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The biggest changes rarely happen overnight. They start with small shifts — new ideas, new approaches, and leaders willing to rethink what’s possible.
In this edition, I’m highlighting the trends shaping the future of business, the lessons I’m taking from conversations with industry leaders, and the opportunities ahead.
What’s New?
The Future of GTM Is Powered by Data and AI
For nearly two decades, ZoomInfo has focused on one core belief: better data drives better decisions. Today, the company’s evolution reflects a broader shift in go-to-market — from standalone software tools to flexible AI-powered infrastructure.
In a recent reflection, ZoomInfo CEO Henry Schuck shared how the company’s 19-year journey evolved from providing GTM software into building the infrastructure needed for the next generation of revenue teams.
As AI transforms how revenue teams work, GTM is becoming a more data-driven discipline. Teams can now leverage intelligent workflows to improve prospecting, account research, planning, and decision-making.
The future of GTM won’t be defined by a single platform, but by the ability to connect accurate, trusted data with the tools and AI systems that help businesses grow faster and smarter.
AI Is Becoming a Business Advantage, Not Just a Feature
According to a recent report from TechCrunch, Microsoft is starting to rely less on external AI providers like OpenAI and Anthropic by using more of its own internal AI models (MAI) across products like Excel and Word.
This reflects a bigger shift happening across the industry. After the initial rush to adopt powerful third-party AI models, companies are now paying closer attention to AI costs and looking for ways to make their systems more efficient. Other large companies like Amazon, Uber, Meta, and Accenture are also taking steps to become more cost-conscious with their AI investments.
The bigger takeaway is that AI is moving from an experimentation phase into an optimization phase. Companies are realizing that owning more of their AI stack can help them improve margins, maintain greater control, strengthen security, and create more meaningful differentiation.
Key takeaways:
AI is moving from “who can adopt it fastest” to “who can use it most efficiently.” Companies are now focused on reducing costs while maintaining performance.
Models will become more commoditized, while workflows and proprietary data become the real advantage. The winners will be those who build AI systems around specific business needs.
AI economics matter. A strong AI strategy is not just about using the most powerful models, but using the right model for the right task to improve scalability and margins.
Companies should sell outcomes, not just AI. The strongest GTM strategies will focus on measurable business impact like cost reduction, faster decisions, and better customer experiences.
For fintech, the biggest opportunity is combining AI with proprietary financial data and workflows. The moat will come from better decision-making, risk management, and trust — not just having an AI assistant.
The Next Big Conversation Is Almost Here
What happens when AI agents become active participants in the economy?
In the upcoming episode of Ascend: Stories of Scale, I’ll be sitting down with Sagar Shah of Evernorth to talk about how crypto is evolving, where digital asset markets are headed, and the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of finance.
Be among the first to hear our conversation on how AI, blockchain, and digital assets are coming together to reshape the way we think about financial systems and economic participation.
Streaming soon!
Upcoming Events
Executive Events You Won’t Want to Miss
One of the things I enjoy most is bringing together leaders who are tackling complex challenges and creating space for meaningful conversations.
This July, I’ll be traveling to Los Angeles, Austin, and Chicago to connect with founders, finance leaders, HR executives, and fintech innovators to discuss the shifts shaping the future of AI, global talent, and modern payments.
Here’s where I’ll be:
📍 July 21 — Los Angeles
MidLyr Finance & AI Executive Table
I’ll be joining finance and AI leaders for a candid conversation on how organizations are approaching AI adoption, navigating change, and building the foundation for what’s next.
📍 July 22 — Austin
Ontop High Frequency US: Global Talent & Payments Dinner
I’ll be connecting with founders, operators, and HR leaders to discuss the evolving world of global teams — from hiring across borders to navigating compliance and payments.
📍 July 23 — Chicago
MidLyr Finance & AI Executive Table
Another opportunity to exchange perspectives with leaders exploring how AI can be implemented responsibly and effectively within financial services.
📍 July 24 — Chicago
Ontop High Frequency US: Global Talent & Payments Dinner
A conversation with leaders building the future of work and rethinking how companies hire, operate, and grow in an increasingly connected world.
I’m looking forward to meeting the people driving these transformations, sharing ideas, and learning from the experiences shaping the future of our industries.
If you’ll be in any of these cities, I’d love to connect.
Fintech Week San Francisco Is Coming This Fall
In case you forgot, Fintech Week San Francisco is coming this fall, and we’re bringing the community together for three days of conversations and collaboration.
From emerging technologies to evolving financial infrastructure, the industry is changing quickly. Now is the time to connect with the people turning those changes into opportunities.
📍 Green Room, San Francisco
📅 September 29 - October 1, 2026
Save the date. The fintech community is coming together.
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Thanks for spending a few minutes with me.
I hope you found something useful, interesting, or thought-provoking in this edition. I always appreciate the opportunity to share what I’m learning and the conversations I’m having with leaders who are building the future.
Looking forward to staying connected and sharing more soon.
- Angelique
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