Zest AI

From Denver to Boston, LA to Austin, today we gathered as a team to celebrate Q2 with, per usual, a whole lot of Zest fun! Each time we come together you can feel the Zest Heart radiate. Exciting updates were shared from our leadership team and we shined the spotlight on our fellow Zesty's who exude our mission and core values! #Heart #Community #Culture #CompanyCulture #GreatPlaceToWork #DreamTeam #FinTech #FairLending #FinancialInclusion #Inclusivity

Gratitude is an important part of our heart and culture at Zest AI! Team Zest is wishing you a warm Thanksgiving filled with joy, rest, and the company of those you love! We are thankful and grateful for each of you and the difference and impact you’re making. Happy holidays!! #Heart #Culture #Community #FinTech #Gratitude #HappyThanksgiving

I started my day by reflecting on a quote from Deepak Chopra: ‘Gratitude opens the door to…the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe.’ It reminded me that gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a powerful tool that can transform the way we lead and interact with those around us. As a business leader, I’ve found that embracing gratitude has proven to be one of the most effective ways to build deeper connections, foster collaboration, and create a culture of mutual respect. It’s not just about being thankful––it’s about making gratitude a core practice in how we lead and engage with others, whether it’s with customers, partners, or our teams. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Gratitude allows us to go beyond transactional relationships and truly show appreciation for their trust and collaboration. This trust leads to long-term loyalty, better problem-solving, and the kind of partnerships that drive mutual success. Gratitude can open doors to more meaningful conversations and innovative solutions, benefiting both sides. When it comes to partnerships, leading with gratitude towards partners fosters an environment of openness and collaboration. When we express appreciation for the expertise and commitment that our partners bring to the table, it reinforces a sense of mutual respect. Gratitude helps partners feel valued, which in turn enhances the overall quality and impact of the work we accomplish together. For employees, one of the most important roles we as leaders play is to inspire our employees and teams. Gratitude plays a big role in this. Acknowledging hard work, creativity, and commitment of your team isn’t just about offering praise––it’s about making them feel valued and seen. Showing appreciation can motivate teams to bring their best selves to work, to collaborate, to take initiative, solve problems, and support each other in pursuit of your company’s mission. Going back to what Deepak Chopra wisely said, ‘gratitude opens the door to…the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude.’ This applies just as much in leadership as it does in life. As leaders, we should commit to showing more gratitude every day––whether in a meeting with a partner, a conversation with an employee, or an interaction with a customer. It’s a simple yet proven way to build deeper connections, foster collaboration, and create a culture of mutual respect.

I’m so proud to share this piece, which I teamed up with my incredible partner in life and purpose Tynesha McHarris 🖤 and Fortune. Collaborating on something as deeply important as advancing equity and justice has been a reminder of how meaningful it is to align our personal and professional worlds. This article reflects not just the challenges we face in today’s climate but also the boundless hope we share for a better future. It’s a call to action and a reminder that even amidst setbacks, community and resilience can guide us forward. I hope this piece inspires you to hold onto hope, lean on your communities, and continue pushing for progress. The work may not always be easy, but when shared with others, it’s deeply rewarding, which is why I love the work we do at Zest AI. Take a moment to read, reflect, and join the conversation. 🌟 Let’s keep building a world that’s inclusive, just, and affirming for everyone. https://lnkd.in/gnfuFRVw #Equity #SocialJustice #DiversityAndInclusion #ProgressNotPerfection #KeepPushing #StrongerTogether #WorkAndLove #PurposeDriven #LifeAndWorkBalance

It’s coming… the biggest distraction and reason to put things off-–the end of the year. Much like resolutions, we know that putting off critical things like budget audits, strategic planning, industry and initiative research, and self-development can cause regret down the line. For your own career goals and setting up your organization’s success, there are ways to harness technology and AI to stay focused, proactive, and most importantly, not overwhelmed. In this fun read from Zest AI's Aaron Long, he shares his 5 essential tips for harnessing technology and AI to boost work focus. https://lnkd.in/gVv3Fcgn #AI #Culture #Heart #FinTech #GreatPlaceToWork #ThoughtLeadership #TechTips #Technology #Mindfulness

Team Zest is excited to share we have been named a 2024 Technology Fast 500 Winner by Deloitte! 🎉 This award recognizes innovative companies across the technology, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech sectors, who are transforming how each of us live, work, and play. Read more about this exciting honor and dive into the list here: https://lnkd.in/ev8PTq8 #FinTech #Fast500 #Innovation #Technology #AI #Lending

Top 100 Companies in FinTech 💸 Join us in celebrating the next 10 companies featured in our esteemed 2024 Top 100 Companies in FinTech list. These companies are making a substantial impact on our world, influencing both our present and future. 91: Marqeta (CEO: Simon Khalaf) 92: Flywire (CEO: Mike Massaro) 93: bunq (CEO: Ali Niknam) 94: Nium (CEO: Prajit Nanu) 95: Kabbage from American Express (CEO: Rob Frohwein) 96: MX (CEO: Ryan Caldwell) 97: Zest AI (CEO: Mike de Vere) 98: Swift (CEO: Javier Perez-Tasso) 99: Banking Circle (CEO: Anders la Cour) 100: TerraPay (CEO: Ambar Sur) Take a look back at the full list here: https://bit.ly/3Unfu39 In association with SAP, PayTabs Global & Intelygenz If you’d like to hear more from industry leaders and leading companies, follow our FinTech LIVE events page to stay in the loop on all our virtual and in-person events coming up in 2025! #Top100 #FinTech #Innovation #Finance

Ben Affleck said it well in his discussion with CNBC, “AI is a craftsman at best…it’s cross pollinating things that already exist…Craftsmanship is knowing how to work, art is knowing when to stop.” Knowing when to stop means having a taste for a finished product, service, or idea––something that requires the human eye. What I love about AI is its incredible ability to reduce costs, lower barriers to entry, and, most importantly, allow for more voices to be heard. But to Affleck’s point, AI doesn’t have taste. At Zest AI, we are committed to creating a thriving lending ecosystem. Our AI technology allows banks and credit unions of all sizes to compete with much larger financial institutions giving more Americans access to credit and impacting their communities.  So when people ask me if AI is going to replace humans. The answer is always, absolutely not.

At Zest AI, we like to say, “the key is more data and better math.” AI can do incredible things, but it can be even stronger when used with intention and understanding. Read more in 'mythbusting common AI misconceptions in the credit union industry', where team Zest uncovers some of the common misconceptions about AI, and what it really means for your credit union today. https://lnkd.in/gcSPaffT #AI #GenAI #FinTech #CreditUnions #Lending

The #CCUA, led by President/CEO Ronald McLean, recently hosted the Annual Fall CEO Roundtable in Waltham, MA! Credit union leaders came together for impactful discussions on smarter #lending and elevating #memberexperiences. ⭐ Highlights included expert insights from Mike de Vere of Zest AI on inclusive lending through #AI, Dr. Jessica Gamache, PhD of Filene Research Institute on credit union trends, and Mark Sievewright of Sievewright & Associates, an SRM Company leading a CEO dialogue on member-focused strategies.   📸 Check out event photos: https://lnkd.in/e_qwUHYs 📅 Save the date for the next CEO Roundtable on May 21, 2025!   #coopdifference #membershipmatters #partnershipmatters #industryinsights #ceoleadership