For our final show of 2025, we take a look back at some of our favorite episodes of the year. Thanks for listening! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with Anton Schutz, President and Founder of Mendon Capital. As an investor, he has a unique perspective on trends shaping community banks. We discuss what surprised him in 2025 within the banking landscape, M&A, credit outlooks, and other topics you should be paying attention to as we near 2026. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we talk with Carey Ransom, founder of BankTech Ventures. We discuss what success for fintechs looks like and which tech investments are improving overhead efficiency. He also tells us where banks are hesitant with AI and where banks can get started with it. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors. He tells us all about the forces that are "squeezing" community banks out of existence. Ron also shares what to focus on so your bank can thrive and succeed in the longterm. Check out our Ebook on loan hedging here! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with Frank Trotter, CEO of Battle Bank. We talk about his background with EverBank, how he raised $100 million in capital to start Battle Bank, and how to build a bank based on "mindset" not geography. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Gen Z has joined the workforce, and effective leadership is looking different as a result. Tim Elmore tells us how to bridge the generational gap to better lead a generation unlike any we've seen before. Download your free copy of the "Hedging for Community Banks" Ebook here. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we feature another backstage conversation from the 2025 Elevate Banking Forum with David Salyers, retired Chick-fil-A executive and SouthState board member. We talk about his journey to Chick-fil-A and the principles that give the company a competitive edge. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today Chris Nichols sits down with Steven Ramirez from Beyond the Arc to discuss their thoughts on Money 20/20. They talk about stablecoin, fraud, AI, and several other topics that banks should be thinking on as we move into 2026. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we feature a backstage conversation recorded on October 28th at the 2025 Elevate Banking Forum. Tom Fitzgerald from SouthState sits down with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg to discuss the current state of the U.S. Economy. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Gwen Wertz, SVP of Retail Banking at Provident Bank, to discuss how her team drives deposit growth and manages funding costs in a competitive environment. Gwen shares practical insights from her experience leading deposit strategy meetings, building a culture of collaboration, and balancing acquisition with retention. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today, Chris Nichols sits down with Alex Johnson, author of popular newsletter Fintech Takes. They discuss the importance of Stablecoin as it's related to the banking industry and why community banks should pay attention to it. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we're joined by Mac Thompson, founder and CEO of White Clay, a company helping banks use data to drive smarter, more profitable decisions. We talk about whether banking is getting easier or harder, what the data says about the current state of the industry, and how banks can sell more profitable products to more profitable customers. Mac also shares common mistakes banks make, what community banks are doing well, and how institutions can become the primary financial relationship for their customers. Get your copy of our free Loan Hedging Ebook here! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today Chris Nichols sit down with Subodh Mathur to talk about his work with India's UPI system and what American banks can learn. Subodh Kumar Mathur, Strategic Advisor to Amberoon, brings deep expertise in public financial management and national-scale digital ecosystems. A retired Additional Controller General of Accounts from India's Ministry of Finance, he led the creation of India's Public Financial Management System (PFMS), which handles over 3 billion transactions annually. His experience in building trusted, integrated systems informs Amberoon's deployment of the Manatoko ID platform. Mr. Mathur also advises the IMF and World Bank, enhancing Amberoon's global capabilities in modernizing public financial systems. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
In this episode, Caleb sits down with J.R. Lay—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Level Up Business—to explore how community banks can deepen relationships and drive growth through authentic communication. They discuss the power of personal branding, the role of video and content in building trust, and why helping first is the key to long-term success. J.R. also shares his "Five Cs" framework for connecting with entrepreneurs and creating meaningful community impact. If you're a bank leader looking to grow your influence and relevance, this episode is for you. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today Tom Fitzgerald sits down with Brian Barker, Chief Investment Officer here at SouthState Bank. They talk about the recent rate cut by the Fed and what it means for the economy and community banks. REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC SouthState Wealth represents the collective departments and subsidiaries of SouthState Bank, N.A. that provide wealth management services. Products and services are not bank deposits, nor are they insured, and are not backed or guaranteed by SouthState Bank, N.A. or its affiliates. Securities involve investments risks, including possible loss of principal.
Today Erik Bagwell and Caleb Stevens talk about 3 ways your bank can take its marketing to the next level. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with our own James Tippit, EVP and Director of Team Development here at SouthState. We discuss the term "Team of Teams" coined by General Stanley McChrystal and how it can be implemented at your bank to improve collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we sit down with Will Bryant, Co-Founder of Quantalytix. We discuss how your bank can build a strategy to get the most of your institution's data. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. – Member FDIC
Today we bring on Will Tumulty, CEO of Rapid Finance. He talks to us about how community banks can update their technology roadmaps to enhance their small business lending. Learn more and register for Elevate here. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
Today we talk with Greg Adelson, CEO of Jack Henry. We dive into technology, AI, cybersecurity, open banking, and several other topics in depth. These are all topics community banks should consider when looking at their technology roadmaps. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC