243. How to Balance Innovation and Stability in Leadership with Kenon Chen

Update: 2025-08-19

Description

“We should always test rigorously new innovation before putting it out in the wild to ensure stability.”

“You can't really go after the really big things that you want to achieve if you don't get the small things right.”

“One way to think about generosity is about exceeding, you know, expectations of what you're supposed to do and doing things over and above what you're supposed to do.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Kenon Chen, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Clear Capital. Kenon shares his unique journey that intertwines music and technology, emphasizing the importance of generous leadership and company culture. He discusses how Clear Capital aims to empower confident real estate decisions and the role of AI in the industry. The conversation also touches on networking with a generous spirit and the legacy Kenon hopes to leave for future leaders.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Kenon Chen emphasizes the importance of a generous company culture.

Generosity in leadership involves exceeding expectations.

Networking should focus on genuine connections, not just transactional relationships.

Empathy is a crucial leadership value in times of change.

AI can help remove mundane tasks in the housing finance industry.

Kenon believes in the power of music to inspire and energize.

Leadership is about being authentic and true to oneself.

Creating space for others to grow is essential in leadership.

The future of real estate will be shaped by technology and human connection.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction to Keenan Chen and Clear Capital

03:35 Keenan's Journey: From Music to Technology

05:52 The Intersection of Art and Leadership

08:44 Defining Generous Leadership

11:55 Culture of Generosity in Action

13:55 Networking with a Generous Spirit

19:49 Understanding Clear Capital's Mission

22:10 Practicing Generosity in Leadership

26:11 Legacy and Future Aspirations

27:49 Navigating Disruption: Thriving in a Changing Landscape

28:28 The Human Element in AI: Embracing Change

32:00 Reframing the Narrative: AI as a Catalyst for Growth

34:59 Empathy and Innovation: Balancing Change with Stability

37:09 The Role of AI in Housing Finance: A Vision for the Future

39:33 Authenticity in Leadership: Lessons Learned

41:27 Rapid Fire Insights: Personal Preferences and Reflections

Guest Bio |

Kenon Chen, EVP of Strategy and Growth for Clear Capital, embodies the company’s mission of building confidence in real estate decisions to strengthen communities and improve lives. In his current role, Chen sits at the intersection of Clear Capital’s executive, product, marketing, and sales teams, guiding growth and ensuring the delivery of consistent and long-term value to customers and partners alike.

His curiosity and entrepreneurial focus on intuitive, people-first solutions have brought financial technologies to market that have transformed the valuation space. As the industry continues to evolve, Chen remains at the forefront of solutions-driven conversations centered around holistic modernization and innovation – including the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to incorporate it into housing finance strategically.

His dedication in these areas has earned him a regular column in HousingWire, a seat at the table on Business Insider’s Workforce Innovation Board, a role as Team Lead in the FHFA Tech Sprint in 2023 and 2024, and speaking slots at prestigious industry conferences across the U.S. Prior to Clear Capital, Chen honed his engineering and tech leadership skills in San Francisco as a director of technology for Roundpeg. He was introduced to the mortgage industry in the early 2000s leading tech projects for a large lender. Chen has been a crucial member of Clear Capital’s leadership team for more than 20 years.

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