From CEO to Startup, with Goran Bosankic of Field 39

In this episode of Hivemind, host James Barker is joined by Goran Bosankić, former CEO of ABC Tech and co-founder of Field39. Together, they unpack the evolution of fintech, explore the fallout from the 2021 hype cycle, and dive deep into what’s next for digital banking platforms. Goran offers hard-won insights from building and leading tech companies through crises, speaks frankly about AI’s true impact on financial services, and shares cultural and strategic lessons from years of leadership.

 

Whether you’re selling into banks or navigating the complexities of product-market fit in fintech, this episode delivers clarity, candor, and strategy from someone who’s been on the inside.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction

• 02:00 – Fintech’s evolution post-2021: hype vs reality

• 06:30 – Building a digital bank: vendor chaos & regulatory landmines

• 10:30 – AI in banking: transformative tech or dangerous shortcut?

• 18:00 – Data quality & AI hallucinations

• 23:00 – Are “out-of-the-box” digital banking platforms still viable?

• 32:00 – Regulatory priorities and why innovation takes a backseat

• 35:00 – Taking over ABC Tech at the start of COVID: a leadership trial by fire

• 39:00 – Remote work: hybrid wins in the long run

• 42:00 – Painful lessons in leadership: saying no, cutting “oak trees”

• 51:00 – Sales vs marketing: where to invest when selling to banks