Mentor Moments with Alex Quian

Stephen Bohanon is the co-founder and Chief Strategy and Sales Officer for Alkami Technology, an award winning digital banking software company. Stephen has an extensive financial services background including roles at Catalyst Consulting, Metavante, ACI Worldwide, and Advanced Financial Solutions. In 2009, he co-founded Alkami Technology, Inc., which he ran from his home and later an apartment turned office above a Coldstone Creamery for 9 years. Present-day Alkami has become a flourishing 5-floor, 600+ employee operation in the heart of Plano, Texas, and now serves upwards of 160 financial institutions and empowers more than 10 million users to make the most of their financial futures.

Stephen’s entrepreneurial optimism and ability to manage and take risks have propelled Alkami’s mission. By creating one of today’s leading digital banking solutions, small to mid-sized banks and credit unions can compete with the progressive demands of online banking, and in turn, transform the way consumers manage their financial future.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

This episode features Dolf Berle, the CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group, a global sports entertainment company. In his role, Mr. Berle is instrumental in driving strategic thought for the company and rallying the entire brand to connect people in meaningful ways. He has many years of experience as an executive, having previously served as the President and COO of Dave & Busters, the President of Lucky Strike Lanes, and the COO of House of Blues. Outside of his professional career, he is a dedicated athlete, who recently competed on American Ninja Warrior and is the world pole vaulting champion for men in his age bracket. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Make a Wish Foundation and the USA Track & Field organization.

During this episode, we discuss making an impression as an entry-level employee, finding your purpose and companies that align with that, and more.

This episode, I was joined by Benjamin Vann. He is the CEO and Founder of Impact Ventures, a Dallas-based startup accelerator dedicated to eliminating social and economic barriers facing underestimated women and entrepreneurs of color. Mr. Vann brings over a decade of experience in corporate finance, banking, philanthropy, and public affairs, and is driven to mentoring students and other entrepreneurs.

During this episode, we discuss some of the challenges facing minorities pursuing professional success, building your social capital, setting goals, and more.

This episode, I was joined by Jeff Cheney. He is the Mayor of Frisco, Texas, a position which he has served in since 2017. Under his administration, Frisco was recognized as the fastest growing city in America and voted the #1 best place to live by Money Magazine. He is also a co-founder of the Cheney Group, a residential realty firm.

During this episode, we discussed the importance of prioritizing goals, how to accept feedback graciously, and more.

This episode, I was joined by Bill Cawley. He is the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cawley Partners, a full-service commercial real estate company. Bill is a veteran in the Dallas real estate market, having launched and bought several firms over the decades of his career.

During this episode, we discussed the importance of finding the right balance between working and your personal life, building drive and grit, and more.