Banking on Experience powered by BUSINESSNEXT

Tired of hearing about costly, disruptive core conversions that sideline credit unions when they need to compete most? There's a better way forward. In this episode, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Brynn Ammon, President of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, to explore how extending—not replacing—your core system could be the competitive advantage your credit union needs. You'll discover: Jack Henry's revolutionary approach using cloud-native microservices that integrate seamlessly with existing systems The shocking truth about member data: most credit unions have access to less than 25% of their members' complete financial picture How to build a unified data strategy that actually powers meaningful AI implementation Why fintechs are winning the membership battle and what credit unions can do about it The brutal reality: While credit unions debate AI strategies, they're losing market share to digital-first competitors who understand that great member experiences start with great data infrastructure. If you're a credit union leader feeling pressure to modernize without disrupting operations, this episode offers practical advice for competing in today's digital landscape while building on the foundation you already have. When it comes to your core banking system, stop thinking rip-and-replace. Start thinking extend and enhance.

What do 300 high schoolers, a treacherous dirt road, and an epic keg party have to do with your bank's data strategy? Everything, according to Joshua Barclay and Nick Del Francia from BusinessNext. In this unique episode, Joshua shares a wild story from his Connecticut party-throwing days to illustrate banking's biggest challenge: it's not about your products (everyone sells the same checking accounts and credit cards), it's about the experience—the "road"—that leads customers to those products. You'll discover: Why 66% of consumers want personalized experiences, but only 42% actually receive financial guidance from their bank How data silos are quietly sabotaging customer loyalty across all generations The uncomfortable truth about why your AI strategy is "dead on arrival" without unified data Real examples of how fragmented systems create frustrated customers (and employees) A practical roadmap for creating the "paved road" experience that keeps customers coming back Based on a hit keynote speech at Future Branches Boston, this episode combines surprising statistics, practical insights, and some laughs about pink suit jackets and terrible Lifetime movies. If you're tired of point solutions creating more problems than they solve, this episode reveals why unified data isn't just nice to have—it's the prerequisite for AI and everything else you're trying to accomplish.

Most credit unions are trapped in AI paralysis. It’s not because they don't want the competitive advantage, but because they're terrified of what happens when regulators come knocking. In this tactical episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Ray K. Ragan, Chief Information Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, to solve the AI compliance puzzle once and for all—so credit unions can tap into the transformative use cases waiting on the other side. Ray isn't your typical credit union executive. As an Army Reserve officer who served on the Army AI Task Force and holds multiple AI patents, he's witnessed AI's evolution from military-grade applications to credit union boardrooms.  His unique perspective bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and regulatory reality. Want the compliance roadmap? We cover it: risk assessments, board sign-offs, examiner questions. Plus, Ray reveals some powerful, unique AI use cases that are specific to credit unions.  If you’ve been waiting for a real-world answer to AI and compliance, this podcast episode is for you.  

What if the secret to member retention isn’t more data—but better use of it? In this live episode of Banking on Experience, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing credit unions today: keeping Members engaged in an era of limitless options and vanishing loyalty. You’ll learn: Why 44% of new accounts go inactive within a year—and how to reverse it The high cost of fake personalization Real-world tactics that combine human connection and AI-powered insights How a Detroit Lions-themed CD campaign turned into a member engagement machine Why you don’t need a data warehouse to start making data-driven decisions If you care about member relationships, operational efficiency, or turning data into action—this one’s for you. Our expert panel brings real-world strategies to the table: Brad Shafton, SVP of Digital & IT at Magnifi Financial, shares how his team creates hyper-personalized member experiences that actually drive retention. Emily Sutton, Director of Marketing at Community Financial CU, reveals how creativity, community, and data came together to power a wildly successful Lions-themed CD campaign. Mitch Rutledge, CEO & Co-founder of Vertice AI, breaks down how to ditch siloed data and start delivering smarter, faster member engagement—without waiting years to unify every system. These aren’t theorists—they’re operators inside credit unions getting real results. Here’s how they do it. Tune in and take notes.  

Bank of Idaho made headlines with its $245 million acquisition deal with Glacier Bancorp—a bold move at a time when community banks are battling rising regulatory pressure, digital disruption, and funding challenges. In this episode, Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Newgard shares: The key factors that drove the decision to sell The toughest leadership challenges during the transition How he approached cultural integration between two institutions The hard truths every community bank leader must face in today's fast-changing market Whether you're weighing an acquisition or simply trying to future-proof your financial institution, this episode offers real-world lessons you can’t get from a playbook. Listen now to hear Jeff’s brutally honest insights about M&A, leadership, and the future of community banking.  

Real-time payments are revolutionizing how money moves—faster, easier, and more seamless than ever. But with speed comes risk. Fraudsters aren’t just small-time scammers anymore; they’re running sophisticated, AI-powered crime rings that target credit unions and community banks in real time. So, how do financial institutions fight back? In this episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Jeff Scott, VP of Fraud Tech Solutions at Q2, a fraud prevention expert on the front lines of the fight against real-time financial crime.  Together, they reveal how credit unions and community banks can shift from playing defense to going on the offensive, covering topics like: How fraudsters have evolved into sophisticated, AI-powered crime rings. Why traditional fraud detection tools aren’t enough in a real-time payments world. How cutting-edge fraud prevention tech is helping FIs stay ahead of bad actors. The tricky balance between airtight security and seamless user experience. Fraud is no longer just a risk—it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry. If credit unions and banks don’t act now, they won’t just lose money—they’ll lose trust, members and customers, and their future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—tune in now and discover how to stay ahead of fraudsters before they strike. On another note: If you'd like to join us for our Demo Tuesday Sessions, where we demo the BUSINESSNEXT solution virtually and answer your CRM-related questions on Microsoft Teams, use this link to sign up. 

Banks and credit unions are sitting on a goldmine of data—so why aren’t they using it to drive real growth in their marketing motions? Too often, financial institutions collect massive amounts of customer insights but struggle to turn them into personalized marketing strategies that actually convert. The key isn’t just having data—it’s knowing how to use it. In this episode, we sit down with Phillip Bosley, Founder & CEO of Tactical Marketing Automation, to break down the roadblocks keeping banks and credit unions from leveraging their data effectively. We cover the following in this podcast episode: ✅ The biggest segmentation mistakes that lead to disengaged customers ✅ How automation bridges the gap between insights and action ✅ The brutally honest marketing truths financial institutions need to hear If you’re ready to stop letting valuable data collect dust and start using it to build smarter, more profitable marketing campaigns, this episode is for you.  If you'd like to join our Demo Tuesday sessions and see a deep dive of the Businessnext software solution, click here to register. Hope to see you there. 

Did you know that nearly half of new accounts—44%—go inactive within the first year? That’s not just lost revenue—it’s a major threat to long-term growth for banks and credit unions. The culprit? A broken onboarding process.  Too many financial institutions skip relationship-building and jump straight into cross-selling, leaving members and customers disengaged and more likely to churn. So what’s going wrong—and how can banks and credit unions turn things around?  Our guest, Har Rai Khalsa, CEO & Cofounder of Swaystack, joins hosts Joshua Barclay and Andrew Piron to uncover the biggest onboarding mistakes institutions make—and how to fix them. We’ll break down practical strategies to engage members from day one, boost retention, and drive long-term loyalty. If you want to turn new account holders into lifelong members, tune in now and discover the onboarding strategies that make the difference.  

Marketing budgets are being slashed. Competition is fiercer than ever. Proving ROI? It’s an uphill battle. Are you ready to transform your marketing from a cost center into a growth engine? In this episode of Banking on Experience, we’re joined by James Robert Lay, CEO of the Digital Growth Institute and host of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, boasting over 450 episodes of insider strategies. James reveals his proven playbook to help financial institutions unlock podcasting as a game-changing growth tool, defend their marketing budgets in tough times, and focus on the key areas that drive measurable results. Packed with brutally honest insights and actionable advice, this episode delivers everything you need to boost growth, prove ROI, and outpace the competition. Tune in now to discover The 2025 Marketing Playbook for Banks & Credit Unions. Whether you’re a marketer, executive, or aspiring leader, this podcast episode will act as your roadmap to better marketing perofrmance in 2025.   

Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival strategy.  But here’s the catch: 70-80% of digital transformation projects fail.  Why? Because many credit unions and banks unknowingly rent their digital future from vendors, leaving them trapped by hidden fees, outdated systems, and lack of control. In this episode of Banking on Experience, we sit down with Dylan Shaver, Chief Revenue Officer at TreXis, to uncover the truth about digital transformation.  Dylan shares why owning your digital infrastructure is the only way to truly innovate and how TreXis is helping financial institutions escape the endless cycle of vendor lock-in. You’ll hear about: The “build-to-own” approach that can save millions in licensing fees. The three foundational steps to a successful digital transformation. Why real-time data is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Brutally honest insights every leader needs to hear before embarking on a digital transformation journey. Ready to break free from outdated tech and reclaim your digital destiny? Get ready for a timely episode of Banking on Experience, hosted by Joshua Barclay.   

Credit unions are making waves not just locally, but globally!  The need for people helping people extends far beyond U.S. borders, and we’re about to take you on a journey that will expand your understanding of just how impactful this movement is. In the latest episode of Banking on Experience, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Reuter, CEO of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions.  From supporting disaster recovery efforts to driving financial inclusion across the globe, Mike shares eye-opening stories and highlights how credit unions are helping communities thrive across the world. Want to know how we can bridge the digital gap and bring financial inclusion to underserved communities? Or how technology and cooperation are uniting credit unions worldwide?  Mike’s insights will leave you both inspired and energized about the future of this movement.  

Think small credit unions can't thrive in a post-pandemic economy? Think again. If you believe they can't be at the forefront of innovation, it's time to reconsider. In this episode, we're joined by Jed Meyer, CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, who is rewriting the playbook for small-to-midsize credit unions.  Jed is challenging the status quo, growing, and innovating at a rapid pace—all while making no excuses and staying laser-focused on the core mission of the credit union movement: serving members and making a meaningful impact on the community. Get ready to dive deep into the strategies and mindset that have propelled St. Cloud Financial Credit Union to new heights. Discover how Jed Meyer's leadership is turning conventional wisdom on its head and positioning his credit union as a leader in both growth and innovation.  

Are you struggling with the complexities of getting crucial certifications and grants for your credit union?  We’re excited to welcome Shirley Senn, Chief Consulting Officer for CU Strategic Planning, a key figure in the credit union movement. With a passion for saving small credit unions and serving the underserved, Shirley has dedicated her career to helping financial institutions thrive. In this episode, Shirley shares her deep insights and expert advice on navigating the intricate world of certifications and grants. With a tremendous amount of change in the CDFI space over the last few years, many institutions are at risk of losing their hard-earned designations.  Shirley will address these challenges and provide the most important advice for credit unions striving to obtain their certification and strategies to preserve it.  

Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and the pandemic has intensified both mental and physical health crises. Traditional healthcare plans often fall short, leaving many to endure high-interest loans or forgo essential treatments. In this crucial episode of Banking on Experience, we explore how innovative fintech solutions and credit union collaboration are stepping in to address these challenges. Join us as we interview Paul Clampitt, Principal at CU Healthcare PayCard, and Kris Carerra, SVP at VyStar Credit Union. They share insights into CU Healthcare PayCard, a groundbreaking approach to healthcare financing that could revolutionize how members manage their medical expenses. Don’t miss this timely discussion on a solution that could reshape the future of healthcare funding.  

Ever feel like AI is just a buzzword? This episode is where the rubber meets the road. We’re diving into how AI can elevate your bank or credit union by growing your member base and deepening your existing relationships. Get ready for a no-nonsense AI breakdown with real-world applications that could up-level your approach to growth. Our guest today is Mitch Rutledge, CEO and Co-Founder of Vertice AI. Mitch breaks down the essentials of new member acquisition and expanding share of wallet, providing a clear blueprint for leveraging AI to achieve these goals. This discussion isn’t just theoretical. Mitch is setting the stage with practical AI use cases that are directly applicable to your financial institution’s growth strategy. Whether you’re aiming to expand your customer base or deepen existing relationships, learn how AI can drive these initiatives forward effectively and efficiently. Don’t let another year pass without tapping into the power of AI to enhance your institution's performance and reach.  Listen now and equip yourself with the knowledge to prioritize and execute AI-driven growth strategies that actually move the needle. 

In this episode, we dive into the rapidly expanding world of cannabis banking—a sector buzzing with opportunity yet tangled in regulatory constraints. Despite the broad legalization across states, federal hesitancy leaves many entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry struggling to find financial footing, caught in a limbo of being either unbanked or underbanked. Enter the vanguard of the Credit Union Industry, who are not just observing from the sidelines but actively stepping in to bridge this glaring gap. Join us for an enlightening discussion with two trailblazers leading the charge. Marsha Majors, President and CEO of US Eagle Federal Credit Union—one of New Mexico's most storied credit unions—shares her insights on delivering innovative financial solutions amid the unique challenges of cannabis banking. With a steadfast dedication to community service, Marsha brings invaluable perspectives on navigating the complex landscape of regulations and operational hurdles. Alongside Marsha, we welcome Tony Repanich, President and COO of Shield Compliance. Tony illuminates the path for financial institutions with Shield's cutting-edge compliance management platform, making it simpler for banks and credit unions to extend their services to Cannabis-Related Businesses (CRBs) safely and efficiently. Tune into another riveting episode of Banking in Experience, where we uncover the lessons learned and the groundbreaking strides being made in serving this underserved market. Don't miss this blend of expertise and innovation at the forefront of cannabis banking.  

Is legacy technology stifling innovation at your bank or credit union? In this transformative episode of the Banking on Experience Podcast, we delve into the heart of technological stagnation that plagues many financial institutions. Join us as we engage with the minds behind Janusea, the company at the forefront of breaking down the barriers imposed by outdated core systems. Kyle Stutzman, CEO and Co-founder of Janusea, along with Masako Long, VP of Sales, share their expert insights and the visionary blueprint they’ve developed to revolutionize the financial technology landscape. This episode is more than just a discussion; it’s a deep dive into the specific challenges of integrating with legacy systems and how to navigate these with strategic finesse and innovative thinking. Discover the tactical steps, from initial assessment to execution, and the crucial strategic partnerships that make integrating cutting-edge fintech solutions not just a possibility, but a streamlined process. Kyle and Masako illuminate the path towards transforming your institution into a more interconnected, efficient, and customer-centric entity. This episode was a revelation. It answered the long-standing question of why connecting with legacy systems can feel as daunting as hacking into Area 51—and, more importantly, it showed that it doesn't have to be this way.  This dialogue is a must-listen for any financial professional determined to move past the hurdles of legacy systems and steer their institution towards a future of technological empowerment and innovation. Don't let legacy technology dictate your institution's future. Tune in to discover how to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and technological renewal.  

As credit unions and their members face an intensifying landscape of challenges, from stringent audits to strategic mergers, this episode sheds light on the crucial decisions shaping the industry's future. I Join Joshua Barclay and John Taylor, alongside growth engineer John Dearing from Capstone Strategic, as they dissect controversial merger impacts, forecast economic shifts, and unveil cutting-edge growth strategies that promise to redefine credit union success. Whether you're navigating the pitfalls of fintech investments or seeking innovative ways to increase product and service penetration, this episode offers actionable insights and expert advice to guide you through. Don't miss this opportunity to transform challenges into stepping stones for growth. Tune in now to "Banking on Experience" and arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in 2024 and beyond.  To watch an interactive demo of the CRMNEXT platform, click this link.

Dive into the realm of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, where innovation isn't just a buzzword – it's a way of life, thanks to their groundbreaking innovation lab. Witness firsthand how Michigan State University Federal Credit Union sets the standard in the credit union landscape through relentless innovation and strategic foresight. Gain unparalleled insights from the CEO herself, April Clobes, as she shares the transformative strategies and inventive solutions driving their success. Michigan State University Federal Credit Union has an impressive record of achievements: Serving over 338,000 members worldwide, they've been recognized by American Banker as a top credit union employer for six consecutive years. In 2022 alone, their commitment to the community was evident as they supported 292 local organizations, conducted 1,618 financial education events, and earned accolades for their dedicated service to Hispanic communities. So, what can Michigan State University Federal Credit Union’s CEO teach you about innovation and strategy in this unfriendly economy? You’re gonna want to find out.  Join us in this not-to-be-missed episode and future-proof your credit union with the tools and wisdom needed to innovate quickly.  

Are you up to date with the latest consumer lending trends for credit unions and banks in 2024? We've invited a renowned industry expert to demystify emerging consumer lending trends and reveal opportunities for your credit union or bank. Meet our guest, Jade Beckman, the Vice President of Consumer Lending at Mountain America Credit Union, steering credit card services, loan options, and member-centric financial solutions. Join our brutally honest conversation with Jade, as we dive into the latest consumer lending trends that will shape your decision-making in 2024. Essential for any lending professional, this episode of Banking on Experience offers key insights to excel in lending this year. As of January 2023, Mountain America Credit Union reported a staggering $16 billion in assets, firmly securing its position as the 10th largest credit union in the United States by total assets. Mountain America Credit Union achieved another remarkable milestone –– surpassing one million members, making it one of the only eight credit unions to reach such a mark. What sets Mountain America Credit Union apart is its member-first approach, prioritizing financial wellness over profits. This ethos drives their commitment to offering a wide range of flexible, effective financial solutions. Ready to revolutionize your lending strategy in 2024? Don't miss this game-changing episode of Banking on Experience.