Guest
Allan Rayson,
Chief Innovation Officer at Encore Bank
"The Future Focused CXOs"
PODCAST - Episode 14
The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.
In this episode of Future Focused CXOs, we sit down with Allan Rayson, Chief Innovation Officer at Encore Bank, to uncover the secrets behind building an impactful personal brand. With years of experience in technology and innovation, Allan shares how authenticity, creativity, and risk-taking have shaped his career.
Key Takeaways:
- The role of authenticity and passion in building a personal brand.
- Balancing data security and user experience in the banking industry.
- Insights on embracing creativity and innovation to drive professional growth.
- Strategies for risk-taking and learning from failures.
- Allan’s advice for aspiring professionals to stay humble and open to growth.
Tune in to explore leadership lessons and practical advice for CXOs looking to make their mark.
The Future Focused CXO Episode 14: Show Notes
In the latest episode of Future Focused CXOs, we sat down with Allan Rayson, the Chief Innovation Officer at Encore Bank—a fast-growing commercial bank in the Southeast. With his unique blend of creative pursuits and forward-thinking leadership, Allan offers a fresh perspective on building a personal brand, balancing innovation with practicality, and navigating the challenges of modern banking.
This blog delves into Allan’s journey, highlighting his insights and actionable strategies that can inspire CXOs to rethink how they lead, innovate, and connect with their audience.
The Foundation of a Personal Brand: Authenticity
For Allan, personal branding isn’t just a professional strategy—it’s a reflection of who you are at your core. Winning American Banker’s Digital Banker of the Year marked a milestone in his career, but Allan views it as more than just an accolade.
“It’s about authenticity and passion,” Allan shared.
He didn’t set out to become a digital banking influencer or financial education advocate, but his desire to leave a meaningful legacy naturally led to these opportunities. From launching a YouTube channel dedicated to financial education to his active engagement on social media, Allan demonstrates how being genuine resonates with audiences.
For CXOs, Allan’s message is clear: focus on creating real value. Whether it’s for your customers, employees, or the industry at large, authenticity will always stand out in a crowded space.
The Creative Edge in Leadership
Surprisingly, Allan’s creative hobbies—music and video production—have profoundly influenced his professional approach. He credits these pursuits with helping him think differently, fostering innovation at Encore Bank.
“Inspiration often comes from unexpected places,” Allan said, referencing creative icons like Steve Jobs.
By applying lessons from the arts to his work in banking, Allan has found unique solutions to complex challenges.
For CXOs, finding a creative outlet could be the key to unlocking innovative ideas in their organizations. It’s not just about thinking outside the box—it’s about redefining the box altogether.
Buy vs. Build: A Pragmatic Approach to Technology
In the fast-evolving world of fintech, deciding whether to buy or build technology is a critical choice. Allan is pragmatic:
“Innovation moves quickly. Buying allows us to stay competitive without the long development cycles of building in-house.”
At Encore Bank, the strategy is clear: buy existing technology for rapid deployment, but aim to own and build mission-critical components when necessary. This balanced approach ensures they meet customer expectations while maintaining control over core operations.
The Balancing Act: Security vs. User Experience
When it comes to online banking, ensuring data security often clashes with providing a seamless user experience. Allan acknowledged the industry’s natural tendency to lean toward security, even if it occasionally compromises usability.
“Customers trust us with their most sensitive information,” Allan explained. “Protecting that data is a responsibility we can’t take lightly.”
Yet, Allan is committed to finding the middle ground. For CXOs, his approach serves as a reminder that the customer experience should never be sacrificed but always balanced with robust safeguards.
Innovation Roadmaps and the Future of Fintech
Looking ahead, Allan emphasized the importance of having a clear innovation roadmap. At Encore Bank, this includes:
- Short-term goals: enhancing digital services and exploring instant payment solutions.
- Long-term objectives: leveraging AI and machine learning to make data-driven decisions.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology,” Allan said. “It’s about adaptability—staying responsive to changing customer needs and economic conditions.”
For CXOs, this highlights the importance of agility in leadership. A well-defined yet flexible strategy ensures that your organization stays ahead of the curve.
Lessons from Risk-Taking
Allan’s career is marked by bold decisions, including leaving a high-paying job to launch a fintech startup. While the venture was risky, the lessons he learned were invaluable.
“Risk-taking taught me resilience,” Allan shared. “Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
For CXOs, Allan’s experience underscores the value of calculated risks. Success isn’t guaranteed, but the knowledge gained often outweighs the losses.
A Word of Advice for Aspiring Leaders
To aspiring professionals, Allan offers three simple but powerful pieces of advice:
- Stay humble and open to learning.
- Trust your instincts but be willing to adapt.
- Learn from both successes and failures—every experience is a stepping stone.
Final Thoughts
Allan Rayson’s journey as a leader and innovator is a testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and courage. Whether you’re building a personal brand, embracing new technologies, or navigating challenges in your industry, Allan’s insights provide a blueprint for success.
As CXOs, the takeaway is clear: leadership isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you inspire, innovate, and adapt in a world that never stands still.
