10/13/25

Unlocking Customer Profitability with Mac Thompson

Today we’re joined by Mac Thompson, founder and CEO of White Clay, a company helping banks use data to drive smarter, more profitable decisions. We talk about whether banking is getting easier or harder, what the data says about the current state of the industry, and how banks can sell more profitable products to more…

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10/06/25

What Banks Can Learn About Payments from India’s UPI

Today Chris Nichols sit down with Subodh Mathur to talk about his work with India’s UPI system and what American banks can learn. 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. –…

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09/29/25

Stop Pitching, Start Connecting: How Community Banks Can Lead with Connection with J.R. Lay

In this episode, Caleb sits down with J.R. Lay—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of Level Up Business—to explore how community banks can deepen relationships and drive growth through authentic communication. They discuss the power of personal branding, the role of video and content in building trust, and why helping first is the key to long-term…

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09/22/25

The Fed Lowers Rates: What it Means for the Economy and Your Bank

Today Tom Fitzgerald sits down with Brian Barker, Chief Investment Officer here at SouthState Bank. They talk about the recent rate cut by the Fed and what it means for the economy and community banks. REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of…

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09/15/25

3 Ways to Take Your Bank’s Marketing to the Next Level

Today Erik Bagwell and Caleb Stevens talk about 3 ways your bank can take its marketing to the next level. 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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09/08/25

Building a “Team of Teams” at Your Bank with SouthState EVP James Tippit

Today we sit down with our own James Tippit, EVP and Director of Team Development here at SouthState. We discuss the term “Team of Teams” coined by General Stanley McChrystal and how it can be implemented at your bank to improve collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness.  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show…

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09/01/25

Making the Most of Your Institution’s Data with Will Bryant of Quantalytix

Today we sit down with Will Bryant, Co-Founder of Quantalytix. We discuss how your bank can build a strategy around getting the most of your institution’s data. 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….

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08/25/25

Modernizing Small Business Lending with Will Tumulty

Today we bring on Will Tumulty, CEO of Rapid Finance. He talks to us about how community banks can update their technology roadmaps to enhance their small business lending.   Learn more and register for Elevate here.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and…

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08/18/25

Jack Henry CEO Greg Adelson on The Future of Community Bank Technology

Today we talk with Greg Adelson, CEO of Jack Henry. We dive into technology, AI, cybersecurity, open banking, and several other topics in depth. These are all topics community banks should consider when looking at their technology roadmaps.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved…

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08/11/25

How the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Can Turbocharge Your Team’s Productivity

Today our own Chris Nichols sits down with Jaye Eubanks from United Bank in Georgia. Jaye shares how he and his team use the “EOS” operating system to increase team productivity and performance. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those…

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08/04/25

How Colony Bank is Investing in the Future with Christian Ruppe

Today we talk with Christian Ruppe, Chief Innovation Officer of Colony Bank in Georgia. Christian talks about the strategic technology and innovation initiatives Colony has invested in to continue serving their customers with excellence. VIEW AGENDA AND REGISTER FOR THE ELEVATE BANKING FORUM HERE The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely…

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07/28/25

How to Create a High-Performing Digital Strategy with Matt Quale from Forbright Bank

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Matt Quale, who serves as President of Digital Banking at Forbright Bank. He has decades of experience in consumer experience, technology, and financial services, having held leadership roles at Texas Capital Bank, Bask Bank, Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, American Express, WebMD, McKinsey, ConAgra, Coca-Cola, and General Mills. Chris and Matt…

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07/21/25

How Lenders Can Use LinkedIn to Create Value for Your Bank with Owen LaFave

Today we bring on Owen LaFave, Market President at the Bank of Tampa. He tells us all about how he uses LinkedIn to create value for himself and his bank. Owen’s advice in today’s episode could inform your LinkedIn strategy to create value for your clients and to meet new prospects.   Learn more about…

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07/14/25

How to Lead Your Bank as It Scales with SouthState Executive Mark Thompson

Today SouthState’s own Mark Thompson, Banking Group President of Florida, joins us. With over 40 years of banking experience, he shares a wealth of knowledge with us. We discuss the current landscape for commercial lending, what to look for when hiring commercial lenders, and how to keep the “small feel” in a growing bank.  …

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07/07/25

How the Best Commercial Lenders Navigate Economic Uncertainty with Sim Cheema

Today we bring back Sim Cheema, who works on our ARC Team here at SouthState. We talk about the current Fed policy, the economic environment, and what all that means for you and your lenders at your bank.   Learn more about ARC here. Learn more about the Community Bank Summer Performance Series here.  …

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06/30/25

The Top Banking Trends Going Into Q3

Today our own Chris Nichols sits down with Nathan Stovall from S&P Global Market Intelligence. They discuss current trends in the banking industry including the outlook for deposit growth and costs, the forecast for credit quality, bank M&A, regulation, and many other great topics. Learn more about The Deposit Conference! The views, information, or opinions…

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06/23/25

The Power of Storytelling with William Warren from The Sketch Effect

Today we sit down with William Warren, Founder of The Sketch Effect — a visual communications agency that works with brands like Chick-fil-A and Delta Airlines. William talks about the importance of visual storytelling, why it’s so overlooked in the business world, and how to inspire and lead the creatives on your team.   REQUEST…

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06/17/25

What Modern Architecture Looks Like in the Age of AI with Raphael Reznek

Today our own Chris Nichols sits down with Raphael Reznek, Chief Technology Officer of Mascoma Bank. They discuss bank architecture and focus on leveraging technology to your bank’s benefit in the current, evolving world around AI.   Learn more about and register for Elevate here! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are…

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06/09/25

Cybersecurity Planning for Your Bank with Curtis Campbell

Today we feature an internal conversation with Curtis Campbell, SouthState Bank’s Director of Cybersecurity Training and Education. She discusses the importance of having a plan for cybersecurity and ensuring that your bank’s team members are well-equipped to defend against cyber threats. LEARN MORE ABOUT ELEVATE HERE.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this…

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05/28/25

Where Does the Economy go from Here? A Conversation with Joe Keating

Today Tom Fitzgerald sits down with series regular Joe Keating. They discuss the latest trends in the current economy and the outlook for interest rates.   LEARN MORE ABOUT ELEVATE HERE.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of…

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