Banking on Digital Growth (James Robert Lay)

As ease of access to big data becomes widespread, open finance is taking over the industry. 

But what exactly is open finance? And what does its implementation mean for banks, credit unions, fintech, and consumers? 

Jane Barratt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebarratt/), Chief Advocacy Officer at MX, and Anne Legg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-legg/), Founder of THRIVE Strategic Services, both join us to give their valuable insight on open banking and finance. 

Join us as we discuss:

- Opportunities for financial brands to embrace open finance (6:05)

- The four dimensions of open finance (16:47)

- Thinking about the “who” before the “why” with open finance (34:33) 

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

-Jane Barratt Twitter (https://twitter.com/Jane_Barratt-Anne) 

Legg Twitter (https://twitter.com/AnneTHRIVE)

-anneleggthrive.com 

-Jane's St. Jude Fundraiser Link (https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=135779&pg=personal&px=7433036)

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or at DigitalGrowth.com.  

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We grow personally and professionally through learning, and what better way to self-educate than through books.

In the first episode of our Behind the Cover series, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Audrey Cannata, Operations Lead at the Digital Growth Institute, to talk about The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, and Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier.

We break down this masterwork that guides leaders in helping their constituents reach the next level so they can embolden others through their transformation journey.

Join us as we discuss:

- (3:11) Some of the common misconceptions about professional coaching

- (7:55) Challenges to building a culture around coaching

- (14:53) Seven questions everyone should ask during the coaching process

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Audrey Cannata

- The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, and Change the Way You Lead Forever

- Michael Bungay Stanier

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The end of the pandemic is in sight, but the changes it brought to our way of life will continue well into the future.

Just look at the meteoric rise of Banking as a Service.

My guest today, Christopher Danvers, Senior Product Manager at Q2 BaaS, knows a thing or two about BaaS’ rise, since he is responsible for the lifecycle of card and payment experiences that help define the future of payment ecosystems for fintechs.

What we talked about:

- The growing popularity of BaaS and how the pandemic accelerated it

- Why BaaS is the perfect intersection of traditional banking and innovative fintechs

- Why BaaS relies on the right partners and open, honest dialogue with them

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How critical are chatbots for our website?

Today, as part of the Digital Growth Series, I’m answering that question from Frank, a marketing director for a financial brand on the east coast.

Chatbots can make or break a digital experience. So, before you dive in, you need to consider a few things.

In this episode, I explain:

- The 3 considerations you need to address before implementing a chatbot

-The experience of chatbots: acknowledging the generation gap and avoiding the uncanny valley

- The most effective way to implement a chatbot with today’s technology

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Conversational Marketing

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital onboarding, or lack thereof, is often an afterthought as financial brands chase new account applications. However, can banks and credit unions really label a fresh account as a win if all it does is collect cobwebs?

Laurie McLachlan, CMO at Digital Onboarding, Inc., thinks financial brands have an abandonment problem, and they won’t be able to fix it until they step back and accept it.

Laurie argues that throwing more information at account holders won’t cure attrition unless institutions help their clients understand it.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why most official account abandonment numbers are fickle (6:53)

- The difference between communicating and helping (16:23)

- How referral programs help build better relationships (32:17)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- laurie@digitalonboarding.com

- Laurie McLachlan

- Digital Onboarding, Inc.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

COVID changed the game by forcing companies to adapt.

Social distancing forced them to turn to video calls overnight.

Over the last two years, business through a camera has been booming.

Yet the detached medium of email still dominates professional connections.

My guest, Marcus Sheridan, believes that video should not only be normal but the standard for electronic communication going forward.

We hit on several points from his latest book, The Visual Sale, discussing the future of video in digital growth and the art of selling through a lens.

This episode paints a future that puts personalization at the forefront through video.

Join us as we discuss:

- The pros of connecting with clients over a camera

- Some ‘dos and don’ts’ for video calls

- Why video is critical to the future of sales growth

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Marcus Sheridan

- marcus@marcussheridan.com

- thevisualsale.com

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Today, I’m tackling this listener question: How can our marketing team get executive buy-in to commit and focus our marketing and sales on a niche with the development of consumer personas?

In this solo episode, you’ll hear from me, James Robert Lay, CEO at Digital Growth Institute, about how to reimagine niches as defined not by geographical boundaries but mental ones.

In this episode we discuss:

- What personas are and how they create empathy

- Setting geography aside in favor of targeting niche beliefs

- Examples of successful financial brands built on niches that may surprise you

- What consumer personas and niches can do for you

Listen to these related episodes:

- Ep. 94. How to Best Serve the SMB Market with Embedded Fintech (with Derik Sutton)

- Ep. 109. Predicting FinTech & Strategies to Stay Relevant (with Alex Sion)

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In the present day where rapid evolution is the norm, individuals seek guidance and inspiration to fuel their growth, especially in financial brand leadership. The importance of tapping into the wisdom of remarkable individuals to enhance personal and professional growth journeys is now more significant than ever before.

Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist of Canva and former Apple evangelist, shares insights from his 16th book, "Think Remarkable." Drawing from the experiences of over 200 extraordinary individuals, including Jane Goodall and Steve Wozniak, Kawasaki's book offers a roadmap for remarkable thinking and actions within the financial industry.

In today's episode of the Exponential Insights series, we uncover the power of remarkable individuals in shaping our journey toward exponential growth as financial brand leaders.

Join us as we discuss:

-Guy Kawasaki's Personal Journey and Influential Figures (13:04)

-The Inevitability of Technological Adoption (23:24)

-Practical Steps to Thinking Remarkably (37:18)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The way people shop and buy financial products continues to transform because of technology.

And these shifts in consumer behavior also create an abundance of new growth opportunities for financial brand leaders who transform their perspective about where future growth might come from.

In this episode, Barry Kirby and Dave Buerger, co-founders of Union Credit, discuss the potential for future growth in the financial industry.

Join us as we discuss:

- How the 2008 recession allowed other industries to surge ahead in digital experiences while financial services struggled (5:45)

- The rise of fintech competitors and their impact on traditional institutions (13:00)

- The importance of building consumer trust and focusing on their needs (31:30)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Continuing our Celebration of 150 episodes with part 2 of our Author’s best practices join us for outstanding insight from the following guests:

The panel:

Marcus Sheridan - Keynote Speaker - Marcus Sheridan International, Inc.

Ben Hardy - Organizational Psychologist, Hay House

Ron Shevlin - Director of Research at Cornerstone Advisors

Anne Legg - Faculty Member - Southwest CUNA Management School

Brett King - Founder, Executive Chairman - Moven

Melina Palmer - Founder and CEO - The Brainy Business

Mark Schaefer - Executive Director -Schaefer Marketing Solutions LLC

Mohammad Anwar - President and CEO of Softway

Justin Breen - Founder/CEO - BrEpic Communications LLC

We cover:

- How it’s not about we, us, and I

- Creating your future self

- Progress being greater than perfection

- Technology is a tool, nothing more, nothing less

- Removing Friction from your financial Institution

- The impact our conscious and subconscious mind on our decision making process

- Promoting Narcissistic marketing is old hat

- Transforming internally comes before transforming externally

- Heart centered thinking and human centered growth

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today’s rapidly shifting financial landscape, there is one quality every marketer should cultivate…

Continuous learning.

Whether that’s learning the ins and outs of the business or becoming the customer expert, if you never stop learning, you never get left behind.

In today’s show, I’m speaking with a master of continuous learning, Douglas Burdett, Host of the Marketing Book Podcast, who may just be the most well-read marketer around.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why marketers need to never stop learning

- Why every marketer should become the customer expert

- How marketers can overcome negative stereotypes and demonstrate their value to the business

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

After graduating from high school, most schools have taught us what the insides of a frog looks like or that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell…

But how many teach taxes or investment strategies?

For Chad Willardson, Founder and President at Pacific Capital and author of Smart, Not Spoiled, sound financial habits begin early — and the financial brands who help kids learn are poised to gain loyal, life-long customers.

Join us as we discuss:

• The challenges parents face when teaching financial literacy
• The best ways to inculcate sound financial habits in kids
• Why learning to earn is as important as learning to manage money   

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

COVID-19 was a wake-up call for financial brands — but not how you might expect.

Sure, it showed us how quickly things can change.

But things were already changing without us, leaving us behind.

Fintechs, online-only banks — these should have been our wake-up call.

We can no longer afford to do things the way we’ve always done them. 

Because if you’re not growing, you’re dying.

That’s the philosophy of my latest guest, Tiffani Davis , Vice President, Manager of Client Experience at Centier Bank , who reached out to me last year about the growth-centered community she was building to help prevent her financial brand from being left in the dust.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why financial brands have historically been slow to innovate — and why that has to change

- The value of education, community and a shared language around digital growth 

- How automation frees you from the mundane and allows you to deliver a more human experience 

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Decentralized marketing communication is trending upward. 

To capture the attention of niche audiences, financial brands are spreading their wings in crafting their storytelling narrative. But with an abundance of communication opportunities, it’s easy for banks and credit unions to muddle their message. 

Sarah Cooke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsnellcooke/), Founder of Cooke Consulting Solutions (https://www.cookeconsultingsolutions.com/), tells us why a solid communication strategy is essential in marketing and how your financial brand can lay the groundwork for good “story-selling.”  

Join us as we discuss:

Transformational patterns in communication over the last decade (4:21)

The marketing-communications relationship (14:27)

Preparing a crisis communication plan (26:27) 

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Cooke Consulting Solutions

sarah@cookeconsultingsolutions.com

Sarah Cooke 

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brand leaders are constantly confronted with complexities and uncertainties.

How can we overcome our fears and use them instead as fuel for potential future growth?

It all starts with having the right mindset and the belief that the future will be better.

We sit down with Audrey Cannata - Operations Lead at Digital Growth Institute, to explore how fear limits our potential growth and why it’s so important for us to master our own mindsets.

Drawing reference from Napoleon Hill’s book “Outwitting the Devil”, we talk about the different types of fears that financial brand leaders have and how they can successfully overcome them.

Join us as we discuss: 

- What would happen if you let your childhood fears control you [11:42]

- Building a foundation of faith and belief in yourself [19:45]

- The importance of mastering our mindsets [30:21]

- How to overcome your fears [40:48]

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Audrey Cannata

- Digital Growth Institute

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

I’m turning the tables on you in this one. After over 100 episodes as your host, I surrender that seat to Laura Dolan, Senior Content Marketing Manager at Optimizely, as she interviews me about building a website that sells.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why a glorified online brochure won’t cut it for your website
• Strategies for calls to action (CTAs)
• Cognitive load and intrinsic cause
• Trust, video, and communication techniques
• Behavioral economics and building your content strategy gear-by-gear
  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Using Zoom As a Bank or Credit Union
  

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do marketing teams and their supporting departments need to transform to have an infrastructure conducive to one-to-few communication?

That question comes from today’s guest, Bradley Blue , Vice President, Digital Marketing at Logix Federal Credit Union , and in this episode, I go over exactly what it takes, including:

How to overcome the difficulty of creating content operations

How to be proactive while retaining the ability to be reactive 

How to make sure your technology helps you achieve your marketing goals

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Machine learning has a tenuous reputation among many financial leaders, be it from fear of negative social impact or regulatory risk. But Tyler Barron, Chief Revenue Officer at Encapture, argues that AI’s potential to remove friction points in the lending experience is too great to ignore.

Tyler gives us his unique perspective on machine learning and how financial brands can utilize intelligence document automation to free their compliance teams from the mundane.

Join us as we discuss:

- Misconceptions around machine learning and its limitations (4:09)

- How AI removes friction in the employee and customer experiences (22:10)

- Why financial brands should adopt automation in bite-sized chunks (26:45)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Tyler Barron

- Encapture

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We’ve all been there - after opening an account with a new bank or credit union, you never hear a peep from them. Why aren’t financial institutions more proactive with their customer onboarding?

I’m joined by J.J. Slygh, Principal Product Marketer at Total Expert, to talk about why so many FIs fail to make their new customers feel welcome.

Communication is the key to deepening relationships, but a lot of financial brands can do better.

Join us as we discuss:

- Missed opportunities for deepening relationships with customers (6:11)

- Cross-helping your customers rather than cross-selling (15:47)

- Using customer data to help with proactive outreach (25:32)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- J.J. Slygh

- Total Expert

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Three years ago, Jennifer Poniatowski, VP of Mortgage Sales at Credit Union 1, and her team had no practical digital tools at their disposal. But Jennifer knew they had to be proactive in giving their clients the digital experience they deserved.

By integrating forward-thinking tech into their operations, Jennifer elevated their member experience by investing in the employee experience. Through optimization, they are transforming their entire organization’s growth journey one step at a time.

Join us as we discuss:

- A hands-on approach to investing in the employee experience (5:12)

-Rolling out their partnership with Total Expert’s CRM platform (12:28)

- A proactive strategy of future growth through optimization (26:04)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Jennifer Poniatowski

- Credit Union 1

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

According to the Wall Street Journal, there is a significant disconnect between CMOs and CEOs. This is compounded by the rapid evolution of consumer behavior and technology, leaving traditional marketing strategies outdated and ineffective. This disconnect leads to a lack of understanding and appreciation of the role of marketing, often relegating it to a tactical implementer rather than a strategic influencer. 

On this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, James Robert Lay shares practical ways to bridge this gap, including a cross-functional approach, where marketing, sales, and service teams collaborate to create a cohesive growth strategy. 

Join us as we discuss:

-Marketing perspectives and growth in a digital-first world. (10:00)

-Transforming marketing through data-driven insights. (17:37)

-Breaking down silos in organizations through coaching cohorts. (28:49)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Emotional and psychological barriers like fear, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism can severely limit leaders' effectiveness. Leaders often avoid directly dealing with these barriers due to fear of failure, fear of success, or a deep-seated sense of inadequacy. Additionally, there's a widespread reluctance to have honest conversations about these issues, both at work and in personal contexts, leading to a lack of genuine connection and understanding.

Mike Kelly, President & CEO of TeamOnUP and author of Meaning Is the Mission: Understanding the Symptoms of Success and How to Get Dreams Done on Purpose joins the show the share how leaders can develop effective skillsets to transform their teams and organization. He introduces the concept of 'Mission Management' as a framework to instill purpose-driven leadership and concrete methods to bridge the gap between technological advancements and human-centered practices.

Join us as we discuss:

-Exploring the Concept of Mission Management (08:28)

-Understanding Imposter Syndrome (15:56)

-Conflict Avoidance in the Workplace (35:11)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Customer-driven leadership empowers teams to serve their clients better, both internally and externally.

But what does that holistic model look like for financial services in this digital age of AI?

Daniel Hammond (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-l-hammond/), Managing Partner at Customer Driven Leadership LLC ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/customer-driven-leadership-llc/about/) and author of Customer Driven Leadership (https://www.customerdrivenleadership.co/) told us how this thinking can transform your organization. 

Join us as we discuss:

- What can prevent servant leadership from taking hold (11:10)

- Why leaders get offended when flipping the organizational chart (18:58)

- Short-term versus long-term planning and development (26:40)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Daniel Hammond -https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-l-hammond/

- Customer Driven Leadership - https://www.customerdrivenleadership.co/

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or at digitalgrowth.com. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this podcast episode, James Robert Lay discusses the importance of storytelling in marketing and sales strategies for banks and credit unions. Brands often neglect to effectively utilize narrative in their communication, instead focusing on rates, service, and features. 

James Robert introduces the concept of the "Narcissistic Marketing Model," where brands position themselves as the hero of their own story, ignoring the consumer's point of view. He argues that financial brands should instead position themselves as the empathetic guide, connecting and empowering people towards a better future. 

Join us as we discuss:

-How Duracell transformed their ad strategy (04:01)

-The Narcissistic Marketing Model (13:57) 

-The power of visual storytelling for emotional connection (24:44)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, James Robert Lay and Marcus Collins  discuss the impact of culture on consumer behavior and how financial brands can leverage this knowledge to drive growth. They emphasize the importance of understanding cultural nuances and beliefs to effectively engage with different consumer segments. The conversation also touches on the role of empathy and intimacy in serving diverse communities. Overall, the episode highlights the power of culture in shaping people's actions and the need for businesses to adapt and connect with consumers in culturally relevant ways.

Join us as we discuss:

-The power of facilitating, not building, community (19:02)

-Influencing behavior through culture (23:14)

-Understanding relationships and trust building in a digital world (30:34)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When we learn to drive, why do we steer towards what we want to avoid?

It’s called target fixation — you need to look where you’re going to travel.

The same applies to digital transformation.

That’s one of the insights Jeffery Kendall, Chairman & CEO at NYMBUS, learned in his ongoing mission to help financial brands and to delight members and customers with best-in-class digital banking solutions.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why the market rewards solutions to hard problems, not easy ones

- Target fixation and keeping your eye on the road ahead

- Market segmentation and why most financial institutions get it wrong

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As the world moves more and more to digital, there is a misconception that partnering with a Fintech or financial brand is a partnership based on survival.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The best partnerships are ones that benefit each member.

Today, I’m joined by Allison Netzer, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at NYMBUS, and Margaret Hartigan , CEO and Founder at Marstone, Inc. as they share how they're making that a reality every day.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why wealth management isn’t only for the rich
• How partnerships are shaping the future of finance
• Why the most successful partnerships are between equals    

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify , or here . 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How can content marketing help community banks and credit unions compete with the big banks?

Lauren asked that question, and I answered it on this episode of the Banking on Digital podcast. There is no better way to get close with your prospective account holders in a digital world than through content, and there's no better way to retain account holders in a digital world than through content and community institutions.

I talked about:

• What a digital community is and how to build one
• How the acronym ALL (Ask, Listen, Learn) can help you go all in on your digital marketing
• Why small, focused institutions can build communities faster than big banks
  

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you’ve listened to the show before, then you already know digital transformation and growth are about more than just technology, they’re about people.

The people who are most successful are the ones guided by a purpose.

My guest today is Alana Kelly, Marketing Manager at On Tap Credit Union, who joins me today to share some lessons from her digital growth journey, including why having a guiding light can make all the difference in your digital journey.

We discuss:

- Why we need to get over the stigma and talk about money

- Why you need a defining purpose behind your digital growth

- Alana’s digital growth journey

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brands often face challenges in digital growth due to a lack of awareness about the problems within their websites. Many don't realize they have issues that hinder their digital performance, while others acknowledge these problems but do not feel the urgency to address them. Additionally, some brands feel stuck and unable to make progress, often due to limitations with their tech stack or internal alignment.

Unaddressed, these issues can lead to lost opportunities, frustrated customers, and a decline in digital effectiveness. By engaging in website secret shopping studies, financial brands can gain a deep understanding of digital pain points and stop losing millions in loans and deposits.

Join us as we discuss:

-Financial brands' conversion and lead issues. (6:40)

-Website design and user experience. (12:25)

-Digital secret shopping studies for financial brands. (20:09)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It can be a long journey fraught with conflict and fear of the unknown. But strong leadership and purpose can bring people along through exponential change.

Frank Chisholm, Director of Brand and Marketing at Kindred Credit Union, joins me to talk about the digital growth that he and his team have achieved through purpose-driven values.

By openly addressing the root of change, transformation becomes a sustainable mindset for growth.

Join us as we discuss:

- Purpose-driven values in financial services (2:51)

- Managing exponential change on a personal and team level (13:46)

- Being emotionally vulnerable in an analytical industry (18:52)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Frank Chisholm

- Kindred Credit Union

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Money.

It's an inherently complex subject.

However, if we can provide clarity for our customers and communities not only will we instill confidence about money we inspire courage to commit to learning more.

It’s not often brands make “simplicity” their cornerstone for communication, but what if we did?

Sometimes simplicity is best — like this episode description.

Join us as we discuss: 

- The six C’s of consumer buying [1:35]

- How simplicity is a valid solution [5:39]

- What you can do to help break the taboo around “money” [9:03]

- Why the cognitive load of your consumer should be a priority [13:09]

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The most important element of digital growth is not technology. 

It’s not sales.

It’s not marketing. 

In fact, it’s something ancient. Something that’s missing in almost every conversation that happens in every boardroom across the country. 

Humanity. 

I’ve talked before about how you can generate 10X more loans & deposits.

But 10x growth is only made possible through 10X thinking. 

And any digital growth strategy that doesn’t place human connection at its heart is at best only half of a strategy. 

I’m James Robert Lay, CEO of Digital Growth Institute and author of Banking on Digital Growth, 

What I talk about:
-Why only 15-20% of financial brands are “Digital Haves” 

-The secret to digital growth that is missing from most conversations

-How to take your marketing team from underestimate to invaluable

-Why digital growth is about so much more than marketing and sales technology

This episode is hosted by James Robert Lay  Founder and CEO at Digital Growth Institute

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to the Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher on Spotify, Google Play or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Anyone with young children understands how much exploration and discovery we lose as adults.

But many financial brands need to start thinking like a kindergartner again.

That’s because when it comes to digital growth, curiosity is a key competitive advantage.

In this Clarity Calls episode, the curiosity of my guest, Abby Boggs-Johnson , Digital Marketing Officer at Western State Bank , leads her to ask an important question:

How do you get leadership to define what matters most to them?

We discuss this question and arrive at some key insights, including:

- The pros and cons of starting with a blank slate

- How to think about metrics and KPIs

- How to use the GRO (growth, roadblocks, opportunities) framework as a map for your digital growth journey

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Community institutions are the backbone of lending for many businesses and individuals.  

But when it’s easier to do business with bigger banks when it comes to consumer lending, community banks and credit unions lose.

Joe Ehrhardt, CEO & Founder of Teslar Software, joins the show today with incredible, concrete examples of how you can better make your small, local financial brand stack up to the big boys.

Commercial loans are not the only way forward — catering to consumers can also be a path as long as you’re making sure the consumer experience is modern and relevant to their needs.

If your own executive board can’t do your processes, neither can your customers.

Join us as we discuss:

- Community banking’s reluctance to offer indirect loans (3:05) 

- Educating consumers and local businesses on community lending (10:00)

- Why financial leaders need to try their digital products (22:09)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- joe@teslarsoftware.com

- Teslar Software

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Today, we're to go inside digital growth and continue the fireside chat conversation I started in Episode 59 with Joe Welu, CEO of Total Expert. This time, Sam Kilmer, Senior Director at Cornerstone Advisors, also joins us.

We discuss solutions to common obstacles along with best practices from industry leaders to help you build a foundation for future success.

Joe, Sam, and I talk about:

- The evolution of sales from a hard-sell to a learning-first model

- What it means that we're moving into an expertise economy

- When the size of your financial institution matters and when it doesn't

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you think of the term "discipline," what comes to mind? Is it a constraint or a catalyst for growth? Particularly in challenging times, discipline might be the key for financial brand leaders to elevate themselves, their teams, and their organizations.

In this episode of the #BehindTheCover series, we Audrey Cannata and I explore "Discipline is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control" by Ryan Holiday, a recommended read for leaders aiming to unlock growth and freedom, not only for themselves but also for those they serve in their financial journeys. Join us as we uncover the pivotal role of discipline in navigating both personal and professional spheres.

Join us as we discuss:

-Self-control and fulfillment in a distracted world (2:12)

-Discipline, attention, and financial freedom (16:43)

-Community, accountability, and personal growth (40:29)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Small business owners work harder than anyone — averaging upwards of 60 hours a week.

When they need a loan, they don’t want to take time out of their day for a “delightful” customer experience…

They want convenience. They just want it to work.

It’s something Derek Corcoran, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Numerated, says most banks get wrong by not even offering digital lending. And that’s just one of the many opportunities to serve SMBs he joins today’s show to discuss that most banks are missing.

In this episode, we cover:

- The two types of customer experience

- The value of convenience and simplicity for SMBs

- The goodwill community banks fostered in the pandemic (and how to avoid squandering it)

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Over 80% of financial brands lack a clear digital growth strategy, leading to confusion and misalignment among marketing, sales, and leadership teams. This results in organizations getting stuck in cycles of chaos and conflict, unable to effectively address core fears related to change and growth.

The absence of a well-defined digital strategy exacerbates common fears such as fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of failure, and even fear of success. Join James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata as they unpack the Digital Growth Blueprint and how one credit union in Texas increased alignment and gained a unified path forward through this roadmap.

Join us as we discuss:

-Identifying and Addressing Misalignment (09:09)

-The Role of Stakeholder Conversations (14:00)

-Transforming Go-to-Market Strategies (19:55)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are you aware of the number of loans and deposits you're losing due to blind spots in your bank's or credit union's onboarding experience? According to the Digital Banking Report, 46% of newly opened accounts go inactive within the first year. 

To put it differently, almost one out of every two accounts your financial brand opens has the potential to go inactive in the first 12 months. Think about these questions: How much might these onboarding blind spots be costing you right now? More importantly, what can you do about it? 

In this episode, we welcome Har Rai Khalsa, who is on a mission to help banks and credit unions recover business from big mega banks and neo banks, thereby strengthening local financial institutions and the communities they serve.

Join us as we Discuss:

-The Onboarding Experience: Challenges and Solutions (11:41)

-Human Connection in the Age of AI (29:32)

-Practical Steps to Improve Onboarding (37:30)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Since my book came out, I keep hearing the same question.

Why call it a manifesto?

A manifesto is a public declaration of intent… 

And I intend to transform financial brands’ strategic marketing everywhere. 

In this episode, I explain:

-Why I chose to call my book a “manifesto”

-The 3 people I wanted to help most

-The 12 proclamations to guide your digital growth journey

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata discuss a powerful yet often overlooked connection—the relationship between physical movement and overcoming mental roadblocks like fear, anxiety, and complacency. They explore the idea that taking action, even small physical steps, can help break through periods of stagnation both personally and professionally. James Robert shares his personal experiences with overcoming resistance and emphasizes the importance of energy management, not just time management, for achieving growth. The conversation dives deep into how making physical health a priority can transform not just personal well-being, but also professional success, particularly in leadership and team dynamics. Ultimately, it's about mastering your body to master your mind, so you can push past fear and uncertainty and create lasting momentum.

Join us as we discuss:

-Force vs. Flow: Finding Balance (05:42)

-Distractions and Their Consequences (17:53)

-The Health Crisis: A Call to Action (28:47)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Traditional banking institutions are slowly being replaced by other fintech banking solutions and small businesses are taking note. With more options available than ever, business owners are realizing that switching to more efficient banking solutions is as easy as downloading an app.

We speak with Renee Newman - Industry Advisory Board Member at Nymbus, Derek Sutton - VP of Marketing at Autobooks, and Corey LeBlanc - Co-founder at Locality Bank about the marriage of small businesses with fintech and taking the necessary steps to creating a better customer experience.

We cover:

- How small businesses are collaborating with fintech & inspiring hope

- Empowering small businesses to maximize their growth capability & overcome fear

- Creating a better customer experience & keeping each other accountable

- Considering fintech a collaborator, not a competitor

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sitting down for dinner at “The Cheesecake Factory” can be a daunting task, especially when the server brings the menus to the table.

With over 250 individual options that diners can choose from, these colossal menus could please every palate, but in reality, it often has the diner scratching their head on what they should order.

Today, we explore the Paradox of Choice — what happens when you overwhelm your financial consumer with options.

Money is one of today’s greatest stressors that we don’t talk about enough, and putting more stress on your customer is a recipe for an underperforming financial brand.

Join us as we breakdown: 

- How simplifying your “Cheesecake Factory” menu of financial offerings pays off [5:37]

- Why breaking the taboo on money in our society is healthy [11:04]

- The three types of cognitive load your customer experiences [16:21]

- How an overly complex website is costing you millions every year [18:56]

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Stash.com

- Forbes

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What makes your financial institution special? Simply adopting digital concepts in an analog world isn’t enough to stand out in the FinTech crowd. You have to blaze new trails to be unique in the digital world.

My guest, Jason Henrichs, CEO at Alloy Labs Alliance, shares why he believes many banks aren’t doing enough to differentiate themselves in their pursuit of banking as a service - and gives some examples of a few who are!

Jason also elaborates on the experience he and his team had innovating their new digital banking platform - CHUCK.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why FIs need to separate themselves from the pack with their digital offerings [4:15]

- How human connectivity ties into digital growth [9:16]

- The significance of fundamental partnerships with account holders [20:15]

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Alloylabs.com

- @jasonhenrichs

- Breaking Banks

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

One in three Americans loses sleep over financial problems, but they're too embarrassed to talk about it.

Yet when financial brands want to know what their customers think, what do they do? Ask them to talk about it.

This approach cannot work.

In this episode of Banking on Digital Growth, I address three pitfalls of digital focus groups and then provide a clear path to getting insights that create value for your financial brand and the people you serve.

I talked about:

• Why people make the decisions they do when buying financial products
• How people make those decisions
• Why focus groups hone in on the wrong things
• How to uncover the greatest insights for your financial brand
  

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We saw five years of progress during the last eight months of 2020 as an industry. We didn't mean to, but it happened anyway. What do you need to make that kind of progress in your own personal digital journey?

On this episode of Banking on Digital Growth, I chatted with Kara Yaquinta, content strategist at Tropical Financial Credit Union. We discussed her remarkable digital journey and how she's helping lead her institution forward.

Kara and I talk about:

• Getting the right message to the right people at the right time
• Why financial coaching is the next big thing for brands
• The role culture plays on the digital growth journey
  

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Content is the fuel in your digital growth engine.

If you maximize your content, then you maximize your future digital growth potential.

In this episode, I speak with Joe Pulizzi, Founder at The Tilt and Author of Content Inc., and he shares his step-by-step approach to crafting the highest-octane content around.

What we talked about:

- Why it’s more important to build an audience than a product

- Why you need to start simple and then expand

- The 7 steps to crafting high-octane content

- Why every financial brand is a publisher, whether they know it or not

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The pandemic has given us a chance we never get in this fast-paced world. 

“The Great Pause”

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to stop and assess what we’re doing.

 Samantha Paxson, Executive Vice President/Chief Experience Officer at CO-OP Financial Services, says your financial brand should take advantage of it. 

She joins me in today’s episode and we discuss:

-The Great Pause and why it’s the best time for transformation

-How to build trust with your customers

-How to increase engagement and, ultimately, market share in this time

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Let these numbers frighten you a little bit:

-6% of U.S. households are unbankable and 18.7% are underbanked

-The payday loan check cashing industry is about $32 billion

-9% of bank account holders pay 84% of the $11 billion in annual overdraft fees

It’s no wonder that overdrafts are the common enemy that financial brands need to vanquish.

In this episode, I speak with Joel Schwartz, Founder & Co-CEO at DoubleCheck Solutions, about the need to give consumers what they need (financial relationships) and what they want (financial flexibility and control):

Join us as we discuss:

- Why overdrafts are such a hot topic at this moment

- It’s customer control that’s the issue, not overdraft fees

- Digital growth opportunities for offering compassion

- Updating old-fashioned mindsets about banking services

- Why doing the right thing is good business

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Banks that mimic the strategy of great retail brands are at the cutting edge: They’re doing social selling. (Don’t cringe.) Social selling is just another tool in your toolbox.

In this Exponential Insights episode of Banking on Digital Growth, I interview Jody Guetter, CMO at Social Assurance, about all things brand in the financial space.

What we talked about:

- What retail brands are doing right but banks are doing wrong

- Social selling is a must

- Launching a whole new brand purpose (during a pandemic)

- Human behavior, social advocacy, employee engagement, and so much more

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brand marketing and sales leaders face the challenge of consistently making new connections that lead to loan and deposit growth. They often struggle to leverage data and customer insights effectively to deepen relationships, which is crucial for fostering new connections and driving business outcomes.

Brian Bauer, CEO of Revio Insight, a customer growth platform that transforms complex bank data into actionable growth opportunities for community and regional banks, joins the show to discuss how financial brands can turn data into actionable growth opportunities. This episode  highlights the importance of not waiting for perfection to start engaging customers, leveraging both digital and relational engagement channels effectively, and ensuring that product offerings align with customer needs. The big takeaway? Human experience and building authentic relationships can inevitably lead to more business and profitable relationships.

Join us as we discuss:

-Turning Data into Deposits and Revenue (04:28)

-Account-Based Marketing Explained (15:05)

-Building Transformational Relationships (22:48)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Even in this exciting new digital age of AI, ancient truths can speak to human behavior and mindset.

Audrey Cannata, Operations Lead at the Digital Growth Institute, joins me for another episode of our Behind the Cover series as we talk about Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements.

Settle in as we take a moment to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural patterns that dictate our actions in both finance and life.

Join us as we discuss:

• Appreciating wisdom from the past in a digital world (10:56)
• Practical application for each of the Four Agreements (16:25)
• Takeaways for coaching opportunities for financial brands and fintechs (41:29)  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• The Four Agreements  

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Small business owners are frustrated. These courageous entrepreneurs contribute to nearly half of our economy, but large lenders have all but disregarded the needs of these niche consumers.

That’s why John Janclaes, President of Nymbus CUSO, says it’s time for credit unions to step up and partner with SMB owners to help them get their jobs done.  

In this episode of our Heart of Growth series, John brings the passion as the former contractor explains how community financial brands can guide entrepreneurs on a pathway to care.

Join us as we discuss:

- Growth opportunities for SMB and credit union partnerships (5:36)

- Why community financial brands need to lean into the gig economy (13:53)

- How entrepreneurs can know which lending partner is right for them (23:32)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Time, Talent, Energy by Michael Mankins and Eric Garton

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial institutions have only scratched the surface of possibility in their shift from analog to digital services.

What’s holding them back?

My guest, David Brear, believes that financial services have grasped a mere 1% of their digital growth potential. The CEO and Founder of 11:FS, Dave believes resistance to fundamental change is the culprit.

But he is excited about what the future holds once that change has been realized.

Join us as we discuss:

- How the melding of ‘digital’ versus ‘digitized’ has compounded the 1% problem

- Roadblocks to innovation, including culture and misalignment of purpose

- The relationship between personal and professional failure

Today, we progress past the 1% barrier in digital growth - together.

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- David Brear

- 11FS.com

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Does the world see that same person?

Your peers’ perception of you is everything. So, why do some people drag their feet in building their personal brands?

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Lacy, SVP of Marketing at Seismic, to talk about the perks of crafting a positive persona for the masses.

A co-author of the book Branding Yourself: How to Use Social Media to Invent or Reinvent Yourself, Kyle lays the groundwork for you to trademark your winning brand.

Join us as we discuss:

- How personal branding is different from self-promotion [3:18]

- Some potential roadblocks, such as compliance and content creation [11:10]

- How you can start building your brand and reaping the benefits [17:35]

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

- Email Kyle at kylelacy@gmail.com

- Follow Kyle on Twitter

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Despite recognizing the importance of communication, there's a growing disconnect between the traditional role of the CMO and the demands of the modern marketing landscape. Many marketing teams are losing sight of the deeper rationale driving their actions. While communication remains central to marketing, there's a danger of overlooking the underlying "why" behind it. CMOs and marketing teams are getting caught up in the technicalities and channels of marketing without fully understanding the purpose behind their efforts.

To address this issue, CMOs and marketing teams must re-evaluate their approach and reconnect with the fundamental purpose of their work. By understanding the "why" behind their communication efforts, they can effectively navigate the complexities of modern marketing and drive meaningful results for their organizations.

Join us as we discuss:

-Understanding Marketing Beyond Ads (03:02)

-Marketing in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities (09:49)

-The Essential Skills for Tomorrow's CMOs (33:13)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Automation is dominating the marketing world with the continuing rise of regenerative AI. But as humanity continues its infant journey in this new frontier, many people are getting caught up in a lifeless deluge of digital pollution.

And as returning guest Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist at BombBomb and co-author of Human-Centered Communication, suggested, people’s trust in digital content will further erode the worse the noise gets.

In this episode of our Exponential Insights series, we examine why video could be the great differentiator in human relationships for financial leaders and their brands in the Age of AI.

Join us as we discuss:

- How video builds trust and differentiates your brand (8:02)

- Communicating confidence in commercial relationships (22:07)

- The dangers of producing AI-generated video at scale (35:54)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- ethan@bombbomb.com

- Ethan Beute

- Human-Centered Communication: A Business Case Against Digital Pollution

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brand leaders face the challenge of bridging the empathy gap with both existing and prospective account holders. This issue is compounded by internal perspectives and resistance to change.

On this episode of the Real Solutions series, Jonathan Clay, a skilled data analyst at Louisiana Federal Credit Union, joins the shows to discuss the challenge of balancing individual responsibilities and shared goals within his organization. Jonathan and James Robert how conducting website secret shopping studies has been instrumental in understanding the consumer's mindset, while also acting as an objective outsider, has helped his team gain clarity and alignment.

Join us as we discuss:

-Obstacles to growth and the importance of perspective. (1:33)

-Collaboration vs cooperation in digital transformation. (5:35)

-Optimizing online banking experience through member feedback. (12:07)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever found yourself saying, “I need to think about it”? For many financial leaders, this simple phrase hides a deeper hesitation that keeps them stuck in inaction. Often, this delay stems from overanalyzing or waiting for certainty, which can stall growth, innovation, and much-needed progress. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, waiting too long to take action can lead to missed opportunities, lost revenue, and stagnation. 

In this episode, host James Robert Lay and operations lead Audrey Cannata dig into how the Kolbe A Index reveals each person’s unique “action mode.” They explore how understanding these natural tendencies can help leaders make faster, more confident decisions. Listeners will learn how the Kolbe Index’s insights into fact-finding, quick-starting, and follow-through help teams overcome decision-making blocks, find balance, and take the necessary steps toward growth.

Join us as we discuss:

-The Four Action Modes of Kolbe (04:13)

-Challenges in Financial Industry Decision-Making (07:12)

-Practical Tips for Moving from Thinking to Doing (21:11)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The hype around artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a fever pitch, especially in the financial industry. With AI being a hot topic at conferences and among financial brand leaders, there is a growing concern about distinguishing between hype and actual, practical applications.

In this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, a panel of experts share their insights and recommendations on how financial brand leaders can integrate AI with human expertise to lead to better decision-making and customer experiences, unlocking new growth opportunities and ultimately emerging stronger in the Age of AI.

Join us as we discuss:

-Panel Discussion: Understanding AI, ML, and Predictive Analytics (02:32)

-Real-World Applications and Success Stories (06:58)

-Audience Q&A: Data, AI, and Predictive Analytics (23:11)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many leaders struggle to build cohesive, motivated, and resilient teams that drive growth and effectively handle the complexities of today’s rapidly changing workplace. Employees often experience disengagement and burnout, leading managers to incorrectly assume that they need to reduce pressure and expectations, which can further demotivate teams. Disengagement and lack of trust within teams can erode productivity and morale. Without a clear mission and effective communication, teams fail to see the purpose behind their work. Managers often mismanage the balance between autonomy and pressure, leading to inefficient team dynamics.

In this episode of the Exponential Insights series, Scott Albrecht, author of "The Hierarchy of Team Needs," provides actionable insights into creating cohesive and high-performing teams. He offers a structured approach for leaders starting with a strong mission, progressing through trust-building, honest feedback, clear vision, and effective coaching. He reveals how applied pressure and positive reinforcement can persistently drive teams towards excellence, making the transition smoother with resilience and growth mindset principles.

Join us as we discuss:

-Building Trust and Honest Feedback (15:46)

-Creating a Team Vision Statement (25:12)

-The Neuroscience Behind Coaching (30:19)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The foundation for every relationship is trust.

But it’s hard to gauge people’s authenticity in a digital space dominated by communication through text media.

That’s why Ethan Beute, Chief Evangelist at BombBomb and author of Human-Centered Communication, believes in the power of video communication in a post-COVID world.

By personalizing our interactions and messages through video, we can pull back the curtain of digital anonymity.

Join us as we discuss:

- Challenges financial brands face in trying to personalize experiences (10:47)

- How video establishes trust in human-centered communication (17:52)

- Why AI will never be a true substitute for the human connection (26:43)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Ethan Beute

- BombBomb

- Human-Centered Communication

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Core vendor contracts commonly contain exclusivity clauses that actually prevent banks from growing.

That fact shocked today’s returning guest, Jeffery Kendall, Chairman & CEO at Nymbus, when he first found out.

So, he took to LinkedIn to write an article entitled, “It’s Time for Core Vendors to Ditch Exclusivity Clauses.” In this episode, he explains why he wrote it and why vendors need to embrace a true partnership mindset.

Join us as we discuss:

- His motivation for writing the article

- The difference between partner and vendor

- The importance of holding yourself accountable

- Actionable advice for improving partnerships

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Bill pay has been neglected for far too long…

And unless you want to get left behind, your financial brand needs to start taking it seriously.

To find out how to reap the rewards bill pay can offer any financial brand, I sat down with Michael Bank, Co-Founder at Blip Labs, an expert on all things bill pay.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why bill pay matters more than ever and how financial brand can capitalize on it

- The education component financial brands need to move out of the “good enough” mentality holding them back

- The future of bill pay

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The financial landscape is increasingly being influenced by factors such as technology and global economic shifts. Leaders must adapt to these changes to avoid falling behind, especially as traditional models of operation are disrupted.

Dan Sullivan, founder of Strategic Coach, joins the show to introduce a framework for understanding these challenges and opportunities for growth. By leveraging insights from his new book, "The Great MELTdown," leaders can identify and act on untapped opportunities for growth. Emphasizing innovation in money, energy, labor, and transportation (MELT factors), financial brands can support entrepreneurs, driving economic expansion and securing their future in the evolving financial ecosystem.

Join us as we discuss:

-US foreign policy and economic shifts. (8:31)

-Entrepreneurial mindset and reducing constraints in business. (21:22)

-The impact of technology on business and finance. (27:16)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Growth, whether it be personal or professional, is a journey.

Sometimes, we need to take time to reflect on where we’ve come from to grasp where we’re going.

We can’t be afraid to fail. Our failures are the flames that forge us. Do you use them as an opportunity to gripe - or to grow?

I had a second round of back-and-forth with Audrey Cannata, the Operations Lead here at the Digital Growth Institute to talk about her transformational journey over the last ten years.

Join us as we discuss:

- How she rolled over her teaching experience into the digital growth space

- The divide between personal growth and the personal ‘gap’ and what she’s learned in her role from observing human behavior

- Why individuals, teams, and organizations should transform from the inside out

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Audrey Cannata

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A lot of people get anxious when they hear the word ‘automation’ in corporate-speak, sparking a dystopian vision of robots and computers replacing humans at work.

But my guest, Glenn Hopper, believes that machine learning is simply another tool that can take financial brands to the next level.

The CFO at Sandline Global and author of Deep Finance: Corporate Finance in the Information Age argues that proper checks and balances can usher banks and credit unions into digital transformation with AI automation.

Join us as we discuss:

- Potential roadblocks and dangers of using machine learning (8:20)

- How to avoid being held hostage by AI automation (17:36)

- Splitting time on the present versus future focus through data (24:33)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Glenn Hopper

- Find Glenn’s book, Deep Finance: Corporate Finance in the Information Age, on Amazon

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today's fast-paced and digitally-driven world, financial brand teams are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate exponential change without experiencing mental exhaustion and burnout. The constant demand to be plugged in 24/7 has created a culture where deep, meaningful work and personal well-being are often sacrificed for the sake of perpetual connectivity and immediate response. The mental toll of being always "on" is akin to running a marathon without ever stopping to rest, reflect, or train properly. 

That’s why in this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, we’re sharing a structured framework for time management that includes four distinct types of days: Race Days, Rest Days, Pace Days, and Detox Days. By intentionally scheduling these four types of days, financial brand teams can enhance their productivity, foster a culture of growth and well-being, and navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and clarity.

Join us as we discuss:

-Exploring the Four Types of Days for Maximum Growth (07:24)

-Generational Perspectives on Work and Productivity (26:36)

-The Challenge of Digital Detox and Personal Growth (35:03)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Storytelling goes beyond just entertainment; it can truly change people. This power isn't just for leadership and personal growth but also helps motivate teams and bring about change in organizations.

Joe Byerly, an active-duty Army lieutenant colonel and the mind behind "From the Green Notebook," discusses how understanding and leveraging the art of storytelling can lead to exponential personal and organizational growth.

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills, understand their personal narrative better, and use it to lead with authenticity and impact. Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or just love a good story, there's something in this episode for you.

Join us as we discuss:

-Leadership, self-development, and the power of storytelling (7:15)

-Bridging logic and emotion in institutional change (17:24)

-Prioritizing learning and growth for leaders (42:59)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brands struggle with losing loans and deposits due to not fully

understanding the customers' online journey. This lack of insight into the real-time user

experience often results in websites that fail to meet potential customers' needs,

leading to poor conversion rates and lost opportunities. Without deep insights into how

real users navigate and feel about their websites, financial brands can inadvertently

create experiences that are confusing, frustrating, or disconnected from user

expectations.

In this episode of the Practical Perspective series "Banking on Digital Growth" podcast,

James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata discuss key findings from a recent website

secret shopping study aimed at a financial brand. They explore the importance of

understanding the emotional journey of customers through practical, real-time insights

that can drastically improve website optimization.

Join us as we discuss:

-Philosophical Perspectives on Digital Banking (07:51)

-Optimizing the Checking Account Shopping Experience (18:55)

-Leveraging Community and Human Touch in Digital Banking (32:05)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Trust, composed of both words and actions, is now harder to maintain as customers have become more knowledgeable and have a wide array of financial service options beyond traditional banks. The shift from a personal, relationship-focused banking experience to a more automated, regulation-heavy environment has eroded trust between banks and their clients. 

Jack Hubbard, co-founder of the Modern Banker and co-host of the Modern Banker Podcast, believes that  adopting a trust-based selling approach where bankers act as resource managers will allow them to focus on solving customer problems rather than merely selling products. This requires a congruent message from the bank's leadership down to its culture and an emphasis on continuous education and development for bankers. Because the ultimate goal is to create a modern banker who is prepared to face the evolving challenges of the industry with wisdom, adaptability, and a customer-first mindset.

Join us as we discuss:

-The Modern Banker: Redefining Roles and Building Trust (07:18)

-The Evolution of Trust in Banking (26:37)

-The Future of Banking: AI and Trust-Based Selling (34:55)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The past 18 months may have made it clear that digital is the key to survival in a world that can transform so drastically so quickly…

But they’ve also made it clear that digital is meaningless without the human element. 

The best technology is the one that augments the human — not the one that replaces them.

Today’s guest, Joe Welu , CEO and Founder of Total Expert , is an expert on the human-digital connection and he joins the show to help you take the first step in marrying the two.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why the future of technology will be exceedingly human

- The importance of short-term wins in a world where everything can change overnight

- How to incorporate the human into your digital journey

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) dominates headlines and disrupts industries, financial brand leaders face a dilemma: is "artificial" truly good for building trust, fostering connection, and driving growth? 

In this episode, James Robert Lay and guest Ethan Wall, president of the Social Media Law Firm, explore the power of authentic intelligence—leveraging empathy, human connection, and wisdom gained through experience to navigate change. They discuss practical ways financial brands can integrate AI responsibly while remaining true to their mission of improving lives. Together, they uncover how to balance technology with humanity, overcome fear, and embrace continuous transformation for sustainable growth.

Join us as we discuss:

-The Evolution of Social Media in Financial Services (11:49)

-The Role of AI and Authentic Intelligence (24:39)

-Practical Advice for Financial Brand Leaders (37:48)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brand marketers are in the communication business, so everyone has to flex their writing chops at some point. Yet, for one reason or another, many people believe they don’t have what it takes to create quality written content.

But as Ann Handley, author of Everybody Writes, pointed out, you don’t need to be a brilliant writer to communicate value to your customers. You just need to be authentic.  

Join us as we discuss:

- Marketing transformations that inspired Ann to update her book (7:20)

- Her three-step formula for creating quality content (14:48)

- How to differentiate yourself in an expertise economy (22:28)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Ann Handley

- Everybody Writes: Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content

- Ann Handley Newsletter

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Imagine it's early 2020. The world is about to enter an unprecedented period of lockdown due to COVID-19. Your credit union is facing not only this global crisis but also an impending merger, the launch of a new brand, and the daunting task of building and continually optimizing a website to support various business lines. Overwhelmed? Stressed?

In this episode of the Digital Growth Journeys series, we're delving into the story of Sara Williams, the marketing director at Skyla Credit Union, and her team's incredible journey through these tumultuous times. Sara shares the pivotal lessons they've learned, the strategies that have driven their success, and how they've transformed challenges into opportunities for substantial growth.

Join us we discuss:

-Marketing strategy, automation, and data analysis. (13:52)

-The impact of digital secret shopping studies. (26:41)

-Personal growth and leadership development. (31:23)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that we’re sliding into a recession.

And your financial brand’s members will be impacted. 

How can you help in the midst of unprecedented times? 

In today’s episode, Anne Legg, Founder at THRIVE Strategic Services, shares the top actions financial brands can take to navigate these turbulent times. 

We discuss:

-Innovation in a crisis

-The 4 problems you need to solve for customers

-Human-Centered Design

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

After facilitating over 1200 website secret shopping studies for financial brands over the past decade, the Digital Growth Institute decided it was time to drink their own medicine. After recently launching their new website, they put out a call-to-action for industry leaders to provide real-time feedback. 

In this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata discuss the insights they gained and how the practice of rapid iteration helped them to level up their brand messaging and communication. They discuss the lessons that they learned and how even the most seasoned marketers can find tremendous value in outside perspectives.

Join us as we discuss:

-Secret Shopping the Digital Growth Institute Website (04:43)

-The Power of Clear Messaging (08:39)

-The Value of Outside Perspective (17:31)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital empathy, fostered through well-developed consumer personas, can play a crucial role in creating emotional connections with customers in the digital world. 

Financial institutions have traditionally relied on demographic data to define their audiences, but a shift towards viewing them as unique communities can provide deeper insights. However, about 70% of financial brands do not use consumer personas, hindering their ability to empathize with their customers. 

On this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, James Robert Lay guides you through the most common pitfalls to avoid when creating consumer personas. Developing personas and recognizing their potential can transform your bank, credit union, or fintech focus from transactions to people, fostering a greater sense of empathy and connection.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Data continues to gain momentum as the commodity of choice in our global economy. As a result, digital assets have now gained a foothold on the balance sheets of the world’s most powerful banks.

Emmanuel Daniel, Founder of The Asian Banker and author of The Great Transition, worries we may be evolving into a platform-based economy in which all data is financialized.

Yet, he believes if individuals can take back the power over their wealth through personalized finance, society will be all the better for it.

Join us as we discuss:

- Why humans have an unquenchable urge to tame data (6:03)

- Decentralized assets and the future network economy (19:11)

- How personalized finance can change wealth management (29:57)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- emmanueldaniel.com

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brands are navigating the digital landscape with blind spots, as our research indicates that a staggering 85-90% of financial brands have never conducted a website secret shopping study, leaving them in the dark about user experience.

Imagine spending countless resources on designing and maintaining a digital platform, only to find out it doesn't resonate with your target audience or fails to convert visitors into account holders.

By evaluating your website through the eyes of prospective account holders, financial brands can uncover invaluable insights into user experience, identifying pain points and areas for optimization that were previously invisible. This process does not require a complete overhaul of your website but focuses on strategic micro-optimizations that can lead to significant improvements in customer conversion and satisfaction.

Join us as we discuss:

-Website secret shopping and for financial brands. (1:45)

-Website optimization and user experience. (18:10)

-Use cases and practical examples of website secret shopping. (27:33)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transformation in the financial sector isn’t all about technology.

Creativity and collaboration on a basic human level are key to innovation.

Taking risks can be intimidating, but surrounding yourself with people you trust can ease that fear.

I talked about this with Jody Guetter, Executive VP of Market Innovation for Nymbus Labs, a strategic marketing and innovation unit of Nymbus.

In this episode, we discuss how intentional interaction is crucial to generating new ideas in the marketplace.

Jody and I also share our insights into how we keep our own minds healthy and productive.

Join us as we discuss:

• The importance of collaboration for innovation
• Why vulnerability and trust among your team matters
• How to avoid the roadblock of complacency

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Jody Guetter
• jguetter@nymbus.com

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

"No" is one of the most powerful words that can unlock future growth for you and for your team. Saying "no" or even "not yet" might just be what you need to level up your loans and deposits at your bank, credit union, or fintech.

In this episode, part of the Real Solutions series, we're joined by Jill Sammons, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Wellbeing, and Wealth Advisory at BCU. Together, we'll dive into how the strategic use of "no" can be a catalyst for growth in loans, deposits, and overall business success. Join us as we uncover practical ways to say "no" with courage and confidence, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Join us as we discuss:

-Overcoming obstacles to growth in a legacy organization (1:27)

-Employee experience, relationships, and technical agility (13:28)

-Leadership and personal growth (20:47)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brands are underinvesting in their digital sales channels, especially their websites, in 2024. Organizations often view their website as a one-time cost rather than an ongoing investment and fail to recognize its critical role in the customer buying journey. Failing to adapt to the digital shift can lead to being left behind by competitors who prioritize their digital presence.

In this episode of the Practical Perspectives series, James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata discuss the transformations in consumer behavior and why viewing the website as a critical part of the digital buying journey, financial institutions can align their investments with industry trends and customer expectations.

Join us as we discuss:

-The Growth Mindset: A Case Study (3:48)

-Comparative Analysis: Toys R Us vs. Target (14:43)

-Optimizing Digital Strategies: Secret Shopping Studies (21:49)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Great institutions are constantly chasing the ultimate customer service experience.

Once they’ve reached a threshold of excellence, how do they retain it?

That’s one of the great questions that Todd Treadway, Digital Channels Director and Senior Vice President at Provident Bank, had for me in this episode.

Todd and I had a wonderful conversation when we met at the Total Expert event Accelerate in Arizona last fall.

We took this opportunity to continue the dialogue and catch up on his experience with his firm’s digital growth journey.

Join us as we also discuss:

• The evolution of personalization in customer service [8:00]
• Defining the customer service experience [11:15]
• The importance of building trust in approaching referrals [19:30]  

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Email Todd at todd.treadway@provident.bank
• Todd Treadway
• Text questions to James Robert Lay at 415-579-3004  

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Digital Growth is a key component to just about any strategy these days.

So, how do we achieve this? Is it experience? Collaboration? Principals?

It's all those pieces and more.

In this episode, we talk about all things growth and collaboration with Justin Breen & Mark Fujiwara.

Join us as we break down how collaboration can be a catalyst for exponential growth at your financial brand or fintech:

- How your mindset can align you with the best or worst opportunities (8:45)

- Principals matter. It's what will define your experience (13:30)

- Presence plays a much bigger piece to success than you might think (19:42)

- The importance of surrounding yourself with good people (32:14)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Justin’s New Book, Epic Life: How to Build Collaborative Global Companies While Putting Your Loved Ones First

- Mark’s New Book, Superior Results -Coming soon!

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The last year wasn’t what anyone expected, but plenty of good things came out of the chaos of the pandemic.

Here at Banking on Digital Growth, the silver lining comes in the form of 100 episodes.

And it wouldn’t be possible without you.

To celebrate, I’ve curated the key insights from the top 10 episodes — picked by you, the dear listener.

So, I’d love for you to join this very special episode you made possible as we countdown the most important lessons from some of our phenomenal guests: Chris Skinner, Ron Shevlin, Jay Palter, Matt Monge, Whitney Loe, Jeffery Kendall, Eric Berg, Kim Snyder, Bryan Clagett, and Kara Yaquinta.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It's no secret the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Customers demand seamless digital experiences, competitors are leveraging AI to gain an edge, and internal processes are crying out for automation. Meanwhile, your sales and marketing strategies might feel stuck in a pre-2020 world, and your employees' financial wellness is an often overlooked aspect of your business' health.

That's why in today's episode of the Digital Leadership series, we're revealing five critical trends that every bank, credit union, or fintech must prioritize to confidently move forward on their journey of growth to guide their account holders to a bigger, better, and brighter future.

Join us as we discuss: 

-Using AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity. (5:57)

-Optimizing digital channels and personal branding in finance. (12:49)

-Financial wellness, social media, and employee support. (18:59)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

A lot of banks are trying to catch every fish in the ocean. But you don’t need to hook every potential customer in your market - only the ones who benefit from your expertise.

In this episode of our Inside Digital Growth series, I answer your questions about niche banking.

Banks and credit unions have the potential to build niche portfolios that will help common people with their common problems. They simply need to transform their thinking.

Join us as we discuss:

- Growth opportunities and finding a viable niche market (3:58)

- Rejecting legacy rebranding in favor of transformation (11:34)

- Technology as a coaching tool for establishing a niche (16:23)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Text your questions to James Robert at 415-579-3002

- James Robert Lay

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brand leaders often find themselves questioning their role and value within their organization amidst periods of significant change and transformation. This self-doubt is commonly driven by imposter syndrome and a fear that the value they create may not be recognized or needed by their team or organization.

By fostering adaptability and resilience, leaders can transform their self-limiting beliefs, embrace discomfort, and ultimately drive themselves and their organizations toward exponential growth. Join James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata on this episode of the Digital Leadership series as they emphasize the importance of radical honesty, celebrating victories, and maintaining a growth mindset to navigate and thrive in changing environments.

Join us as we discuss:

-Embracing Discomfort for Growth (06:52)

-Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs (17:38)

-The Role of Villains in Transformation (24:19)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do different markets require a different approach to digital growth? Yes and no.

Regulations, economies and cultures may be different.

But human-centered growth is universal.

In this solo episode, I’ll be answering a question about Fintech deployment in Latin America — but the answer transcends borders.

I cover:

- How to focus on the uniqueness of emerging markets like those in Latin America

- Human-centered growth

- Why you need to go ALL-in on your digital growth

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Change and transformation are never “easy” things to achieve, but they can be practical.

In the day and age of accelerated growth, they are also non-negotiable.

That’s why I’m talking to Jamie Punishill, Chief Marketing Officer at nCino.

We are breaking down some practical and achievable ways financial leaders, brands, and institutions can nurture innovation and transformation through learning.

Sometimes the most potent mix to accelerate our own growth is our willingness not only to learn but to experiment as well.

Join us as we discuss:

- Insights into transformation and change Jamie has experienced with nCino (3:45)

- How positive encouragement and learning can lead to exponential growth (13:09)

- The necessity of identifying opportunities for change (19:26)

- How to apply some of these models of transformation in any industry (36:37)

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As financial brand leaders, it's important that we maintain a positive mindset during times of chaos and crisis. We have to lead with courage because courage is contagious.

On this episode of Banking on Digital Growth, Amy McGraw, vp marketing and chief experience officer at Tropical Financial Credit Union, joins me to talk about keeping a positive mindset during dynamic times.

Here's what Amy and I discussed:

• Defining a purpose that transcends dollars and cents
• Seven stages of transformation on the digital growth journey
• Escaping the circle of chaos through a unifying idea
• The one thing Amy recommends to all financial brand leaders

You can find this interview, and many more, by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Self-awareness isn’t just about you. It’s about understanding the thoughts and behavior of others better so that you can communicate more effectively and build better relationships.

After all, at the center of digital growth is human connection.

In this episode, I interview Digital Growth Institute’s own Audrey Cannata , Content and Community Specialist, about a tool we love to use: the Kolbe System.

Join us as we discuss:

- How to leverage your innate strengths personally and professionally

- The three parts of the mind and how they sync

- Kolbe’s four operating modes and what they mean

- What happens when you work outside of your operating mode

- Promoting team unity and efficiency with Kolbe

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

Banking on Digital Growth Episode 26 w/ Dr. Benjamin Hardy 

The Kolbe System 

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As financial services decentralize, loyalty from young account holders continues to wane.

So, what can banks and credit unions do to fix the disconnect in the generation gap and attract Gen Z and Gen Alpha members?

Mart Vos, Founder and CEO of Eko Investments, tells us why he thinks young account holders are breaking away from traditional financial services and how FIs can bring them back.

Join us as we discuss:

- The perception gap in financial services and younger generations (5:15)

- Pattern matching the younger generation’s investing behavior (14:48)

- Using a predictive model for future opportunities (21:15)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Mart Vos

- Mart@eko.investments

- Eko Investments

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Despite all the buzz around embedded finance and fintech, traditional ways of thinking still find a way to contradict innovation. Part of the problem is a knowledge gap among financial leaders: they know fintech is the future of the industry, but they don’t truly understand what that means.

Joe Keeley, CEO and Co-founder at Justifi, believes if these companies want to harness the power of embedded finance and pivot into fintech, they have to change their perspective — fast.

Joe gives us an inside peek at the current state of payment platforms and why many of them are trying to find value in all the wrong places.

Join us as we discuss:

- The need for a widespread mindset shift toward fintech (4:34)

- Inefficient data collection processes in traditional banks (10:22)

- Optimizing payment platforms and expanding services (17:14)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

- Joe Keeley

- Justifi

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brands and fintechs are scrambling to get a piece of the digital lead generation pie on social media platforms.

But it’s not enough to be an analytical marketing guru these days. You’d better know how to handle a camera, too.

Mark Lachance , CEO of Maxy Media and author of The Lucky Formula, tells us how his team is conquering the digital ad space on social media.

Join us as we discuss:

• Digital marketing trends on today’s social media platforms (3:50)
• The ambiguity of content creation versus promotion (15:30)
• How “luck” is a force you can stack in your favor (23:29)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Mark Lachance
• Maxy Media
• The Lucky Formula
• “The Luck Quiz”

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you build trust with your account holders and customers in an increasingly digital world?

It's the question we answer on today's episode and one they may not be asked enough.

In a digital world in the era of AI, content is where you start this relationship.

The content you put on social media, the content of your website, and the communications from your marketing channels.

These are your lifelines in a sea of ever-increasing competition.

The megaphone you use to speak to the crowd. 

The real question is, can anyone hear you?

Join this episode as we discuss: 

- The difference between a customer experience and a relationship [0:47]

- How communication has changed drastically and isn't done yet [2:10]

- The 5 pillars of trust you should be building with your end user [5:16-14:09]

- Their experience but your business's future and it's all in your hands.

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When was the last time you were happy to get an automated email? Probably… well, never. Right? 

Meanwhile, sales is rarely held accountable for the terrible customer experience they create. 

We can do better. We just need to be a little more human. 

My guest today,James Gilbert, Head of Marketing - CRMNext, is a big believer that more empathy — more humanity — in business is the only path forward for financial brands in today’s world.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How to have better conversations

- How to infuse more humanity into your brand

- The three pillars of a successful marketing team

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts , on Spotify , or here .

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you could triple your revenue in 3 years with a new business strategy, would you do it?

In that case, love is your newest business strategy.

In this episode, I interview Mohammad Anwar, President & CEO of Softway and host of Love As a Business Strategy podcast, about how he transformed himself and his business with a people-first approach.

What we talked about:

-What love means in the workplace

-Mohammad’s aha moment & ensuing self-awareness

-Steps for leaders to transform their culture with love

-The hardest and most important micro-commitment for a leader

You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Banking on Digital Growth in your favorite podcast player.
 

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.