From Cards to Codes: How H&R Block is Embracing the Digital Age with Jill Cress
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Jill discusses H&R Block’s strategic pivot towards digital and mobile experiences, the impact of AI on consumer financial interactions, and insights into career longevity in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“And the thing that was really exciting was the transformation, the focus on the consumer, the focus on digital products and solutions, and diversifying our product experience to do more jobs for our tax clients so that we could be a year-round company.”
— Jill Cress
The financial services industry is rapidly evolving, with technology at the forefront of this transformation. As more consumers migrate towards digital solutions for their financial needs, companies like H&R Block are pivoting to meet these new demands with innovative products and services. This episode features Jill Cress, a seasoned leader who has witnessed and contributed to the seismic shifts in this sector through her extensive career at companies like MasterCard and PayPal. Tune in as she explores how these changes affect both the industry and consumer behavior, offering a unique perspective on the integration of technology in traditional financial spaces.
Jill is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience shaping consumer behavior and business strategy in the financial services, media, and technology sectors. She has demonstrated her prowess in roles across several Fortune 500 companies. Before her current role at H&R Block, Jill was Vice President of Brand Marketing for PayPal. She also served as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at National Geographic and had a transformative 20-year career at MasterCard Worldwide. Her extensive background uniquely positions her to lead H&R Block's marketing and experience strategies in new and innovative directions.
Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways:
Career Longevity in a Rapidly Changing Industry - Reflecting on her over two decades at MasterCard, Jill shares insights on the importance of career longevity and the benefits of deeply understanding one’s industry. She credits her varied roles and geographical moves within the company as key to her professional growth and adaptability. Brands can foster employee loyalty and institutional knowledge by creating environments that encourage internal growth and provide diverse opportunities within the company.
Digital Transformation and Customer Experience - H&R Block's strategic shift towards enhancing digital and mobile experiences for customers is paramount. Jill highlights the launch of a mobile banking app designed to offer comprehensive financial solutions at a lower cost than traditional banking. This shift not only meets the growing consumer demand for digital services but also strengthens H&R Block's relationship with its customers. Embracing digital transformation to meet contemporary consumers can help brands strengthen customer relationships.
Integrating AI in Financial Services - Jill discusses the role of AI in transforming financial services at H&R Block, particularly through the development of an AI tax assistant. This tool leverages large language models to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of services offered to H&R Block’s clients. Brands should invest in AI technologies to enhance service, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge in their industry.
Navigating Brand Transformation - H&R Block implemented a strategic pivot from a traditional tax service provider to a technology-forward, digitally-equipped brand. During this change, Jill explains the necessity of maintaining core values like trust and reliability while innovatively meeting modern customer demands. For sustained relevance and growth, brands must continuously evolve and adapt their strategies to align with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
Innovative Marketing Strategies - Highlighting a unique campaign, Jill shares how H&R Block created a fake reality show called "Responsibility Island" to engage younger audiences, particularly Gen Z. This creative approach inspired by the popular series Love Island, not only captured attention but also educated viewers about financial responsibility in an entertaining way. Brands should consider unconventional and engaging marketing strategies to capture the attention of younger demographics
Listen to Jill Cress on the Speed of Culture podcast for engaging marketing strategies and insights into digital transformation in the finance sector.
