#119 Steve Monaghan: From Pilot to AI Investor and Banking Trailblazer – Thriving Through Career Change

From the Cockpit to the Boardroom: Steve Monaghan’s 30-Year Journey Tokyo-based Steve Monaghan began his professional life as a commercial pilot before soaring into global finance. Over the past three decades, he’s driven innovation in banking and tech, reshaping industries across Australia, Tokyo, and the Middle East. His past roles include Chairman & CEO at Gen.Life, Chief Innovation Officer at DBS Bank, and Chief Digital Officer at Riyad Bank. Today, he holds key positions with RAKBANK, FinMir.ai, and several cutting-edge startups, making him a transformative force in the financial world. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Foreigner’s Lens “Being an outsider brings a unique perspective—an untainted view of industries and cultures. It’s about seeing things differently, learning from fresh angles, and questioning the norms others might take for granted.” “Being an outsider has its perks and pitfalls. It offers clarity but also means navigating unfamiliar landscapes. The key is turning the so-called disadvantage of not ‘belonging’ into a powerful tool for change.” Immigrant Wisdom - The Dual Edge “Living as an immigrant since my twenties taught me resilience and adaptability. You’re always learning, always adjusting, and that shapes how you approach leadership and problem-solving.” From Fear to Understanding “People don’t resist change because they don’t want it. They resist because they don’t understand it. The journey is about removing fear by turning a ‘no’ into a ‘know’—helping them see the benefits and feel confident about the new direction.” The Advantage of Experience - Ask the Right Questions “In the generative AI era, older employees often have an edge—they know how to ask better questions. This ability to craft meaningful queries is a huge advantage, especially when navigating tools that rely on prompt engineering.” “While younger employees might excel in technical adaptability, seasoned professionals bring a different kind of skill: the wisdom to ask the right questions. This balance of experience and curiosity is key to driving innovation forward.” Engaging Overlooked Talent “The bank in the Philippines found a surprising strength in its mature staff. When engaged and empowered, they contributed significantly to innovation, proving that tech adoption isn’t about age but about the opportunity to learn and apply.” _________________________ Connect with Us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Steve Monaghan ______________________ -- Chief Change Officer -- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs, Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts. 6 Million+ All-Time Downloads. Reaching 80+ Countries Daily. Global Top 3% Podcast. Top 10 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>> 100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<< --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countri