Banking on Digital Growth

Most community banks and credit unions have websites that look decent—but they’re just glorified brochures. They’re not bringing in loans, deposits, or meaningful customer engagement. That’s a big problem. Because every day your site doesn’t convert, you’re losing potential revenue to competitors who’ve figured out how to make their digital presence work for them. A static, underperforming site isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. In this episode, James Robert and Derik talk about how to flip the script and turn your website into a true sales engine. 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.

AI agents aren’t coming—they’re already here. And they’re about to reshape how people search, shop, and apply for financial products. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by co-host Derik Krauss to unpack the fast-moving shift from generative AI to autonomous AI agents—and why this change is happening faster than most financial brand leaders realize. We explore what AI agents actually are, how they differ from GenAI, and why your brand’s current visibility in Google Search might not mean squat in an AI-powered world.From OpenAI’s new Agent Mode to Semrush’s bombshell research on AI search behavior, we dive deep into how machines are now completing tasks that were once human-only—and what that means for your marketing, UX, and growth strategy moving forward. Because in the age of AI agents, one year of inaction could cost you a decade of relevance.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.

Traditional SEO is dying—and AI search is taking its place. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss dive into the seismic shift in how people search, shop, and make financial decisions online. With research from Semrush and Ahrefs predicting that AI-driven search will surpass Google by 2028—or even sooner—this isn’t just a trend. It’s a warning.Financial brands that rely heavily on Google and PPC are at risk of becoming invisible in the new AI-first search landscape. Why does this matter? Because behavior is shifting fast, and many institutions are lagging behind without realizing it.JR and Derik share what your financial brand must do now to prepare. From measuring your AI visibility to understanding what content actually gets you found in ChatGPT responses, this episode is a blueprint for staying competitive—and staying seen.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.

Are you dying, surviving, or thriving? In a rapidly evolving age of AI and fintech disruption, the real threat isn’t competition—it’s complacency. Too many banks and credit unions are stuck in survival mode, reacting to problems instead of creating possibilities.The conversation digs deep into the mindset shifts needed to break free from defensive, fear-based thinking. James Robert and Derik explore personal stories of transformation, the impact of strategic clarity, and how the most growth-bound institutions today are those with leaders willing to take bold, courageous action. They unpack why thriving starts with leading yourself—and how 10x thinking can unlock future-focused innovation that’s no longer optional.If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step, this episode will challenge your perspective and offer a clear path forward: Think bigger. Lead bolder. Grow faster.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Traditional banks and credit unions are struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. While consumers flock to neobanks and fintechs for speed, convenience, and personalization, many community institutions remain anchored to branch-first models and legacy mindsets.James Robert and Derik unpack why going “digital” isn’t just for startups—it’s a strategic path forward for community-based institutions too. They explore how embracing a digital-first (or even digital-only) model can help banks and credit unions unlock growth, reduce operational drag, and reconnect with modern consumers—without losing the human touch that makes them special.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial brands are stuck saying the same things—“great rates, great service”—and it's costing them trust, growth, and relevance. In this episode, James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss dive into the dangerous trap of commoditization in financial services. They break down why it's happening, how it shows up in your marketing, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to reframe your messaging around purpose, use empathy to guide digital journeys, and position your brand as a trusted guide—not just a product pusher. Drawing from the Digital Growth Blueprint and real-world examples, this conversation is your first step toward standing out in a sea of sameness.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.

Most financial brands are still designing websites for people. But the web’s changed—and fast.In this episode, Derik Krauss joins James Robert Lay to unpack why the real “visitors” to your site are no longer just humans, but AI agents like ChatGPT and Perplexity acting on their behalf. They explore what this means for discoverability, trust, and conversion in an age where the “Do-It-For-Me” economy is accelerating.You’ll learn how to start building an “agentic website” designed for both humans and machines—and why failing to adapt may render your brand invisible to the next generation of digital decision-makers.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.

Most financial institutions struggle to measure what really matters in their marketing. They track impressions, clicks, and followers—but not meaningful outcomes like loan conversions, account openings, or user friction. This leads to wasted budgets, unclear ROI, and missed opportunities to optimize the digital experience.Without clear, actionable analytics, marketing becomes a black box. Leadership gets frustrated. Teams lose confidence. And worst of all—growth stalls because no one can see what’s actually working. In a time when budgets are tight and expectations are high, guessing is no longer a viable strategy.James Robert and Derik explore how financial brands can transform marketing from a cost center into a growth engine by measuring progress in smarter, simpler ways. From high-level KPIs to on-page performance insights, they unpack what to track, why it matters, and how to start seeing through the noise to what actually drives growth.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.

Most marketing teams are stuck in a turf war—and it’s costing financial brands real growth. On one side, brand teams are chasing awareness. On the other, performance marketers are pushing for conversions. Both mean well. But without a shared strategy, they're pulling in opposite directions—and the only real result is internal competition, wasted budget, and missed growth opportunities.In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss return to bridge the divide between art and science in financial brand marketing. They unpack how collaborative cultures, rooted in testing and iteration, transform subjective ideas into measurable outcomes. You’ll learn how to turn gut-based marketing into data-driven performance, why AB testing isn't just for emails, and how small conversion lifts can lead to million-dollar gains.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.

Digital marketing in many financial institutions still leans heavily on the art—intuition, creativity, and guesswork—while neglecting the science of performance data, testing, and iterative optimization. As a result, efforts often lack measurable ROI and fail to meaningfully move the needle on loans and deposits.The stakes have never been higher. Digital noise is at an all-time high. AI is flooding the market with more content than ever before. If marketing is not grounded in data and constant experimentation, it's just decoration—pretty, but ineffective. Financial brands that ignore the science behind digital growth risk wasting budget, losing trust, and falling behind competitors who are measuring what matters and learning faster.James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss explore how financial brands can integrate the art of storytelling and design with the science of data, testing, and behavioral insight. They’ll introduce a balanced approach—combining empathy-driven messaging with A/B testing, conversion tracking, and funnel optimization—to drive smarter, more scalable results.Join us as we discuss:-The Importance of Measuring Marketing Success (5:07)-Practical Steps to Integrate Science into Marketing (11:58)-Conversion Funnels and Their Impact (15:43)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.

Let’s be honest—too many financial brands are still operating like it’s 1999. Websites stuck in the past. Strategies rooted in branch-first thinking. Growth models that haven’t evolved with consumer expectations. In this reboot of Banking on Digital Growth, host James Robert Lay is joined by new co-host Derik Krauss, co-founder of MetriFi, for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to lead in a digital-first world.If you're tired of hearing "digital transformation" without seeing real action, this episode is your wake-up call. From the hidden cost of digital blind spots to the hard truth of The Innovator’s Dilemma, James and Derik unpack how banks and credit unions can escape outdated thinking—and why the website must be the starting point.Join us as we discuss:-The Pre-Internet Mindset in Financial Institutions-Personal Banking Preferences and Generational Differences-The Innovator's Dilemma in Financial ServicesYou 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.

You’re not alone if you’ve felt stuck, burnt out, or just plain frustrated with all the “talk” around digital transformation in banking. After nearly 500 episodes, James Robert Lay took a much-needed break—not from the mission, but to rediscover it. In this raw and revealing comeback, he opens up about the personal and professional crossroads that led to hitting pause and the powerful insights gained during that time.Tune in to hear the truth behind the break, the future of the podcast, and how you can finally move from talk to action in the age of AI.Join us as we discuss:-A Call for Change-Launching a New Venture-Exciting Collaborations AheadYou 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.

In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by Billy Wilkinson, CEO of Threshold, the agency that will make you rethink how you market your everything, to explore the transformative power of marketing in the financial services industry. Together, they discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals—what Billy calls "blocking and tackling"—to build a strong foundation for digital growth. They highlight the need for community financial institutions to rethink their approach to marketing, shifting from short-term tactics to long-term strategies that influence trust and behavior.Billy shares practical insights on bridging the gap between sales and marketing to create unified strategies that deliver measurable ROI. They discuss the challenges of navigating rapid technological change, the value of fostering a culture of continuous learning, and how financial brands can differentiate by supporting local entrepreneurs and creating community connections. Whether you're an executive, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable advice to help you grow, learn, and level up in the digital age.Join us as we discuss:-Evolution of banking technology and digital adoption (5:00)-The role of marketing as influence and long-term strategies (15:30)-Community engagements and support for entrepreneurs (27:00)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.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) dominates headlines and disrupts industries, financial brand leaders face a dilemma: is "artificial" truly good for building trust, fostering connection, and driving growth? In this episode, James Robert Lay and guest Ethan Wall, president of the Social Media Law Firm, explore the power of authentic intelligence—leveraging empathy, human connection, and wisdom gained through experience to navigate change. They discuss practical ways financial brands can integrate AI responsibly while remaining true to their mission of improving lives. Together, they uncover how to balance technology with humanity, overcome fear, and embrace continuous transformation for sustainable growth.Join us as we discuss:-The Evolution of Social Media in Financial Services (11:49)-The Role of AI and Authentic Intelligence (24:39)-Practical Advice for Financial Brand Leaders (37:48)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.

Small business owners and community financial institutions face significant challenges in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of AI and digital growth. Limited knowledge and outdated beliefs can hinder future growth and collaboration opportunities, particularly in the SBA lending space.By having a growth mindset, continuous learning, and authentic intelligence. The conversation with Shane Pierson, Purveyor of Honest Capital proposes practical steps, such as regularly reviewing personal and professional growth, fostering emotional intelligence, and leveraging technological advancements in AI. By doing so, financial brands and their teams can better connect with customers, create meaningful content, and build a community that drives future conversions and sustainable growth.Join us as we discuss:-Evolution of SBA Lending (03:04) -Challenges and Changes in Banking (10:32) -The Role of Emotional Intelligence (16:15) 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.

For many, money feels more like a burden than a blessing. Guilt, shame, fear, and self-sabotage often sabotage our ability to achieve financial freedom, leading to cycles of stress and unfulfilled goals. These struggles aren't just about numbers—they're rooted in deep-seated beliefs formed early in life. Julia Carlson, author of Money Loves You: Transform Your Relationship with Money and Grow Your Wealth. Julia shares how subconscious beliefs and outdated "rules" about money can hold us back, and how financial coaching—centered on mindset transformation—can help us move forward.In this episode, Julia joins James Robert Lay to explore how to reframe your money story and break through limiting beliefs to achieve lasting financial health. Whether you're a financial leader, advisor, or someone seeking clarity in your own financial journey, this episode offers actionable steps to create a more empowered relationship with money.Join us as we discuss:-Money as a Partner: Changing Perspectives (6:26)-Personal Money Narratives and Transformations (10:45)-The Role of Coaching in Financial Growth (28:30)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.

Trust, composed of both words and actions, is now harder to maintain as customers have become more knowledgeable and have a wide array of financial service options beyond traditional banks. The shift from a personal, relationship-focused banking experience to a more automated, regulation-heavy environment has eroded trust between banks and their clients. Jack Hubbard, co-founder of the Modern Banker and co-host of the Modern Banker Podcast, believes that  adopting a trust-based selling approach where bankers act as resource managers will allow them to focus on solving customer problems rather than merely selling products. This requires a congruent message from the bank's leadership down to its culture and an emphasis on continuous education and development for bankers. Because the ultimate goal is to create a modern banker who is prepared to face the evolving challenges of the industry with wisdom, adaptability, and a customer-first mindset.Join us as we discuss:-The Modern Banker: Redefining Roles and Building Trust (07:18) -The Evolution of Trust in Banking (26:37) -The Future of Banking: AI and Trust-Based Selling (34:55) 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.

Ever found yourself saying, “I need to think about it”? For many financial leaders, this simple phrase hides a deeper hesitation that keeps them stuck in inaction. Often, this delay stems from overanalyzing or waiting for certainty, which can stall growth, innovation, and much-needed progress. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, waiting too long to take action can lead to missed opportunities, lost revenue, and stagnation. In this episode, host James Robert Lay and operations lead Audrey Cannata dig into how the Kolbe A Index reveals each person’s unique “action mode.” They explore how understanding these natural tendencies can help leaders make faster, more confident decisions. Listeners will learn how the Kolbe Index’s insights into fact-finding, quick-starting, and follow-through help teams overcome decision-making blocks, find balance, and take the necessary steps toward growth.Join us as we discuss:-The Four Action Modes of Kolbe (04:13) -Challenges in Financial Industry Decision-Making (07:12) -Practical Tips for Moving from Thinking to Doing (21:11) 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.

In the realm of strategic planning, branding, and marketing for financial institutions, there exists a continuous tension between using pure logic and rationale versus tapping into feelings, emotions, and intuition. Leaders and marketing professionals often struggle with balancing these approaches, resulting in a disconnect within their strategic efforts.To address these issues, the episode provides actionable advice and insights. James Robert Lay and Allison Netzer, chief strategist at BrandThnk, discuss practical steps marketers can take, such as beginning with intuition in decision-making and refining it with logical analysis. They advocate for marketing the role of marketing internally with the same vigor used for external branding. Allison also suggests specific exercises like writing customer stories about oneself to reconnect with internal values.Join us as we discuss:-The Rise of the Wisdom Economy (06:36) -The Shirky Principle and Conviction in Leadership (16:19) -The Role and Perception of Marketing (24:43) 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.

Risk aversion has become a paralyzing force within banks and credit unions, particularly in marketing and sales teams. For institutions that prioritize security, the common reflex is to avoid taking bold action—often to prevent failure or blame. However, as Audrey Cannata and James Robert Lay explore in this episode, it’s precisely this fear of failure and the tendency to assign blame that stifles innovation and keeps organizations stagnant in a rapidly evolving industry.James Robert Lay, a seasoned entrepreneur, contrasts his approach to risk with the more cautious mindset common in banking, showing how this “safety-first” mentality can create blind spots and lead to missed opportunities. Audrey Cannata draws from her experience as educator to highlight how embracing calculated risks and letting go of blame can empower teams to tackle challenges head-on. The solution? Cultivating a culture that prioritizes growth over fear, curiosity over criticism, and boldness over blame—one where marketing and sales leaders can confidently address gaps, learn from them, and drive true growth in their institutions.Join us as we discuss:-The Impact of Risk Aversion in Education (03:19)-Blame Culture vs. Risk Aversion (12:51)-Embracing Bold Moves for Growth (30:20)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.