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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial brands are still designing websites for people. But the web’s changed—and fast.

In this episode, Derik Krauss joins James Robert Lay to unpack why the real “visitors” to your site are no longer just humans, but AI agents like ChatGPT and Perplexity acting on their behalf. They explore what this means for discoverability, trust, and conversion in an age where the “Do-It-For-Me” economy is accelerating.

You’ll learn how to start building an “agentic website” designed for both humans and machines—and why failing to adapt may render your brand invisible to the next generation of digital decision-makers.

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most financial institutions struggle to measure what really matters in their marketing. They track impressions, clicks, and followers—but not meaningful outcomes like loan conversions, account openings, or user friction. This leads to wasted budgets, unclear ROI, and missed opportunities to optimize the digital experience.

Without clear, actionable analytics, marketing becomes a black box. Leadership gets frustrated. Teams lose confidence. And worst of all—growth stalls because no one can see what’s actually working. In a time when budgets are tight and expectations are high, guessing is no longer a viable strategy.

James Robert and Derik explore how financial brands can transform marketing from a cost center into a growth engine by measuring progress in smarter, simpler ways. From high-level KPIs to on-page performance insights, they unpack what to track, why it matters, and how to start seeing through the noise to what actually drives growth.

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.