The payments industry is caught in a relentless 'Race to Zero,' where the drive for the lowest possible processing fees jeopardizes the true value merchants can gain from their payment partners. In this episode of Beyond The Transaction, host Todd Linden reveals why this singular focus on cost is a losing game for everyone involved. Discover how prioritizing comprehensive solutions, integrated services, and genuine partnership can transform the payment landscape, moving beyond mere transactions to unlock significant operational advantages and foster long-term business growth. Learn why merchants deserve more than just cheaper rates and how payment professionals can deliver genuine, lasting value.

What You'll Learn:

• The detrimental impact of the 'Race to Zero' on both payment providers and merchants.
• Why integrated payment solutions offer more value than just raw processing costs.
• The importance of data insights and operational tools in modern payment strategies.
• How to navigate the complexities of passing credit card fees to consumers.
• Strategies for building stronger, more valuable relationships between merchants and payment professionals.

Join us as we explore how a shift in perspective can elevate the entire payments industry, creating a win-win for businesses and their customers alike. #PaymentIndustry #RaceToZero #MerchantServices #BusinessStrategy #ValueAddedPayments

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

Discover how integrating and owning payment solutions can dramatically increase your ISV's enterprise value on this episode of Beyond The Transaction. Host Todd Linden and guest Giovanni Diano, CFO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions, unpack the critical shift from passive payment referrals to active payment ownership. Learn why investors prize recurring revenue and rich data derived from integrated payments, and how this directly translates into higher valuations and a future-proof business model. This discussion highlights strategies for ISVs to leverage their payment ecosystem for growth, enhance customer stickiness, and navigate the complexities of compliance and risk with expert support.

What You'll Learn:

• The evolution of payment integration for ISVs and its impact on valuation.
• Why buyers are attracted to ISVs with integrated payment solutions.
• The dual benefits of recurring revenue and valuable data from payment ownership.
• How payment data can empower AI tools for business optimization.
• Overcoming the challenges of compliance and risk in payment processing.
• The significant valuation difference between referring and owning payments.
• How Woodforest Acceptance Solutions enables seamless payment ownership for ISVs.

Don't miss out on these expert insights into maximizing your software company's worth!

#ISVPayments #FintechValuation #PaymentIntegration #EnterpriseValue #SaaSGrowth

Giovanni Diano is Chief Financial Officer of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions, with extensive experience in financial services, payments, and financial technology. He previously served as CFO of Mantis Innovation and held senior finance leadership roles at Woodforest National Bank, Paysafe, National Processing Company (FIS), and Continental Airlines. Giovanni holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Rice University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Where Payments Meets People, Process, and Progress is more than a tagline — it’s the premise of Beyond The Transaction. This show goes behind the swipe, tap, and click to unpack what actually makes commerce work: the operators building the rails, the decisions that protect trust, and the systems that help businesses scale without breaking.

Each episode delivers real conversations and practical takeaways across the full payments ecosystem — technology, risk, compliance, customer experience, and the human relationships that hold it all together. Because getting paid is only the beginning; what happens beyond the transaction is where businesses win.

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

Join Todd Linden on Beyond The Transaction as he welcomes Guiming "Ming" Ye, CEO of Quick POS. This episode explores Ming's fascinating journey from Silicon Valley to building a leading, empathy-driven POS system for restaurants. Discover how Quick POS identified and solved critical pain points for restaurant operators, prioritizing customer choice and robust partnerships over restrictive practices. Learn about their innovative approach to technology and their exciting future plans, including the integration of AI to revolutionize restaurant management and customer service.

What You'll Learn:

• The origin story of Quick POS and its foundation in real restaurant experience.
• How Quick POS differentiates itself through an empathy-driven, customer-centric approach.
• The benefits of Quick POS's open payment platform for merchants and channel partners.
• The impact of their partnership with Woodforest Acceptance Solutions on payment processing and data.
• Vision for the future of Quick POS, including AI, retail, and solo POS innovations.

Tune in to understand how Quick POS is transforming the transaction landscape for the restaurant industry. #BeyondTheTransaction #QuickPOS #RestaurantTech #PaymentSolutions #FintechInnovation

Where Payments Meets People, Process, and Progress is more than a tagline — it’s the premise of Beyond The Transaction. This show goes behind the swipe, tap, and click to unpack what actually makes commerce work: the operators building the rails, the decisions that protect trust, and the systems that help businesses scale without breaking.

Each episode delivers real conversations and practical takeaways across the full payments ecosystem — technology, risk, compliance, customer experience, and the human relationships that hold it all together. Because getting paid is only the beginning; what happens beyond the transaction is where businesses win.

Guiming "Ming" Ye is the CEO and Co-Founder of KwickPOS, a leading provider of cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) software and embedded payment solutions for the restaurant and retail industries. A Silicon Valley-trained software engineer, Ming co-founded KwickPOS after recognizing the need for a more flexible, data-driven POS platform through her firsthand experience as a restaurant owner. Under her leadership, KwickPOS has grown into a trusted technology partner serving more than 5,000 businesses across North America, delivering innovative solutions that combine POS technology, payment processing, online ordering, loyalty, and business intelligence. Ming is passionate about helping merchants streamline operations, improve profitability, and accelerate growth through modern, scalable technology.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ming-ye-989609172/

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

In this episode of Beyond The Transaction, host Todd Linden welcomes Giovanni Diano, CFO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions, to unravel the critical role of data in the payments landscape. They dissect the challenges and immense opportunities presented by financial data, from processing millions of transaction records to transforming raw information into strategic business intelligence.

Discover how clean, accessible payments data empowers companies, drives informed decision-making, and becomes a competitive advantage for ISVs, channel partners, and ultimately, merchants seeking to optimize performance and foster growth. Learn why a robust finance team, armed with superior data, is essential for navigating the complexities of modern payment ecosystems and unlocking new avenues for success.

What You'll Learn:

• The inherent problem of vast and complex data in the payments industry.
• How modern payment platforms simplify data access and usability.
• The strategic advantage of a strong, data-driven finance team in payments.
• Why data accessibility is more crucial than just residual structures for partners.
• How payments data, when properly utilized, can inform merchant performance and strategic initiatives.
• The distinction between performance data and identifiable personal data.
• The untapped potential of payment data for ISVs and embedded banking solutions.

Unlock the full potential of your business by understanding the power of data.

#PaymentsData #FintechGrowth #DataAnalytics #BeyondTheTransaction #StrategicFinance

Giovanni Diano is Chief Financial Officer of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions, with extensive experience in financial services, payments, and financial technology. He previously served as CFO of Mantis Innovation and held senior finance leadership roles at Woodforest National Bank, Paysafe, National Processing Company (FIS), and Continental Airlines. Giovanni holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Rice University, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

Todd Linden dives deep into the strategic importance of 'Data After The Swipe.' Discover how payment transactions create a rich tapestry of information that, when properly analyzed, can revolutionize business strategy, market expansion, and customer understanding. We explore how businesses can move beyond basic financial reporting to harness data for significant growth, tactical marketing, and smarter operational decisions. Learn why leveraging transaction intelligence is no longer a luxury but a necessity for competitive advantage in today's market.

What You'll Learn:

• How payment data extends beyond simple financial accounting.
• Real-world examples of data informing business location and marketing strategies.
• The inefficiencies and costs associated with traditional data analysis.
• The role of AI in making sophisticated data insights accessible.
• Why payment processors are crucial partners in delivering strategic data.

Transform your approach to business intelligence and unlock the full potential of your transaction data. #DataAfterTheSwipe #BusinessStrategy #PaymentData #BeyondTheTransaction #FinTech

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

Discover how a unique bank-subsidiary structure is revolutionizing the world of payment processing and fintech. In this episode, we explore the distinct advantages of having a principal sponsor bank integrated directly into the processing entity, from superior regulatory credibility to flexible funding windows. We dive deep into the evolving landscape of integrated payments and why the 'race to zero' is a losing game for merchants. Learn how data-driven insights and AI are transforming simple timestamps into powerful business intelligence tools.

What You'll Learn:

• The critical role of bank sponsorship in payment maneuverability
• Why private equity models differ from bank-backed stability; How to use transaction data to chart future business expansion;
• The importance of choosing partnerships based on best practices rather than rapid growth
• Strategies for navigating complex regulatory environments in emerging markets.

Join us for an inside look at the future of secure, intelligent commerce. #BeyondTheTransaction #FintechInnovation #PaymentProcessing #Woodforest #BusinessIntelligence

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

Discover how Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) are revolutionizing their businesses by embracing integrated payment solutions. This episode of Beyond The Transaction, with host Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions, explores the critical shift from traditional payment processing to embedded payment models. Learn why owning your payment process is crucial for revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and gaining a competitive edge. We'll delve into the shortcomings of non-integrated systems and unveil how a fully integrated approach can unlock valuable customer data and create a seamless experience for your clients.

What You'll Learn:

• The fundamental difference between current ISV opportunities and those from five years ago.
• The value of integrated payments for data collection, customer behavior analysis, and upsell opportunities.
• How Woodforest Acceptance Solutions' unique sales enablement process helps ISVs grow.
• The benefits of having ownership and control over your payment processes.
• Why a seamless, integrated payment experience is paramount for customer stickiness.

Unlock the full potential of your software business by understanding the power of embedded payments. #ISV #EmbeddedPayments #Fintech #PaymentSolutions #BeyondTheTransaction

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Transaction, we are joined by Bill Dobbins, Head of US Enablement for Visa. Bill shares his incredible insights from a career at the forefront of the payments industry, discussing why the last five years have seen more rapid change than any other period in history.

We dive deep into:

✅ The shift from 'building' to 'stitching' in fintech partnerships.

✅ Why ISVs are winning by leading with benefits, not payments.

✅ The revolutionary concept of 'Agentic Commerce' and how AI agents will change checkout forever.

✅ Why the industry must 'stop playing at the bottom' and shift from price to value.

✅ Visa’s investments in Blockchain and Stablecoins for B2B transactions.

✅ How to use payment data to unlock enterprise-level insights for any size merchant.

Whether you're an ISO, an ISV, or a fintech enthusiast, this conversation provides a roadmap for navigating the future of acceptance and enablement.

Bill Dobbins is Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Enablers for Visa. In this role, he is responsible for leading Visa’s efforts to support acquirers, processors, payment facilitators, and payment technology partners to expand digital payments and deliver increased value to consumers and merchants.

During his nearly 30-year career at Visa, including as Head of U.S. Business Development for Acceptance, and Head of U.S. Acquiring, Mr. Dobbins has facilitated the expansion of the Visa network by increasing acceptance in under penetrated verticals, partnering with clients to introduce new products and services, and guiding the industry through its constant state of change.

Beyond The Transaction is a high-impact executive podcast hosted by Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions. Each episode delivers clear, forward-looking insight into payments innovation, ISV enablement, SaaS integrations, embedded finance, and the technology shaping the future of commerce.

Designed for ISVs, SaaS founders, fintech operators, merchants, and strategic partners, the show blends Todd’s executive perspective with conversations from industry leaders redefining how businesses grow and compete.

Strategic, and packed with actionable intelligence, Beyond The Transaction is at the center of modern payment strategy and keeps decision-makers ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://www.toddlinden.com

http://www.woodforestpay.com/podcast