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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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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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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How SouthState Bank Taps into Its Internal Talent to Enhance Efficiency

Today Chris Nichols sits down with three of SouthState Bank’s team members, Tiffany Metelsky, Kunal Das, and Karissa Herns. They discuss our recent Data Build-a-thon, where 58 internal participants were asked to analyze data and identify and present opportunities for increased sales, marketing strategies, or customer satisfaction. First-place winner Karissa shares her thoughts and event…

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Creating Clarity as a Leader with Russ Hill

Today we sit down with Russ Hill, co-Founder of Lone Rock Consulting and Lead In 30. We talk about the importance of creating clarity as a leader, leading through change, the relationship between AI and leadership, and several other great topics.   DOWNLOAD OUR FREE LOAN PRICING VIDEO SERIES HERE The views, information, or opinions…

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