Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, host Steve Tallant, Director of Product Marketing at Solix, sits down with Deb Barnes, founder of Stellara Strategy and former Chief Data Officer at USAA, to explore the intersection of data, AI, and trust in financial services. Drawing from her extensive experience at one of the largest insurance and financial firms in the U.S., Deb shares how data leadership and innovation can transform organizations — especially mission-driven institutions like community banks and credit unions.
Deb takes listeners through her personal journey, from academic research to solving real-world problems in finance, risk, and data analytics. She discusses how organizations can navigate the rapid rise of AI, the importance of starting with data quality, and the challenges of balancing technological efficiency with human connection.
What You’ll Learn
- How Deb’s career path led her to one of the top data leadership roles in the industry
- Why community banks and credit unions are ripe for innovation, but cautious about losing trust
- Practical strategies for adopting AI in a thoughtful, phased manner — “crawl, walk, run”
- The critical role of clean, accurate data in enabling AI-driven solutions
- How technology can enhance efficiency without compromising customer relationships
Why Listen?
This episode is a must-listen for data leaders, technology strategists, AI enthusiasts, and anyone working in financial services or community-driven organizations. Whether you’re exploring AI adoption or managing the human side of digital transformation, Deb’s experience and insights offer actionable takeaways.
Join the Conversation
Explore how financial organizations can thoughtfully embrace innovation while preserving the trust that defines their mission. Tune in to learn how AI can serve people — not replace them.
Speakers
Deb Barnes, Founder of Stellara Strategy and former Chief Data Officer at USAA
Stephen Tallant, Vice President of Product Marketing, Solix Technologies, Inc.
