Her Story
About Cortne
Cortne Wilkes is a Senior Product Leader at Uptiq AI, where she leads the small business and consumer product build and roadmap. She drives strategy across AI-powered product development, building both the digital and in-branch platform to bring intelligent, automated solutions to small business and individual users in the financial space.
With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Cortne has built a career spanning product leadership, partner integrations, and branch operations. Prior to Uptiq AI, she led consumer product initiatives at nCino Inc. and owned key partner integrations, including Plaid and Alloy — partnerships that generated over $2 million in revenue. Her foundation in financial services, including experience in branch management, continues to shape the way she approaches product strategy today.
Beyond her corporate career, Cortne is the co-founder of IAMBK (I Am My Brother's Keeper), a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Wilmington, NC, which she runs alongside her husband. She also serves as Operations Director at her local church, Purpose Church International, where she leads staffing, budgeting, and operational strategy.
Above all, Cortne is a devoted mom, and her family is at the center of everything she does. Balancing a career in product leadership with nonprofit work and church operations is no small feat, but she carries it all with intention — making sure her children remain her top priority no matter how full her plate gets. For Cortne, success isn't just measured in revenue or titles; it's measured in the example she sets for her kids and the time she protects for her family, even in the busiest seasons.
Cortne's story is a reminder that women don't have to choose between ambition and motherhood — they can lead boldly in both.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cortne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my parents and the example they set for me. Growing up, I witnessed their dedication, entrepreneurship, and strong work ethic firsthand. My father built and continues to run a successful business, while my mother had a distinguished career as a Director of Operations for Darden overseeing more than 20 restaurants. Their commitment to hard work and perseverance shaped my values and continues to influence me today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My advice, especially to women entering male-dominated fields, is not to let intimidation hold you back. You were given the opportunity for a reason, so believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities. I also live by my dad’s advice: He always asked, "How would you eat an elephant!?" One Bite at a Time! When faced with something overwhelming, take it one step at a time and focus on the next manageable piece rather than the entire challenge.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to never doubt themselves. Have confidence in your abilities and know that you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to. I also believe that God opens the doors that are meant for us and places us where we are needed, so trust the path ahead, believe in yourself, and embrace every opportunity with confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field is that AI is still evolving so rapidly that its full potential is largely unknown. I have the exciting opportunity to explore how AI agents and agentic workflows can be applied within banking and financial services. With so much still to discover, the potential for innovation and growth is virtually limitless.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family, faith, and maintaining healthy boundaries. I am a wife and mother first, and I believe in respecting my own time while encouraging others to value me as a person beyond my professional title. God and my family are central to who I am, and I strive to honor those priorities while pursuing my career.
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