In the latest episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Chad Ritchie, CIO at Ventura County Credit Union, for an insightful discussion. Ritchie emphasized the importance of aligning technology strategies with member needs and outcomes rather than adopting new tech for its own sake. He highlighted how data control and innovation cycles are critical for credit unions to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.Ritchie elaborated on the cha...
In the latest episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sat down with Chris Aliotta, President and CEO of Quantalytix, to discuss the future of banking and technology's role in transforming the industry. Aliotta shared insights from his journey, which began with a fascination for technology at a young age, eventually leading him to create innovative solutions in the financial services sector. He emphasized the importance of deeply understanding the domain to drive impactful chan...
In a recent episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, hosted by Josh DeTar, Donovan Forrai, Director of Sales at DBSI, shared insights on the evolving landscape of banking. Forrai emphasized the importance of small-town values and community engagement in financial services. Growing up in the Midwest, he learned early on the significance of losing as a learning experience and how foundational community and collaboration are to personal and professional success.Forrai discussed the intersection o...
In a recent episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar interviewed Mac Thompson, the Founder and CEO of White Clay. Thompson shared his unique journey from a punk rock surfer kid to a leader in the banking industry, illustrating how his unconventional background shaped his innovative approach to financial services. He discussed the significant transformations he witnessed in banking, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology and data to drive meaningful change.Thompson ...
In a 100th episode of the "Digital Banking Podcast," host Josh DeTar welcomed Margarete Mucker, a recently retired EVP of Operations from Star One Credit Union. DeTar and Mucker delved into her profound impact on the financial industry and shared personal stories highlighting her career and life decisions. Mucker's narrative began with her early banking career in Germany, leading to her life-changing move to the United States following her marriage.Mucker shared insights into her innovative w...
In the latest episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar interviewed Caitlin Brama, the CEO of Farm Credit Employees Federal Credit Union. Brama shared her unconventional journey to becoming a credit union CEO, highlighting her transition from a branch manager role and the challenges she faced along the way. Her story underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in the financial sector.Brama emphasized the need for credit unions to stay relevant by doubling down on t...
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar welcomed Debbie Miglaw, Vice President of Digital Solutions and Business Development at Broadridge. Miglaw shared her unique journey from being a national champion in velodrome track racing to excelling in digital solutions and business development. Her early experiences in competitive cycling instilled in her valuable skills like discipline, focus, and creativity, which she later channeled into her professional career.DeTar and Migla...
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar spoke with Evgeny Filichkin from Keytom. Evgeny shared his journey from Russia to Dubai, exploring the evolution of his career in cryptocurrency and alternative trading. He explained why Dubai has become a premier hub for crypto startups, citing its favorable legal infrastructure and vibrant, innovative community.Filichkin elaborated on the benefits of Dubai's regulatory environment, which fostered growth for crypto businesses by...
In this episode of Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar interviewed Zach Eychaner, VP of Digital Experience at ELGA Credit Union. They explored the crucial role of digital strategy in credit unions, emphasizing the need for personalized member experiences and the importance of staying true to the organization's mission. Eychaner shared his insights on how technology can help credit unions serve their members better without losing the personal touch that defines them.Eychaner discussed the...
In this episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Mike Tranum, CIO of DuPont Community Credit Union, for an engaging discussion on risk management, innovation, and member experience. Tranum emphasized the value of diverse generational experiences in corporate problem-solving, sharing personal anecdotes about his unique approach to projects and professional challenges.The conversation explored the dynamics of risk perception, with Tranum using analogies like skiing and h...
In this engaging episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar spoke with Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Banks. The conversation began with Schurr drawing an intriguing parallel between his hobby of creating stained glass and strategic planning in banking. He explained how both activities require vision, patience, and adaptability, reflecting the dynamic nature of managing strategy within the financial sector.Schurr delved into his role as a futurist, emphasizing the...
In the latest episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar welcomed Nichole Williamson, the Chief Strategy Officer at Zilker Media. They explored the significant role of authentic marketing in community financial institutions. Williamson shared her passion for building genuine connections and the importance of integrating community values into marketing strategies.DeTar and Williamson discussed the evolving landscape of community banking, emphasizing the necessity of storytelling and re...
In a thought-provoking episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Stephen Baker, CEO at Kinective, for an in-depth conversation on the evolution of digital and physical banking. DeTar and Baker explored the significant impact community financial institutions (FIs) have on their localities and the fear that these critical entities might vanish without technological adaptation and innovation.Baker shared his journey from the tech sector to the banking industry, emphasizing...
In this enlightening episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar welcomed Monique Little of First Tech Federal Credit Union and Nate LaMora of Ground Up Coffee Shop. The trio discussed the innovative collaboration between a credit union and a local coffee shop designed to empower students and support community financial institutions. Through this partnership, they’ve created a model that benefits both the community and the participating students, providing them with invaluable real-wor...
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Brian Kaas, Managing Director at TruStage Ventures, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of fintech investments and community financial partnerships. Drawing from his rich background, Kaas shared his experiences and the significant role that venture capital plays in the innovation and advancement of the banking sector. The conversation delved into how strategic investments and partnerships are essential ...
In the latest episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar welcomed Sarah Snell Cooke from The Credit Union Connection. They embarked on a discussion about Cooke's transition from journalism to becoming a credit union advocate. Cooke's unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry were a focal point.The episode also delved into how credit unions are leveraging digital transformation to enhance member services. Cooke highlighted the critical role of personaliz...
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, guest Ning Duong, Chief Operating Office of Credit Union West and host Josh DeTar discuss the progressive approach of Credit Union West towards empowering next-generation leadership and prioritizing employee well-being. The discussion revolves around the organization's commitment to nurturing next-generation leaders by prioritizing empathy, flexibility, and support, moving away from traditional leadership models to create positive employee exper...
In this episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Sanjib Kalita, the Head of Industry for Fintech Meetup, an annual conference that brings together fintechs at all stages of development and financial institutions from across North America and beyond. Kalita shared his extensive experience in the fintech industry, discussing the dynamic interplay between technology and financial services. He reflected on his journey from working at Intel to his current role, highlighting...
In this insightful episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Bill Kennedy, an experienced credit union executive currently at 4Front Credit Union. Kennedy, with over 35 years in the credit union sector, shared his unique journey in the industry. Starting out as a talented golfer hired by a bank to win tournaments, he accidentally discovered his path in credit unions. The discussion went beyond Kennedy's career trajectory. He delved into the importance of networking...
In the latest episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Dr. Siva Narendra, CEO and co-founder of Tyfone. The episode centered around the digital transformation thought leader Dr. Narendra’s look back on 2023’s biggest moments in banking and technology, and his predictions for 2024 and beyond. DeTar and Narendra discussed the intersections of technology and empathy in banking. His background as a pocket-protector-wearing geek as well as a patent-authoring innovator was h...