Mind Matters

In this episode, host Kendall Raessler welcomes Chad Elledge, the Executive Vice President and Risk Officer for Texas Heritage National Bank. Chad takes us on a fascinating journey from his early days in East Texas to earning a computer programming degree from Texas A&M, and eventually transitioning into the banking sector in an unconventional path. 

You'll hear about his career pivot from IT to risk management, the...

In this episode, we delve into Kendall's remarkable leadership journey, including his unexpected challenges when he took over as CEO just nine weeks before the pandemic hit. Kendall shares how his commitment to radical transparency and fee-free banking has revolutionized Amplify, improved employee engagement, and provided better financial solutions for its members. 

We also explore his innovative approach to remote work...

In this episode, we're joined by a very special guest, Steve Afdahl, a CEO of Greenbelt and Trust with a remarkable journey. we'll explore Steve's unique approach to leadership, the challenges of transitioning from a larger network to a singular focus, and his dedication to promoting equality in the workplace. 

Steve will also share valuable insights on the financial challenges faced by the bank, the importance of conti...

In today’s conversation, Chris opens up about inheriting the bank at a young age and evolving his role from marketing director to president. He shares insights into the incredible growth of the bank, from $56 million to nearly $700 million in assets, all thanks to a supportive team and dedicated employees who Chris treats like family.

We'll explore how Chris navigates the challenges of modern leadership, the importance ...

In this episode of Mind Matters, host Kendall Raessler delves into the high-stakes world of CEOs with guest George De La Rosa, CEO of Luminus Financial. George shares his remarkable journey in the credit union industry spanning 30 years, from his early days to becoming one of the youngest CEOs in Canada. 

Together, they explore the emotional and business challenges faced by new CEOs, the importance of mentorship, scalin...

In this episode, we sit down with PJ Wharton, President and CEO of Yampa Valley Bank, who shares his incredible journey from his early days in Pennsylvania to leading a top community bank in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. PJ delves into the importance of community, the value of people in the banking sector, and how he navigated his initial days as CEO, fostering trust and implementing a culture centered on relationships and ...

In this episode, we dive into the world of community banking with Crystal Dionne, CEO of Primary Bank. With a dynamic transition from a long career in municipal finance to the high stakes of founding and leading a community bank during a tumultuous economic period, Crystal shares her story. 

From building the bank from the ground up to navigating through a global pandemic, fostering a workplace culture, and embracing te...

Today's guest, Tut Fuller, the innovative CEO and founder of Capra Bank, shares his fascinating journey from an aspiring medical professional to a pioneering businessman. Under Tut's leadership, Capra Bank has flourished, amassing over $300 million in assets by focusing on medium-sized businesses and everyday consumers. Throughout this discussion, Tut reveals the significant risks he took, including investing a huge portio...

Join us in this episode of Mind Matters as we sit down with Yankie Markowitz, CEO of the SBA Loan Group. Yankie shares his unique journey from his start as a New York Life agent to becoming a major player in syndicating deals and navigating real estate and investment banking. His story is one of resilience and determination, especially during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Yankie's relentless pursuit of success in the SBA...

Welcome to Mind Matters, the podcast that lets you step inside the minds of CEOs and learn the secrets behind their successes and strategies. Today, we're honored to have an exemplary guest with us, a visionary in the financial world, Brian Pillmore, the CEO and founder of Visbanking.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Mind Matters is your gateway to understanding the highs and lows of corporate ...

Welcome to another insightful episode of Mind Matters, the podcast that delves deep into the minds behind business innovations and leadership. I'm your host, Kendall Raessler, and today we have a truly captivating guest, Michael Abernathy, the CEO of Buckeye Credit Union, a trailblazer in the financial sector.

Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartening narrative of transforming challenges into triumphs. Join ...

Welcome back to Mind Matters, the podcast that journeys into the minds of impactful CEOs, unveiling the secrets behind their successes and the keys to personal and professional growth. Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Neal Oswald, COO of Wanilah Advisors, a seasoned leader with a fascinating career trajectory, from his start at Ernst and Young to mastering the complex intersection of finance, risk, operations, and tec...

Welcome back to Mind Matters, the podcast where we explore the journeys and insights of influential leaders in business and life. I'm your host, Kendall Raessler, and in today's episode, MM with Ronaldo Hardy, we're diving into the incredible story of Ronaldo Hardy's rise from humble beginnings to becoming a transformational leader in the credit union industry.

Ronaldo's journey is one of resilience and determination, b...

In this episode, host Kendall Raessler interviews Eric Dillon, the President of General Bank Canada, who shares invaluable experiences and wisdom from his professional journey. Eric discusses his career shift from chemistry to economics, his progression from retail banking to leading small banks, and the impactful lessons he learned as a first-time CEO. Throughout the conversation, Eric emphasizes the importance of mentors...

In this episode, host Kendall Raessler sits down with Jeff Tisdale, CEO of Landcor. They dive into a compelling conversation about Jeff's professional journey, the challenges he faced as a new CEO, and the strategies he implemented to scale his organization. 

Jeff provides invaluable insights on motivating and building culture with the right talent, maintaining work-life balance, and adapting to the rapidly changing CEO...

In this episode of Mind Matters, we had the pleasure of hosting Scott Steele, CEO of Citizens Bank Weston. With an extensive background in community banking and experience navigating through acquisitions, Scott shares valuable insights into leadership, change management, and the dynamics of scaling a community bank. From his West Virginia roots to his career milestones, Scott's journey offers practical wisdom and perspecti...

In this episode, our host Kendall Raessler engages in an insightful conversation with Jim Donnelly, CEO of Wayne Bank. Jim shares his diverse professional journey, from serving in the state legislature to transitioning into a career in banking. 

He discusses his approach to leadership, listening to employees, balancing the needs of the team and the board of directors, work-life balance challenges, and scaling a business...

In today's episode, we're super excited to sit down and talk with Leslie Smith, who together with her partner runs Smith Brody Associates. This company isn't just any company; it's a mortgage broker business in Indiana that's owned by women, which is pretty cool. Leslie's going to share some really important lessons and stories from her long career of 16 years. She's been at the top as a CEO, and she's going to tell us all...

In today's episode, the remarkable Ronnie Stephens, CEO of Wymar Federal Credit Union, shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise. Ronnie has a ton of experience and knows a lot about the finance world. He's going to tell us all about how he ended up working in finance by chance, the big moments that made him the leader he is today, and the clever ways he's growing his company. We're diving deep into Ronnie's tips and ho...