by Ruth Lee, CMB
Too often, I am absorbed in consulting, neglecting to highlight the exceptional executives I’ve had the privilege of working with. Recognizing transformational leaders who are poised to seize new opportunities and drive extraordinary achievements in their next ventures is essential.
In the fast-paced world of financial services, true leadership stands out not just in times of stability but in moments of profound change. Linda Samson is one such leader, whose strategic vision and relentless drive have consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. Her ability to harness innovation and lead with purpose has set new standards across the industry, making her a standout figure in financial services. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on Linda's remarkable journey and the transformative impact she continues to have on the organizations she leads.
Driving Change: Technology and Strategic Leadership in Financial Services
In the dynamic world of financial services, success hinges on navigating complex challenges with strategic foresight and innovative technology. As a seasoned Strategic Product & Operations Executive, my journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, leveraging my expertise to drive transformative change across organizations. With a proven track record in end-to-end product management and an understanding of how to apply technology and artificial intelligence, I have consistently delivered results that exceed expectations.
I spearheaded the LIBOR transition for all products and the portfolio at a large regional bank. I achieved cost-effective remediation of LIBOR contracts by developing and executing a strategy that ensured seamless shifts to new products and converting the portfolio to alternative indices. Engineering robust data solutions and pioneering AI-driven contract reviews, I streamlined customer-facing strategies without impacting revenue targets and garnering acclaim from stakeholders and regulators.
During the financial crisis in the late 2000s, I led the implementation of strategic changes in the residential mortgage space. With new product features disrupting traditional lending rules, I leveraged my deep understanding of end-to-end processes to deliver product solutions and technology, providing lower payments to thousands of homeowners in record time. By integrating new technology into the manufacturing processes, I ensured asset quality without impacting efficiency, meeting investor demands for improved asset and data quality.
My journey in financial services has been marked by a strategic vision, innovative use of technology, and a relentless focus on delivering exceptional results. By leveraging AI to streamline processes and create efficient execution plans, I have consistently driven profitability and operational excellence. I am excited to bring my expertise to a new organization where, together, we can navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and unlock unprecedented value.
Leadership Philosophy
A pivotal moment in my career was when I had to turn adversity into my superpower. Leading a product team for a product I had minimal experience with, I built trust with a skeptical sales leader by listening to her needs and leveraging my strengths in data and technology to deliver a solution that optimized revenue through asset-specific pricing.
Fostering Innovation: I encourage innovation and creativity by building teams with diverse skill sets and providing opportunities to showcase their strengths. This interaction fosters learning experiences and organically creates a think tank for leveraging collective thinking.
Industry Trends: The trend that excites me the most is artificial intelligence. AI can augment client-facing roles by understanding common client issues and helping agents troubleshoot them consistently and efficiently.
A Career of Achievement
Linda Samson has built a distinguished career in financial services, where her strategic leadership and innovative approach have consistently driven transformative results. At U.S. Bank/Union Bank from 2017 to 2024, Linda served as Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, where she played a pivotal role in the LIBOR transition. Under her guidance, the bank successfully developed and implemented SOFR-based products, covering more than 90% of loan originations and derivative offerings. Her deep expertise in AI and data solutions was instrumental in ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transition, significantly boosting productivity across the board.
Linda's leadership extended beyond product strategy. She led the adoption of Apttus technology for contract data management, which streamlined the transition of over $35 billion in lending and derivative contracts. As Director of Residential Lending Implementation, Linda oversaw the modernization of mortgage platforms, replacing outdated systems with innovative technology that enhanced operational efficiency and introduced new home equity products. Her efforts not only increased market share but also expanded the bank's presence in new geographies, showcasing her ability to drive growth in a competitive landscape.
Linda's impact on the financial services industry extends to her roles before U.S. Bank. From 2014 to 2016, at Oak Hill Advisors, she managed mortgage acquisitions that fueled $200 million in monthly growth while ensuring asset value preservation through stringent servicing oversight. Her strategic acumen was also evident during her time at W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital in 2013, where she optimized pipeline workflows and aligned staffing models with pricing strategies, ensuring operational efficiency amid fluctuating origination volumes.
During the financial crisis, Linda’s leadership was crucial at Bank of America from 2008 to 2013. She spearheaded the implementation of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in less than 45 days, re-engineered appraisal processes, and successfully delivered over sixty-five high-impact projects. Earlier, at Countrywide Home Loans from 2005 to 2008, Linda revolutionized loan eligibility and pricing processes. Her innovative integration of client-facing technology significantly boosted revenue and reduced delinquency rates, demonstrating her ability to enhance both efficiency and profitability.
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