Named to InvestmentNews Rising Stars 2026, Akers brings a uniquely human perspective to fintech, shaped by an unconventional journey from international teacher to financial advisor to product leader. He currently leads development across Orion Planning, the Redtail CRM, and Orion’s AI intelligence layer, Denali. His work at the intersection of behavioral finance and artificial intelligence reflects a firm conviction that technology’s greatest opportunity lies in deepening empathy, not replacing it.