In the latest episode of Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar, Vice President of Sales at Tyfone, welcomed Kosta Scholiadis, CEO and Founder at Street Wallet. The episode centered around building sustainable businesses that do good while staying financially viable, especially in the context of financial inclusion for underserved communities.

Kosta shared how his entrepreneurial journey led him to focus on solving practical problems for people often overlooked by traditional banking, like street vendors in South Africa who struggle with cashless payments. He explained why the best solutions are often the simplest, as real barriers—like lack of smartphone access or complex onboarding—can prevent people from participating in digital economies. Kosta argued that true impact comes from balancing purpose with profit, and that sustainable businesses must prioritize both to keep helping others.

Throughout the conversation, Josh and Kosta drew parallels between community financial institutions in the United States and informal workers in emerging markets. Both face the challenge of staying profitable while serving people’s real needs. The discussion closed with insights on leadership, culture, and the importance of building teams rooted in shared values and long-term vision.

⚡ Profit and Purpose Must Go Hand in Hand

Sustainable organizations do more good when they are profitable. Profit alone can’t be the goal, but without it, even the best-intentioned organizations lose their ability to serve. Building a business that solves real problems, adds value for people, and operates efficiently creates a strong foundation for long-term impact. Community-focused banks, credit unions, and fintechs all face the same challenge: stay in business to keep helping others. Leaders who prioritize both financial health and social benefit set an example for their teams, their communities, and the next generation. In a world full of urgent needs and shifting economies, business leaders who seek both profit and purpose create organizations that can weather challenges, adapt, and keep their mission alive for the people who rely on them.

⚡ Simple Solutions Break Down Barriers to Access

Complex technology often leaves behind those who need it most. The people who rely on informal work—street vendors, day laborers, and gig workers—are often boxed out by onboarding friction, device requirements, or high costs. The best digital solutions strip away these barriers, using tools as basic as SMS to widen access. When product design starts with the real constraints of users, people get better outcomes. This insight goes beyond emerging markets: even in tech-forward economies, many struggle to access digital finance because of complexity. Teams that focus on interoperability and ease of use—not just flashy features—see better adoption, higher trust, and more lasting change. Small shifts in user experience can open the door for millions to access digital payments and financial services.

⚡ Strong Culture and Resilience Drive Long-Term Success

Building a business with staying power takes more than a smart idea. Success comes from a team culture built on trust, shared values, and the willingness to learn. Leaders need resilience to face setbacks and the humility to ask for help. The right team will back each other up when challenges hit, and that support turns difficulty into learning and progress. High achievers who care about the people around them create a stronger organization than any solo star. Over time, the most durable organizations are those where founder passion and mission become part of the company’s DNA—a culture that outlasts any one person. In the end, it’s the people who work together, support each other, and stay true to their purpose who build the companies that last.