Tammira Philippe

I recently attended a private lunch (thanks Julie Courtney, CAE) with two dozen Texas community bank CEOs to discuss the current state of bank technology. While industry headlines often focus on broad national trends, these executives are focused on the operational realities of serving their local communities securely and efficiently. Here are four primary themes from our conversation: ·       Prioritizing Plug and Play Integration: Long-term integration cycles don’t work. There is a clear demand for vendors who provide due diligence packages and technology that integrates seamlessly with existing core systems. ·       Addressing Modern Fraud: Fraud mitigation - specifically regarding wire verification and AI-driven agent identification - remains a top priority. Banks are seeking ways to remove friction from digital account opening while strengthening defenses against sophisticated threats. ·       Efficiency Through Automation: Many established institutions are operating with the mindset of a "120-year-old startup," balancing long-term stability with a need for agility. This has led to high interest in low-code solutions to automate internal processes and improve ROE. ·       Focus on Long-Term Vendor Stability: There is significant wariness regarding point solution fatigue and the disruption caused by vendor acquisitions. Institutions are looking for partners who offer portable solutions designed for future core evolutions. A Call to Action for Fintech Founders: Building great technology is only half the battle. To successfully partner with community banks, your product must demonstrate a deep understanding of their operational constraints and regulatory requirements. If you are building solutions that solve for fraud mitigation and shortening the tech stack, I’d like to hear from you. #CommunityBanking #Fintech #VentureCapital #BHBFund #BankTech #TexasBanking

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Another hack job by the Chronicle on HISD: The Houston Chronicle published yet another column this week repeating a false premise about how reading is taught in HISD. The central claim that students are not being taught with books is simply untrue. It was untrue six weeks ago, and it remains untrue today. Yet, once again, columnist Lisa Falkenberg repeats anecdotal accounts of teachers “sneaking” books into classrooms, misrepresents the District’s curriculum, ignores evidence provided to her, and practices dramatic journalism. Before publishing her original editorial, we provided Ms. Falkenberg clear documentation of the books students use at every grade level, including full lists of read-aloud texts, decodable books, and the three novel studies provided to all students in grades 3-11. In her latest column, she attempts to bolster her argument by quoting national experts, but she did not share with them the actual HISD curriculum, which she has yet to engage with, or the complete book lists we provided. These experts advocate for the very practices HISD already employs: combining explicit phonics instruction with rich text exposure. That approach, grounded in decades of research, is why reading performance has improved for two consecutive years across the board in HISD, with the largest gains on NES campuses. HISD educators are doing the real work of teaching children how to read. They use books every day to model language, to build knowledge, and to help students grow from sounding out words to reading entire novels with confidence. It is disappointing that The Chronicle continues to choose this narrative. But we will remain focused on what matters most, and that is making sure every child in HISD learns to read. From HISD Comms

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Sustainable Houston: AI, Workforce, and Carbon Goals Alissa Fono Nixon shared her background at Siemens, where she has worked in various sectors including oil and gas, automotive, and chemicals, and highlighted her involvement in sustainability initiatives and educational boards. https://lnkd.in/gCsekUuX Apple https://lnkd.in/gcsFa6Z2 https://lnkd.in/grm9pr5Y Alissa shared her background at Siemens, highlighting experience in oil and gas, automotive, chemicals, sustainability initiatives, and educational boards. This week’s  UTSI International Corporation Follower Friday on eRENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast hear about: -Her attending Houston’s Climate and Energy Tech Week, noting a focus on AI, data centers, and cleaner building methods. -Hear about a noticeable insight from David Gow, CEO of the Center for Houston's Future, suggested Houston could become a “neuro-capital” by integrating its energy, medical, and pharmaceutical strengths. -Key workforce trends discussed: AI’s impact on critical thinking and workforce readiness, especially in automotive and energy sectors. AI’s role in bridging language barriers and serving as a central data resource for workforce development. -Emphasized the need for government action to streamline permitting processes to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with efforts to reduce permitting times from two years to six months. -Recent amendments to the IRA have positively influenced emission reduction and encouraged industry collaboration. -Discussed the transition to AI-based search engines, requiring website optimization for AI search. -Addressed climate change challenges and the goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Thank you to our listeners, followers, guests, and our sponsor UTSI International Corporation.

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In a culture that rewards career movement, what does it look like to build influence by staying? In the latest episode of the VEST Her Podcast, VEST Member Beverly K. Carmichael hosts a conversation with Alexis Higgins, CEO of Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and Tulsa International Airport, about her 26-year career in Tulsa, OK and what it’s taught her about leadership, trust, and long-term impact. In it, they talked about: • Leading complex institutions with clarity • Making decisions anchored in mission, not popularity • Building relationships that create access and advocacy • Navigating today’s uncertainty without losing focus If you’re evaluating your next move, weighing whether to make a change or stay and build where you are in today’s job market, this conversation is for you. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g_V6gnZS

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South Loop Ventures, a Houston-based venture firm, has secured $21 million for its Fund I to support diverse founders and emerging startups. Rice Management Company and Chevron Technology Ventures are serving as anchor investors. Texas Capital Bank and The Great Commission Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas also participated in the round. The venture fund aims to use its Fund I to invest in sectors reflecting Houston’s industrial strengths and lure more tech talent to the city. Read the rest of the UrbanGeekz story here https://lnkd.in/efbdr5UR

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Family businesses thrive when shareholders adopt a long-term stewardship mindset. A strong governance structure and shared vision can help ensure sustainability across generations. Thinking like a trustee can drive lasting success—a perspective I often emphasize when guiding family enterprises through leadership transitions and strategic planning. https://lnkd.in/enEYPQHv #FamilyBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #Governance

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