Most credit unions are trapped in AI paralysis. It’s not because they don't want the competitive advantage, but because they're terrified of what happens when regulators come knocking. In this tactical episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Ray K. Ragan, Chief Information Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, to solve the AI compliance puzzle once and for all—so credit unions can tap into the transformative use cases waiting on the other side. Ray isn't your...
Jul 17, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 156
What if the secret to member retention isn’t more data—but better use of it? In this live episode of Banking on Experience, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing credit unions today: keeping Members engaged in an era of limitless options and vanishing loyalty. You’ll learn: Why 44% of new accounts go inactive within a year—and how to reverse it The high cost of fake personalization Real-world tactics that combine human connection and AI-powered insights How a Detroit Lions-themed CD cam...
May 27, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 155
Bank of Idaho made headlines with its $245 million acquisition deal with Glacier Bancorp—a bold move at a time when community banks are battling rising regulatory pressure, digital disruption, and funding challenges. In this episode, Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Newgard shares: The key factors that drove the decision to sell The toughest leadership challenges during the transition How he approached cultural integration between two institutions The hard truths every community bank leader mu...
May 14, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 154
Real-time payments are revolutionizing how money moves—faster, easier, and more seamless than ever. But with speed comes risk. Fraudsters aren’t just small-time scammers anymore; they’re running sophisticated, AI-powered crime rings that target credit unions and community banks in real time. So, how do financial institutions fight back? In this episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Jeff Scott, VP of Fraud Tech Solutions at Q2, a fraud prevention expert on the front...
Mar 27, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 153
Banks and credit unions are sitting on a goldmine of data—so why aren’t they using it to drive real growth in their marketing motions? Too often, financial institutions collect massive amounts of customer insights but struggle to turn them into personalized marketing strategies that actually convert. The key isn’t just having data—it’s knowing how to use it. In this episode, we sit down with Phillip Bosley, Founder & CEO of Tactical Marketing Automation, to break down the roadblocks keeping ...
Mar 12, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 152
Did you know that nearly half of new accounts—44%—go inactive within the first year? That’s not just lost revenue—it’s a major threat to long-term growth for banks and credit unions. The culprit? A broken onboarding process. Too many financial institutions skip relationship-building and jump straight into cross-selling, leaving members and customers disengaged and more likely to churn. So what’s going wrong—and how can banks and credit unions turn things around? Our guest, Har Rai Khalsa, CEO &a...
Jan 30, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 151
Marketing budgets are being slashed. Competition is fiercer than ever. Proving ROI? It’s an uphill battle. Are you ready to transform your marketing from a cost center into a growth engine? In this episode of Banking on Experience, we’re joined by James Robert Lay, CEO of the Digital Growth Institute and host of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, boasting over 450 episodes of insider strategies. James reveals his proven playbook to help financial institutions unlock podcasting as a game-chan...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 150
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival strategy. But here’s the catch: 70-80% of digital transformation projects fail. Why? Because many credit unions and banks unknowingly rent their digital future from vendors, leaving them trapped by hidden fees, outdated systems, and lack of control. In this episode of Banking on Experience, we sit down with Dylan Shaver, Chief Revenue Officer at TreXis, to uncover the truth about digital transformation. Dylan shares why owning your dig...
Nov 18, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 149
Credit unions are making waves not just locally, but globally! The need for people helping people extends far beyond U.S. borders, and we’re about to take you on a journey that will expand your understanding of just how impactful this movement is. In the latest episode of Banking on Experience, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Reuter, CEO of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions. From supporting disaster recovery efforts to driving financial inclusion across the globe, Mike shares ...
Sep 26, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 148
Think small credit unions can't thrive in a post-pandemic economy? Think again. If you believe they can't be at the forefront of innovation, it's time to reconsider. In this episode, we're joined by Jed Meyer, CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, who is rewriting the playbook for small-to-midsize credit unions. Jed is challenging the status quo, growing, and innovating at a rapid pace—all while making no excuses and staying laser-focused on the core mission of the credit union movement: serv...
Aug 22, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 147
Are you struggling with the complexities of getting crucial certifications and grants for your credit union? We’re excited to welcome Shirley Senn, Chief Consulting Officer for CU Strategic Planning, a key figure in the credit union movement. With a passion for saving small credit unions and serving the underserved, Shirley has dedicated her career to helping financial institutions thrive. In this episode, Shirley shares her deep insights and expert advice on navigating the intricate world of ce...
Aug 05, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 146
Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, and the pandemic has intensified both mental and physical health crises. Traditional healthcare plans often fall short, leaving many to endure high-interest loans or forgo essential treatments. In this crucial episode of Banking on Experience, we explore how innovative fintech solutions and credit union collaboration are stepping in to address these challenges. Join us as we interview Paul Clampitt, Principal at CU Healthcare PayCard, and Kris Carerra, SVP at V...
Jun 11, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 145
Ever feel like AI is just a buzzword? This episode is where the rubber meets the road. We’re diving into how AI can elevate your bank or credit union by growing your member base and deepening your existing relationships. Get ready for a no-nonsense AI breakdown with real-world applications that could up-level your approach to growth. Our guest today is Mitch Rutledge, CEO and Co-Founder of Vertice AI. Mitch breaks down the essentials of new member acquisition and expanding share of wallet, provi...
Apr 22, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 144
In this episode, we dive into the rapidly expanding world of cannabis banking—a sector buzzing with opportunity yet tangled in regulatory constraints. Despite the broad legalization across states, federal hesitancy leaves many entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry struggling to find financial footing, caught in a limbo of being either unbanked or underbanked. Enter the vanguard of the Credit Union Industry, who are not just observing from the sidelines but actively stepping in to bridge this gl...
Mar 21, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 143
Is legacy technology stifling innovation at your bank or credit union? In this transformative episode of the Banking on Experience Podcast, we delve into the heart of technological stagnation that plagues many financial institutions. Join us as we engage with the minds behind Janusea, the company at the forefront of breaking down the barriers imposed by outdated core systems. Kyle Stutzman, CEO and Co-founder of Janusea, along with Masako Long, VP of Sales, share their expert insights and the vi...
Mar 07, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 142
As credit unions and their members face an intensifying landscape of challenges, from stringent audits to strategic mergers, this episode sheds light on the crucial decisions shaping the industry's future. I Join Joshua Barclay and John Taylor, alongside growth engineer John Dearing from Capstone Strategic, as they dissect controversial merger impacts, forecast economic shifts, and unveil cutting-edge growth strategies that promise to redefine credit union success. Whether you're navigating the ...
Feb 06, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 141
Dive into the realm of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, where innovation isn't just a buzzword – it's a way of life, thanks to their groundbreaking innovation lab. Witness firsthand how Michigan State University Federal Credit Union sets the standard in the credit union landscape through relentless innovation and strategic foresight. Gain unparalleled insights from the CEO herself, April Clobes, as she shares the transformative strategies and inventive solutions driving their succ...
Jan 16, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 140
Are you up to date with the latest consumer lending trends for credit unions and banks in 2024? We've invited a renowned industry expert to demystify emerging consumer lending trends and reveal opportunities for your credit union or bank. Meet our guest, Jade Beckman, the Vice President of Consumer Lending at Mountain America Credit Union, steering credit card services, loan options, and member-centric financial solutions. Join our brutally honest conversation with Jade, as we dive into the late...
Jan 02, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 139
Are you ready to see what artificial intelligence can really do for your Credit Union or Community Bank, beyond the buzzwords and the hype? Forget the jargon and the tech-speak; this episode is tailored for Credit Union and Community Bank professionals who want to harness the power of AI without getting bogged down by complexities. We're cutting through the noise to focus on what AI really means for you, the backbone of our local financial institutions, and the communities you serve. It's time t...
Nov 28, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 138
Small credit unions often find themselves in the shadow of larger banks, with the threat of mergers looming large. But is there a way for these underdogs to not just survive, but thrive amidst such challenges? Enter Peter St. Onge, President/CEO of Trademark Federal Credit Union, who knows the pressure all too well. Upon stepping into his role, St. Onge was greeted with daunting challenges: a staggering 43% employee turnover rate and a troubling negative Return on Assets (ROA). With the walls cl...
Nov 14, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 137
In this episode, we uncover the invaluable lessons that credit union leaders can learn from the remarkable Ronaldo Hardy, the new CEO of NACUSO. With a deep well of industry experience and a track record as a purpose-driven, high-results CEO at Southwest Louisiana FCU, Shell Geismar FCU, and as the "Chief People Officer" at his consulting firm, "CU Strategic Planning," Ronaldo is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped. But what sets him apart isn't just his impressive resume; it's his abilit...
Oct 24, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 136
Are you a credit union leader or stakeholder looking for a competitive edge in auto lending? Don't miss this must-listen episode of 'Banking on Experience,' where we pull back the curtain on the auto lending industry. Our special guests, Kurt Howard and John Riley of CU Alliance, will share exclusive industry data on emerging auto market trends that are reshaping the landscape. Here's what you can expect from this podcast episode: Gain insights from industry data on auto market trends and what t...
Sep 26, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 135
Is the traditional lending model under threat? Today’s guest believes we’re entering a “New World Banking Order,” a change of such great magnitude, that only the banks and credit unions that adapt their lending strategies quickly will survive. Join us as S. P. "Wije" Wijegoonaratna, CEO and Founder of Aliya, unravels the limitations of traditional FICO scores and explains the significance of hidden data gems like transactional behavior. As financial institutions grapple with shrinking Net Intere...
Sep 13, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 134
Ready to Achieve Credit Union Marketing Excellence on a Shoestring Budget? Ever feel like a Credit Union marketing MacGyver, being constantly nudged to craft marketing miracles with what might as well be a shoestring and some chewing gum? We've all been there. But hold your head high! Even in a sluggish economy, being a Credit Union marketer isn't about losing, it's about reinventing yourself with creativity and resourcefulness! We want to invite you to the Banking on Experience live podcast, wh...
Aug 22, 2023•48 min•Season 2Ep. 133
The burning question for many credit unions is: "To Merge or Not to Merge?" It's a decision that carries profound implications, and one that's becoming ever more pressing in our turbulent financial landscape. With an array of challenges confronting smaller credit unions, is merging the only path forward? Or might your credit union be missing out on unexplored avenues for growth, hidden in plain sight? Our esteemed guest, Sam Brownell, Founder and CEO of CUCalloborate, believes there's more to th...
Aug 08, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 132
It's no longer enough for credit union contact centers to simply answer questions and resolve issues. To remain competitive and ensure sustained growth, credit unions need to transition their contact centers from mere service providers to revenue-generating powerhouses. Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve deep into how credit unions can revolutionize their contact centers and turn every member interaction into a potential growth opportunity. Today’s guest on the Banking on Experienc...
Jul 11, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 131
Introducing new technology to your Credit Union can feel like trying to launch a spaceship with a rubber band. But what if we told you there's a secret weapon—a cheat code—to help you leap over the hurdles of adopting new technology? Imagine your Credit Union smoothly adopting innovative fintech, all while expertly managing risk. Our guests on today’s show are announcing a special event designed to help Credit Unions find the right fintech partners. Jenny Jackson, Alliance Manager at CUNA, and N...
Jun 27, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 130
We’re in the middle of an insurance crisis: Credit Unions and community banks are being dropped by their providers while premiums skyrocket. Likewise, consumers face escalating insurance costs as global economic instability intensifies. Here's a snapshot of the escalating insurance costs: Car Insurance: A 14% surge from 2022-2023 (Quadrant Information Services). Health Insurance: A 58% increase in individual coverage premiums from 2010 to 2022 (Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits S...
Jun 12, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 129
Here's an uncomfortable reality that our Credit Union comrades must grapple with: a whopping 84% of digital transformations fail, according to Forbes. And this isn't just a Credit Union issue; it's an industry-wide epidemic, with every data point on the internet citing a two-thirds or higher failure rate. What truly unnerves us about this staggering statistic is the impact it has on our Credit Union members. After all, they are the reason we exist, and they're relying on us to navigate these tur...
May 23, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 128
In recent weeks, we've seen deposits move from regional banks to colossal, too-big-to-fail institutions, as people grow increasingly concerned about their deposit safety. Is this the perfect opportunity for Credit Unions to showcase their unique value to Americans and increase their market share? And if this is a golden opportunity to win hearts and minds, how can Credit Unions present themselves as a safer, superior alternative to banks? If only there were a seasoned Credit Union Marketer to gu...
May 02, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 127
