Actualizing Success

Actualize Consulting

Actualizing Success is a podcast that covers all things financial. It is based around Actualize Consulting’s main areas of expertise, Mortgage and Fixed Income and Capital Markets and Treasury. Join us as we discuss industry trends, host engaging interviews with industry leaders, and learn the ins and outs of enhancing your processes and leveraging technology to solve challenges faced in your business operations. In each episode, we will provide key takeaways to help our audience transform their operations, as well as keep you up to date on market trends and upcoming regulations.

  1. 11/05/2025

    Enterprise Data Strategy – Forging the Path to AI In Treasury

    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 treasurySteps to validate existing data, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and design a comprehensive data schemaHow to consolidate systems and build a centralized enterprise data lakeKey roles and responsibilities in maintaining data governance, including data stewards and governance leadsInnovative AI and machine learning use cases, from predictive forecasting to payment anomaly detection and automated core data enrichmentThanks 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.

    32 min
  2. 10/14/2025

    Inspiring Change Through Giving Back

    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 communitiesHow hands-on giving creates connections within teams and enhances company culturePractical ways to start small with community initiatives and grow them into impactful programs within organizationsThe transformative power of empathy and social responsibility in both personal and professional settingsThanks 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.

    16 min
  3. 09/15/2025

    Observations and Expert Analysis on the Mortgage Space

    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 dynamicsThe rise and fall of home inventories and their influence on pricing and buyer opportunityNavigating interest rate volatilityRegional housing supply differences and each area's unique challenges and opportunitiesThe role of predictive modeling and data analytics in addressing potential market challenges and improving mortgage servicing strategiesJoin 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.

    21 min
  4. 08/05/2025

    60 Days into Consulting

    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.

    17 min
  5. 07/08/2025

    Agriculture Finance and The Future of Farming

    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 SystemThe role of the USDA and Farmer Mac in agricultural financeSpecific challenges within the ag finance market, including fragmentation and varying lending needsOpportunities for innovation in the sectorThe 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.

    20 min
  6. 06/03/2025

    Understanding In-House Banking

    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.

    6 min
  7. 05/13/2025

    Strengthening Treasury Against Fraud Risks

    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/  | 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.

    23 min
  8. 04/07/2025

    Encouraging Team Connection

    In this episode of Actualizing Success, Kerry Wekelo, COO, and Theresa Santoro, Director of HR and Operations from Actualize Consulting, share their insightful journey of fostering team connection in a predominantly remote work environment. With nearly two decades of collaboration, Kerry and Theresa share their experiences, creating a vibrant, cohesive, award-winning company culture that prioritizes professional and social engagement. Their conversation explores the unique approach Actualize takes to blend business with enjoyment, ensuring that employees feel valued and connected, no matter where they are in the world. From fun and creative virtual events to memorable in-person retreats, they discuss why variety is key in employee engagement and how such strategies lead to stronger relationships among team members. This episode promises to leave you with renewed inspiration for building connections within your own team!  Listen to Learn More About:  The importance of diverse virtual activities to keep teams engaged Practical and effective strategies for maintaining personal connections with employees in a growing company How in-person retreats and virtual events spark creativity and camaraderie The impact of community service initiatives on team morale and cohesion Exclusive insights into what sets Actualize apart from other firms, including how they cultivate a family-like atmosphere during the recruitment process and beyond Thanks for listening to this episode of the Actualizing Success Podcast! We hope you enjoyed the discussion and come back for more. In the meantime, don’t forget to rate this episode and leave a review!   Website: 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.

    17 min

About

Actualizing Success is a podcast that covers all things financial. It is based around Actualize Consulting’s main areas of expertise, Mortgage and Fixed Income and Capital Markets and Treasury. Join us as we discuss industry trends, host engaging interviews with industry leaders, and learn the ins and outs of enhancing your processes and leveraging technology to solve challenges faced in your business operations. In each episode, we will provide key takeaways to help our audience transform their operations, as well as keep you up to date on market trends and upcoming regulations.