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 his commitment to leading a company that not only drives industry innovation but also cultivates a wo ..read more

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-world business experience. Little shared the background of First Tech Federal Credit Union’s commitment t ..read more

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 for keeping credit unions and community banks competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Kaas ..read more

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 personalized services and the impact of credit unions on communities. Her experiences illustrated the significan ..read more

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 experiences. Integral to their strategy is the continuous journey of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI ..read more

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 the technological advancements that have reshaped the banking sector. Kalita offered insights into the ..read more

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 and personal connections in the evolving landscape of digital in banking. His approach emphasizes tha ..read more

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 highlighted, underscoring his technical and emotional intelligence. The conversation dived deep into the ..read more

In this episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomes James Burke-Frazier from Jack Henry, highlighting his genuine passion for credit unions and service. Burke-Frazier, affectionately known as JBF, is celebrated for his authenticity and dedication to finding solutions that align with the core mission of credit unions. His approach to service drives him to seek out the perfect blend of innovation and practicality in the financial sector. Despite not having a background in technology, JBF's accidental love for tech blossomed from his original intention to teach. This pivot r ..read more

In this episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Sarah Howell, the Head of Partnerships for Infinant. The discussion began on a heartfelt note, addressing the devastating fires in Lahaina and their impact on Sarah's family. The Hawaiian community's resilience and the overwhelming support they received from various quarters, including the banking sector, were discussed. Transitioning to the core topic, Howell dove into the evolving landscape of the banking industry, particularly focusing on banking as a service (BaaS) and embedded finance. She defined embedded finance a ..read more