Let’s be honest—too many financial brands are still operating like it’s 1999. Websites stuck in the past. Strategies rooted in branch-first thinking. Growth models that haven’t evolved with consumer expectations. In this reboot of Banking on Digital Growth, host James Robert Lay is joined by new co-host Derik Krauss, co-founder of MetriFi, for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to lead in a digital-first world.

If you're tired of hearing "digital transformation" without seeing real action, this episode is your wake-up call. From the hidden cost of digital blind spots to the hard truth of The Innovator’s Dilemma, James and Derik unpack how banks and credit unions can escape outdated thinking—and why the website must be the starting point.

Join us as we discuss:

-The Pre-Internet Mindset in Financial Institutions

-Personal Banking Preferences and Generational Differences

-The Innovator's Dilemma in Financial Services

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You’re not alone if you’ve felt stuck, burnt out, or just plain frustrated with all the “talk” around digital transformation in banking. After nearly 500 episodes, James Robert Lay took a much-needed break—not from the mission, but to rediscover it. In this raw and revealing comeback, he opens up about the personal and professional crossroads that led to hitting pause and the powerful insights gained during that time.

Tune in to hear the truth behind the break, the future of the podcast, and how you can finally move from talk to action in the age of AI.

Join us as we discuss:

-A Call for Change

-Launching a New Venture

-Exciting Collaborations Ahead

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.

In this episode of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, host James Robert Lay is joined by Billy Wilkinson, CEO of Threshold, the agency that will make you rethink how you market your everything, to explore the transformative power of marketing in the financial services industry. Together, they discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals—what Billy calls "blocking and tackling"—to build a strong foundation for digital growth. They highlight the need for community financial institutions to rethink their approach to marketing, shifting from short-term tactics to long-term strategies that influence trust and behavior.

Billy shares practical insights on bridging the gap between sales and marketing to create unified strategies that deliver measurable ROI. They discuss the challenges of navigating rapid technological change, the value of fostering a culture of continuous learning, and how financial brands can differentiate by supporting local entrepreneurs and creating community connections. Whether you're an executive, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable advice to help you grow, learn, and level up in the digital age.

Join us as we discuss:

-Evolution of banking technology and digital adoption (5:00)

-The role of marketing as influence and long-term strategies (15:30)

-Community engagements and support for entrepreneurs (27:00)

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.