

Banking on Digital Growth
James Robert Lay
If you’re part of a financial brand marketing, sales, or leadership team, you know the entire industry is in the midst of exponential change fueled by new technologies. Consumers now make purchase decisions long before they walk into a physical branch location, if they walk into a branch at all, while mobile banks, digital lenders, and fintechs have transformed traditional growth models rooted in legacy broadcast marketing and branch sales strategies.Get ready to gain practical insights, proven ideas, and empowering inspiration as financial brand marketing and sales leaders, along with the leading digital marketing and sales technology firms, share their stories to help you maximize your digital growth potential here on Banking on Digital Growth.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2023 • 21min
360) Transforming Financial Coaching: From Stigma to Strategy
Is financial coaching a path toward future growth at your bank, at your credit unit, your FinTech? Are there strategic elements that need to be put in place before a financial coaching program can be developed and then expanded?On this episode of the Real Solutions series, James Robert Lay highlights the transformative potential of financial coaching. He dives into the challenges and opportunities of integrating genuine financial education into organizations, moving beyond mere product pitches to empower and educate communities financially.Join us as we discuss: -Financial coaching and attention economy (5:00)-Building community in the digital world (10:17)-Creating a financial journey through content and curriculum (16:18)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.

Dec 18, 2023 • 40min
359) Digital Leadership: Navigating People and Culture
Digital leadership transcends technology. It's about a human-centric approach that enables individuals to achieve new growth levels. This includes being open to continuous learning, prioritizing team dynamics, and fostering a culture that values innovation and human connection.In this episode of the Digital Leadership series with Audrey Cannata, Operations Lead at the Digital Growth Institute, we explore four strategies for digital leaders to help others unlock and level up their growth potential in a digital world.Join us as we discuss: -Remote work, empathy, and digital leadership (5:47)-The importance of transitioning from one conversation to the next (18:21)-Leadership, growth, and letting go (29:14)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.

Dec 12, 2023 • 37min
358) Empathy and Innovation: Transforming Culture in Financial Services
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, the challenge isn't just about adopting new technology, but also about fostering a culture that embraces empathy. Why is this so crucial? Because a positive, empathetic culture directly impacts growth, innovation, and customer relationships in banking, credit unions, and fintech.
In this episode of the Heart of Growth series by Nymbus, SVP of Development Services, Ashlie Jenkins, discusses how empathy and humor can be game-changers in creating such a culture.
She shares insightful strategies for leaders seeking to drive growth and adapt to the digital era.
Join us as we discuss:
-Workplace culture, empathy, and safety (4:27)
-Using humor to navigate uncomfortable conversations (14:34)
-Embracing change and creativity (25:26)
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.

Dec 11, 2023 • 41min
357) Financial Brand Marketing: Bridging the Disconnect Between CEOs and CMOs
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.

Dec 5, 2023 • 27min
356) Bridging the Digital Empathy Gap in the Financial Industry
One of the primary challenges faced by financial institutions today is the growing digital disconnect between them and their customers. This disconnect is fueled by a lack of understanding and empathy towards customers' emotional journeys, especially in times of financial stress. The failure to address this gap can result in lost opportunities, decreased customer satisfaction, and an overall decline in competitive advantage.
To bridge this digital empathy gap, James Robert Lay, host of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, emphasizes the adoption of a more customer-centric approach, integrating emotional intelligence into digital banking strategies. Implementing these strategies will not only enhance customer experience but also drive growth, build long-term loyalty, and establish a strong competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Join us as we discuss:
-Financial anxiety and the need for digital empathy. (5:42)
-How to bridge the "digital empathy gap." (10:10)
-The role of communication and marketing. (17:54)
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.

Dec 4, 2023 • 47min
355) Transforming Minds: Inspiring Change Within Your Organization
In the Age of AI, organizations face the challenge of undergoing various transformations - digital, marketing, sales, brand, and cultural. However, a critical aspect often overlooked is the human transformation, which is essential for both the institutions and their account holders.
This episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, featuring David Dibble, author of "The New Agreements in the Workplace," will explore effective strategie s to unlock and release the human spirit, aligning human transformation with organizational changes. This approach promises to guide banks, credit unions, and fintech companies along a path of holistic growth, ensuring that their transformations are as human-centered as they are technologically advanced.
Join us as we discuss:
-Unlocking human potential in the workplace. (13:15)
-Balancing emotional energy and logic in personal and professional growth. (21:31)
-AI's impact on society and human transformation. (32:44)
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.

Nov 28, 2023 • 40min
354) Navigating Chaos with Clarity: Emotion, Education, and Empowerment in Leadership
Today's financial landscape is fraught with rapid change and unpredictability. Leaders within banks, credit unions, and fintech firms are seeking footholds in this shifting terrain, striving to provide a clear vision and steady path forward.
In this episode of the Digital Leadership series with Audrey Cannata, Operations L ead at the Digital Growth Institute, we discuss a path through the storm. By harnessing the transformative power of emotion, the guiding light of education, and the unifying force of empowerment, leaders can not only navigate these uncertain times but also inspire their teams to co-create a future that's bigger, better, and brighter future.
Join us as we discuss:
-Emotional awareness and leadership. (5:25)
-Digital leadership, learning, and growth. (17:13)
-Prioritizing education and ongoing learning. (24:27)
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.

Nov 27, 2023 • 33min
353) Collaborative Learning: The Key to Digital Growth for Banks and Credit Unions
The financial industry, particularly community banks and credit unions, face challenges in adapting to digital transformation. Many of these organizations struggle with staying competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where traditional approaches are becoming less effective.
Matt Vance, FVP of Marketing & Product Strategy at Salal Credit Union joins the show to discuss a solution this issue which includes a combination of collaborative learning, niche marketing strategies, and leveraging AI and digital tools.
Join us as we discuss:
-Niche marketing for growth in a complex digital world (4:49)
-Leveraging storytelling in marketing (9:48)
-Marketing transformation and AI adoption (24:07)
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.

Nov 21, 2023 • 28min
352) Level Up in the Age of AI: Five Key Trends in Marketing and Sales
In this podcast, they discuss using AI tools for enhanced productivity and creativity in banking, optimizing digital channels and personal branding in finance, and the importance of financial wellness, social media, and employee support.

Nov 20, 2023 • 40min
351) Redefining Marketing's Role: Overcoming Perception Gaps for Future Growth
Financial marketing and sales leaders often face a critical challenge: a perception gap rooted in outdated experiences and education. The misalignment between marketing’s potential and the perceived role it plays within banks, credit unions, and fintech firms can lead to a disconnect with other business lines, undermining both internal collaboration and customer well-being.
In this episode of the Digital Growth Journeys series, James Robert Lay and John Huntinghouse VP of Marketing at TAB Bank, tackle this perception gap head-on. You'll learn how to harness ongoing learning to reshape perspectives, foster better relationships with business line leaders, and ultimately, how your marketing communications can positively impact customers' financial, physical, mental, and relational health.
Join us as we discuss:
-Bridging the gap between marketing and business units (7:52)
-Future growth and learning in the financial industry (15:15)
-Time blocking and reshaping perspectives (37:27)
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.