Build by hiring experts, then empowering them (no micromanaging).
5. The real work of leadership is managing the “small things”. They make the big things possible.
6. Educate. Don’t just explain. What makes your business different? Help people get it.
7. Attention to detail isn’t optional. You need to understand all dependencies that go into launching a company.
8. Learn from failure. With any missteps or failures – offer constructive feedback, capture the learning and avoid the same mistake twice.
9. Under promise and over deliver – always! Advice from his Dad that has stayed with him! Consistency and delivery becomes your reputation.

This is a great story on a leader building a business from the ground up in a space that is truly innovative. Enjoy!

In this episode of Stratospheric Leaders, the microphone is handed to Caroline Vasquez, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at DRW, as she sits down with the show’s usual host, Georgie Dickins, for a deeply personal and expansive conversation.
This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Georgie’s journey from a 20-year career in global financial institutions, including ICAP, Reuters and JPMorgan Chase, to building a purpose-led advisory career focused on leadership excellence, sustainable performance, and self-trust.
What unfolds is not a linear career story, but an honest exploration of intuition, burnout, identity, and what it truly takes to operate at the top without losing yourself along the way.
Together, Caroline and Georgie unpack the moments that forced reflection, the role of health as both a warning and a catalyst, and why the most powerful leadership shifts often begin with slowing down.This is a conversation about listening to your body, your curiosity, your fear, and your evolving definition of success and about building the internal and external structures that allow leaders to thrive over the long term.

Key Takeaways
Your intuition is a career compass—if you listen early, it whispers before it screams.
Burnout is often preceded by subtle signals; ignoring them comes at a cost.
Career transitions don’t require reckless leaps—calculated exploration creates optionality.
Journaling works best when it’s unfiltered, imperfect, and judgment-free.
Passion for the work matters, but execution is what turns vision into reality.
Exceptional leaders build strong “kitchen cabinets” and internal boards of directors.
Delegation and trust create capacity; micromanagement drains it.
Chronic stress is far more dangerous than short, acute periods of intensity.
Leaders often overestimate their energy reserves—self-management is non-negotiable.
Plateaus can be chosen or forced; adaptability determines continued growth.
Communication is never one-and-done—clarity requires repetition.
Success without self-trust eventually becomes fragile.
Slowing down strategically is often the fastest way forward.
This episode is a powerful reminder that stratospheric leadership is about self-awareness, alignment, and the courage to evolve when the path no longer fits.

In this episode, I am joined by Sharon Bowen, Chair of the New York Stock Exchange – the first woman and person of colour to hold this role in the institution’s 230-year history.
Sharon’s career is nothing short of remarkable. She brings more than 35 years in regulatory, securities, and public policy expertise. After a distinguished career in law, she served as a Commissioner at the CFTC during one of the most critical periods in modern financial history, and is now guiding NYSE through a time of profound change and opportunity.
She is a truly respected voice in the industry – one that CEOs listen to, learn from and trust.
Key Takeaways:
You get to choose the mindset you bring. You can see things as obstacles or diverted paths.
Don’t let other people define you or limit your dreams.
Maintain curiosity throughout your career. It will help you continue to grow and succeed.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. It’s ok to ask for help.
Build and maintain a personal board of directors.
Mentorship matters at every stage. Never stop being a mentee.
Networks are a powerful force multiplier. Invest in relationships consistently.
Excellence attracts support. 
Speak up about what you want. Don’t assume your ambition or impact is visible.
Lead with respect and integrity. How you treat people matters.
If you’re the first, create the path for the next. Success carries responsibility.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Levy, CEO of Symphony. Brad has spent decades at the intersection of finance and technology - a bold thinker, seasoned operator, and one of the most respected voices in fintech.

Before Wall Street was even on the horizon, Brad’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic were already taking shape. From the age of 14, he was earning his stripes working at Woodbury Commons, landscaping gardens, instructing tennis, and operating ski lifts. But it was a job during his sophomore year at university, researching municipal finance, that ultimately sparked his entry into the markets in 1992.

From 1992 to 2012, he spent two decades on Wall Street building deep expertise as a muni banker and later leading across capital markets, e-commerce, market structure, and strategic investments.

Since 2012, he has held senior leadership roles at IHS Markit and Symphony, where he’s been a leader, operator, builder, and transformer.

Brad always brings the best energy with him and this episode is no different!

Key Takeaways
Surround yourself with good people during tough times.
Flexibility is key in leadership and personal growth.
Authenticity in leadership requires balancing vulnerability and responsibility.
Crisis moments reveal true character and trust.
The importance of presence in navigating change.
Frameworks help structure thoughts and actions for success.
Measuring success through KPIs is essential for growth.
Time management is crucial in a fast-paced world.
Failure is a feature of the journey, not a bug.

In this episode, I’m joined by Andy Kuper Founder & CEO of LeapFrog Investments - a pioneering impact investment firm that has reached over half a billion low-income people with access to essential healthcare, financial tools, and climate solutions. Under his leadership, LeapFrog has raised over $3 billion from global investors and, earning recognition from Fortune as one of the top companies changing the world.

Andy embodies the conviction that purpose andprofit can scale together - transforming industries, delivering outsized returns, and proving that humble, mission-driven teams can reshape the world.
 
Key Takeaways:
Markets waiting to be restructured hold the greatest potential.
Small, dedicated teams can change the world.
Profit and purpose can coexist and drive success.
See through your customer’s eyes. Assumption is theenemy of insight.
Lead with humility. Listen, learn, and stay curious about what you don’t yet know.
Serve, don’t prescribe. Meet fundamental needs rather than defining them for others.
Uncover unmet needs. Meeting customer demands sustains; anticipating them transforms.
Let experience speak for you. Delighted customers are your most powerful marketing engine.
Celebrate progress. Recognise milestones, share credit, and strengthen collective resolve.
Andy is an extraordinary guest. I trust you will enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did recording it.