With over two decades of experience, Tela Mathias is a strategy ninja who sees many steps ahead while also caring deeply about meeting customers where they are. As a technology professional, Mathias has often been the only woman in the room. She is committed to ensuring continued access for people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women. She has, and continues to play, a pivotal role in enabling homeownership through innovative technology solutions and her commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, lifelong learning, empowerment and inclusion make her a powerhouse in the industry.
In the past 12 months, Mathias envisioned and spearheaded the launch of Phoenix Burst, PhoenixTeam’s generative AI platform for exploring and developing software solutions. She went from knowing nothing about AI to solving one of the greatest challenges in the technology delivery space, cutting waste and getting value in the hands of customers at lightning speed. Within minutes, Phoenix Burst can ingest documents like policies, proposed rules, and regulatory requirements and generate high quality, context-specific requirements, user stories, acceptance criteria and test cases — all with the click of a button. Not only does this solve a problem for PhoenixTeam’s clients but even more impactful, it allows PhoenixTeam members to be more creative, productive and happy in the work they do every day to support its federal and commercial clients.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mathias is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She supports causes like the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and just recently became a board member of Arise and Flourish, an organization dedicated to educating and preventing students from developing alcohol and drug addiction. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her dedication to making a positive impact both within and outside of her industry.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Whether we think we can or think we can’t, we’re right.
Name:
Tela Mathias
Title:
COO, Managing Partner
Company Name:
PhoenixTeam
