

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

Oct 10, 2023 • 26min
340) Empowering SMBs: The Key to Community Growth with Financial Brands
In today's fast-evolving economic landscape, small to midsize businesses (SMBs) play a pivotal role in community development. However, kicking off and scaling a small to midsize business can be a tough row to hoe. They are often in search of supportive community financial brands that can provide them with the much-needed help and hope.
The unexplored potential of collaboration between SMBs and financial brands can be the game-changer in promoting community growth.
In our latest episode, we explore the Heart of Growth series with April Clobes, the Presid ent and CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union. MSUFCU is leading the way in supporting SMBs, recognizing their indelible role in fostering community growth. This episode is not just a dialogue; it's a call to action for banks and credit unions to step up, engage with SMBs, and jointly usher in a new era of community growth and financial empowerment.
Join us as we discuss:
-Local partnerships and digital solutions (1:25)
-Collaboration and co-creation in financial services (8:48)
-Supporting small businesses through financial services (16:30)
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.

Oct 9, 2023 • 36min
339) From Athlete to Banker: Human Transformation in the Face of Change
Embarking on a journey of transformation can be filled with confusion and complex challenges. Many individuals find themselves trapped in the Cave of Complacency, unable to muster the courage to step out into the unknown.
Ryan Gonsalves, a professional athlete turned banker and now an entrepreneur, resonates with the internal turmoil and external complexities encountered on such unchartered journeys.
In the latest episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Ryan shares his intriguing voyage from the soccer field to the financial industry. Ryan's trailblazing endeavor in founding 2ndwind.io, the career discovery and transition platform for elite athletes., is an epitome of human transformation in the face of change.
So, if the path to your future in banking or FinTech seems shrouded in ambiguity, tune in to today’s episode to unveil how to steadfastly continue on your journey of self-discovery and growth, just as Ryan did.
Join us as we discuss:
-Transforming leadership and overcoming imposter syndrome. (7:46)
-Athlete financial planning and personal growth. (16:42)
-Overcoming obstacles in personal and professional growth. (20:36)
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.

4 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 38min
338) Blending Continuous Learning and Digital Innovation in the Financial Industry
The podcast discusses the importance of continuous learning in the financial industry amidst digital transformations. They explore the concept of augmenting vs. replacing automation and AI, and the role of training and education for bank and credit union leaders. The speakers also discuss using AI language models in education and finance. They propose creating replicable yet personalized training programs using AI tools like Chat GPT for member service and operational efficiency. The podcast also touches on the potential of a chat tool for personal and professional use.

Oct 3, 2023 • 32min
337) Transcending Financial Stress: Infusing Hope into Your Financial Brand's Narrative
People are looking for two things on their financial journey: Help and hope.
But for so many people, hope must come long before they're open, able, and willing to receive help.
And the good news is that your financial brand is likely offering help to people.
But how can you confidently communicate hope through your marketing and sales strategies?
In this episode of the Practical Perspective series, James Robert will be sharing insights from a recent keynote at NAFCU's Engage Annual Conference where you'll gain the knowledge and actionable steps to guide your account holders beyond financial stress towards an even bigger, better, and brighter future.
Join us as we discuss:
-Exponential technologies shaping consumer behavior (10:51)
-Financial stress, AI, and credit unions (18:07)
-Transforming consumer behaviors through mindset shifts (24:32)
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.

Sep 26, 2023 • 33min
336) Strategy Before Structure: Navigating Future Growth for Your Financial Brand
In a dynamic financial landscape, ensuring a well-structured strategy before making structural changes is essential for enduring success. Ryan Canin, the CEO and Co-founder of DocFox, a le ading provider of commercial account opening software, joins the show to explore the biggest growth opportunities for financial brands when they commit to put strategy before structure along with the potential pains and pitfalls for those that fail to do so.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of defining clear objectives and strategies before adopting new technologies or selecting vendors as well as being actively involved in the market, learning from other players not to mimic their strategies, but to foster a culture of continuous learning and inspiration.
In a rapidly advancing world, dedicating significant time each week to learn, adapt, and keep pace with real-world advancements is crucial.
Join us as we discuss:
-Banking strategies and vendor assessment (10:34)
-Goal-setting and overcoming roadblocks for growth (16:50)
-Innovation and learning in the banking industry (22:39)
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.

Sep 25, 2023 • 31min
335) Guiding the Real-life Heroes: A Bank for the Military Community
In every quintessential hero's journey, there exists a guiding force. Obi-Wan for Luke, Mr. Miyagi for Daniel son, and Gandalf for Frodo. However, in the real world, who guides our military heroes through their financial quests?
As part of Nymbus' "Heart of Growth" series on the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Jill Castilla, President a nd CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, joins the show to tal k about the inception of Roger, the f irst military-focused digital bank.
The mission? To pave a compassionate financial pathway for the military community. Roger isn't merely a digital bank; it's a compassionate guide for the military community. With a primary goal to alleviate financial challenges and foster financial literacy among military families, Roger represents a leap toward a future where banking is more human-centric, empathetic, and innovative.
Join us as we discuss:
-Legacy, growth, and serving the military community. (7:03)
-Military service and financial struggles. (12:58)
-Digital banking for military families. (26:34)
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.

Sep 19, 2023 • 48min
334) Unraveling the Real Cost of Hiring and Retaining Employees
Ever paused to ponder the true cost of bringing on a new team member?
Reflect on an open role within your financial institution, be it a bank, credit firm, or FinTech.
It's not just about the salary they'd earn.
Remember to account for perks and potential tax implications.
Now, take that figure and multiply it by three or even four. Surprised?
That's your actual hiring cost.
A staggering 65% of professionals in the financial domain could be scouting for new opportunities, as highlighted by a PwC study.
So, how can you make your organization an irresistible place they'd never want to leave?
Find out with speaker and author of Never Lose an Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention, Joey Coleman, on this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast.
Join us as we discuss:
-Work-life balance and integration for leaders (12:06)
-Employee well-being and its impact on business (29:43)
-Employee retention and respect in the workplace (36:40)
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.

Sep 18, 2023 • 33min
333) Harnessing Natural Strengths: The Power of the Kolbe Assessment
Are you truly aware of how you naturally initiate action or solve problems?
In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by Au drey Cannata, Operations Lead at the Digital Growth Institute and certified Kolbe consultant. They discuss using the Kolbe A Index to better understand yourself and how you naturally take action.
By understanding the three critical parts of the mind - cognitive, affective, and conative - individuals and teams can achieve exponential growth.
Learn how the conative aspect, our innate way of initiating action, is the key to preserving mental energy and achieving success. Discover the symbiotic balance between different conative modes in teams, and how a better understanding can sidestep conflicts and enhance productivity. Plus, unveil the prevalent modus operandi among financial brand leaders and the potential pitfalls of cognitive cloning.
This isn't just about assessment; it's about harnessing your natural tendencies and those of your team to foster a collaborative, efficient, and harmonious work environment.
Join us as we dicuss:
-Understanding the three parts of the mind: cognitive, affective, and conative (4:16)
-Effective team building and leadership (12:17)
-Navigating conative cloning and building confidence (16:27)
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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 43min
332) Unlocking Growth: How Technology is Changing the Financial Landscape
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.

Sep 11, 2023 • 39min
331) Guiding Through Uncertainty: Financial Brands as Beacons of Trust and Assurance
In this episode of the #HeartofGrowth series on the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, James Robert Lay and Rilla Delorier discuss the importance of financial brands guiding their communities in uncertain times.
Recent challenges like COVID-19 have caused exhaustion among bank CEOs and their teams. However, aligning a brand's purpose with customer well-being can boost morale and promote growth. Despite the swift digital transformation in finance, maintaining a balance between human and digital experiences is key.
By effectively using AI and machine learning, financial institutions can offer personalized solutions, but they must overcome internal resistance to tap into these technologies' full potential. To thrive, financial brands should harness technology, prioritize customer intimacy, and promote internal collaboration and inclusivity.
Rilla Delorier serves as an Independent Board Director for Nymbus and has over 30 years of executive experience in retail banking, healthcare, and management consulting.
Join us as we discuss:
- How financial brand can boost morale and energize teams, even when working remotely (7:40)
- Embracing new technologies like AI to enhance employees' abilities to serve customers, (18:16)
- The power of bankers collaborating to solve problems and share solutions instead of just competing (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.