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76: Why Curiosity Beats Coding in the Age of AI with Stephen Lankler
**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders are Navigating AI Adoption.
You don't need to be technical to lead with AI; you just need curiosity and follow-through.
That's the mindset fueling Stephen Lankler's approach to transformation as CTO of ElmBlue Equipment Finance. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Stephen about his unconventional path to AI leadership and how he's using generative AI to drive innovation, build faster, and scale smarter. Stephen shares how a startup environment forced him to ditch perfectionism, embrace rapid prototyping, and lean into AI as a trusted thought partner. From building a calculator over a weekend to shifting his entire team's mindset around AI adoption, Stephen's journey offers a refreshing, empowering look at what's possible when curiosity leads the way. Whether you're rethinking your team's approach to change, looking to accelerate innovation, or just wondering where to start with AI, this conversation will get you inspired to move from spark to shift. Stephen Lankler is a future-focused technology leader with a unique approach to innovation in the equipment finance space. As Chief Technology Officer at ElmBlue Equipment Finance, he's leading the charge to build a next-gen, AI-powered digital lending platform that simplifies financing for dealers and small businesses. With a background spanning marketing, fintech, and digital transformation, Stephen brings both vision and execution to the table. Previously, he held leadership roles at First Citizens Bank and CIT, driving bold moves in product innovation and customer experience. What sets Stephen apart is his ability to leverage AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative partner, to accelerate results and inspire new ways of thinking. His passion for scalable growth, paired with hands-on experimentation, positions him as a catalyst for change in an industry ready for reinvention. Connect with Us: Stephen Lankler | LinkedIn ElmBlue Capital Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone.io
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By Deborah Reuben**Special Series** From Spark to Shift: How Smart Leaders are Navigating AI Adoption.
You don't need to be technical to lead with AI; you just need curiosity and follow-through.
That's the mindset fueling Stephen Lankler's approach to transformation as CTO of ElmBlue Equipment Finance. In this episode of the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast, host Deb Reuben chats with Stephen about his unconventional path to AI leadership and how he's using generative AI to drive innovation, build faster, and scale smarter. Stephen shares how a startup environment forced him to ditch perfectionism, embrace rapid prototyping, and lean into AI as a trusted thought partner. From building a calculator over a weekend to shifting his entire team's mindset around AI adoption, Stephen's journey offers a refreshing, empowering look at what's possible when curiosity leads the way. Whether you're rethinking your team's approach to change, looking to accelerate innovation, or just wondering where to start with AI, this conversation will get you inspired to move from spark to shift. Stephen Lankler is a future-focused technology leader with a unique approach to innovation in the equipment finance space. As Chief Technology Officer at ElmBlue Equipment Finance, he's leading the charge to build a next-gen, AI-powered digital lending platform that simplifies financing for dealers and small businesses. With a background spanning marketing, fintech, and digital transformation, Stephen brings both vision and execution to the table. Previously, he held leadership roles at First Citizens Bank and CIT, driving bold moves in product innovation and customer experience. What sets Stephen apart is his ability to leverage AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative partner, to accelerate results and inspire new ways of thinking. His passion for scalable growth, paired with hands-on experimentation, positions him as a catalyst for change in an industry ready for reinvention. Connect with Us: Stephen Lankler | LinkedIn ElmBlue Capital Deborah Reuben | LinkedIn TomorrowZone.io