FinTech Female Fridays: Meet Ashlyn Lackey, Director of Emerging Technology at Prudential

New York Life to Prudential: A Journey of Growth

Ashlyn Lackey began her career with a clear vision: to explore the fintech space and make meaningful contributions. Right after college, she joined the Digital Team at New York Life, where she began her journey in the tech and finance world. After a year and a half, she moved to the Business Development Team at New York Life Ventures, diving deep into thematic research and identifying startups for potential partnerships.

Her next move brought her to Citi, where she worked on their Fintech Partnerships team, supporting Citi Ventures and the Citi Impact Fund. This role gave her invaluable exposure to the world of fintech, helping her understand a different lens into consumer finance.

But Ashlyn wasn’t done. She was always looking for the next challenge, and that’s when she joined Prudential, where she now works with startups, VCs, and accelerators on the Emerging Technology team. At Prudential, she collaborates to improve customer and employee experiences, always striving to give useful feedback, even when no partnership is on the horizon.

The Importance of Company Culture and Values

One of the key lessons Ashlyn emphasizes in her journey is the importance of working for a company that aligns with your values. At Prudential, she’s constantly impressed by the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and constant improvement—values that are evident at every level of the organization.

For Ashlyn, it’s about more than just the work; it’s about the people she works with and the culture that surrounds her. Prudential’s leadership fosters an environment where new ideas are welcomed, and the drive to collaborate is embedded into the company’s DNA. This is a vital part of what has made her experience so fulfilling and impactful.

Building Connections and Giving Back

One of the standout qualities that sets Ashlyn apart is her ability to connect people. She proudly identifies as a "super connector"—someone who can bring together people across industries, departments, and networks. By fostering relationships and building a wide-reaching network, Ashlyn doesn’t just solve problems on her own—she creates solutions by bringing the right people together.

But her role as a connector goes beyond her day-to-day job. Ashlyn is also dedicated to giving back to the fintech community. She is part of the NJ FAST program, a collaboration between Plug and Play, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the NJEDA. She even had the opportunity to judge the New York Women in Fintech Inspiring Fintech Females List—a testament to her passion for lifting up other women in the industry.

Lessons in Growth and Resilience

Throughout her career, Ashlyn has faced her share of challenges. But what truly sets her apart is her mindset. She’s learned that mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Her ability to reframe challenges and to learn from them has been a game-changer. In fact, it’s something she often discusses with her mentors, who helps her process mistakes and turn them into valuable lessons.

Ashlyn also emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-compassion. “Everyone messes up sometimes,” she says. “What really matters is how you react.” Rather than getting caught up in the moment, she advocates for taking a step back, learning from missteps, and finding the best way forward.

Ashlyn’s journey serves as an inspiration for women looking to break into fintech and rise to the top. She’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the value of building meaningful connections. Her work continues to shape the fintech landscape, and her passion for innovation, collaboration, and constant improvement makes her a leader in the space.

Ashlyn’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about embracing the journey, pushing through the challenges, and lifting others as you rise.

More on Ashlyn

Where you currently live: California (but proudly from New Jersey!)

Hometown: Princeton, NJ

Favorite hobby: Reading

Favorite show to binge: Bones or Netflix Comedy Specials

What are you excited about Fintech this year?  

This year, I’m excited about the potential for innovation in the annuities space, especially given that 80% of Americans are interested in lifetime income solutions, yet only 14% own annuities. This gap is particularly pronounced among women and people of color, highlighting the need for better access to and education about retirement products. A trend I’m seeing is the push for increased awareness around retirement savings solutions, which, combined with Secure Act 2.0, could drive innovation in this area.

What is one piece of advice someone told you that resonated with you that can give to other women in FinTech?     

One piece of advice that resonated with me came from a college coach who told us "The only opportunities are the ones you make." To me, this means taking initiative, whether it’s applying for a challenging job or volunteering for projects outside my comfort zone. I believe that by actively creating opportunities, you demonstrate your drive and open doors for growth. 

Do you have any productivity hacks? 

In college, I discovered a website called "The Most Dangerous Writing App." It deletes all your work if you stop typing and is an excellent tool for getting a first draft done quickly without overthinking.

Staying motivated for me is about finding passion and enjoyment in what I’m doing—when I genuinely enjoy my work or see its value, motivation comes naturally. I also believe that maintaining a work/life balance is crucial for staying motivated and avoiding burnout. For me, this means setting non-work goals to pursue personal interests. This year, my goals outside of work include reading 40 books and trying one new recipe each week.