A Fifth-Generation Banker on Talent, Culture, and Growth with Dan Odom of Western Bank

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…

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Improving the One-on-One in Banking [Template]

Many bankers have one-on-one meetings with their direct reports, and they are painful to observe when it comes to effectiveness and efficiency. They either turn into a status update or a therapy session. The problem is few bankers were taught how to conduct an effective one-on-one. After talking with more than 20 top performing banks,…

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The 3 Types of Feedback Every Leader Must Give with Jeff Hancher

Today we kick off 2026 by bringing back our friend Jeff Hancher to discuss the 3 types of feedback great leaders give to their teams.    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…

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Adapting Leadership Styles to Engage Gen Z with Tim Elmore

Today we sit down with Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Gen Z has joined the workforce, and effective leadership is looking different as a result. Tim Elmore tells us how to bridge the generational gap to better lead a generation unlike any we’ve seen before. Download…

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The Secret to Chick-fil-A’s Success with David Salyers

Today we feature another backstage conversation from the 2025 Elevate Banking Forum with David Salyers, retired Chick-fil-A executive and SouthState board member. We talk about his journey to Chick-fil-A and the principles that give the company a competitive edge.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants…

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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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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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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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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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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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LinkedIn Influence, Leadership, and Real Estate Insights with Josh Etress

Episode Description Today we sit down with Josh Etress, Chief Operating Officer of Anchor Investments. He shares how he adds value to his great and growing LinkedIn following and how bankers just like you can too. Josh also discusses his experiences with leadership as both leader and follower, as well as his insights on commercial…

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How the Best Leaders Deliver Feedback with Jeff Hancher

Today we sit down with Jeff Hancher who shares his thought leadership, particularly related to delivering feedback as leaders, founded in his own experiences and ideologies. Consider picking up his upcoming book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, which “is your guide to giving honest, impactful feedback without breaking trust or morale.”   REGISTER FOR ELEVATE…

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