In this episode
In this episode of Leadership Blueprint, we’re joined by Claire Maslen, an influential leader with a career spanning over 30 years in technology, telecoms, and fintech. From her early days at Cisco during its rapid growth phase to her leadership roles at O2 and Vodafone, Claire has played a pivotal role in shaping customer-centric strategies and driving innovation. Her work has taken her across Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Australasia, offering her a unique perspective on cultural differences and the challenges of digital transformation.
Claire’s expertise extends into mobile payments and digital wallets, where she has witnessed groundbreaking advancements, including the transformative impact of initiatives like M-PESA. In this conversation, Claire delves into the critical role of mentorship, diversity in leadership, and the evolving landscape of digital identity and payments.
Sound bites
▶️ “Transformation is about mindset and culture, not just technology.“
▶️ “True diversity is about inclusion, not just meeting quotas.“
▶️ “Leadership is about creating opportunities and fostering trust.“
Advice for future leaders
▶️ Embrace Diversity of Thought: Claire emphasizes that diversity goes beyond gender or ethnicity—it’s about cultivating a culture where different perspectives are valued and heard. Leaders must move beyond surface-level quotas to create truly inclusive environments that foster innovation.
▶️ Stay Customer-Centric: Drawing from her experience at O2 and Vodafone, Claire highlights the importance of keeping the customer at the heart of every strategy. By understanding shifting consumer behaviors, leaders can drive transformation that truly meets the needs of their audience.
▶️ Develop Empathy and Mentorship: For Claire, leadership is about opening doors for others and nurturing talent. She stresses the importance of internal and external mentorship to build diverse pipelines and encourage cross-industry learning.
About Claire
Claire Maslen is a transformative leader with over three decades of expertise in technology, payments, and digital innovation. Throughout her dynamic career, Claire has held senior roles at global powerhouses like Cisco, O2 Telefónica, and Samsung Electronics, where she was instrumental in driving innovation in digital wallets, identity solutions, and payment ecosystems. Known for her ability to translate complex technological developments into clear, actionable strategies, Claire has consistently delivered impactful results across multinational markets.
Her career is marked by a deep commitment to collaboration and fostering partnerships. At O2, Claire played a pivotal role in the early adoption of NFC technology, laying the groundwork for mobile payment innovations. As Head of Samsung Wallet for EU markets, she led partner development and strategic roadmaps for cutting-edge payment solutions.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Claire is recognized as a champion of diversity, inclusion, and leadership development. She has been a trusted advisor to industry organizations like the Mobile Ecosystem Forum and UK Cards Association, contributing her insights on payments, digital commerce, and customer-centric strategies.
Claire’s passion lies in leveraging technology to create seamless, secure, and inclusive experiences. As a seasoned speaker and thought leader, she continues to shape the future of payments and digital innovation, ensuring businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future
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Join us on this journey as we chart the course for effective leadership in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow.
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