In this episode, Sean and Gina discuss the current state of the banking industry and the rise in global merger and acquisition activity in 2020, despite more sluggish deal-making domestically. Through 2021 as M&A picks up in the U.S., they expect that more strategic partnerships and joint ventures to solve for particular operational painpoints. They also address new data that sheds light on consumer financial planning post-COVID that presents banking with opportunity, including the one-third to half of consumers who are opening new accounts in 2021 and the number of people visiting the branch for in-person consultation.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, Sean and Gina discuss post-COVID consumer trends and how banks are successfully balancing digital engagement with physical delivery. As consumers increase their online and mobile usage, banks are investing in those experiences. And while digital may have been banking’s roadmap pre-COVID, it has even more urgency now. As the industry shifts to meet these demands, the role of the branch remains critical for acquisition and growth, so banks must look at formats and optimization as they move toward a more ideal omnichannel state.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, Sean and Gina kick off 2021 with a look at what we can learn last year's challenges and apply that resilient thinking to 2021, especially the flight to purpose and how people can experience the things you say you stand for. They take on questions posed in December after their presentation at the industry's leading branch banking conference Future Branches and give insights into what banking leaders are facing head-on, including balancing experience and efficiency, deploying the right technology and rightsizing formats in the branch network.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Believe in Bloopers. As a holiday gift to our audience, we're giving you a peek behind the curtain of producing a podcast. In this special episode, you'll hear bumbles, bobbles and yes, even a choice curse word or two. Trust us when we say: It's not all done in one take. In fact it rarely is!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this year-end special episode, Sean and Gina recap a most unusual year and look back on some of the meaningful conversations, industry insights and stories of resilience shared on the podcast. Whether it’s commitment to community through PPP or the rise of banking for good, we’ve covered the many ways that the financial services sector is rising to the challenge of our current moment, and beyond. We also highlight conversations with special our guests Ryan Kilpatrick from Origin Bank, Brad Tidwell from VeraBank and Jimmy Stead from Frost Bank who shared their thoughts on how to focus on relationship banking, meet customer needs for technology and compete by leveraging the power of the branch network.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this special episode, Sean and Gina welcome Jimmy Stead, Chief Consumer Banking Officer at Frost Bank, a $40 billion Texas-based bank that is focused squarely on the customer’s experience. Jimmy talks about decisions the bank has made to keep people at the center of their growing organization, like banishing phone trees and providing 24/7 customer service, allowing people to connect directly with bankers. He also addresses the bank’s relationship strategy saying that they’re at their best when people are engaged in their communities and how the branch serves as a focal point of that commitment.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, Sean and Gina discuss how COVID has served as low tide, exposing whether a bank's fundamental elements – like the brand and branch network – are up to the challenge. They take a listener question about how he can help his community bank and discuss banking's oppenness to change in this moment. Sharing success stories, they discuss banks leveraging their spheres of influence and remaining focused on customer-centric experiences, even as the industry prioritizes efficiency.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In an upcoming special guest episode, Sean and Gina welcome Jimmy Stead, Chief Consumer Banking Officer at Frost Bank, to discuss Frost's unique story of service in Texas communities. In this preview, Jimmy talks about the bank's organic growth strategy. He says, "We're really at our best when we have people who are in communities, they're engaged in communities, they're making a difference in communities, and for us, the branch serves as a focal point."

Tune in next week when Sean and Gina return to reflect on examples of best banking practices brought by our special guests and data and trends that are driving the industry forward.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In part two of the special guest episode, Sean and Gina welcome back Brad Tidwell, president and CEO of VeraBank, a community bank in Texas. Brad discusses some of the challenges for community banking, including the continuing economic impact of COVID and how banking can communicate what's happening and what's coming. He also discusses how VeraBank supported small businesses in their community with PPP lending, as well as what it takes to compete with the big banks with resourcefulness and humility.

This is Part 2 of our conversation.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In our next special guest episode, Sean and Gina welcome Brad Tidwell, president and CEO of VeraBank, a true community bank. Bringing a wealth of banking knowledge to the conversation, Brad talks about working as an executive with Chase (and Jamie Dimon) and what he learned about banking relationships and growth through his experiences. Those key lessons and learnings he was able to activate for community banking upon returning to home to East Texas. Today, the bank maintains its growth by embracing their distinctive brand and continuing commitment to the communities they serve.

This is Part 1 of our conversation.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm