CEO CORNER: Reflecting on my first Beyond the Transaction podcasts

We’ve covered a lot of ground since launching the Beyond the Transaction podcast series, and the early momentum has been incredibly encouraging.

We’ve had the opportunity to host some outstanding guests. Perryn Holtrop, CEO of PayNation, shared his perspective on the evolving B2B payments landscape and the meaningful work he’s leading to expand payment acceptance in what remains a largely untapped and rapidly emerging market. His vision and execution in driving growth in this space are truly impressive.

Bill Dobbins, SVP and Head of U.S. Acceptance at Visa, delivered a compelling discussion on the expanding opportunities available to ISVs and ISOs through fintech partnerships that are genuinely focused on delivering value. He also offered thoughtful insights into emerging themes like Agentic Commerce and how innovation is beginning to reshape the payments ecosystem.

What’s been most exciting is the traction we’re seeing with the series. It reinforces a belief I’ve held for some time: when the payments industry shifts its focus toward value creation, data-driven insights, and empathy-led solutions, it moves well beyond the traditional “race to zero.” Instead, it opens the door to playing a far more meaningful role in the day-to-day operating environments of the businesses we serve.

Our goal is clear—position our partners with fintech solutions that extend beyond payment acceptance. By leveraging business intelligence and post-transaction data, we can tell real stories that help merchants grow, adapt, and expand. This is where payments become more than a utility—they become a strategic advantage.

That’s what Beyond the Transaction is all about.

We have an exciting summer ahead, with a strong lineup of upcoming guests who will share their perspectives on where payments are headed next. There’s a lot more to come.

Stay tuned.

Todd Linden, CEO of Woodforest Acceptance Solutions