Banking on Digital Growth

Епизоде

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  Why measurement is the key to (deposit) growth 16.07.2026 54мин

  Growing deposits has become one of the biggest challenges facing banks and credit unions today. But what if the answer isn't better rates or new products?In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, I sit down with Bill Bloom, founder of Diane Money, to discuss why helping members become better savers may be one of the most overlooked growth strategies in financial services.They explore how spending habits impact long-term financial health, why measurement is the foundation of behavior change, and how financial institutions can shift from simply selling products to helping people build better financial habits. Along the way, Derik shares personal stories about health, analytics, and why measuring the right things has transformed both his personal life and his business.If you're interested in deposit growth, financial wellness, consumer behavior, or building stronger member relationships, this conversation is full of practical ideas.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why measurement changes behavior (personal story)04:23 How better analytics changed Derik's health decisions05:04 Why website analytics inspired the creation of Metrify07:42 Meet Bill Bloom and the story behind Diane Money10:41 What Diane Money actually does11:26 Growing up with 45 credit cards in the house12:44 Why Bill chose a career in financial planning14:00 Savers vs. spenders: the two financial personalities15:05 Helping spenders become better savers15:37 The pilot program inside a bank that changed employee finances17:00 How one banker saved over $3,000 in two months18:00 Why financial institutions should start with their own employees19:00 The problem with selling instead of serving customers22:00 Why awareness is the first step toward saving more money23:54 The surprising spending habits hurting consumers most25:07 Automating savings after identifying spending opportunities26:01 Moving from product-focused banking to savings-focused banking29:19 Why helping people save creates a competitive advantage30:20 Why deposits are often spread across multiple institutions31:00 Competing on service instead of rates33:00 How financially stressed employees impact member experience35:20 Helping members eliminate debt instead of creating more of it38:18 Why previous budgeting tools failed to gain traction39:00 The cultural shift banks need to embrace41:08 Technology isn't the solution—leadership is43:27 Creating a culture focused on financial wellness44:05 Finding $400 of savings for every member45:07 Why institutions must be willing to change46:03 Measurement drives better financial decisions49:00 Envelope budgeting and building better financial habits50:40 Analytics only matter if people take action51:17 The connection between personal finance and website analytics53:00 The universal principle of measurement and improvement53:53 Final thoughtsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  The credit union membership crisis no one wants to talk about 06.07.2026 41мин

  In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, I sit down with Mike Lawson of CU Broadcast to discuss what Mike calls the industry's "member succession plan", the urgent need for credit unions to replace an aging membership base by winning over younger generations.Together, we explore why fintechs like Chime, SoFi, and Ally have become so appealing, the role digital experiences play in attracting new customers, and why simply having great rates is no longer enough. We also discuss the Innovator's Dilemma, the challenge of balancing branch investments with digital transformation, and how AI could fundamentally change the future of banking experiences.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome and episode introduction00:40 Why credit unions need a "member succession plan"02:24 Meet Mike Lawson and the story of the rescued pigeon08:03 Why attracting younger members has become critical10:25 What's causing credit unions to lose younger generations?11:06 Does the term "credit union" create a marketing challenge?12:52 What Chime and SoFi get right about marketing14:07 Digital experience vs. traditional banking experiences15:00 Why Derik switched from Wells Fargo to Ally Bank18:00 The digital experience gap facing financial institutions19:07 Can community involvement actually drive growth?22:25 What website heat maps reveal about member behavior24:17 The Patagonia effect: purpose as a brand differentiator28:00 Why fintechs continue to outperform traditional institutions30:02 The Innovator's Dilemma: branches vs. digital investment31:18 Why branches aren't disappearing—they're evolving32:34 How AI could reshape banking experiences34:00 The future of AI agents and banking interfaces35:00 MCP servers and AI-powered banking transactions37:15 Will AI eventually complete loan applications?38:30 AI's growing role across financial services39:00 How AI can actually make banking more human40:04 Can AI help credit unions better fulfill their mission?40:45 Final thoughts and wrap-upHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  Is marketing dead? Why creativity and data need each other. 15.06.2026 1ч

  In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Melanie Draheim to explore one of the most important conversations happening in marketing today: the relationship between creativity and performance.The discussion starts with a surprising lesson from a backpacking trip through Death Valley and quickly evolves into a deeper conversation about why marketers are so quick to declare things "dead" whenever technology changes.Together, Derik and Melanie unpack the tension between art and science, brand and performance, creativity and analytics. They discuss why marketing fundamentals still matter in an AI-driven world, how data can strengthen creativity rather than limit it, and why understanding real human behavior remains one of the most powerful competitive advantages available to marketers.Whether you're focused on branding, digital marketing, AI, website optimization, or member growth, this episode offers practical insights on balancing creativity with measurable results.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction and a surprising lesson from Death Valley01:00 Melanie's backpacking adventure and the value of disconnecting05:30 Why everyone keeps declaring marketing channels "dead"07:00 Is SEO dead? Is brand dead? The danger of marketing eulogies08:00 Technology as a delivery mechanism, not the destination10:00 How AI is changing the way people experience brands12:00 Influencing people vs. influencing what influences people13:00 Fear vs. opportunity in times of technological change15:00 SEO, GEO, and what marketers are really talking about17:00 Creativity and performance: a false choice18:00 Why great marketing requires both art and science20:00 Purpose, performance, and measuring success22:00 The importance of starting with "why"23:00 What usability testing reveals that analytics can't25:00 The biggest website optimization mistake credit unions make27:00 Why A/B testing requires humility29:00 Intuition, creativity, and validating ideas with data30:00 A real marketing test: rates vs. monthly savings messaging32:00 Why customers care about outcomes, not calculations32:45 The story of selling $9,000 worth of bacon36:00 Why creativity becomes more meaningful when tied to results37:00 A broken pen, social media, and unexpected marketing success39:00 Using member research to improve digital experiences41:00 What members really want from mobile banking experiences42:00 Talking to people vs. relying solely on dashboards43:00 ChatGPT, Claude, and the evolution of AI tools44:00 AI browsers and expanding AI capabilities47:00 AI personalities, digital assistants, and the future of interaction48:00 OpenClaw and what comes next for AI agents49:00 The future of AI operating systems and digital experiences01:00:00 Final thoughts and key takeawaysIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe for more discussions on banking, credit unions, AI, marketing, digital growth, and the future of financial services.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  I used AI to build an entire credit union website in hours (and it's incredible) 09.06.2026 1ч

  In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Kelly Hellickson of EmpowerFi to explore the future of AI-native websites, the agentic web, and why traditional content management systems may not be the best way to build digital experiences moving forward.During the conversation, Derik demonstrates a real-world prototype where AI designs, builds, and deploys a fully functional credit union website, including creating an entirely new youth checking page live during the episode.The implications for financial institutions are massive: faster development, lower costs, better user experiences, and a future where AI becomes the content management system itself.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction and the future of AI-built websites01:12 Meet Kelly Hellickson and EmpowerFi03:00 Building modern MarTech stacks for financial institutions06:00 Why many financial institutions still restrict AI tools09:28 The conversation that sparked this episode10:53 Could AI replace traditional CMS platforms?12:13 Derik's AI workflow and being a top 1% ChatGPT user16:21 Building AI-powered tools and website experiences18:00 The concept of an AI-native website22:25 Why AI can finally build complete websites24:20 Live demo: an AI-generated credit union website prototype25:25 How 140 A/B tests influence website design decisions30:13 Introducing Claude Design and AI-first website creation33:07 Using A/B testing data to guide AI-generated pages35:15 How conversion optimization and A/B testing work41:00 Training AI with proven website performance data43:00 AI generates a youth checking page in real time45:04 Why AI-generated design rationale is a game changer47:04 Updating website experiences on demand with AI49:31 When could AI-native websites become mainstream?50:27 The vision for a fully agentic website platform52:23 Claude Design → Claude Code workflow explained54:09 How AI could make websites 10x faster and cheaper56:01 Viewing the completed AI-generated page57:44 Deploying the page live with Vercel59:13 From AI design to a live website in minutes01:00:00 Final thoughts on the future of AI-native websitesIf you're interested in AI, digital marketing, website strategy, or the future of financial institution websites, this episode offers a firsthand look at what's possible today and where things are headed next.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  Will AI replace banking apps? The future of AI powered banking 26.05.2026 52мин

  In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, Derik sits down with Jeffrey Kendall, CEO of Nymbus, to explore the future of AI-powered banking. The conversation starts with a simple question: Why can’t AI help manage personal finances yet?From there, Derik and Jeffrey unpack how AI agents can transform customer support inside financial institutions and help users analyze spending, automate financial workflows, and even conduct financial transactions.They also explore the bigger picture: Will banks embed AI into their own apps, or will customers increasingly interact with banks through ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI platforms? If you’re thinking about AI, banking, digital transformation, or what the future of customer experience looks like, this episode is packed with insights. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and why Derik started looking for AI banking tools 02:00 What an MCP server is (and why it matters) 05:30 APIs vs. MCP servers explained 08:00 Why current banking apps frustrate AI workflows11:00 Could ChatGPT become your next banking app?15:00 Why AI-powered banking experiences are inevitable 18:00 Power users vs. mainstream AI adoption 21:00 Why many financial institutions are falling behind on AI 25:00 Vendor lock-in and the AI challenge for banks 29:00 How AI is transforming software development33:00 Why technology alone isn’t a differentiator anymore36:00 Internal AI use cases at Nymbus (call centers, support, operations)42:00 The future of AI-powered customer banking experiences46:00 Open banking, AI, and what regulation could look like50:00 Embedded AI vs. ChatGPT as the banking interface55:00 Where Nymbus is taking MCP next58:00 Why differentiation matters more than technology01:03:00 Community banking, niches, and competitive advantage01:09:00 Jeffrey’s advice for bank and credit union leaders on AI01:12:00 Final thoughts and wrap-upHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  Why Financial Institutions Struggle to Execute Strategy (The “Messy Middle” Explained) 15.05.2026 1ч 7мин

  Why do so many banks and credit unions struggle to execute strategy- even when leadership agrees on the vision?In this episode, Derek sits down with Shawnette Rochelle, founder of Excellence Unbounded, to unpack the “messy middle”, the gap between strategic alignment and successful execution. Drawing from her military leadership experience, Shawnette shares why unclear decision ownership, unresolved trade-offs, and slow decision-making often become the real bottlenecks to progress.Listen to learn how financial institutions can move faster, create better alignment, and turn strategy into action. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction and why strategy often breaks down03:00 Shawnette’s background and lessons from travel & leadership09:00 Strategy problem vs. execution problem in banking12:30 What the “messy middle” really means16:00 The decision layer: where execution succeeds or fails21:00 Metabolizing trade-offs and avoiding stalled initiatives28:00 Why decision ownership matters35:00 Military leadership lessons on execution and autonomy43:00 How unclear decisions slow organizations down49:00 Strategy, speed, and AI-driven change in banking56:00 Real-world examples of fixing execution bottlenecks01:05:00 The three questions leaders should ask01:10:00 Final thoughts and key takeawaysHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  AI traffic is already here: What FI's are missing about the agentic web 05.05.2026 58мин

  n this episode, I sit down with my co-founder Ryan Harmon to break down the results of our latest AI traffic study and what it reveals about how the internet is fundamentally changing. For years, banks and credit unions have focused on driving human traffic to their websites. But what happens when AI agents become the primary way people find information? Ryan and I dig into what we discovered after tracking millions of AI bot visits across financial institution websites, and why traditional analytics tools like Google Analytics are missing most of the picture. We walk through how AI bots actually interact with websites, the difference between user bots, search bots, and training bots, and why “visibility” inside tools like ChatGPT may matter more than clicks. We also share real data showing that AI bot traffic is already rivaling human traffic—and what that means for your digital strategy. Listen to learn how AI is reshaping search, why content strategy needs to evolve, and what financial institutions should do right now to stay visible in an AI-driven world.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome back and introduction to the AI traffic study01:00 How AI changed the way people search (basketball shoe example)04:30 The shift from human browsing to AI agents as intermediaries06:00 What “AI visibility” means and why it matters07:30 Case study: going from 0% to 100% visibility with targeted content09:00 The big question: does AI visibility actually drive traffic?10:00 Why Google Analytics can’t see most AI traffic12:00 Tracking AI referrals vs. actual AI bot activity14:00 Why AI referral traffic appears so small (and misleading)17:00 Discovering AI bots in server logs18:00 Building tools to track AI traffic (WordPress plugin + Cloudflare)20:00 Why pixel tracking doesn’t work for AI bots23:00 How the AI traffic study was conducted (40+ institutions)25:00 Millions of AI bot visits: what the data revealed26:30 The three types of AI bots: user, search, and training29:00 What user bots tell us about real human intent30:30 How AI search bots index and retrieve content34:00 How AI agents actually search (Bing queries + deep crawling)41:30 What training bots are and why they matter44:00 Do you actually want training bots on your site?46:00 Benchmark data: AI bot traffic vs. human traffic (almost equal)48:30 Breakdown: 88% training, 7% search, 4% user bots50:00 Why AI citations don’t always result in bot visits52:00 The connection between AI visibility and AI traffic53:00 Real example: content driving top AI traffic pages54:30 Why AI traffic is the new form of website engagement55:30 What kind of content performs best for AI vs. humans57:00 Final thoughts and what to watch next (AI optimizing for AI)Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  How can FIs survive the next 5 years of banking disruption? 16.04.2026 1ч 11мин

  In this episode, I interview Chris Allen, CEO of Fox Communities Credit Union, about how credit unions and banks can stay flexible amid disruption. He explains Fox’s strategy of building three growth engines: retail branches, commercial lending, and virtual banking, each designed to adapt as market conditions change. Allen discusses why steady growth is essential for credit unions to remain sustainable, how commercial lending creates differentiation and supports local economic development, and why branches are evolving into service and marketing centers as digital banking adoption grows.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:11 Why Innovation Matters Now04:12 Innovators Dilemma Framework06:11 Fox Three Growth Bets09:27 Designing for Flexibility11:55 Why Credit Unions Need Growth15:47 Grow or Die Mindset22:35 Reinvesting Surplus for Stakeholders29:26 Commercial Banking Differentiation35:56 Fair Pricing Edge36:38 Proving Commercial Expertise37:15 Cost Barrier for CUs38:05 Why Relationships Win39:56 Commercial as Development43:24 Branches Dead or Alive49:29 Branches as Service Hubs53:25 Planning for Uncertainty58:59 Standalone Growth Channels01:03:26 Funding Digital vs Branches01:09:23 Flexibility as Strategy01:11:21 Closing ThoughtsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  476) How much AI traffic are FI websites getting, and is it worth optimizing for yet? 28.01.2026 33мин

  In this episode, Ryan Harmon and I dig into a question we’re hearing more and more from banks and credit unions: how much AI traffic are financial institution websites actually getting and is it worth optimizing for yet?AI search is projected to overtake Google search within the next few years, and that shift comes with a major implication: the primary users of FI websites won’t just be humans anymore, they’ll be AI agents. The problem is, popular analytics tools like Google Analytics aren’t built to measure this kind of traffic. They’re designed to filter bots out, not help you understand what AI agents are doing on your site.In this conversation, we break down the difference between AI visibility and AI traffic, explain the three types of AI bots interacting with websites today, and share what we’re learning as we launch a new research study to measure real AI traffic across credit union and bank websites. If you want to understand how the Agentic Web is changing analytics, SEO, and digital strategy for financial institutions, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome back and episode overview01:00 Why AI traffic matters for banks and credit unions02:30 The difference between AI visibility and AI traffic04:00 How AI answers questions vs. how Google search works06:30 Why visibility doesn’t equal traffic08:30 Why financial institutions started asking for AI traffic data10:00 What it means when AI agents visit your website11:30 The three types of AI bots (user, indexer, training)14:00 Seeing AI agents visit your site in real time16:30 Why Google Analytics can’t measure AI traffic18:00 Clicks vs. “intent hits” in the AI era20:00 Why most AI interactions don’t result in website visits22:00 How AI agents use content differently than humans24:00 Long-form content vs. modular content for AI27:00 The tradeoffs of content structure for AI agents29:30 What this research study aims to uncover31:00 How to participate in the AI traffic research study33:00 Final thoughts and next stepsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  475) Your next banking app is ChatGPT 26.01.2026 1ч 2мин

  In this episode, I walk through a prototype that explores what I believe is the next major shift in banking: AI-first banking experiences built directly inside tools like ChatGPT. Instead of navigating complex apps and menus, you simply tell an AI what you want to do and it handles the work for you. Joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, I demonstrate how a ChatGPT-based banking app could open accounts, move money between accounts, analyze transactions, and provide personalized financial insights all through natural language and lightweight UI components.We also discuss why AI-first banking is fundamentally different from traditional UI-based apps, what this means for user experience design, and why this shift is closer than most people realize. If you want to understand how AI agents could transform personal finance, budgeting, and everyday banking tasks, this episode is one you’ll want to watch- especially the demo. 00:00 Introduction and overview of AI-first banking01:00 Setting up a banking prototype inside ChatGPT02:30 Viewing accounts and balances inside the chat interface04:00 Opening a new savings account with natural language06:00 Confirmations, approvals, and human-in-the-loop controls08:00 Why minimal UI works better with AI agents10:30 Envelope budgeting and real-world banking pain points13:00 Why traditional banking apps fall short15:00 Executing multiple transfers with a single command18:00 AI vs. UI-based banking experiences21:00 Analyzing transactions and spending behavior24:00 Why most people don’t budget and how AI changes that27:00 AI agents as proactive financial assistants31:00 Finding savings opportunities automatically35:00 Subscription management, negotiation, and optimization38:00 The future of AI agents managing money41:00 Real examples already appearing in ChatGPT (Ramp, Stripe)45:00 Why banking apps are coming to ChatGPT48:00 What needs to happen for this to become real52:00 Final thoughts on the future of AI-first bankingHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  474) CUs and banks, your problem is strategy, not technology 20.01.2026 1ч 9мин

  In this episode, I sit down with Joe Colca, founder of Forge Clarity, to talk about a challenge credit unions and banks keep running into as they try to compete with digital-first players. Most people frame this as a technology problem. Joe and I don’t see it that way.With more than 26 years of experience at organizations like Vanguard, Citi, and VyStar Credit Union, Joe shares why the real issue isn’t a lack of technology, it’s a lack of strategic clarity. We dig into why many financial institutions struggle to deliver strong digital experiences, how the Innovator’s Dilemma applies to banking today, and what leaders should be thinking about as AI, fintech partnerships, and new operating models reshape the industry. Listen to learn why strategy, not technology, is the real bottleneck for digital transformation, and what banks and credit unions can do to position themselves for the future.00:00 Welcome back and episode introduction01:00 Introducing Joe Colca and his background in financial services05:00 Joe’s career journey from Vanguard to Citi to VyStar10:30 The Innovator’s Dilemma and its relevance to banking today14:30 Branch-based vs. branchless banking models18:00 Why digital transformation feels so hard for credit unions22:30 Technology upgrades vs. meeting member expectations27:30 Fintech partnerships and the build vs. buy decision33:00 Can banks successfully be both branch-based and digital-first?38:00 Strategy problems vs. technology problems43:30 Spinoff digital banks as a potential solution50:00 Real-world examples of credit union digital spinoffs56:00 The impact of AI on the future of banking experiences01:01:30 What Forge Clarity does and who it helps01:06:30 One action leaders should take right now: strategic clarity01:09:00 Final thoughts and wrap-upHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  473) Can credit unions and banks leapfrog fintech? AI-first is their best shot. 04.12.2025 1ч 7мин

  AI is going to revolutionize banking. Credit unions and banks are already being disrupted by fintechs, now AI is either going to accelerate their demise or give them a chance to leapfrog their disruptors. The choice is theirs.In this episode, I (Derik Krauss) am joined by my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, to unpack how AI could disrupt UI-based fintechs and open up new opportunities for community banks and credit unions. We discuss The Innovator's Dilemma, the benefits of launching AI-first spinoffs, and how future financial institutions might operate without traditional mobile apps or online banking. 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode 01:11 AI's Potential in Banking and Financial Institutions 03:53 The Innovator's Dilemma in Banking 05:59 The Shift from Physical Branches to Digital Banking 11:37 AI as the Next Disruptive Innovation 17:02 The Future of AI-Driven Financial Services 23:04 AI Integration in Everyday Life 29:50 The Role of AI in Financial Decision Making 31:35 Blockchain and AI: Revolutionizing Banking 33:25 AI-First Experience: The Future of User Interfaces 35:48 Cost Efficiency in AI-Driven Banking 39:08 OpenAI's App Store: A New Frontier 40:31 Challenges and Opportunities for Credit Unions 42:58 The Innovator's Dilemma: Embracing Disruptive Innovation 46:49 Launching Spinoffs: A Strategy for Transformation 49:00 The Future of Banking: AI-First Spinoffs 50:03 Legacy Institutions and Modern Challenges 01:00:35 The Role of Marketing in Credit Union Transformation 01:03:01 AI's Impact on the Banking Industry 01:05:47 Conclusion: Embracing AI for Future SuccessHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  472) How agentic AI will transform banking UX 25.11.2025 1ч 3мин

  Hey, this is Derik. I recently tried using ChatGPT's Agent Mode to make transfers between my personal bank accounts. I didn't get the outcome I was hoping for, but that's not because AI isn't capable of doing it. In fact, it's more than capable of doing that and other banking tasks, especially if there is a human in the loop. In this episode, my co-founder, Ryan Harmon, and I show and tell what agentic AI is capable of doing and how it's going to transform the banking user experience. Listen to learn how AI is reshaping the future of banking and what opportunities lie ahead for individuals and financial institutions.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  471) JR's journey: autoimmune condition, the next decade, and seeking truth 06.11.2025 47мин

  For the first time, JR is a guest on the podcast he started. Join me, Derik Krauss, as I debut as the new host of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast.In this episode, I interview JR and we talk about challenges he has overcome, including facing an autoimmune condition, as well as his plans for the next decade.What we unpacked in this conversation is truly thought-provoking. It has led me to reflect on what has happened in my life over the last decade and what I want for the next 10 years.Not only is this type of reflection valuable personally, but it can also lead to true transformation for your credit union or bank. As JR says, all change starts with learning truth and seeing things differently. What "truth gaps" are holding back your financial institution?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  470) How to Turn Your Bank’s Website into a Loan & Deposit Magnet 07.08.2025 51мин

  Most community banks and credit unions have websites that look decent—but they’re just glorified brochures. They’re not bringing in loans, deposits, or meaningful customer engagement. That’s a big problem. Because every day your site doesn’t convert, you’re losing potential revenue to competitors who’ve figured out how to make their digital presence work for them. A static, underperforming site isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. In this episode, James Robert and Derik talk about how to flip the script and turn your website into a true sales engine. You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  469) The Rise of AI Agents: What Financial Brands Must Do in the Next 90 Days 29.07.2025 37мин

  AI agents aren’t coming—they’re already here. And they’re about to reshape how people search, shop, and apply for financial products. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by co-host Derik Krauss to unpack the fast-moving shift from generative AI to autonomous AI agents—and why this change is happening faster than most financial brand leaders realize. We explore what AI agents actually are, how they differ from GenAI, and why your brand’s current visibility in Google Search might not mean squat in an AI-powered world.From OpenAI’s new Agent Mode to Semrush’s bombshell research on AI search behavior, we dive deep into how machines are now completing tasks that were once human-only—and what that means for your marketing, UX, and growth strategy moving forward. Because in the age of AI agents, one year of inaction could cost you a decade of relevance.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  468) AI Search Is Here: Why Google’s Reign Is Ending Sooner Than You Think 23.07.2025 40мин

  Traditional SEO is dying—and AI search is taking its place. In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth Podcast, host James Robert Lay and co-host Derik Krauss dive into the seismic shift in how people search, shop, and make financial decisions online. With research from Semrush and Ahrefs predicting that AI-driven search will surpass Google by 2028—or even sooner—this isn’t just a trend. It’s a warning.Financial brands that rely heavily on Google and PPC are at risk of becoming invisible in the new AI-first search landscape. Why does this matter? Because behavior is shifting fast, and many institutions are lagging behind without realizing it.JR and Derik share what your financial brand must do now to prepare. From measuring your AI visibility to understanding what content actually gets you found in ChatGPT responses, this episode is a blueprint for staying competitive—and staying seen.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  467) Are You Dying, Surviving, or Thriving? A Wake-Up Call for Financial Brands 15.07.2025 53мин

  Are you dying, surviving, or thriving? In a rapidly evolving age of AI and fintech disruption, the real threat isn’t competition—it’s complacency. Too many banks and credit unions are stuck in survival mode, reacting to problems instead of creating possibilities.The conversation digs deep into the mindset shifts needed to break free from defensive, fear-based thinking. James Robert and Derik explore personal stories of transformation, the impact of strategic clarity, and how the most growth-bound institutions today are those with leaders willing to take bold, courageous action. They unpack why thriving starts with leading yourself—and how 10x thinking can unlock future-focused innovation that’s no longer optional.If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step, this episode will challenge your perspective and offer a clear path forward: Think bigger. Lead bolder. Grow faster.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  466) Are You Listening to the Right Customers? Rethinking Physical Presence in the Age of AI 08.07.2025 46мин

  Traditional banks and credit unions are struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. While consumers flock to neobanks and fintechs for speed, convenience, and personalization, many community institutions remain anchored to branch-first models and legacy mindsets.James Robert and Derik unpack why going “digital” isn’t just for startups—it’s a strategic path forward for community-based institutions too. They explore how embracing a digital-first (or even digital-only) model can help banks and credit unions unlock growth, reduce operational drag, and reconnect with modern consumers—without losing the human touch that makes them special.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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  465) Beyond Rates and Service: Differentiation That Drives Growth in Financial Services 02.07.2025 39мин

  Most financial brands are stuck saying the same things—“great rates, great service”—and it's costing them trust, growth, and relevance. In this episode, James Robert Lay and Derik Krauss dive into the dangerous trap of commoditization in financial services. They break down why it's happening, how it shows up in your marketing, and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to reframe your messaging around purpose, use empathy to guide digital journeys, and position your brand as a trusted guide—not just a product pusher. Drawing from the Digital Growth Blueprint and real-world examples, this conversation is your first step toward standing out in a sea of sameness.You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.