FinTech Female Fridays: Meet Anneika Patterson, Director of Product, SMB Lending at Ocrolus

The path to success is rarely a straight line, especially in a fast-moving industry like FinTech. It’s a field that offers opportunities, but also challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. For women in FinTech, the journey can sometimes feel uncertain but it’s also filled with possibilities for those who dare to step off the beaten path and embrace change.

Anneika Patterson (better known as Nike) is a perfect example of someone who has navigated those twists and turns with grace and determination. From her beginnings in institutional investment management to her current role as Director of Product Management at Ocrolus, Nike’s career is a testament to the power of following curiosity, taking risks, and always prioritizing long-term impact over immediate gains.

A Nonlinear Path to Product Management

Nike's career in financial services spans over a decade, with roles that range from institutional investment management to venture capital. But one of the most powerful moments in her journey came when she made the bold decision to leave behind her career as a venture capital investor and embrace the world of FinTech.

“At the time, moving from VC into FinTech sales seemed like a wild leap,” she recalls. “Some of my peers probably thought it was nuts. Honestly, even I thought it was kind of nuts. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I knew I would regret not giving it a try.”

That leap of faith paid off. Nike’s role in sales at Ocrolus, a leading AI-powered data and analytics platform for lenders, later propelled her into the position of Chief of Staff to the CEO. Both her sales and Chief of Staff experiences laid the foundation for her current leadership position as Director of Product Management in the company’s small business lending vertical.

“Going into sales was a nonlinear career choice, but it helped me gain a critical skill set that I rely on in my role in product,” she says. “I learned not only how to sell software, but also how to really listen to clients, understand their pain points, and translate those needs into actionable solutions. It was uncomfortable at times, but that discomfort made me better.”

A Long Term Vision

Nike has had to navigate moments of uncertainty, questioning whether her decisions would truly pay off in the long run. But there was one piece of advice that helped guide her throughout those challenging moments:

“It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to play the long game.”

That wisdom comes from Nike’s mother, a trailblazing anesthesiologist who has spent over 40 years in her field. Nike’s mom consistently reminds her that career growth is a marathon, not a sprint, and that investing in long-term goals would always outweigh the pursuit of short-term rewards.

This advice became Nike’s guiding principle in both her personal and professional life. Rather than focusing on immediate title, salary, or comfort, she chose to prioritize the kind of experiences that would set her up for success in the long run.

“There are times I have been tempted to take the comfortable or predictable path,” Nike shares. “But embracing risks and the thrill of possibility that comes with them is what has helped me grow in ways I never could have imagined.”

Making a Difference in Small Business Lending

Today, as Nike leads product for the core small business lending vertical at Ocrolus, she is focused on a mission that is close to her heart: improving access to capital for small business owners. She knows how vital it is for these businesses to have access to transparent, affordable financing, especially for those who are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

“At Ocrolus, we are improving the financial ecosystem by empowering lenders to efficiently scale their operations and make smarter decisions.” she says. “ In doing so, we ultimately help get capital in the hands of individuals and small business owners.”

For Nike, the challenges are a daily reminder of why this mission is so important. “The work we do is challenging, but knowing how critical it is–to both lenders and everyday people–is deeply motivating.”

Nike’s journey is a testament to the power of being bold, staying curious, and continuously learning. For women who are just starting their careers in FinTech or those contemplating a shift within the industry, Nike offers this piece of advice:

1. Embrace the Nonlinear Path: “Your career won’t look exactly the way you expect it to. Follow your curiosity and embrace the unexpected pivots—they’ll shape your skill set in ways you can’t predict.”

2. Take Calculated Risks: “Taking risks doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being intentional about the decisions you make and being adaptable to change, even (and especially) when it’s uncomfortable.”

3. Invest in the Long-Term: “Think about where you want to be 10 or 20 years from now. Focus on gaining the rich set of career experiences that will make you the best version of yourself, rather than chasing titles or salary bumps in the short term.”

4. Stay True to Your Mission: “At the end of the day, know what drives you. For me, it’s about making financial services a force for good. If you can tap into that passion, it will fuel you through the tough times.”

   
   

More on Anneika

Where you currently live: New York City 

Family at home: My wonderful husband, Tom (also a FinTech nerd), and our labradoodle pup, Archie

Hometown: Chicago!

Favorite hobby: Food–cooking, baking, mixing cocktails, throwing dinner parties, and exploring NYC’s vast restaurant scene 

Favorite show to binge: Oldie but goodie: 30 Rock

Favorite fintech media that inspires you: I am an economics nerd who is utterly obsessed with the Odd Lots podcast. The financial journalism and macroeconomic insights are elite. 

Do you have any productivity hacks?  Exercise has been critical in helping me maintain an attitude of tenacity and motivation throughout my career. Despite my nickname, I’m no star athlete – but I do love Barry’s Bootcamp. I have found that hard work at the gym translates to grit and endurance in my personal and professional life. Running sprints and lifting weights–especially when I’m tired or feel unmotivated– has served as a reminder that I can do hard things, both inside and outside of the gym. And now, as a result, I find myself feeling increasingly grateful that I get to do hard things.