Nadeen Matthews Blair is the Founder and CEO of Crescent Advisory Group, which provides consulting, workforce development, and executive coaching services to help companies and their teams to develop and convert their business, AI, and digital transformation strategies into tangible financial results. Nadeen is also an AI columnist with Loop News focused on demystifying artificial intelligence (AI) for both everyday readers and business leaders. With over 20 years of experience in strategy, digital transformation, AI, marketing, communications, and business development at leading organisations like National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB), McKinsey & Company, and JPMorgan Chase, Nadeen believes digital transformation powered by artificial intelligence presents an accessible and scalable path for all enterprises to level up their competitiveness.
Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice for AI and Digital Strategy, one of CIO Views’ 10 Most Influential Black Corporate Women to Watch in 2023, among the Top 25 Most Innovative Bankers in Latin America by FinTech Americas in 2017, and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2017, Nadeen has a proven track record of catalysing impact by setting bold aspirations, leveraging digital and AI technologies, putting people at the centre of change, and sharing powerful narratives to inspire
action.
Her notable achievements and AI experience include:
▪ AI-Enabled Digital Transformation: Spearheaded NCB’s digital transformation, which included launching the Caribbean’s first Agile software development lab, boosting productivity by over 50%, and expanding revenue channels. This transformation led to the introduction of AI-powered digital products such as facial recognition for onboarding and authentication, machine learning predictive models for pre-approving loans, and chatbot-powered product applications, revolutionizing Jamaica’s banking landscape.
▪ AI-Driven Sales: Expanded NCB’s digital lending capabilities using AI-driven solutions like chatbots and predictive models, increasing digital loan volumes sevenfold.
▪ AI-Driven Customer Experience: Launched an internal chatbot to support customer service agents in responding to queries, enabling improved accuracy and efficiency in service.
▪ GPT Development: Strategic Effectiveness Review GPT, designed to provide CEOs and business leaders with a mini-audit covering leadership, strategy, execution, and digital transformation. It also offers a summary of recommendations following the assessment. (https://chatgpt.com/g/g-v8zF8Esca-strategic-effectiveness-review); Lean Canvas GPT which helps start-ups and small businesses to flesh out their business idea, key assumptions in order to develop aviable product (https://chatgpt.com/g/g-zWHQYWDTG-lean-canvas-gpt); Press Release Creator for Small Businesses, designed to help small businesses and startups to create press release drafts with ease as part of their low cost marketing tool kit (https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6nglnt8PR-press-release-creator-for-small-
businesses).
▪ AI Marketing Integration: Led the integration of AI within the Marketing department, resulting in enhanced copywriting productivity and quality.
▪ AI Training and Development: Deliver highly rated training sessions on AI fundamentals, including practical demonstrations, corporate use cases, implementation approaches, and ethical considerations.
Nadeen holds an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Financial Economics from Binghamton University, both of which she attended on full academic scholarships. She completed certificates in Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation from MIT and AI Consulting with CPD Accredited Provider – Monetized Marketing. Nadeen is a certified Executive Coach and through the IWF Leadership Foundation Fellows Programme, she has completed Executive Leadership Training at Harvard Business School and INSEAD.
Passionate about giving back, Nadeen channels her volunteer and philanthropic efforts toward initiatives that empower underserved individuals through education and technology. Under her leadership, the NCB Foundation more than tripled the annual beneficiaries of its education programmes and solidified its reputation as Jamaica’s leading organisation for education-focused philanthropy. The Foundation was recognized with the Prime Minister of Jamaica’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica and The Gleaner Honour Awards for its outstanding contributions in education. During her decade-long tenure, she strengthened the NCB Foundation’s governance and forged strategic partnerships.
Nadeen continues her charitable focus through her board positions at the University of Technology, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s Innovation and Digital Transformation Committee, and Jamaica’s Digital Transformation Advisory Council.
Additionally, she serves as a mentor for small businesses through RevUp Caribbean. Nadeen is a dynamic and engaging speaker and trainer who seamlessly bridges the gap between generations, engaging both young students and professionals and established business leaders with her profound insights on mindsets, continuous learning, and the transformative power of technology. As a leading expert in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and a champion of education, Nadeen serves as a beacon of guidance, inspiring her audience to embrace change, become continuous learners, harness the potential of AI and other innovative technologies, and leverage these tools for personal and professional growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
A firm believer in work – life integration, Nadeen is a devoted wife, mother of two girls. She is an enthusiastic user of ChatGPT and other AI applications, enjoys writing,reading, travelling, and culinary adventures. She recently published a children’s e- book entitled “I Am What I Believe.”
Follow and connect with her on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/nadeenmatthews where she shares regular insights on topics including AI, digital transformation, and leadership.
