Building Financial Communities for America's Veterans with Tony Hernandez

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar speaks with Tony Hernandez, President and CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). They discuss how DCUC advocates for credit unions serving military members and veterans across America.Tony explains how DCUC has expanded beyond its original mission of representing credit unions on military installations to now serving any credit union with veterans in their field of membership. He shares insights on current advocacy efforts to protect the credit union tax exemption and maintain the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as an independent agency.The conversation highlights the critical connection between financial readiness and mission readiness for military personnel, emphasizing credit unions' vital role in serving veteran communities. Tony also details DCUC's recent initiative to bring together various credit union trade associations to create a unified front on key industry issues.

In the latest episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed JR Lay, Founder and CEO of the Digital Growth Institute. The episode explored Lay’s journey from punk rock musician to digital banking strategist and the lessons he learned along the way.DeTar and Lay discussed how financial institutions can move beyond a defensive mindset and embrace transformation as an ongoing evolution rather than a disruption. "Are you playing a game to win, or are you playing a game not to lose?" Lay asked, challenging leaders to rethink their approach to industry shifts.The conversation covered the role of mindset in adapting to rapid technological change, the importance of vision in leadership, and how AI is reshaping financial services. Lay also highlighted the need for continuous learning and adaptability in an era of digital acceleration.Tune in to hear how financial leaders can shift their perspective, leverage technology without fear, and develop a strategy that positions their institution for long-term success.

On this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar spoke with JB Baker, VP of Products and Marketing at Scale Flux, about the often unseen infrastructure behind AI. They discussed the limitations of current technology and where improvements are needed to handle AI’s growth. JB highlighted the "memory wall," which limits data flow to processors, as a major hurdle.JB explained how this challenge requires innovation in areas like memory, storage, networking, and even cooling systems. He used a simple analogy of an irrigation system needing bigger pipes to support a growing field, representing the need for faster data delivery to power-hungry GPUs.The conversation also covered the environmental effects of rising energy demands. JB pointed out data centers' substantial energy consumption and the need for more efficient cooling methods. They explored the ripple effect of innovation, where advancements in one area, like energy production, can unlock progress in seemingly unrelated fields like AI.

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, Josh DeTar sat down with Tanis Bagby, Cash Management Officer at P1FCU, to discuss the power of community engagement in the digital age. Bagby shared her career journey at the credit union, highlighting the importance of building relationships with members. She discussed her role as host of P1FCU’s podcast, Making Sense of Money, emphasizing the value of providing financial education and support through relatable, long-form content.Bagby explained how the podcast aims to meet listeners where they are, offering practical advice on topics like budgeting, home buying, and financial planning. She stressed the importance of empathy and accessibility in financial conversations, especially in a digital-first world. Bagby also touched on the role of community partnerships and how they enhance the credit union's mission of serving members.The conversation explored the challenges of reaching younger audiences amidst competing financial marketing messages. Bagby and DeTar discussed the importance of credit unions actively engaging with youth and building trust through genuine, valuable content. They agreed that podcasts offer a unique opportunity to connect with audiences and foster deeper relationships.

On this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Melanie Kennedy, CEO of Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union to discuss her credit union's journey to becoming a fully digital institution. This transition, planned before the pandemic, accelerated when COVID-19 forced widespread closures. She explained the operational efficiencies gained, the surprisingly positive member response, and the improved work-life balance for her team.Kennedy addressed the challenges of running a small credit union in a competitive landscape. She emphasized the importance of maximizing resources and embracing new technologies. She highlighted her credit union's use of AI for streamlining communications and creating an internal knowledge library for increased efficiency. Kennedy also touched upon the importance of maintaining member relationships in a digital-first environment, emphasizing communication through text, secure messaging, and phone calls.The conversation explored the evolving nature of member expectations and the adoption of digital tools. Kennedy and DeTar discussed the cultural shift towards digital banking, accelerated by the pandemic. They considered the future of digital banking and the need for credit unions to adapt to changing member needs.

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomes Kim Butler, founder of Prosperity Thinkers, to discuss the importance of financial education and the path to financial freedom. Kim explains how her early experiences with money shaped her passion for helping others build solid financial foundations, emphasizing the significance of savings, both for emergencies and opportunities.The conversation dives into why personal financial literacy is so crucial, yet often overlooked. Kim shares her perspective on the critical role of community financial institutions in guiding people toward better financial health, and why many traditional budgeting methods fall short. She highlights how small changes in mindset and habits can lead to significant long-term benefits.Kim also introduces her work with Prosperity Parents, helping families teach financial competency from a young age. The episode offers valuable insights into reshaping financial perspectives and laying the groundwork for lasting wealth and stability across generations.

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sits down with Scott Fieber, Chief Strategy Officer at Cook Solutions Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of community financial institutions (FIs). Scott shares insights on the unique challenges these organizations face, from navigating legacy technology to combating increasingly sophisticated fraud. With his deep understanding of the industry, Scott offers practical tips for fostering innovation and improving security in a competitive market.A central theme is the importance of collaboration—both internally within organizations and externally with trusted vendors. Scott highlights how community FIs can maximize existing technologies, avoid vendor lock-ins, and prioritize partnerships that align with their core values. Through real-world examples, he explains how creative problem-solving and leveraging existing tools can drive impactful results.The episode also delves into the broader implications of AI and technology in the financial sector. Scott emphasizes the need for adaptability in the face of rapid innovation, sharing his optimism for the future while addressing the ongoing battle against fraud. From gold jackets to gang deterrence in Central America, Scott’s stories illustrate a commitment to service, innovation, and making meaningful change.

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar is joined by Har Rai Khalsa, CEO and Co-Founder of Swaystack, to explore the evolving landscape of customer acquisition and retention in community financial institutions. Har Rai shares his unique journey, from his upbringing rooted in community values to his entrepreneurial career focused on enhancing the financial ecosystem. Together, they dive into what it takes for credit unions and community banks to compete with fintechs and mega banks in delivering seamless, user-friendly digital experiences.Har Rai emphasizes the importance of defining “financial primacy” and aligning product strategies to meet customer expectations. He discusses how digital tools, when designed with the customer in mind, can transform onboarding and deepen engagement. From leveraging data for personalized insights to reducing friction in digital interactions, Har Rai highlights actionable strategies that financial institutions can adopt to stay relevant.The conversation also touches on the role of innovation in bridging the gap between fintechs and community financial institutions. Har Rai shares examples of how intuitive product design and thoughtful customer engagement can foster trust and long-term relationships. This episode is a must-listen for industry professionals looking to navigate the complexities of modern digital banking.

In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sits down with Laszlo Tallai to explore the unique ways credit unions can stand out in the digital age and redefine member experiences. Laszlo delves into the power of humor and unconventional approaches, sharing how a lighthearted April Fool's prank turned into a viral campaign, sparking fresh ideas about member engagement.The conversation highlights the urgent need for digital transformation in credit unions. Laszlo addresses the barriers posed by legacy systems and offers strategies for adopting a “digital-first” mindset that makes banking simpler and more intuitive. He emphasizes the importance of integrating new technology in member journeys to compete with big banks and fintechs.Finally, Josh and Laszlo discuss how credit unions can resonate with younger members by updating terminology and embracing user-friendly, relatable communication. As member demographics shift, adapting to new language and cultural expectations becomes essential for growth. Tune in to discover how credit unions can stay relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Andrew Sagliocca, Vice Chairman, CEO, and President of Esquire Financial Holdings Inc. and Esquire Bank, joined Josh DeTar on the Digital Banking Podcast to discuss Esquire Bank's unique approach. Andrew explained how the bank focuses on two niche markets: litigation finance and payments. He emphasized the importance of understanding these specialized areas and tailoring services to meet client needs. He discussed how this strategy allows Esquire Bank to attract low-cost deposits and maintain strong financial performance.Andrew shared his career journey and the lessons learned from the mortgage crisis. He highlighted the value of learning from challenging times and embracing a flat management structure. He stressed the need for a demanding yet supportive culture. He believes in empowering employees and fostering open communication.Andrew also discussed the role of technology in banking. He views technology as crucial for growth and efficiency. He believes technology must be combined with strong client relationships. He explored the future of M&A activity in the banking industry. He touched on the increasing need for banks to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.