Banking on Digital Growth

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

In the realm of strategic planning, branding, and marketing for financial institutions, there exists a continuous tension between using pure logic and rationale versus tapping into feelings, emotions, and intuition. Leaders and marketing professionals often struggle with balancing these approaches, resulting in a disconnect within their strategic efforts.To address these issues, the episode provides actionable advice and insights. James Robert Lay and Allison Netzer, chief strategist at BrandThnk, discuss practical steps marketers can take, such as beginning with intuition in decision-making and refining it with logical analysis. They advocate for marketing the role of marketing internally with the same vigor used for external branding. Allison also suggests specific exercises like writing customer stories about oneself to reconnect with internal values.Join us as we discuss:-The Rise of the Wisdom Economy (06:36) -The Shirky Principle and Conviction in Leadership (16:19) -The Role and Perception of Marketing (24:43) You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Risk aversion has become a paralyzing force within banks and credit unions, particularly in marketing and sales teams. For institutions that prioritize security, the common reflex is to avoid taking bold action—often to prevent failure or blame. However, as Audrey Cannata and James Robert Lay explore in this episode, it’s precisely this fear of failure and the tendency to assign blame that stifles innovation and keeps organizations stagnant in a rapidly evolving industry.James Robert Lay, a seasoned entrepreneur, contrasts his approach to risk with the more cautious mindset common in banking, showing how this “safety-first” mentality can create blind spots and lead to missed opportunities. Audrey Cannata draws from her experience as educator to highlight how embracing calculated risks and letting go of blame can empower teams to tackle challenges head-on. The solution? Cultivating a culture that prioritizes growth over fear, curiosity over criticism, and boldness over blame—one where marketing and sales leaders can confidently address gaps, learn from them, and drive true growth in their institutions.Join us as we discuss:-The Impact of Risk Aversion in Education (03:19)-Blame Culture vs. Risk Aversion (12:51)-Embracing Bold Moves for Growth (30:20)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Change is hard—especially in the financial industry, where traditional approaches can feel like a comfortable safety net. But as financial brands aim to grow and stay relevant, inaction or rigid mindsets can hold entire teams back. Adapting to new technologies, customer expectations, and market shifts isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about creating a resilient, future-ready brand.In this episode, James Robert Lay, joined by David Barone, EVP of Client Growth at Nymbus, dives into a simple, transformative three-step framework to help marketing, sales, and leadership teams move confidently through change. They break down how a “growth mindset” is the foundation for successful transformation and show why adaptability—both in mindset and in technology—can unlock new opportunities for scale and differentiation in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.Join us as we discuss:-Showing Up and Overcoming Perfection (09:21 )-Differentiation through Verticalization (18:12)-Scaling with Strategy (28:00)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many financial brand leaders feel stuck and unable to take the necessary actions to overcome the challenges they face. This sense of being stuck can stem from several factors, including pride, arrogance, fear of conflict, and the fear of looking in the mirror and confronting unpleasant truths.This stagnation not only impacts the leaders personally but also hampers the growth and effectiveness of their organizations. The key to overcoming this stagnation lies in cultivating self-respect, trust, and continuous personal growth. It encourages leaders to engage in self-reflection, embrace change, and take courageous steps towards action and accountability. By mastering the 'software' of their minds, leaders can unlock their potential and lead their teams more effectively, contributing to a culture of respect, trust, and innovation within their organizations.Join us as we discuss:-Ego and Avoidance in Leadership (03:01)-Conflict Avoidance and Personal Growth (09:27)-Embracing Change and Continuous Growth (20:25)You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brands often focus on digital transformation and new technologies to drive growth, but they miss a critical piece: human transformation. Without aligning their teams and culture to embrace change, even the best technology won’t unlock new opportunities. Sticking to old habits while trying to implement new technologies creates roadblocks, misaligned efforts, and frustrating customer experiences. If nothing changes internally, no amount of digital investment will drive the desired results.In this episode, James Robert Lay and Danny Varghese, President of Fortimize, discuss how financial brands can break through these barriers by focusing on human transformation first. By building a culture that values adaptability, communication, and continuous learning, organizations can effectively implement digital tools and unlock new growth opportunities. Listen to learn how to set the foundation for both human and digital transformation in 2025.Join us as we discuss:-Challenges in Customer Acquisition (07:50) -Opportunities for Efficiency and Relationship Building (13:20) -People, Process, Technology, and Data (26:33) You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

There’s no sugar coating it: Your bank or credit union is losing money—right now—because of hidden blind spots in your customer journey. If you don’t take action, these problems will persist, costing you even more in 2025. The longer you wait, the more you risk falling behind your competition. But the real issue? You probably aren’t even aware of just how many loans and deposits your bank or credit union is losing. That’s why we created the Digital Growth Accelerator Program. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get everything you need to accelerate loan and deposit growth in 2025 through research-driven assessments, practical action plans, and collaboration with like-minded peers. It makes growth accessible with minimal time and financial investment, all while providing hands-on guidance from the experts at the Digital Growth Institute. Now is the time to take action and ensure you thrive in 2025.Join us as we discuss:-Introducing the Digital Growth Accelerator (11:45) -The Value of the Accelerator Program (23:23)-Addressing Common Objections: Time and Budget (29:13) You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Financial brands miss out on millions in loans and deposits by not leveraging digital growth strategies and personal branding. There's a hesitation to utilize new communication channels like social media or podcasts due to compliance concerns and traditional mindsets. Ray Drew, top-producing SBA Lender and the host of #1 Podcast in the SBA Industry: The Art of SBA Lending, discusses practical steps, including creating engaging content, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, and adapting modern marketing techniques to stay ahead. He shares  expert advice emphasizing that building a strong digital presence can significantly enhance trust, attract new business, and position financial brands to thrive in the future.Join us as we discuss:-Ray Drew's Journey in SBA Lending (02:29) -The Birth of SBA Ray and Building Trust Through Content (16:28) -The Power of Personal Branding (38:07) You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In today's digital banking landscape, human connection is more important than ever. Discover how many financial institutions miss the mark on customer interaction. Real-time secret shopping reveals frustrating experiences, like demanding sensitive info upfront. Explore the emotional challenges consumers face with financial products and the need for transparency. Learn from Zappos' revolutionary customer service strategies that prioritize humor and warmth. This engaging discussion highlights the vital role of human touch in enhancing digital sales.

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