Believe in Banking

In this special guest episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina and Juliet welcome Michael Bell, Partner and Leader of the Financial Institutions Practice at Honigman, LLP, where he has become the nationwide leader and go-to legal adviser for credit unions seeking scale. In their lively conversation on M&A in financial services, Michael discusses the growth outlook for community financial institutions and ways that mergers and acquisitions help further the credit union mission and movement. He shares his belief that credit unions and community banks are ‘kissing cousins’ – both sharing the same passion for serving customers and communities and facing similar regulatory and competitive challenges. Finally, they discuss data-driven decision making and the role of research in guiding growth strategies for community financial institutions, whether it’s for M&A, branding or branching.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, Adrenaline’s Chief Brand Officer Juliet D’Ambrosio joins Gina Bleedorn as the new cohost of the Believe in Banking podcast, as Sean Keathley, the former CEO of Adrenaline, moves to an advisory capacity to focus on his health. In this discussion, Gina and Juliet explore artificial intelligence in banking and the opportunities it brings to transform banking experiences. They note how the past year has been pivotal as the next wave of generative AI rolls out with powerful tools, like ChatGPT. Their conversation covers current uses of AI for banking, such as chatbots for customer service, and outlines the operational and productivity gains for banks that adopt AI. They address how banking is already an AI frontrunner with the financial industry leading the way for AI adoption, with the potential to automate anywhere between 20% and 40% of banking tasks. Finally, Gina and Juliet discuss how artificial intelligence can free bankers from the rote aspects of their roles and allow them to focus on higher-value conversations and connections with customers.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In episode two of our two-part Believe in Banking podcast series on growth, Sean and Gina discuss the evolving expectations in banking – from generational demands for advisory experiences to neighborhood variations – all impacting how the branch functions. Their conversation covers how generational life stage differences offer an opportunity for banks to step up and serve, especially as Millennials and Gen Z visit the physical bank branch more frequently and Gen X enters their prime earning years. They address the need for financial institutions to adapt to these changing conditions and reimagine their retail delivery. They also share best practices of financial institutions that have successfully updated and modernized their branches by starting with a strategy and establishing a new North Star experience, resulting in branches with the right bankers, the right design, in the right neighborhoods.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In episode one of a two-part Believe in Banking podcast series on growth, Sean and Gina kick off the new year with a discussion around how financial institutions are increasing their influence to reach more consumers where they are. From the rising momentum around M&A to organic growth and branching, financial institutions are looking to boost their competitive edge by becoming bigger and stronger. In this renewed environment, even new bank formation is on the rise. Their conversation covers the significance of marquis events like Bank Director’s “Acquire or Be Acquired” conference where Adrenaline’s Bethany Lewis will be presenting. Going further, they discuss new data on CEO confidence and its role in driving deals forward in 2024. Finally, they touch on employer brand strategy as a key way to onboard and retain employees and emphasize the importance of rebranding to attract both new customers and talent alike.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In part two of the special guest episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Sean and Gina welcome back Dan Rousseve, Chief Information Officer, and Angie Dvorak, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, of Everwise Credit Union, formerly Teachers Credit Union. They continue the discussion on the credit union’s rebranding journey, including challenges they faced from Covid to change in leadership, both of which had the potential to stall their progress. But they persevered, knowing what a refreshed brand could do for their organization. When it was unveiled, the new brand Everwise was widely embraced by employees and members alike, and represented a way to re-found the credit union with renewed purpose.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this special guest episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Sean and Gina welcome Dan Rousseve, Chief Information Officer, and Angie Dvorak, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, of Everwise Credit Union, formerly Teachers Credit Union. In their dynamic discussion, Dan and Angie address the credit union’s storied history and the challenges of operating as Teachers Credit Union as they expanded their membership base beyond their educator origins. The conversation covers the important role that formal and informal research played in building consensus among the C-Suite toward a name change and touches on the growth potential with their new name, Everwise. Finally, they highlight just how essential it is to have an ownable brand name that is both inclusive and unique.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In episode two of our Believe in Banking podcast series on Gen Z, Sean and Gina welcome back Adrenaline’s Chief Brand Officer, Juliet D’Ambrosio. Armed with knowledge about this myth-busting generation, the three discuss how banks and credit unions are adapting to meet the needs of Gen Z. They provide examples of institutions like UniWyo Credit Union, AMOCO Credit Union and Guaranty Bank that have created updated experiences to engage people throughout their life stages and share meaningful insights about how modern and approachable branch design welcomes in Gen Z into a new banking relationship. Finally, they discuss the importance of branding and how banks and credit unions can lean on their brands to connect with Gen Z and all other generations, as well.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In episode one of a two-part Believe in Banking podcast series, Sean and Gina tackle the topic on the minds of every banker out there – the influence and impact of Gen Z on banking and beyond. They invite on Adrenaline’s Chief Brand Officer, Juliet D’Ambrosio, for a dynamic discussion in advance of the new report from Adrenaline called “Gen Z and the Future of Finance: A Generational Guide for Banking Leaders,” available in October. Their conversation covers what makes Gen Z such a myth-busting generation, addressing everything from how they think about money to what they think about brands. Although they have all the internet’s information right at their fingertips, they seek out financial experts and want human interaction in their banking relationships. Learn more about how banking can meet the moment with the generation that came of age in in economic uncertainty and recession.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, Sean and Gina share timely insights from speaking and participation at the financial industry’s leading conferences. Specifically, they discuss demands on banking and credit union leaders relating to their branch networks and how planning for saving and growing at the same time is essential for institutions of all sizes. To make the most of opportunities that branches bring, many institutions have been active in either acquiring small networks or building new locations in growth markets. Addressing the latest generational data, they discuss how people from all generations are seeking in-person advisory services at the branch as everyday transactions go digital. Finally, they look at examples that range from Chase to Guaranty bank in Mississippi and the powerful combination of the right market with the right staffing and the right physical presence.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this special summer episode on banking innovation, Sean and Gina look at change in financial services at the institutional and industry level. With data and insights gathered from the financial services sector’s most influential gatherings, they discuss new ways that banks and credit unions usher in upgrades to meet customer expectations, while driving more efficiencies in the branch network. They discuss deploying digital solutions and ITMs that go beyond omnichannel, into a total experience journey, and share examples of forward-thinking organizations focused on future-proofing and growing their institutions.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm