In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to build a strategy-first portfolio culture in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Actualize Consulting’s Kurt Rasmussen, Director in the Mortgage and Fixed Income Practice at Actualize Consulting, who brings over 25 years of expertise in project, portfolio, program, and PMO management, joins Manager Caroline Pickering for an insightful conversation. Together, they unpack why so many organizations struggle to align their project portfolios with core business goals, and what it takes to move from a busy collection of initiatives to a portfolio that delivers real, measurable value.

You’ll hear real-world examples, best practices, and actionable insights on project portfolio management (PPM): how it transforms organizational effectiveness, enables smarter prioritization, and fosters a culture of accountability and strategic collaboration. Plus, discover how AI is reshaping portfolio management, streamlining processes, and bringing predictive power to decision-making.

Listen to learn more about:

• Creating a strategy-first mindset for portfolio management that aligns projects with business objectives
• Tools and frameworks (including scorecards and steering committees) that help prioritize high-value initiatives
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) every organization should track to measure real portfolio impact
• Proven ways to keep stakeholders engaged and aligned even as priorities shift
• How AI is transforming project selection, reporting, and predictive analytics in portfolio management

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

Join Actualize Consulting's Senior Consultant, Dom Boyle, and Senior Manager Will Robertson as they dive into crafting a powerful data strategy within treasury organizations. They break down the full transformation journey from understanding why data strategy matters to implementing enterprise data lakes and ensuring robust data governance. Whether you’re looking to centralize your financial data, improve decision-making, or explore AI applications in treasury, this Actualizing Success episode offers actionable insights to help you get started.

Listen to learn more about:

• The fundamentals of data strategy and its importance for treasury
• Steps to validate existing data, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and design a comprehensive data schema
• How to consolidate systems and build a centralized enterprise data lake
• Key roles and responsibilities in maintaining data governance, including data stewards and governance leads
• Innovative AI and machine learning use cases, from predictive forecasting to payment anomaly detection and automated core data enrichment

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of giving back with Actualize Consulting's COO Kerry Wekelo and Nubia Leal, LATAM HR Coordinator. With over 20 years of commitment to community engagement, Kerry shares how integrating a culture of giving back has shaped the identity of Actualize. Nubia brings her unique perspective, detailing her experiences and the positive impact that volunteering has had on her life and her team. Together, they explore the importance of charitable initiatives and how the Actualize Consulting team embodies its commitment to creating a ripple effect of kindness in life. In a world that needs human connection and empathy more than ever, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Listen to Learn More About:

• Using personal stories to inspire individuals and companies to give back to their communities
• How hands-on giving creates connections within teams and enhances company culture
• Practical ways to start small with community initiatives and grow them into impactful programs within organizations
• The transformative power of empathy and social responsibility in both personal and professional settings

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and tune in again for more insights from our team. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

With the mortgage servicing landscape constantly evolving since the pandemic, understanding the information and trends at hand is key to staying ahead of the curve. In this episode of Actualizing Success, industry veterans Partner Matt Seu and Director EJ Kite with Actualize Consulting unpack the dynamics that are reshaping real estate and mortgage servicing today. From post-pandemic market corrections to regional supply-and-demand imbalances, and the long-term effects of interest rate whiplash, Matt and EJ share expert insights drawn from decades of experience. They also delve into investor behavior, population migration patterns, and the increasing importance of predictive modeling and data analytics in managing borrower risk and portfolio health. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the real estate arena, our industry experts offer valuable insights into what's next for the mortgage servicing industry.

Listen to learn more about:

• Post-pandemic market shifts in housing market dynamics
• The rise and fall of home inventories and their influence on pricing and buyer opportunity
• Navigating interest rate volatility
• Regional housing supply differences and each area's unique challenges and opportunities
• The role of predictive modeling and data analytics in addressing potential market challenges and improving mortgage servicing strategies

Join us for an insightful discussion that breaks down key market trends and equips industry professionals to proactively prepare for future changes in the evolving mortgage servicing landscape.

About Matt Seu

• Matt is a Partner at Actualize Consulting, managing the Mortgage & Fixed Income practice. With three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Matt is a wealth of information and a true thought leader committed to moving the industry forward through digital transformation and standardizing how the mortgage industry communicates. Before his time at Actualize, he served as a Vice President for Freddie Mac, focusing on large-scale business and technology change efforts. Matt is a winner of the 2023 Industry Titans Award.
• Email: mseu@actualizeconsulting.com

About EJ Kite

• EJ is a Director with Actualize Consulting and has over 35 years of expertise in information management. He has a proven track record in team building, infrastructure analysis, and crafting enduring solutions to meet dynamic business demands. With a 24-year tenure across Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, he has consistently spearheaded initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and foster strategic growth through data-driven insights. EJ holds a degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College. He has received various awards, including the Sapphire Award for Auction in 2021, the Commitment to Excellence Award in 2017, and the Mortgage Banking 2012 Technology All-Star Award.
• Email: Ekite@actualizeconsulting.com

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

In the latest episode of Actualizing Success, Actualize Consulting Directors Paul Baram and Louise Georgiou have an engaging interview-style conversation about her first 60 days into consulting. Louise shares her journey and the motivations behind her shift from a 25-year career in treasury, with her last role being Vice President of global cash management, to consulting. They discuss the importance of aligning treasury functions with broader business operations, the critical role of technology in modern finance, and how to navigate the complexities of project management. Join them for a lively discussion that offers valuable lessons for finance professionals at every stage of their careers.

Listen to learn more about:

• The motivations behind Louise's transition from corporate treasury to consulting and insights gained from 60 days in a consulting role, including project management and client trust.
• Key responsibilities in cash management and how they impact overall business strategy.
• The importance of technology and real-time data in the treasury function.
• Emerging trends in treasury and finance, including the impact of technology and regulatory changes poised to reshape the industry over the next decade.
• Advice for treasury professionals looking to adapt to the shifting landscape.

Don’t miss this informative episode packed with practical insights and forward-thinking discussions!

About Paul Baram

• Paul is Director of Actualize Consulting’s UK office and their Treasury and Capital Markets projects. His 20-plus years of experience include international project management, business requirements, system design, treasury system implementation, testing, and managing project execution. Paul specializes in Corporate Treasury overall solution architecture and business process design. He holds an MSc in Surface Chemistry from the University of Bristol.
• Email: pbaram@actualizeconsulting.com

About Louise Georgiou

• Louise is a Director at Actualize Consulting with extensive experience in Fortune 500 global cash operations, liquidity management, and corporate treasury functions. She is a strategic leader in M&A, spin-offs, and divestitures, working closely with tax and finance teams to enhance efficiency and financial performance. Louise specializes in Corporate Liquidity Management, managing bank relationships, and developing cash management systems while optimizing processes through treasury tools and leading vendor evaluations for Treasury and Risk Management systems.
• Email: lgeorgiou@actualizeconsulting.com

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please get in touch with us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

In this episode of Actualizing Success, we delve into the dynamic and often underserved agricultural finance market. Our experts from Actualize Consulting—Partner Matt Seu, Director John Pomeranski, Senior Manager Jon Cooper, and Senior Consultant Caroline Pickering—share their extensive experience and insights into this crucial sector. The conversation looks at the intricacies of the Farm Credit System and its pivotal role in supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through a network of borrower-owned financial institutions. They explore how entities like the USDA and Farmer Mac interconnect within this ecosystem and examine the challenges of market fragmentation and the diverse needs of agricultural financing. With a focus on innovation and the increasing relevance of younger generations in agriculture, this episode highlights opportunities for growth and improvement in ag finance, emphasizing Actualize Consulting’s commitment to making significant strides in the ag finance market.

Listen to learn more about:

• The structure and purpose of the Farm Credit System
• The role of the USDA and Farmer Mac in agricultural finance
• Specific challenges within the ag finance market, including fragmentation and varying lending needs
• Opportunities for innovation in the sector
• The impact of an aging workforce and outreach initiatives for young farmers

About Matt Seu

• Matt is a Partner at Actualize Consulting, managing the Mortgage & Fixed Income practice. With three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Matt is a wealth of information and a true thought leader committed to moving the industry forward through digital transformation and standardizing how the mortgage industry communicates. Matt is a two-time winner of MISMO's prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award and the 2023 Industry Titans Award.
• Email: mseu@actualizeconsulting.com

About John Pomaranski:

• John is a Director at Actualize Consulting with over 19 years of experience. His expertise includes project management, business requirements, and UAT for accounting system implementations. He specializes in financial system implementations, mortgage loan accounting and communication, and software development life cycle standards. He is a member of MISMO’s Community of Practice.
• Email: jpomaranski@actualizeconsulting.com

About Jon Cooper

• Jon is a Senior Manager at Actualize Consulting with extensive experience in requirements analysis, project management, process modeling/redesign, and systems conversions. He has in-depth knowledge of the mortgage industry from originations through Servicing, Securitization, and REO/default management.
• Email: jcooper@actualizeconsulting.com

About Caroline Pickering:

• Caroline is a Senior Consultant at Actualize Consulting with a strong track record in digital transformation, project management, and process optimization. She has experience in rural lending, affordable housing, and loan origination. With experience managing risk logs and defect reporting, Caroline effectively oversees cross-functional teams to resolve issues and ensure project success.
• Email: cpickering@actualizeconsulting.com

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

In this episode of Actualizing Success, Actualize Consulting’s Senior Manager Craig Chapman provides an overview of In-House Banking. When implemented correctly, In-House Banking enhances financial efficiency, reduces banking fees, and improves visibility and control, transforming the treasury function into a strategic business partner. Tune in to this quick 7-minute episode for valuable insights into this powerful tool for optimizing global treasury functions and determining if it’s right for your organization.

Listen to learn more about:

• A broad overview of In-House Banking, and how it replicates traditional banking services for subsidiaries
• Key benefits of operational flexibility and lower borrowing costs that in-house banks offer to corporations practical functions such as cash pooling, inter-company lending, and foreign exchange management
• Important considerations for implementation, including technology, tax implications, and regulatory issues
• Challenges and risks associated with in-house banking, and how they can enhance treasury functions for strategic business advantage.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com

We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.

In this episode of Actualizing Success, our experts discuss the pressing need for enhancing treasury defenses against the evolving landscape of fraud risks. Actualize Consulting's Treasury Consultant, Dom Boyle, is joined by Baptiste Collot, co-founder and CEO of TrustPair, who brings extensive experience from his days as a treasurer. Together, they discuss the alarming rise of sophisticated fraud tactics fueled by artificial intelligence and how treasury teams can adapt to these new challenges. As AI technology continues to advance, fraudsters are leveraging it in unprecedented ways, necessitating a strategic response from organizations.

Listen to learn more about:

• How fraudsters are exploiting AI to enhance their tactics.
• Building a clean and centralized data lake across your organization to protect proprietary data.
• The importance of a multi-layered defense strategy in treasury operations.
• Practical use cases and best practices for strengthening treasury against fraud risks.
• Avoiding blind trust and automation, and ensuring human oversight and approval layers is part of the process.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the crucial need for technological integration in financial processes to effectively combat these evolving threats and better safeguard your treasury operations.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and will come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!

We invite you to contact Actualize and Trustpair for any inquiries regarding preventing fraud and further preparing for the AI revolution.

Get in touch with Actualize at www.actualizeconsulting.com
Get in touch with Trustpair at https://trustpair.com/

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We'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or would like to collaborate on a future episode, please contact us at podcast@actualizeconsulting.com.