

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

Jun 17, 2024 • 40min
409) Navigating the AI Hype Cycle in the Financial Industry
AI is creating a lot of buzz across industries, but where are we in the AI hype cycle? Uncertainty about AI’s place in the cycle confuses financial leaders about future growth. These negative emotions are enhanced by the godown curves of the hype cycles and the natural human resistance to change, resulting in burnout and stagnation.Leaders can effectively navigate transformation journeys by understanding models like the AI hype cycle and change management frameworks. This podcast discusses the significance of human-centric approaches, considering human factors, and maintaining external accountability. Financial brands should prioritize community engagement and continuous learning post-conference to apply insights and sustain momentum. Additionally, financial leaders should focus on mastering their mindset and physical well-being to achieve sustainable growth in the digital age.Join us as we discuss:-Stages of AI Adoption (04:40) -The Kubler-Ross Change Curve (11:39) -Conference Fatigue and Future Recommendations (19:57) 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.

Jun 12, 2024 • 54min
408) Meaning is the Mission: Creating a Brighter Financial Future Together
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.

Jun 10, 2024 • 32min
407) The Exponential IDEAS Framework: Turning Insights into Action
In an industry where transformational change is necessary for organizations to thrive, leaders often find it challenging to effectively communicate and implement the insights and ideas they gain from conferences and events. This difficulty is fueled by the inherent fear of change and the complexity of translating newfound knowledge into actionable steps for their teams.By employing the "Exponential Ideas Framework" and creating a community for continuous learning and accountability, leaders can methodically translate their conference learnings into actionable plans. This framework helps leaders capture top insights, decide on key actions, and expand upon their benefits, while emphasizing the importance of storytelling to convey messages effectively.Join us as we discuss:-Understanding the Fear of Change (03:42)-Effective Communication of New Ideas (11:11) -The Exponential IDEAS Framework (19:09) 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.

Jun 4, 2024 • 45min
406) Navigating Change: Transforming Teams in the Age of AI
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.

Jun 3, 2024 • 49min
405) The Future of Banking: AI, Machine Learning, and Predictive Analytics
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.

May 28, 2024 • 41min
404) Beyond Commoditization: Elevating the Human-Digital Experiences
There’s a pressing need for financial brands to maintain individuality while navigating the digital journey and customer experience. To address these challenges, organizations need to utilize behavioral economics to craft meaningful customer experiences and adopt a 'yes and' mindset to move from product-based sales to a more human-centric approach.In this episode of the Digital Growth Journeys series, Josh Cook, CEO of Community Choice Credit Union, shares several unconventional strategies his organization has implemented, such as personalized interactions, digital promotions, and leveraging sponsorships to increase awareness and membership. They’ll also cover the importance of balancing digital and in-person experiences and embracing change to achieve exponential growth. Join us as we discuss:-Challenging the Status Quo in Financial Marketing (06:11) -Redefining Financial Services Through Human Connection (18:27) -Rethinking Media Buying and Advertising (25:36) 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.

9 snips
May 27, 2024 • 1h 3min
403) Leveraging AI: Exponential Growth Strategies for Financial Brands
Explore how AI is transforming the financial industry with practical strategies to capitalize on exponential growth opportunities. From optimizing conversions with digital growth tactics to enhancing user experience engineering, this episode offers valuable insights for financial brands navigating the age of AI.

May 21, 2024 • 42min
402) Mastering Your Mindset to Achieve Exponential Growth
Many individuals and organizations struggle with adaptability and transformation, hindering their growth and success. In this episode of the Banking on Change series, James Robert Lay and Audrey Cannata discuss the challenges of stepping out of comfort zones, the pitfalls of self-limiting beliefs, and the difficulties involved in personal transformation. This episode provides strategies for overcoming these obstacles, such as embracing the Minimum Viable Product approach for rapid learning and iteration, understanding and leveraging different action modes within teams, and the importance of self-reflection and lifelong learning. They advise focusing on what's in your control, leading oneself first, and the continual pursuit of growth both personally and organizationally.Join us as we discuss:-The Journey of Writing and Personal Growth (06:52)-Preparing for Exponential Growth: A Deep Dive (14:18) -The Importance of Personal Growth in Organizational Transformation (18:17)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.

May 20, 2024 • 45min
401) The Inner Economics: Exploring Our Deep Relationship with Money
Financial stress and anxiety affects 85% of the population in the United States, influencing health, relationships, and overall well-being. This stress often stems from the burdens of financial expectations and how societal pressures and family narratives can lead individuals to wear financial masks, using money as a tool for external validation rather than a means for genuine fulfillment and security.In this episode of the Digital Leadership series, Audrey Cannata and James Robert Lay explore the concept of reframing one’s financial narrative. They advocate for integrating emotional aspects of money management into financial education and coaching, emphasizing the shift towards prioritizing intrinsic motivation. Their discussion includes practical advice on fostering a supportive environment for financial growth through understanding and emotional connection, both at a personal and institutional level.Join us as we discuss:-Unpacking Money Narratives and Beliefs (05:55) -The Journey Towards Financial Well-being (22:25) -The Role of Financial Coaching in Transformation (33:19) 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.

May 14, 2024 • 38min
400) Banking on Change: Cultivating Digital Relationships for Growth
In the digital age, building and maintaining relationships, especially in the financial industry, is challenging. Many people struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of digital transformation, which can feel overwhelming and intimidating.In this episode of the Banking on Change series, James Robert outlines practical strategies for leveraging digital tools to build relationships and foster community engagement. He suggests using LinkedIn to connect with local community members, share valuable content, and engage with others' posts. The strategy is not just about promoting oneself but about contributing value, which in turn can help financial leaders become integral parts of their communities.Join us as we discuss:-Achieving Amazon Bestseller Status: A Team Effort (03:49) -The Power of Giving First in Digital Relationships (09:35) -Practical Steps for Cultivating Digital Relationships on LinkedIn (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.