Episodes
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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 banks can rebalance risk and reward by moving faster, experimenting more, and treating new initiatives as scalable capabilities rather than one-off projects.
Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 one thing clear: success in the next phase of banking will depend on how well institutions leverage data, adapt their payment strategies, and evolve alongside rapidly changing customer behaviors, especially among Gen Z and small business owners.
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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Missing episodes?
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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 the hidden career advantage of strong public speaking and how you as a leader can elevate your own.
Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 board reports to accelerating commercial loan analysis and preparing for tougher loan committee conversations, the conversation is packed with actionable use cases. They also tackle common concerns around regulation, risk, and job security, offering a clear message: bankers who learn to work with AI will be better positioned to compete, grow, and lead in the years ahead.
Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 help community banks grow. A practical, real‑world conversation for marketers who want to move the balance sheet—not just launch campaigns. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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. Learn more about SouthState's Correspondent Banking Division at https://southstatecorrespondent.com/
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 what your organization believes in.
Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 & Register for The Elevate Banking Forum
View Agenda & Register for The Deposit Conference
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/the-2026-elevate-banking-forum/
Register for The Deposit Conference: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/the-2026-deposit-conference/
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
SouthState Wealth is a trade name (doing business as) of SouthState Private Capital Management LLC ("SSPCM"). SouthState Wealth represents the collective wealth management departments and subsidiaries of SouthState Bank, N.A. The following content is for informational purposes only. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank, N.A., its employees, or its affiliates. No portion of this content serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SouthState Wealth. Securities involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal. Investment products and services are not bank deposits, nor are they insured, and are not backed or guaranteed by SouthState Bank, N.A. or its affiliates.
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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 progress. If you've ever delayed a tough conversation, a new initiative, or a big decision, this conversation will give you tools to move forward.
Click Here to View Agenda and Register for the Elevate Banking Forum
Click Here to View Agenda and Register for the Deposit Conference
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 Dabo Swiney Quote that Billy Referenced:
"Sight is a function of the eye, but vision is a function of the heart."
Learn About Elevate Experiences: https://elevateexperiences.com/
Book Billy to Speak: https://www.billybspeaks.com/
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 about The ARC Program here!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 in west Texas.
Learn more about The ARC Program here!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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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 of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees.
SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
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