From steel-toed boots to AI: Disha Patel’s journey to fintech innovation

When Disha Patel arrived at Purdue University in 2005, few anticipated that two decades later, she would be at the forefront of artificial intelligence-driven financial services.

Her career trajectory reflects broader shifts in how American technology companies approach product development.

Industrial Origins

Ms. Patel’s professional foundation began at Cummins Inc. in 2010, where as part of a rotational program designed to train future technical leaders – she worked on federally-funded engine technology programs.

“I was one of the few women in steel-toed boots and a hard hat,” she recalled. “I was an immediate contributor as an engineer, but felt like I could do more.”

That drive led her to business school at Yale University, and then to Boston Consulting Group’s Sydney office, where she acquired global perspective, strategic, and analytical frameworks.

“The international and strategic experience was pivotal,” Ms. Patel said. “It taught me that effective product development requires understanding business strategy and diverse market dynamics.”

Strategic Product Development

At Intuit in 2017, Ms. Patel helped develop the playbook for global product strategy for QuickBooks Online across 6 global markets. “We developed digital tools for millions of small businesses,” she explained.

“The key was systematic market and category analysis, understanding customer pain points while appreciating unique cultural nuances, local competition, and compliance requirements.”

Her frameworks were presented to the Intuit Board and contributed to Intuit’s revenue growth during a critical competitive period.

Consumer Fintech Innovation

As head of investing product at Cash App, Ms. Patel oversaw platform growth from five million to 15 million brokerage accounts. “We built the first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer stock and Bitcoin gifting platform,” she noted.

“These features didn’t just personalize the financial experience they fundamentally changed how people engage with investing.”

Her team launched automated investment features and teen investing programs. “Innovation had to align with cultural relevance,” Ms. Patel emphasized. 

AI-Driven Financial Services

Now Vice President of Product at Collective, Ms. Patel addresses the needs of self-employed solopreneurs across the US. The AI-powered platform is targeting 25 million solopreneurs.

“We’re investing in the solopreneur economy through artificial intelligence,” she said. “The opportunity is enormous as traditional employment structures evolve.”

Her product philosophy emphasizes “engineering with empathy.” As she explained: “Customer empathy and insight are key components of paradigm-changing products. Human psychology must be integrated into technical design processes.”

Leadership Framework

Ms. Patel advocates interdisciplinary thinking. “My multidisciplinary background — engineering, business strategy, product management—has been critical to my success,” she said.

“Understanding all components enables more effective product development.”

She coaches teams on systematic approaches. “I push for an AI-driven mindset that doesn’t just chase trends but applies grounded frameworks and provides real utility,” Ms. Patel noted. 

Strategic Implications

Ms. Patel’s career illustrates evolving technology leadership demands. “From the moment I boarded that plane to the United States, I learned that taking leaps can lead to the most rewarding discoveries,” she reflected.

“Every trajectory change brought me closer to maximum impact.”

Her success suggests sustainable AI advantage derives from methodical product development rather than technical innovation alone. “Curiosity has been my compass,” Ms. Patel concluded.

“It’s brought me a lifetime of learning and fulfillment in my craft.”

As artificial intelligence transforms financial services, executives bridging technical capabilities with market understanding will determine industry outcomes.

Ms. Patel’s trajectory provides a template for navigating these demands.