ABOUT ME

I have a broad range of experience in financial services which has given me a perspective that few rarely have. As the founding executive director of Elevate's Center for the New Middle Class, a research group devoted to understanding America's middle class's needs, behaviors, and challenges, I was able to explore the financial details of everyday Americans and how those details play out in macroeconomic terms. I created the Survey of American Household Finances, which tracked over fifty measures of the financial health of American households monthly since 2018.

I enjoy time with my family, testing my limits, and being a bit willing to step outside of my comfort zone.

For more of my insights in fintech and financial services, follow me on LinkedIn.

I have also managed retail and financial services companies' customer experience, communication, and product development. This experience has given me a view of how financial services works as a business: understanding the P&L, the ways to find a market, and how to mobilize a customer base. 

I am also one of the founding members of The Yukon Project where I drive content strategy for consumer education, financial literacy, and behavior change.

Endorsements

  • "Jonathan’s truly the perfect blend of left and right brain resulting in his unmatched ability to think outside the box, view things from many different perspectives as well as provide an endless supply of ideas for every initiative, challenge, opportunity, and problem."

    — Stacey Heinz (Customer Experience)

  • "I've encountered few people in my career who have the customer orientation that Jonathan has. He brings big picture insights and vision to his business partners, which leads to better products and services for his customers."

    — Jason Goldberg (Financial Services Executive)

  • "Jonathan is brilliant, strategic, entrepreneurial and one of the most articulate, intelligent executives I've ever worked with. He is a master of market research, consumer insights, and a real champion of the consumer."

    — Patsy Hauer (Creative and Brand Executive)

  • "Working with Jonathan is like working with an encyclopedia of your brand. He works to uncover valuable consumer and competitive insights that will enable you to deliver relevant programs and messages that connect with consumers."

    — Amy Shineman (Marketing Executive)

  • "Jonathan has a keen mind that immediately grasps the root of an issue while retaining the flexibility to approach it from a number of directions. Jonathan always gravitates to the creative solution benefitting the widest range of constituents."

    - Ben Riggsby (Business Executive)

  • "With both analytical and creative imaginations, Jonathan thrives in both worlds and helps others quickly see simple solutions to complex problems."

    - Ian Avery (Merchant / Retailer)

  • "I've worked in a corporate environment for over 20 years, but few have people have impressed me as much as Jonathan. Incredibly brilliant - one of the most intelligent people I've ever worked with - highly ethical, empathetic and yet analytical, full of common sense and just plain fun."

    - Melissa Hall (Retail Marketing)

  • "What sets Jonathan apart from the rest is his natural ability to lead and mentor his colleagues. His passion, ideas, and creativity to support customer satisfaction and growth are second to none."

    - Matthew Mason (Retail Operations)

Mentions in the Media

I present at conferences, company-wide events, executive presentations, customer insights events, podcasts, and on YouTube. I have been quoted as a financial services expert in USA Today, Fast Company, Yahoo! Finance, Forbes, Fox Business, CNBC, CBS News, CNN Money, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Market Watch, among others.

QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.

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Jonathan S Walker strutting on stage dressed in 70s disco.
Magnifying a city
Jonathan S Walker presenting to a group of pubic servants over Zoom during the pandemic.
Jonathan S Walker in a convention booth speaking to a crowd
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