Leadership Journeys [223] - Kevin Kilty - " In six months of a startup, I learned more than 10 years in investment banking"

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast. I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name. What does it really take to lead with purpose in a fast-moving, high-stakes world? In this episode, Kevin Kilty, CEO of Hub Pay, shares his bold journey from London’s finance world to launching a FinTech startup in Dubai—with zero startup experience and a lot of heart. He opens up about the gritty realities of leadership, building culture across continents, and staying grounded when the pressure never lets up. If you're a leader navigating uncertainty, scaling a business, or simply craving more meaning in your work, this conversation delivers raw insight and practical inspiration. Tune in to discover how impact and innovation can go hand in hand—without losing your sanity. You can find Kevin Kilty at the below links https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkilty/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubpay/ In the interview, Kevin shares "In six months of building a startup, I learned more than I did in over a decade of investment banking." "You don’t need to have all the answers. Just start. The clarity comes from doing." "FinTech isn’t just about technology — it’s about unlocking financial inclusion and societal progress." "Leadership is about defining your values early and then living by them—especially when things get tough." "The startup grind is relentless, but regular workouts are my meditation — they keep me centered." "We built Hub Pay on the belief that business can be both profitable and deeply purposeful." "The team you build is more important than any business plan. Culture trumps strategy every time." "True leadership means grounding big visions in practical, revenue-generating actions." "Startups are built on grit, not glamour. You grow by facing uncertainty, not avoiding it." "Inspired by impact pioneers like Professor Yunus, I saw FinTech as a bridge to a better world."