Counting Change

In this episode of Counting Change , host Arjun Sahgal discusses Community Banking Innovation: Balancing Tradition and Technology with Carie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Digital Banking at Claremont Savings Bank. The episode explores how community banks are leveraging innovation to strengthen local communities while staying true to their roots. Carie shares insights on internal and external inn...

In this episode of Counting Change , host Arjun Sahgal discusses the operational efficiency and enterprise transformation in banking with Loren Swindell, SVP Enterprise Operations Director at Needham Bank. The episode explores how banks can uncover hidden efficiency gains, evaluate existing systems, and create more streamlined, scalable operations across departments. Loren shares insights on asses...

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the dynamic intersection of community finance and tech innovation with Jamie Kruspel, Chief Transformation Officer at Mainstreet Credit Union. The episode explores how credit unions can innovate with technology while maintaining trust and personal relationships. Jamie shares insights on AI, digital transformation, and fostering a cult...

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the digital lending transformation with Mark Rodriguez, CEO of Lending Studio and former SVP and Head of Lending at Partners Federal Credit Union. The episode explores how credit unions can effectively implement digital transformation, focusing on workflow optimization, change management, and leveraging AI to enhance member and employ...

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the importance of trust in community banking with Wade Peery, Senior Advisor and former Chief Innovation Officer at First Bank. The episode explores how community banks can maintain relevance amid technological advancements such as stablecoins and the evolving financial landscape. Wade shares insights on the challenges and opportuniti...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the opportunities in commercial and small business banking within credit unions, focusing on the integration of technology and community-first approaches with Nicole Smith, President and CEO at US Federal Credit Union. The episode explores the alignment of values with institutional goals and the importance of maintaini...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the challenges of fraud prevention in community banking with Brandon Brackey, Assistant Vice President at Arcadian Bank The episode explores the evolving landscape of fraud, the role of AI in combating it, and the unique position of community banks in maintaining trust and personal relationships with customers. Brandon...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss storytelling with Josh Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President, Fintech and Mission Integration at West Community Credit Union. The episode explores how storytelling is vital in every industry, particularly in credit unions and fintech, to connect with members and drive innovation. Josh shares insights on the challenges cr...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the real reason branches aren't dead with EJ Kritz, Chief Experience Officer at DBSI. Despite the rise of digital banking, branches continue to play a crucial role in customer service, community engagement, and financial education. EJ shares insights on the strategic use of micro branches and the significance of ma...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss check fraud with Chris Wilson, Vice President of Business Development at Alogent. The episode explores check fraud, the innovation ecosystem, and the critical role of financial infrastructure. Chris also discusses modernizing financial systems to combat fraud. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠ .

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss leadership arcs with John Janclaes, Strategic Advisor at Nymbus. The episode delves into John's extensive journey through various leadership roles in the fintech and credit union sectors. He emphasizes the importance of building a culture of learning, defining the leadership arc, and fostering alignment within teams. J...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss what enables community banks to “innovate” (implement solutions) quickly with Marianela Vazquez, EVP, Chief Operating Officer at Reading Cooperative Bank. The episode examines the pandemic's impact on community banks, the challenges of navigating innovation within regulatory frameworks, and the importance of client...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss financial accessibility with April Clobes, President/CEO at MSUFCU. The episode explores the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing financial services, and the importance of technology in creating inclusive experiences. April also discusses emerging technologies that can enhance accessibility an...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss credit unions in action and how you can build stronger communities with Nicole Tompkins, Chief Experience Officer and SVP at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. The episode explores the unique culture of credit unions, their community impact, and the importance of building trust. Nicole also shares how credit union...

In this episode of Counting Change , host Rachel Reid and special host Libby McGeough discuss how AI enhances operational efficiencies with Heather Farwell, SVP Financial Services at Citizens First Bank | Clinton IA. The episode explores the transformative role of AI in community banking. Heather shares how AI enhances operational efficiencies, improves fraud detection, streamlines loan underwriti...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the hidden efficiencies and opportunities within instant payments with Lisa St Germain, who is now the VP of Client Success at Payfinia. The episode explores the impact of instant payments on financial institutions, challenges and opportunities in the payment landscape, and how instant payments can enhance member exper...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the importance of data with Corey LeBlanc (COO/CTO) & Drew Saito (Chief Lending Officer), the co-founders of Locality Bank. The episode explores the importance of balancing technology with human interaction, the rise of neobanks, and how leveraging data can transform decision-making processes within their organizat...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the importance of how banks prepare for the future and the community effect of preparing a bank with Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Banks. The episode explores the evolving role of banks in the face of technological advancements and regulatory challenges, emphasizing the importance of community-centric...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the transformative impact of generative AI in community banking with Ryan Goellner, Executive Vice President of Technology and Project Management at Gate City Bank. The episode explores the significance of data structure for AI applications and the potential of AI to enhance customer service. Ryan also explains the cha...

In this episode of Counting Change , host Arjun Sahgal and special host Libby McGeough discuss empowering employees through technology and driving innovation and member satisfaction in credit unions with Traci Michel at Metro Credit Union. The episode explores how technology can simplify member experiences, drive innovation, and enhance employee efficiency, particularly in the face of challenges p...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the role of clean data in unlocking AI's full potential for banking with Jeff Barrage, SVP Chief Information Officer of ⁠United Solutions Company⁠ . The episode explores the importance of clean data in banking, the challenges credit unions face with technology utilization, and the impact of legacy systems on data m...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the importance of experience in financial institutions with Trey Maust, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder at Lewis and Clark Bank. The episode explores the importance of integrating banking into everyday life, the challenges posed by regulations, and the potential of technology like AI and embedded banking to enhance c...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the significance of community-driven innovation in credit unions with Frank Wasson, President & CEO at CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union. The episode explores the significance of community-driven innovation in credit unions, the impact of Disney culture on leadership, and the challenges posed by technology in m...

In this episode of Counting Change , hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the vital role community banks play in serving underserved populations with Jason Hagan, Senior Vice President & Director at Sunrise Banks . The episode explores the mission-driven approach of Sunrise Banks, the challenges community banks face, the importance of technology in banking, and the cultural shifts needed...

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss innovation within credit unions and why they should adopt new technology with Jim Kasch, Chief Executive Officer at Kentucky Credit Union League. The episode explores the importance of technology adoption in credit unions and discusses Jim's extensive journey in the credit union space. Jim shares his insights into t...