
Resume
AI Strategy & Governance
Product & Platform Strategy
Decision Systems & Operating Models
Web3 & Programmable Infrastructure
Enterprise Transformation
Regulated Systems & Risk Governance
Experience
AUG 2024 – Present
Independent Product & Technology Strategy Development
Independent / Advisory: Charlonis.com
Developing AI governance, product strategy, decision systems, and emerging-technology operating models focused on how enterprise capabilities are evaluated, governed, introduced, measured, and scaled within complex operating environments.
Selected Work
- Built a governed decision system to evaluate opportunities, classify market signals, apply thresholds, escalate risk, and translate findings into structured portfolio, resume, and strategy outputs.
- Developed AI governance frameworks incorporating use-case intake, risk assessment, human oversight, decision authority, escalation paths, adoption readiness, vendor governance, and value realization.
- Designed human-in-the-loop and agentic AI operating models with guardrails, thresholds, monitoring concepts, accountability structures, controlled autonomy, and responsible implementation controls.
- Created AI-assisted operating workflows for opportunity evaluation, resume strategy, portfolio writing, market intelligence, LinkedIn positioning, interview preparation, and strategic reflection.
- Produced executive-level artifacts clarifying AI strategy, risk taxonomy, operating models, intake criteria, decision authority, roadmap sequencing, oversight needs, and measurement logic.
- Researched Web3, tokenization, smart contracts, settlement infrastructure, and programmable compliance as emerging models for governed execution, auditability, and institutional control.
2012–2024
Associate Director, Product Strategy & Enterprise Transformation
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Led enterprise product strategy, platform modernization, workflow transformation, solution definition, and delivery mobilization across Fortune 500 engagements, with deep experience in regulated industries, complex enterprise platforms, SaaS and digital products, and distributed consulting delivery.
Frequently entered complex or underdefined initiatives during discovery or early solution definition to clarify the problem, research the current state, identify dependencies and opportunities, define future-state products and workflows, establish technical feasibility, align stakeholders, and create enough structure for multidisciplinary teams to execute.
Selected Work
- Led product and platform strategy across commercial and consumer banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare, SaaS, e-commerce, enterprise applications, portals, workflow systems, POS platforms, and internal operational tools.
- Translated ambiguous business objectives and stakeholder needs into product capabilities, customer and employee journeys, workflows, controls, role-based experiences, roadmap inputs, and implementation-ready direction.
- Worked closely with technology teams early in discovery to understand platform strengths, constraints, dependencies, data considerations, and technical feasibility—reducing downstream rework and improving implementation readiness.
- Defined future-state concepts and prototypes used to align executives, product owners, business teams, engineering, operations, compliance, vendors, and other stakeholders around product direction, tradeoffs, sequencing, and delivery priorities.
- Led discovery and solutioning before scaled delivery teams were onboarded, helping determine required capabilities, workstreams, team roles, dependencies, estimates, timelines, and delivery approaches.
- Guided Agile product definition and execution across domestic and offshore teams, often serving as the primary client-facing Cognizant lead while translating stakeholder feedback into actionable direction for distributed delivery resources.
- Directed product and design teams through concept development, prototyping, refinement, and delivery while preserving product intent as work transitioned into scaled implementation.
- Helped clients modernize existing platforms and define net-new solutions, including SaaS product suites, commercial banking experiences, workflow-management systems, B2B and B2C e-commerce, enterprise dashboards, self-service products, financial tools, and role- and permission-based applications.
- Designed and supported operating-model and organizational initiatives, including a Commercial Business Experience Center of Excellence combining client, Cognizant, onshore, and offshore resources.
- Supported engagement recovery, Agile adoption, and difficult delivery environments by diagnosing problems, rebuilding alignment, adapting delivery approaches, and maintaining client confidence through changing requirements.
- Contributed regularly to RFPs, pre-sales, and business development by interpreting requirements, shaping solution narratives, defining workstreams and team structures, developing effort and cost estimates, and presenting proposed solutions to clients in person and remotely.
Select Enterprise Clients
Banking & Financial Services
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), J.P. Morgan Chase, American Express, Wells Fargo, Discover Financial Services, TIAA, Dun & Bradstreet
Insurance & Benefits
Prudential Financial, AIG, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Edgepark Medical Supplies / Cardinal Health, Zoetis / Pfizer Animal Health
International Development & Professional Associations
World Bank Group, CFA Institute
Real Estate & Housing
AvalonBay Communities, Sotheby’s International Realty / Realogy
Consumer, Commerce & Technology
The Coca-Cola Company, American Tire Distributors (ATD), BlueTriton Brands / ReadyRefresh, Microsoft, EZCorp, PepsiCo
Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Quinnipiac University

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)
University of Hartford
Professional Specializations
These specializations and certifications link to verified badges and credentials hosted on external sites. They support my current focus on AI strategy, responsible governance, product leadership, Web3 infrastructure, and regulated financial systems.
AI Strategy, Governance & Product Leadership
University of Pennsylvania

AI for Business Specialization
Built foundational knowledge of AI applications across marketing, finance, and people management, with emphasis on AI strategy and governance for business leaders.
IBM

Generative AI for Executives & Business Leaders Specialization
Developed a strategic understanding of generative AI, including foundational concepts, integration strategies, and business use cases for practical executive decision-making.
Vanderbilt University

Generative AI Strategic Leader Specialization
Learned advanced generative AI concepts, including deep research, prompt engineering, and agentic AI, with a focus on strategic leadership and decision-making.
Vanderbilt University

Prompt Engineering & Trustworthy AI Specialization
Acquired practical skills in designing effective AI prompts, advanced data analysis, and principles for trustworthy generative AI deployment.
Blockchain, Web3 & Financial Systems
Duke University

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance Specialization
Gained expertise in DeFi infrastructure, primitives, opportunities, and risks, enabling evaluation and strategy for decentralized financial systems.
University of Pennsylvania

FinTech: Foundations & Applications of Financial Technology Specialization
Developed a comprehensive understanding of fintech ecosystems, including payments, digital currencies, lending, and the application of AI, InsurTech, and real estate technology within regulated financial environments.
INSEAD

Blockchain Revolution Specialization
Explored blockchain technologies and applications, focusing on transactions, business opportunities, and strategic analysis for enterprise adoption.
University at Buffalo

Blockchain Specialization
- Blockchain Basics
- Smart Contracts
- Decentralized Applications (Dapps)
- Blockchain Platforms
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