PhoenixTeam

Save the date and RSVP now for AI Exchange 2026: https://lnkd.in/e9iT3VTk Grassroots AI is where the real story is, not in powerpoint decks or hype reels, but in classrooms, federal offices, call centers, and operations floors where people are figuring out how to work differently every single day. That’s why AI Exchange exists. It’s a space where leaders talk about what’s actually happening, what’s shifting under their feet, and what it really takes to help a workforce adapt. On January 15, we’re gathering the voices doing the work to reshape the future of employment, not five years from now, but right now. If you care about reskilling, upskilling, job redesign, or the human side of AI transformation, this is the conversation you want to be in. 📅 January 15, 2026 📍 PhoenixTeam HQ, Arlington VA 🎟️ Free registration RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/e9iT3VTk Past speakers include: Tela Gallagher Mathias, Jason Prow, Sean Datcher, Brian Woodring, Trish Maraski, Sairah Ijaz, Gil Gallagher, John Trodden Start 2026 inside the reality of AI, not the narrative.

Our certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) represents more than a credential; it’s an important part of who we are. It reflects our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and the role these values play in how we operate and support our clients. We remain grounded in our mission to help shape a mortgage industry that is more equitable, resilient, and reflective of the communities we serve. For the past 50 years, NMSDC has been a leading advocate for MBEs in America. With over 17,000 MBEs connected to more than 1,700 corporations, NMSDC generates an annual economic output of $482.1 billion, sustains 1.8 million jobs, and provides $136.4 billion in total wages. As the nation's largest and most successful nonprofit advocacy organization for MBEs, NMSDC’s work proves that growth for MBEs is growth for all. To learn more about the CRMSDC visit, https://crmsdc.org/. To learn more about the NMSDC and the MBE certification process, please visit: https://nmsdc.org/. NMSDC, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council 

Tomorrow’s the day! PhoenixTeam will host a FREE virtual AI Speed Learning event. Get ready for a jam-packed, high-impact session you won’t want to miss.  Led by Tela Gallagher Mathias, this quick, focused session is designed for mortgage professionals eager to cut through the noise, get clarity on AI’s role in today’s lending ecosystem, and build the confidence and skills to put AI to work in their org. Attendees will walk away with clear, actionable insight into how AI is shaping day-to-day decisions, operations, and customer interactions ready to take on what’s next. Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eP8r-kaM  Mortgage Bankers Association

AI is opening new doors across the mortgage industry, but the challenge for many organizations isn’t recognizing the potential, it’s understanding where that potential becomes real, usable value. Our team has examined the mortgage lifecycle end to end and identified 101 distinct AI use cases that represent real opportunities for lenders. These use cases span a full autonomy spectrum, from supportive non-agentic tools to action-oriented agentic capabilities, offering a broad view of how AI can enhance workflows, assist decision-making, strengthen customer experience, and create operational lift.  Rather than asking, “What could AI do?” the conversation becomes, “Which opportunities make sense for us?” If you're curious about how AI can support your teams and transform your operations, view our full library of genAI use cases and explore what’s possible. View the List: https://lnkd.in/eDtNxj9K 

Part 2 of our founder conversation goes deeper into how Tanya Brennan, Tela Gallagher Mathias, and Tom Westerlind (TTT) think about leadership and what shaped the way they lead. In this segment TTT talk openly about the parts of leadership that come naturally and the parts they have had to work hard to develop. Tela reflects on mastering her craft, learning through experience, and the influence of her mother Ann Hopkins. Tanya shares why she leads by example, why she steps into the hard moments, and why taking care of people is at the center of her approach. Tom talks about leading as a true teammate, knowing when to step forward or step back, and drawing strength from the matriarchs in his own family. They also reflect on the trust they have built over twenty five years together. Thousands of conversations, a handful of tough ones, and a culture where feedback is given with care and received with the belief that everyone can be better. That trust is what makes their partnership work and what they hope they have created across PhoenixTeam. They close with their hopes for the future. Continuing to solve meaningful problems with modern technology and genAI, creating a safe place for people to grow, and building a company that makes a real impact on the world and on the lives of everyone who is part of it. If you missed part 1, you can watch here: https://lnkd.in/ds_zSaUs Learn more about what we stand for: https://lnkd.in/eh2W_WWx

Part 1 of our founder conversation takes you back to where it all started with Tela Gallagher Mathias, Tanya Brennan, and Tom Westerlind (TRIPLE T). Their story goes back twenty five years, long before PhoenixTeam existed, and this first segment captures the experiences and relationships that shaped the foundation of the company we are today. In this conversation, they revisit the early days of their careers, when they met at PwC and built a friendship that carried them through personal challenges, professional growth and moments that defined who they would become as leaders. They talk about supporting each other during difficult times and how those shared experiences created the trust and resilience that still guide PhoenixTeam. The name Phoenix represented a turning point. After years of hard lessons, they wanted to create a place where values, people and meaningful work came first. Rising from the ashes was not a metaphor. It was the truth of where they were and what they wanted to build.    Stay tuned for part 2.

We talk a lot about AI transformation like it’s just a strategy slide or a tech roadmap. It’s not. It’s messy, emotional, uncomfortable and deeply human. In Ten Not Very Easy Steps to Achieve AI Workforce Transformation, Tela Gallagher Mathias shares what it really feels like to lead through that change. The fear, the pivots, the small wins, and the courage to keep going when everything changes again. If you’re in the middle of figuring this out too, this one’s for you. You can download the full document here: https://lnkd.in/emG5Wxjq #AIWorkforce #AI #GenAI

Today we honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. Thank you for your sacrifice, your service, and your strength. #VeteransDay

GenAI is reshaping the mortgage industry and understanding its impact starts here. Join us on November 20 for a FREE AI Speed Learning event, designed to help mortgage leaders and practitioners navigate AI confidently and build the skills needed to become true AI champions in their organizations. Led by our Chief Nerd and Mad Scientist, Tela Gallagher Mathias, this session will offer practical insights, real-world applications, and a clear path toward integrating genAI responsibly and effectively.  What You’ll Learn:   • The differences between AI and genAI  • Why there’s so much buzz around genAI  • The current state of genAI in mortgage  • The importance of guardrails and key use cases  • Practical applications in ChatGPT through live demonstrations  • A chance to ask your questions during a live Q&A Space is limited, secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eP8r-kaM  Mortgage Bankers Association