Al and Steve sit down with Maria Tedesco, the president of Atlantic Union, the commonwealth of Virginia’s largest independent bank. They explore how to navigate some of the thorniest industry challenges, including: retaining deposits in a rising rate environment, cultivating trust in digital channels and leading efforts to diversify talent, especially in the c-suite. Steve sings a little Dave Matthews, too.Subscribe to Plugged In for the latest from industry leaders in Banking, Finance, and Fintech!

Al and Steve are back! Here is the audio version of their Smarter Bank Live virtual event that you don't want to miss. Join the insightful discussion on how banks can transform into "Smarter Banks" in the current environment. They explore 5 key pillars - being hyper-efficient, differentiated, nimble, data-driven, and opportunistic. Steve and Al share real examples of banks excelling in these areas, like Capital One's data prowess, Coastal Community Bank's innovative banking-as-a-service model, and Live Oak Bank's tech startup nCino. They discuss the competitive threats from big tech like Apple, Twitter/X, and new digital banks. Other topics include generative AI, building a digital scorecard, and the need for pragmatic innovation. Steve and Al provide practical tips for bank executives on mindsets, processes, and talent strategies to implement the Smarter Bank model. This episode provides an insightful playbook for banks of all sizes to transform themselves and deliver more value in a digital world. Subscribe to Plugged In for the latest in Banking and Fintech from Cornerstone Advisors.

Kevin Blair, the CEO of Synovus, shares with Al and Steve his views on hybrid work, sourcing talent from outside of banking, and chasing ideas even when the undercurrents are tough like right now. Among the bank’s recent pursuits? Launching Maast (money-as-a-service) while preparing to become a $100B bank.Subscribe to Plugged In for the latest in Banking and Fintech from Cornerstone Advisors.

On this episode Al Dominick and Steve Williams sit down with legendary entrepreneur Chip Mahan, founder of companies like Live Oak Bank and Canapi Ventures. Chip shares his unique perspective on innovation, building customer trust, controlling your tech destiny, and more. You'll hear Chip's incredible origin story, how he convinced reluctant partners to join him, and his views on the hype surrounding AI. If you want to learn from one of the most forward-thinking leaders in banking, tune into this lively and insightful conversation. The three shed light on the challenges facing the industry, the power of focusing on culture and long-term goals over short-term profits, and the keys to remaining nimble and opportunistic even in tough times. Don't miss Chip's great stories and words of wisdom on this episode of Plugged In, the podcast that plugs you into the exciting world where banking, finance, and technology meet.

How is AI transforming banking and financial services? On this episode, Al and Steve talk with Sarah Hinkfuss (Bain Capital Ventures) to provide an insider's perspective on the impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.They discuss strategies banks are taking to adopt AI: building custom models in-house, configuring existing solutions, and adopting ready-made vendor products. She explains the advantages of partnerships between fintech startups and incumbent banks. Hinkfuss analyzes real-world examples of AI in action across banking, highlighting use cases in areas like customer service, underwriting, and reporting. The discussion covers best practices for balancing innovation with regulation and compliance. While AI brings uncertainty, this episode explores the upside potential for banks to leverage AI to enhance operations, decision-making, and competitiveness.Subscribe to Plugged In for the latest in Banking, Fintech, and Finance!

On this episode, Al Dominick and Steve Williams give an unfiltered look at what's next for financial institutions during a time of rising rates, economic uncertainty, and fast-changing technology.You'll get the duo's straight talk on:Why historic Fed rate hikes call for long-term strategic planning, not knee-jerk reactionsHow to retain top talent and maintain an innovative, entrepreneurial cultureWhy recent stumbles by fintech and Big Tech prove banks have an edge after allWhat the PacWest and Bank of California merger signals about the future of M&AAlong the way, they shout out resident fintech guru Ron Shevlin for his savvy Apple Card analysis and share their buzzworthy reading list for staying ahead of the curve. Al and Steve are here to get you up to speed on what really matters for the future of banking.Subscribe to Plugged In for the latest in banking, fintech, and more!

On this episode of Plugged In, Al and Steve talk with Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, who shares her perspectives on incorporating creativity, promoting transparency, and implementing innovation in banking. Among her achievements are the successful revitalization of downtown Edmond through the 'Heard on Hurd' music festival, fostering trust in her bank and community through transparent communication, and positioning community banks as catalysts for change.Subscribe to Plugged In to hear more insights from top industry leaders in banking. Brought to you by Cornerstone Advisors.

On this episode of Plugged In, Al and Steve discuss the transformation of Washington Federal Bank under the leadership of this week's guest, CEO Brent Beardall. Starting off 2023 amidst a heartbreaking event, Brent emerged as a survivor of a devastating plane crash that sadly claimed the life of his friend and colleague, Nathan Ricks. The conversation explores the profound impact of such life-altering experiences, focusing on a renewed appreciation of life and fostering a deeper connection with the world we inhabit. Learn about Brent's journey of turning WaFd into a 'digital first' bank and creating Archway Software to revolutionize regional banking. Discover how Brent builds trust within the community by supporting local schools, financial literacy programs, and other initiatives. Finally, find out how technology is enhancing WaFd's customer experience and how the bank's expansion in California brings exciting opportunities.

On this episode, Al Dominick and Steve Williams sit down to talk about how recent bank failures have revealed the need for enhanced risk management and reinforced the importance of regional and community banks. The financial industry must learn from these incidents and implement strategies such as focusing on niches, embracing fintech partnerships, and remaining agile to ensure continued success. Subscribe to Plugged In for more in depth conversations with banking experts!

In today's episode, Steve and Al talk with Gene Ludwig, former Comptroller of the Currency and a banking regulation, risk management, and fiscal policy expert. Gene shares some powerful insights into modernizing the banking industry. They discuss the importance of smart regulation that helps to balance banking activities and technological advancements, the need for regulators to have the tools to manage tail risks quickly and avoid being caught off guard, and the need to have a mechanism that gives regulators and the public time to act in a crisis.