Women of Banking (formerly Women of Community Banking)

Women of Banking Podcast

World’s #1 Podcast featuring journeys for Women leaders of Banking.

  1. 2d ago

    Unlocking Growth Through Client Loyalty |Jordyn Kemats, Director, Sales Strategy &Marketing S&T Bank

    Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this insightful episode, host Anurag sits down with Jordyn Kemats, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Director of Sales Strategy and Marketing at S&T Bank. With over two decades of experience in the banking and financial services sector—including key leadership roles at major institutions such as HSBC, Huntington Bank, and now S&T Bank—Jordyn brings a wealth of knowledge on retail banking execution, customer experience transformation, strategic brand alignment, and female leadership in finance.Whether you are an aspiring leader, a financial services executive, a retail banking professional, or a marketer looking to understand customer psychology, this episode provides actionable strategies and proven frameworks for achieving sustainable growth and driving meaningful organizational change.==================================================📌 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS1. The Psychology Behind Effective Marketing & Sales StrategyJordyn reflects on starting her academic journey in psychology and how understanding human behavior, motivations, and needs serves as the foundational driver behind modern marketing campaigns, product design, and client engagement.2. Connecting Enterprise Strategy to Frontline ExecutionDiscover how S&T Bank bridges high-level strategic vision with everyday frontline execution across branch networks, customer support teams, product management, and employee training programs.3. Earning #1 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction & TrustLearn the secrets behind S&T Bank’s top ranking in the J.D. Power Mid-Atlantic and Pennsylvania Retail Banking Satisfaction Studies. Jordyn highlights why trust, relationships, and thousands of small daily micro-interactions matter far more than transactional selling.4. The Community Banking Advantage in a Tech-Driven WorldWhile mega-banks and FinTech startups focus on broad, high-volume digital solutions, community banks differentiate themselves through hyper-local relationships, personalized advice, and life-changing financial solutions for families and small business owners.5. Overcoming the Challenges of Digital TransformationNavigating rapid changes in financial technology requires disciplined prioritization, clear change management, and empathetic leadership to bring employees and customers along the transformation journey.6. Replacing "Pushy Sales" with a "Solutions-First" CultureShifting the mindset from sales metrics to client advisory services. Jordyn explains how financial institutions can train bankers to listen deeply, identify key life moments, and offer genuine solutions rather than pushing products.⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS==================================================00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Women of Banking Podcast00:08 - Meet Guest Jordyn Kemats (EVP, S&T Bank)00:38 - Career Journey: HSBC, Huntington Bank & S&T Bank01:41 - How a Psychology Degree Shapes Modern Banking Strategy03:32 - Career Mentorship & Navigating Early Professional Choices04:13 - Day-in-the-Life: Managing Sales Strategy, Marketing & CX05:23 - Designing Seamless End-to-End Customer Experiences06:58 - The Story Behind S&T Bank’s #1 J.D. Power Ranking08:04 - Why Customer Trust Trumps Products and Convenience09:20 - How Community Banks Deliver Life-Changing Solutions11:25 - The Toughest Challenges in Modern Banking Transformation13:45 - Building a "Solutions Culture" Instead of a Pushy Sales Culture16:22 - Crucial Career Advice for Aspiring Women in Leadership17:58 - Embracing Risk, Overcoming Self-Doubt & Saying Yes18:32 - Closing Remarks, Thank You & Wrap-Up#WomenInBanking #CommunityBanking #BankingTransformation #FemaleLeaders #CustomerExperience

  2. Oct 28

    Human + Digital: The Next Era of Wealth Banking | Purva Sule, Head of Strategy (US Wealth), BMO

    In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag sits down with Purva Sule, Head of Strategy for US Wealth Management at BMO (Bank of Montreal) and former McKinsey & Company consultant. Purva reveals how top financial institutions are blending high-tech AI capabilities with high-touch human relationships to redefine modern wealth advisory. The "Human + Digital" Wealth Formula: Why the future of private wealth management is not an "either/or" choice between human advisors and digital platforms, but a hybrid model that maximizes client engagement and frees up advisor time. Separating AI Fluff from Real P&L ROI: How to evaluate generative AI, machine learning models, and agentic AI workflows based on bottom-line financial impact—such as streamlining client onboarding, automating meeting preparation, and enhancing contact center efficiency. The Multi-Trillion-Dollar Great Wealth Transfer: How generational wealth shifts and stock market growth are driving unprecedented capital, talent, and competition into wealth management from banks, brokerages, asset managers, and fintechs alike. Digital Self-Service Across Generations: Why digital convenience isn't just for Gen Z and Millennials—how high-net-worth clients in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are demanding seamless mobile access for money movement and transaction approvals. Trust, Transparency & Explainable AI (XAI): Why algorithmic transparency and model governance are critical in wealth management, where clients demand to know the exact data and peer logic behind automated investment or estate planning suggestions. Career Insights for Emerging Leaders: Purva's advice for early-career professionals and women in finance on the importance of speaking up, overcoming self-doubt, and bridging the gap between strategic thinking and corporate execution. 00:00 - Episode Introduction: Welcome Purva Sule, Head of Strategy at BMO US Wealth 01:10 - From McKinsey Strategy to Banking Tech Execution: Purva’s Career Journey 03:01 - Managing Digital Wealth Platforms: Lessons from BMO and Northern Trust 04:05 - AI in Financial Services: Distinguishing Real P&L Impact from Market Fluff 06:50 - Agentic AI Workflows: Onboarding Automation & Contact Center Real-Time Support 10:00 - Fast-Paced Shifts in Wealth Management: Demographics, Competition & Tech 11:58 - Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer: Next-Gen & Senior Self-Service Expectations 14:07 - Early Career Advice: Speaking Up, Owning Your Voice & Second-Guessing Less 15:23 - The Future of Banking: Why Trust, Ethics & Explainable AI (XAI) Always Prevail 20:48 - The Missing AI Risk Conversation: Balancing Technical Feasibility with Client Appropriateness 21:29 - Wrap Up & Closing Thoughts Human Plus Digital Banking, Wealth Management Strategy, Future of Wealth Advisory, AI in Financial Services, BMO Wealth Management, Purva Sule BMO, Agentic AI in Banking, Digital Transformation in Wealth Management, The Great Wealth Transfer, High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) Banking, Explainable AI in Finance, Contact Center AI Automation, Women of Banking Podcast, McKinsey to Corporate Execution, Private Banking Innovation, Wealth Tech Trends, Advisor Productivity Tools, Open Banking, Financial Services Customer Experience (CX). Purva Sule serves as the Head of Strategy for the US Wealth Management business at BMO (Bank of Montreal). With nearly two decades of executive experience across McKinsey & Company, Northern Trust, and BMO, Purva has led transformational initiatives across digital product design, cloud migration, open banking, cybersecurity, and AI strategy. Beyond her corporate role, she is an active advisor and mentor to early-stage startups and a dedicated non-profit advocate. #WealthManagement #ArtificialIntelligence #FinTech #WomenInBanking #BMO #DigitalTransformation #BankingInnovation #GenerativeAI #PrivateBanking #Leadership

  3. Oct 26

    Human-Centric Digital Growth in Credit Unions | Andee Kettlebar, CGO, Elements Financial

    Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, hosted by Anurag Mukherjee! In this episode, we sit down with Andee Kettlebar, Chief Growth Officer (CGO) at Elements Financial, for an in-depth conversation on modern credit union leadership, sustainable growth strategies, digital transformation, and the power of transferable skills. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry and more than 12 years at Elements Financial, Andee shares actionable insights into how community financial institutions can thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape. From starting her career as a high school English teacher to serving as a mortgage loan originator and eventually ascending to the executive C-suite as Chief Growth Officer, Andee Kettlebar’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging transferable skills. In this candid discussion, she details how her background in education equipped her to educate members, foster trust, and build long-term relationships—qualities that drive scalable organizational growth. Andee and Anurag explore the fundamental differences between profit-driven shareholder models in traditional banking and the member-first focus of credit unions. Learn how Elements Financial balances digital innovation with authentic human connections through initiatives like virtual branches, personal follow-ups, and data-informed product personalization. 00:00 – Introduction & Midweek Catch-Up: Host Anurag Mukherjee welcomes Andee Kettlebar to the Women of Community Banking Podcast. 00:47 – Guest Bio & Milestones: Overview of Andee’s 20+ years in financial services and her 12+ year journey at Elements Financial in Indianapolis. 01:55 – From English Teacher to Chief Growth Officer: How educational and communication skills translate into successful financial leadership and mortgage loan originating. 03:55 – Navigating Female Leadership in Executive Roles: Overcoming industry stereotypes, listening active at the executive table, and gaining cross-departmental buy-in for growth. 06:49 – Rethinking Growth in Member-Owned Credit Unions: Purpose-driven growth vs. shareholder ROI—how reinvesting revenue directly empowers members' financial success. 09:21 – Modern Marketing Trends & Personalization at Scale: Balancing AI-driven hyper-personalization with authentic human connections and predictive product recommendations. 13:39 – What Credit Unions Underestimate: Analyzing local competition, local regional banks, and evolving consumer banking behavior across multiple apps. 15:37 – Sustaining Digital Growth & Humanizing Tech: Budgeting for mobile app experience, creating virtual branches, and providing direct, personal point-of-contacts for digital applicants. 17:24 – Career Advice & Embracing Failure: Key lessons for rising professionals—saying "yes" to growth opportunities and leading through vulnerability and failure. The Power of Transferable Skills: Career pivots aren't barriers; teaching, active listening, and relationship-building are core assets for financial service executives. Member-Centric ROI: Success in credit unions isn't measured solely by quarterly earnings per share (EPS), but by member empowerment, financial literacy, and community impact. Personalization at Scale: Leveraging predictive data to recommend the right financial solutions without losing the warmth of authentic human interactions. Humanizing Digital Channels: Why digital applications require human connection—such as virtual branch representatives acting as dedicated personal guides for members. #WomenOfCommunityBanking #CreditUnionGrowth #AndeeKettlebar #ElementsFinancial #CommunityBankingLeadership #FemaleExecsInFinance #DigitalBankingTrends #PersonalizationAtScale #CreditUnionMarketing #MemberRetention #FinancialEmpowerment #CareerTransitionAdvice #WomenInBanking

  4. Oct 13

    Overcoming Life-Altering Loss to Lead in Banking ft. Fauzeen Qureshi, VP & Head of Marketing, Lake Trust Credit Union

    Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, hosted by Anurag Mukherjee! In this powerful episode, Anurag sits down with his close friend and industry leader, Fauzeen Qureshi, VP & Head of Marketing at Lake Trust Credit Union. At just 22 years old, shortly after graduating college and getting married, Fauzeen survived a catastrophic car accident that required full facial reconstruction surgery. Forced to rebuild her physical identity and face an unexpected, life-altering shift, Fauzeen transformed trauma into an unwavering superpower: resilience and adaptability to change. In this transparent and deeply moving conversation, Fauzeen shares how surviving rock bottom shaped her career trajectory across agency life, corporate giants like Rocket Mortgage, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab, and ultimately led her to spearhead purpose-driven marketing at Lake Trust Credit Union. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 KEY TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Immigrant Beginnings & Career Roots: Growing up in Metro Detroit, studying marketing and economics at Oakland University, and navigating early agency life. • Overcoming the Unexpected: How a life-changing accident at age 22 taught Fauzeen to embrace change, remain resilient, and look forward rather than backward. • Big Brand Marketing vs. Credit Union Scrappiness: Transitioning from multi-billion dollar budgets at Charles Schwab & Rocket to driving community-impact marketing at Lake Trust Credit Union. • Human-Centric Financial Services: Why money is deeply personal to consumers and how credit unions build trust during economic ambiguity. • Data-Driven Marketing Done Right: Moving past buzzwords to use AI, data, and agentic platforms for genuine customer value rather than just profit. • Women in Financial Leadership: Breaking out of the traditional "boys' club" of banking and fostering balanced, diverse leadership teams. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome: Anurag introduces Fauzeen Qureshi 01:16 - Immigrant Story & Early Career Journey in Metro Detroit 03:00 - Agency Life, Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Marketing 04:17 - The Life-Altering Event: Surviving a Tragic Car Accident at 22 07:00 - Embracing Change, Rebuilding Identity, and Developing Resilience 10:00 - Navigating Economic Ambiguity for Credit Union Members 11:03 - The Common Thread in Financial Services: Putting People First 12:31 - Marketing at Schwab vs. Lake Trust Credit Union: Being Scrappy 14:48 - What "Data-Driven Marketing" and AI Really Mean Today 16:24 - Women in Banking Leadership & Breaking the "Boys' Club" Mentality 17:48 - One Piece of Advice to Her Younger Self: "Buckle Up, Buttercup!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ ABOUT OUR GUEST: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fauzeen Qureshi is the Vice President & Head of Marketing at Lake Trust Credit Union. With over 25 years of experience in brand strategy, creative direction, marketing technology, and lead management, Fauzeen has led high-impact marketing initiatives across Fortune 500 corporations and financial institutions including Rocket, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, and Chevrolet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT: - If you found value in this conversation, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to the Women of Banking Podcast channel for more inspiring leadership stories! #WomenInBanking #FinancialLeadership #CreditUnionMarketing #Resilience #WomenInBusiness #MarketingLeadership #LakeTrustCreditUnion #Podcast

  5. Oct 8

    Building Member Value Through Modern Finance – Kim Murray, CFO of First Commonwealth FCU

    Welcome to a brand new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, hosted by Anurag Mukherjee! In this episode, we are joined by a deeply respected leader in the credit union ecosystem, Kim Murray, CFO of First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. With nearly three decades of experience in financial institutions and over 15 years dedicated to credit unions, Kim shares her remarkable, unexpected career journey—starting out as a part-time grocery store cashier and pivoting into finance and accounting after a banker noticed her potential. Throughout the conversation, Kim dives deep into: The Modern CFO Role: How the position has shifted from rigid budget stewardship to dynamic, real-time strategic leadership and forecasting. Balance Sheet Management: What managing a credit union’s engine room entails in plain terms, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risks, and why it matters to everyday members. Mission vs. Performance: Why real member value and strong financial performance are two sides of the same coin rather than conflicting forces. Developing Future Leaders: Her philosophy on building bench strength, teaching financial acumen, and recognizing the difference between being developed versus being held back. Women in Leadership: Essential advice for women early in their careers who aspire to sit at the executive table, find true allies, and avoid toxic career traps. Plus, don't miss our rapid-fire round where Kim shares her one-word vision for the future of banking and recommends a transformative book to help professionals get unstuck. Connect with Kim Murray on LinkedIn to continue the conversation or learn more about First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes amplifying women's voices and exploring the great work happening in the credit union movement! #WomenInBanking #CreditUnions #FinanceLeadership #CFO #BankingPodcast #FirstCommonwealthFCU

  6. Oct 5

    Three Decades of Marketing Wisdom in Credit Unions | Tracy Szarzi-Fors, SVP, Wright-Patt Credit Union

    Welcome to another inspiring and insightful episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag sits down with Tracy Szarzi-Fors, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Wright-Patt Credit Union, to discuss her extraordinary three-decade journey spanning retail, AM radio, staffing, publishing, and financial services. Tracy shares invaluable advice on navigating a non-linear career path, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and how a nearly century-old credit union stays fresh, resilient, and deeply relevant to modern consumers. They dive deep into the seismic shifts happening in financial marketing today, exploring the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and how marketers must adapt to stay visible in an AI-driven search ecosystem. 00:00 – Introduction to Tracy Szarzi-Fors and her incredible milestone at Wright-Patt Credit Union. 02:00 – The Non-Linear Career Journey: How experiences in AM radio, manufacturing, and owning a magazine shaped Tracy’s approach to sales, storytelling, and problem-solving. 06:12 – Lessons from Economic Shifts: Reflecting on past financial crises and why understanding the broader economic environment is crucial for business survival. 09:03 – Refreshing a 100-Year Brand: How Wright-Patt Credit Union maintains its core mission of helping people while evolving its omnichannel member experiences for newer generations. 12:13 – AI & The Future of Marketing: Embracing AI tools for day-to-day efficiencies, planning, ideation, and team adoption. 14:51 – The Rise of GEO & AEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization and Answer Engine Optimization are the absolute future of brand visibility and how marketers can measure early digital indicators. 17:28 – Career Advice for Younger Professionals: Why you should stop trying so hard to "prove yourself," lean into curiosity, raise your hand for challenges, and find trusted mentors. 19:30 – Fun Personal Insights: Discovering why Tracy became a "Swifty at 50," her perspective on leadership success through her son's journey, and more! For Marketers & Communicators: Learn cutting-edge strategies regarding GEO and AI visibility to prevent your brand from becoming invisible in search engines. For Credit Union Professionals: Understand how to honor legacy trust while innovating for digital-first financial consumers. For Aspiring Leaders: Gain a fresh perspective on career growth, resilience, storytelling, and finding true professional purpose. Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to the Women of Banking Podcast for more engaging conversations with industry trailblazers! Share your favorite takeaways from this episode in the comments below. #WomenOfBanking #CreditUnions #FinancialMarketing #GenerativeEngineOptimization #GEO #AIinMarketing #DigitalBanking #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #MarketingStrategy #BrandStorytelling #BankingPodcast Key Discussion Highlights & Timestamps:Why You Should Watch This Episode:Connect & Subscribe:Hashtags:

  7. Sep 29

    The Evolution of Fintech & Leadership with Linda Fischer, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer at CSI

    Welcome back to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with an absolute icon in the industry, Linda Fischer, Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at CSI. With nearly 40 years of groundbreaking experience spanning computer programming, fintech, operations, and executive leadership, Linda shares her incredible journey from entering computer engineering in the early 1980s to leading operations at one of the top core providers in the financial services ecosystem. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a community banker, or a fintech professional, this conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom on building trust, driving innovation, and navigating leadership as a woman. The Evolution of Fintech: Reflecting on nearly four decades of technology transformation in financial services. The Secret to Customer Happiness: Why personal brand, consistency, transparency, and earning your customer's business every single day matter more than ever. Community Banking Strategy: Why community financial institutions should align their technology stacks with strategy rather than just vendor risk concentration. The "Triple Glass Ceiling": Breaking historical barriers at the intersection of financial services, entrepreneurship, and finance, and the vital role of female sponsorship. Mindset Shift: Moving from self-doubt ("Why me?") to ultimate empowerment ("Why not me?"), drawing from Linda's deeply personal life lessons. Guest: Linda Fischer (CCOO at CSI) Host: Anurag Mukherjee 0:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Linda Fischer to the Podcast 1:08 - A 40-Year Journey: From Computer Engineering to the C-Suite 6:43 - The Secret to Keeping Customers Happy & Building Personal Brand 12:13 - Technology Strategy & Why Community Banks Need Open Architecture 18:30 - Navigating Leadership, the "Triple Glass Ceiling," and Women in Tech 22:40 - Innovation in Fintech & Winning "Innovative Woman of the Year" 24:24 - Final Advice to Aspiring Leaders: Changing "Why Me" to "Why Not Me" Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the Women of Banking Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of finance! Key Takeaways & Discussion Points:Connect with Our Guest & Host:Chapter Timestamps:

  8. Sep 22

    The Future of Credit Unions & AI with Maria Allen, VP of Market Growth, Golden West Credit Union

    Welcome to another inspiring episode of Women of Banking Podcast! In this conversation, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Maria Allen, Vice President of Market Growth and Expansion at Golden West Credit Union, to discuss her remarkable career journey, leadership strategies, and the evolving landscape of credit unions and banking. Starting as a teller to help fund her undergraduate degree in creative writing, Maria shares how she transitioned into sales management, scaled loan production from $1 million to over $16 million in a single department, and balanced a rigorous MBA program at the University of Utah while working full-time. Tune in as Maria dives deep into what it takes to thrive in the financial services industry, especially for women building their careers in a historically male-dominated sector. She also offers unique perspectives on redefining member service through the "financial doctor" analogy, leveraging artificial intelligence for hyper-personalized member experiences, and why the future of credit unions depends on a renaissance of community-driven human connection. From Teller to VP: Maria’s 7.5-year career progression and lessons in ambition. The Art of Sales & Service: Why viewing sales as education and service drives results. The "Financial Doctor" Approach: Treating member service with expertise and empathy. Juggling an MBA: Tips on time management, resilience, and reframing challenges. AI & Hyper-Personalization: How credit unions can use technology to empower human connection. Women in Banking: Actionable advice on leveraging natural strengths into powerful leadership skills. The Future of Credit Unions: Balancing technological innovation with community roots. Podcast Host: Anurag Mukherjee Guest: Maria Allen (VP of Market Growth and Expansion, Golden West Credit Union) Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to The Outlier Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of finance! #TheOutlierPodcast #CreditUnions #WomenInBanking #BankingLeadership #GoldenWestCreditUnion #FinancePodcast #CareerGrowth #MemberExperience #ArtificialIntelligence Key Discussion Highlights:Connect & Learn More:

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