Strategic
Technology Leader

Hi, I’m Tony Schmidt. Please look around to learn about my history and 15+ years of experience in the data and financial tech sectors.

I jump at opportunities to connect and brainstorm with others. If you are a curious technologist or just want to learn more about me let’s talk.

Goal

I seek a role that will leverage my 15+ years of experience as a resourceful, high-EQ senior technology leader driving strategic innovation, transformation, and growth with emerging technologies, building high-performing teams, and fostering cross-functional collaboration with tactical agility.

My Story

I’ve always been resourceful and practical. That approach served me well as I matured as a developer, project manager, and leader/coach directing ever-larger teams in strategic initiatives. My get-it-done approach established me as a go-to leader in building hard tech solutions that drive business growth.

As I delved deeper into the world of digital technology, I realized the significance of my soft skills in my professional success. I found myself equally at ease connecting with business and non-technical audiences, a skill that I honed over the years through self-awareness, mindfulness, and Emotional Intelligence.

I’ve enjoyed working cross-functionally as a spokesperson for tech to accomplish amazing things.

Before "Big Data"

My early calling was to analyze and present data to support better decision-making long before “Big Data” was a thing. Using mainframes, I dug deep into analytics that made an impact.

The Hook

My discovery of coding was a pivotal moment in my career. I devoured all of Microsoft’s early programming tools and pushed the limits of each new release in web development. Soon after, my engineering mentor recruited me to a startup, and I couldn’t refuse. I was all in hook, line, and sinker.

Refining the Framework

I mastered the basics to maximize my impact as an analyst and developer. I did hands-on software engineering up and down the stack and learned how to build good software. This foundation in software architecture prepared me for future project leadership.

Delivering Solutions that Work

My love of tech to drive business helped me advance, leading me to roles leading larger teams in development and integration projects. In these roles, I communicated with techies and executives alike to bridge gaps in understanding. I collaborated with them to make innovative, efficient, customer-focused projects a reality.

Breaking New Ground in Fintech Innovation

My passion for technology grew as I developed innovative API solutions to serve the growing Fintech sector. This industry-leading approach fed the demand for tailored consumer interactions, enabling unprecedented growth and lasting partnerships.

Empathic Leadership in Action

I’ve built on my successes in collaborating with customers and internal stakeholders to find common ground. I led by example and cultivated authentic connections, gaining the commitment and loyalty of my teams, peers, and customers. My development of mindful self-awareness and empathic approach has served me well in making big things happen.

Innovation for Tomorrow's Challenges

The continued growth of digital technology and the recent explosion of AI and cloud computing opens the door to a new age of opportunity. I love riding this wave of innovation and inventing novel ways to solve business challenges.

Senior Leadership Experience

Throughout my career, I’ve directed technology innovation with a lean startup approach. This includes 9 deep integrations with the top 15 US big banks and 130+ Fintechs. I’ve also spearheaded strategic growth and transformation initiatives like major platform migrations, Agile adoption, and automation. My experience leading 35+ member teams, building strategic B2B partnerships, and working collaboratively with stakeholders has positioned me to make a significant impact in the next phase of my strategic leadership journey.

Chief Technology Officer

I drive MenLiving’s tech vision, strategy, and execution. I use the best tech to promote growth and cut costs. I ensure platform uptime, performance, security, metrics, and escalations. I manage seamless platform integration across HubSpot, Eventbrite, WordPress, and payment processors Stripe and PayPal/Braintree.

Senior Director, Technology & Customer Engagement

As a senior technology spokesman for tech, I worked cross-functionally to implement custom API SaaS integrations for real-time consumer credit data. I managed several independent technical teams that owned pre-sales, integration, and ongoing operational delivery supporting $165M in annual customer revenue. I led the delivery team to achieve a world-class customer loyalty and satisfaction 69 NPS score through Lean-Agile and best practice methodologies. TransUnion featured me in its 2023 diversity report for my leadership in championing workplace mindfulness, well-being, and DEIB initiatives.

Senior Director, Technology Solutions

I defined and executed Agile transformative strategies, improving transparency and predictability to 95% in the Consumer Interactive business unit. I hired and led a specialized team to deliver high-profile co-developed customer solutions to Fortune 100 companies on tight deadlines, leading to $16M in additional immediate revenue.

Director Of Technology

I directed the development and launch of a first-of-its-kind .NET API for Fintech and big banks to leverage real-time credit data. This solution capitalized on the growth in the Fintech space and secured industry-leading product revenue growth with top-tier customers.

Director, Applications Engineering

I led teams that spanned multiple functions. They delivered custom tech integrations and ensured PCI compliance, improving customer success and tech integration across a broad internal and customer ecosystem.

Technical Team Lead

I led a small but mighty startup team with engineers and experts from other functions. We used TransUnion’s brand and resources to expand its B2B Interactive Business Unit, which experienced decades of double-digit growth.

Contact me

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StrategicTechnology Leader