Advertise on podcast: Believe in Banking

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore how banks and credit unions can unlock the marketing power of their physical branches. Drawing parallels to the resurgence of brick-and-mortar retail, they discuss how financial institutions can transform their branches from traditional service environments into dynamic, owned media channels that build brand awareness, deepen customer engagement, and drive business growth. The conversation examines the strategic role of digital signage and branch merchandising, from creating more immersive experiences to delivering relevant messaging at key moments in the customer journey. Gina and Juliet share insights on balancing brand storytelling, financial education, and product promotion, along with opportunities to tailor content by audience, location, and time. They also provide use cases on leveraging customer insights and audience segmentation to deliver more personalized branch experiences at scale. Ultimately, the discussion reveals how a more intentional, integrated approach to the branch can help financial institutions maximize their existing investments and make every branch a more powerful marketing asset. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore the renewed momentum behind the branch channel and what it means for banks and credit unions investing in their physical networks. As branch openings accelerate and competition increases, they discuss how financial institutions can move beyond an all-or-nothing approach to modernization by using tiered strategies that connect investment dollars with market opportunity, branch performance, and business goals. The conversation examines the differences between refreshes and renovations, along with the quantitative and qualitative factors that can help determine where investment will have the greatest impact. Gina and Juliet also share real-world examples of branch transformation and discuss how flexible standards, actionable data, and a repeatable approach can help financial institutions maximize every square foot and capital dollar while continually evolving their networks for future growth. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio welcome Jackson McConnell, Executive Chairman of Vallant Bank, and Spence Mullis, President of Vallant Bank, to share the behind the scenes story of the merger of two successful Georgia-based banks and the creation of the state’s largest community bank. When Pinnacle Bank and Morris Bank made the decision to join forces, each were already successful community banks in their own right. In this discussion, Jackson and Spence explore why they chose partnership as a path to greater growth and why building an entirely new brand was essential to bringing their organizations together. They offer an inside look at the creation of Vallant Bank, from engaging employees and building a shared culture to launching a new identity and transforming branches across diverse markets. It’s a candid conversation about navigating change, honoring legacy, and creating a stronger community bank built for today and tomorrow. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D'Ambrosio explore why a successful brand launch is only the beginning of building long-term relevance and growth. Drawing on examples from banks and credit unions across the country, they discuss how financial institutions can sustain momentum by connecting brand to culture, experiences, products, and marketing. The conversation examines how values-led brands create stronger customer relationships, differentiate in an increasingly competitive landscape, and provide a foundation for future growth. Gina and Juliet also share practical insights into the role of research and customer data in guiding brand evolution, along with real-world examples of organizations that have successfully translated their purpose into meaningful brand engagement. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of Believe in Banking, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio discuss why branches continue to matter as centers for growth, relationship-building, and brand presence. Armed with industry insights from the new Adrenaline and Curinos report “How De Novo Expansion Is Reshaping Retail Banking,” the conversation explores the branching boom and the impact on banks and credit unions of all sizes. Gina and Juliet share actionable advice for banking leaders as they invest in new locations, move into new markets, and rethink the role of the branch in driving growth. From de novo expansion to evolving branch archetypes, the conversation covers data and decision-making and why the banks that win won't necessarily be those with the biggest networks, but those with the clearest branch strategy. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this special guest episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D'Ambrosio are joined by banking industry veteran Don Mallory for a lively “Hot or Hype” conversation exploring the biggest themes emerging across this year’s banking conferences and events. From AI and the branch comeback to outside of industry inspiration and conference networking, the three banking experts discuss what’s truly leading change in financial services, and what may be getting more buzz than results. Drawing on perspectives from both the banking and partner sides of the industry, the discussion explores where institutions are making meaningful progress, where challenges remain, and why human connection continues to matter most. The episode delivers an honest, fast-moving conversation filled with practical insights, lively debate, and future-focused perspective for financial leaders. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore how Gen Z is a powerful force in banking, setting the stage for next generation banking. Now entering peak earning and decision-making years, this generation is reshaping expectations with a mix of digital fluency, financial optimism, and underlying anxiety. Drawing on Adrenaline’s report Winning Gen Z report, Gina and Juliet unpack key tensions – from always-connected yet seeking real relationships to highly informed yet craving trusted guidance. The conversation challenges assumptions about digital-first behavior and highlights the growing importance of human connection, authentic brand purpose, and branches as advisory hubs. The episode delivers a lively, insight-rich discussion with clear takeaways for building lasting relationships with the next generation and meeting them in the moments that matter most. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio welcome Tansley Stearns, President and CEO of orsa credit union and leader of the Backbone Coalition, for a compelling conversation on the power of storytelling to elevate awareness and expand impact across the credit union movement. Tansley shares how a collaborative, purpose-driven approach is helping credit unions move beyond being the “best kept secret” and into a more visible, vital role in Americans’ financial lives. From building a national coalition to leading a bold rebrand, she offers a candid look at how storytelling – when treated as a true business driver – can amplify reach, reshape perception, and ultimately help more people access the financial support they need in times of challenge and change. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of Believe in Banking, Juliet D’Ambrosio sits down with Bill Crane, Chief Production Officer at Beginnings Credit Union, to explore what it truly takes to lead transformational change. Bill shares the inside story of guiding CFCU Community Credit Union through a comprehensive rebrand – from research and stakeholder engagement to culture alignment and community activation – culminating in the launch of Beginnings Credit Union. With more than two decades at the organization, Bill offers a candid look at balancing legacy with growth, engaging younger generations, and building stakeholder buy-in at every level of the organization. It’s an inspiring conversation about committed leadership, listening to data, and why thoughtful change can energize an entire organization around what’s possible. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore defining forces for banking in 2026: focus, precision, and execution. Drawing on Adrenaline’s industry research, client conversations, and market activity, they discuss how banks and credit unions are navigating increased M&A momentum, rising customer expectations, and growing pressure to deliver ROI across brand, branch, and customer experience. Their conversation explores why branches provide value for digitally native generations like Gen Z, how brand strategy provides the foundation for success, and the risk in M&A of treating integration as an afterthought. From consolidation and branch optimization to personalization and AI, Gina and Juliet share practical insights on essential strategies and investments to build relevance, resilience, and long-term value for banking and credit unions in 2026. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this special year-end episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio spotlight standout insights from financial services leaders navigating real change across the banking industry. These conversations with guests throughout 2025 cover everything from the forces accelerating M&A and the realities of scale, to the role of brand, community, and connection in branch banking. Listeners will hear firsthand how focused data, organizational values, and local relevance continue to influence decisions around banking experiences – and why the physical branch remains essential today, even in a digital-first world. The excerpts reflect a range of perspectives on what’s working, what’s evolving, and what still matters most in financial services – especially at the local level. Together, these voices offer a thoughtful look at where banking is headed and what it takes to lead with purpose and principle in a time of change. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio welcome Sherry Bear, Chief Administrative Officer at Civic Federal Credit Union, for an inspiring behind-the-scenes conversation about leading meaningful change by leaning on organizational values. Sherry shares how Civic’s core principles – people-first, planet always, and prosperity for all – guided every decision in their branch-building process, from rethinking formats and refining operations to investing in talent and using sustainable materials. Their discussion highlights how Civic turns purpose into practice by connecting their values to real decisions that strengthen the member experience and the communities they serve. It’s a clear-eyed look at how a credit union can define the branch of tomorrow while establishing a working model for growth. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio explore how customer experience in branch banking continues to drive trust and loyalty. Drawing from Adrenaline’s latest report – Closing Customer Experience Gaps in Branch Banking – they reveal what’s working, what’s missing, and how human connection remains essential in financial services, especially in an era when so many of people’s other everyday interactions are digital. Armed with new research and insights from 50 real-world mystery shops at banks and credit unions of all sizes and geographies, they discuss strategic yet practical ways that financial institutions can leverage intentional design and a clear North Star vision to transform experiences for the future of branch banking. From trust and retention to design and digital integration, Gina and Juliet show how human connection fuels profitability, and what banks and credit unions can do now to turn experience gaps into growth opportunities. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina Bleedorn and Juliet D’Ambrosio sit down with Nick Mentel, Managing Director of Insights & Analytics at Adrenaline, for an in-depth conversation about the role of analytics in developing growth strategies for financial institutions. With nearly two decades of experience, Nick brings his sharp insights into how data informs decisions on where, when, and how to invest in branch networks. Together they discuss the power of the network effect, the enduring value of perceived presence, and how financial institutions can balance operational efficiency with smart expansion. Nick shares practical examples of how banks and credit unions can optimize their branch networks for growth while keeping pace with shifting customer expectations and fintech competition – proving why strategic branch banking continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of long-term success. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode of the Believe in Banking podcast, Gina and Juliet explore the growing role of lines of business in banking. From small business to wealth management, they discuss how financial institutions are expanding services and deepening relationships in ways that connect across generations. Their conversation highlights why branches remain powerful centers for advisory opportunities and relationship building, and how local presence gives banks and credit unions an edge in today’s competitive market. With line of business opportunities personalized for customers, they examine how financial institutions can bring these customized services to life at the branch. Lastly, they discuss shifting generational expectations, the importance of values alignment, and the branch’s role in creating trusted relationships that last. Collectively, these insights spotlight essential strategies banks and credit unions can use to compete and grow. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm