Podcasts
How to Shift from a “Debt Mindset” to “Equity Mindset” with Samer Saab
In this episode, Chris Nichols is joined by Samer Saab of Alloy Labs to explore the growing tension between a traditional “debt mindset” and a more forward-looking “equity mindset” in banking. While banks are built to minimize risk and protect principal, that same instinct can limit innovation, partnerships, and long-term growth. Samer shares practical ways…
Rethinking Banking Strategy in an Era of AI and Tokenization with Lee Wetherington
In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Jack Henry’s Lee Wetherington to unpack the biggest strategic shifts facing community banks today. From deposit pressures and the rise of small business banking to the growing importance of data strategy and payments, the conversation highlights how banks must rethink their approach to growth. The discussion makes…
How Leaders Can Communicate with Confidence and Impact with Eva Daniel
In this episode, Caleb Stevens talks with Eva Daniel, founder of The Speak Shop, about why effective communication is a critical leadership skill. Eva shares why every professional should have a signature message, common mistakes leaders make when presenting, and how thoughtful storytelling and structure can dramatically increase clarity and credibility. Tune in to learn…
AI Basics for Bankers with Ben Udell
In this episode, we sit down with Ben Udell, a former community banker turned AI advisor, to break down what AI actually means for banks today and how to start using it in practical ways. Ben shares how bankers can use AI to save time, sharpen decision-making, and enhance relationships. From turning voice notes into…
De Novo Founder Erik Weiner on Raising $42 Million to Launch Portrait Bank
Today we speak with Erik Weiner, CEO of de novo Portrait Bank. We discuss his banking background, why he started Portrait bank, the capital raise process, attracting talent, and building out a tech stack. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show…
Live from the Financial Brand Forum: Marketing that Moves the Balance Sheet with Dan Marks
Recorded live from the Financial Brand Fourm on April 14th, Caleb Stevens sits down with Dan Marks, President of OptimaFI, to talk about what bank marketers should actually be focused on today. They dig into using data to prove ROI, aligning marketing with lending and finance, avoiding “shiny object” syndrome, and where AI can genuinely…
What it Takes to Build a Championship Team with Pat and Robert McLaughlin
Today we sit down with brothers Pat and Robert McLaughlin. Though they come from different, diverse fields, Pat and Robert share a passion in leadership development. They talk to us about presence, the traits of championship teams, and what they’ve learned from their work with Jon Gordon. The views, information, or opinions expressed during…
Ben Sasse on the Digital Revolution, the Loneliness Epidemic, and Why Community Banking Still Matters
In this episode, former U.S. Senator and SouthState Bank board member Ben Sasse joins Caleb Stevens and Chris Kamienski for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of community banking, the loneliness epidemic, and the digital revolution reshaping the economy. _ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants…
Building an Incredible Culture and Virtue-Driven Bank with Chris Carneal
Today we speak with Chris Carneal, Founder and CEO of Booster, the largest elementary school fundraising company in the country. He tells us about how he’s created a remarkable company through his leadership and a vision. Chris drives his company through virtue, and he shares how community bank leaders can build culture by acting on…
Delinquencies Down? Not So Fast… A Conversation with Bill Moreland from BankReg Data
Today we’re joined by Bill Moreland, a credit risk expert whose data and analysis we rely on heavily. Bill helps us break down what’s really happening beneath the surface of today’s credit metrics — from the rise of NDFIs to the surge in loan modifications and what that signals about risk in this cycle. View Agenda &…
ALM in a Post-Covid World
Today, Tom Fitzgerald, from our strategy and research group interviews our asset-liability manager, Billy Fielding, from our broker dealer SouthState Securities to discuss the latest trends and asset liability management. Click Here to Subscribe to Tom’s Weekly Piece – The Friday Five The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of…
How The Global Landscape is Impacting the Economy
Today Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Keating discuss the current global landscape, including ongoing U.S. politics, developments in the Fed, and the ongoing war with Iran. They tie it all back to how they impact the economy and one’s investments. Register for The Elevate Banking Forum here. Register for The Deposit Conference here. The views,…
Overcoming Procrastination with New York Times Best-Selling Author Jon Acuff
In this episode, Caleb Stevens sits down with author and speaker Jon Acuff to talk about where procrastination shows up most often in the business world—and why even high-performing leaders struggle with it. Jon shares practical strategies from his latest book, Procrastination Proof, to help you stop putting off important work and start making meaningful…
Making Your Bank’s Events Remarkable with Billy Boughey
Today we have the privilege of welcoming back our very first podcast guest, Billy Boughey. Billy is the founder of Elevate Experiences, a company that creates unforgettable corporate events and experiences. Billy talks about the 3 keys to a remarkable event, casting vision for your company, and the importance of courage and taking ownership. Coach…
SouthState Bankers Share the Keys to Building a Successful Private Banking Business
Today we’re joined by two of our fellow SouthState team members — Shellee Spagnoletto and Jake Schoolfield. They talk about the Private Banking line of business we have here at SouthState and some of the keys any community banks can learn as they build their own. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show…
Using AI to Personalize Your Bank’s Marketing with Karan Bhalla
Today we speak with Karan Bhalla, Founder and CEO of AiVantage. He tells us about how banks can utilize AI to personalize their marketing efforts and, in turn, deepen client relationships. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of…
An Interview with Ballard Cassady, CEO of the Kentucky Bankers Association
Today we sit down with Ballard Cassady, CEO of the Kentucky Bankers Association. Ballard shares the unique perspective a banking association must keep while navigating the evolving banking landscape. He tells us about his lobbying efforts, his thoughts on AI, how stablecoin will impact the industry, and what community banks do best. Learn more…
A Fifth-Generation Banker on Talent, Culture, and Growth with Dan Odom of Western Bank
Today we sit down with Dan Odom, President and CEO of Western Bank out in Lubbock, Texas. He discusses the history of his family-owned community bank and how he has developed it over the last decade. He tells us about his community profile, his thoughts on talent development, and the challenges and opportunities he faces…
What a Formula 1 Pit Crew Can Teach Banking
Today on the show Caleb and Chris talk about one of Chris’ recent blog articles, What a F1 Pit Crew Can Teach Banking — Performance as a System. Read the full blog article here: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/banker-to-banker/bank-performance/what-a-f1-pit-crew-can-teach-banking-performance-as-a-system/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent…
Our Top Marketing Strategy You Need to Try
In today’s show, Caleb and Chris delve into some of the top marketing tactics and frameworks we utilize at SouthState’s Correspondent Division. They also explore how community banks can adopt these strategies to effectively capture the attention of their most promising prospects. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those…