Banking on Digital Growth

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

In this special episode of the Exponential Insights, James Robert Lay is joined by both Corey LeBlanc, co-founder and COO/CTO at Locality Bank, and Har Rai Khalsa, CEO and co-founder of Swaystack. Together, they dive deep into the critical topic of optimizing onboarding and engagement for banks and credit unions.They’ll share their expert insights on how addressing friction in your onboarding process can stop your financial brand from losing millions in loans and deposits, while also building stronger, more profitable relationships. Whether you're a financial marketer, sales leader, or executive, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help your institution grow by transforming the customer experience from day one.Join us as we discuss:-Addressing Onboarding Gaps and Challenges (06:22) -Simplifying Complex Banking Processes (25:14) -Practical Steps to Enhance Customer Trust (34:44) 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 today's episode of the Exponential Insights series we discuss a significant issue faced by financial institutions: the loss of loans and deposits via their websites. Despite the clear advantages, many credit unions and banks struggle with the digital transformation needed to optimize their website's performance.James Robert is joined by Derik Krauss, shareholder and senior website consultant at BloomCU, to discuss the resistance financial brands show toward change, despite the evident opportunities for growth. They touch upon the 'tyranny of the status quo,' explaining that many organizations are hindered by outdated practices and a fear of radical transformation. They urge financial brands to embrace change, potentially even launching new, focused brands to capture unmet market needs.Join us as we discuss:-Empathy and Authenticity in Marketing (12:04) -The Tyranny of the Status Quo (23:22) -The Innovator's Dilemma in Banking (51:13) 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.