In this episode of The Digital Executive Podcast, Brian Thomas speaks with Jessi Szurek, Associate Partner at Synthesis, about the realities of AI transformation in financial services. With more than 17 years of experience leading enterprise transformation initiatives across 40+ countries, Jessi shares why successful AI adoption depends less on flashy technology and more on strong data foundations, governance, and human-centered design.Jessi explains how traditional consulting models often create long-term dependency, while Synthesis focuses on building client self-sufficiency through outcome-driven transformation. She discusses how AI is evolving from a tool that supports work into one that increasingly executes work—and why organizations must redesign operating models, workflows, and user experiences to succeed.The conversation also dives into the importance of design thinking, stakeholder alignment, and uncovering the “real” workflows hidden behind outdated documentation and shadow systems. Looking ahead, Jessi predicts the financial institutions that thrive in the AI era will be those with trusted, governed, and audit-ready data infrastructure capable of standing up to regulatory scrutiny while enabling scalable innovation.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices