Cornerstone Advisors

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Channel • 4 Shows

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Updated Mar 14
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2D AGO

The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand

Banking keeps getting easier and faster. But according to Stock Yards Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Ja Hillebrand, none of these technology upgrades can replace relationships. As he says: “You still have to wear out the shoe leather.” On the show, Ja joins Al and Steve to discuss why the fundamentals of banking haven’t changed and how his bank continues to deliver consistent earnings growth. Plus, Ja shares pro tips for attending the Kentucky Derby and talks about his favorite bourbons. Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV5g Chapters [00:00] Bourbon, Banking & the Origin Story [02:55] Playing the Long Game in Banking [03:35] Bourbon Picks & Personality Break [05:49] Strategy vs. Execution Gap [06:38] Winning = Thinking 20 Years Ahead [07:38] Why Relationships Still Win [10:44] Service That Never Goes Out of Style [13:09] M&A, Growth & Staying Independent [16:04] Focus vs. Over-Diversification [20:10] AI, Competition & the Future [23:16] Kentucky Derby Tips & Wrap-Up

2d ago

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26 min
MAR 24

AI in Banking, Core Systems & Fintech Trust: Insights from AFT Spring Summit

Live from the AFT Spring Summit, Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors) is joined by fintech leaders to discuss what’s really happening in banking and financial services right now. Guests include: Laura Kornhauser (CEO & Co-Founder, Stratyfy) David Eads (CEO & Co-Founder, Vine Financial) Kirsten Longnecker (Executive Vice President, York Public Relations) Tim Hamilton (Founder & CEO, Praxent) This unscripted “in the hall” conversation covers: The real impact of AI in banking (beyond the hype)Why trust between fintechs and banks is criticalCore system challenges still holding banks backThe future of software development with generative AIRisks of AI hallucinations and regulatory implicationsWhy entry-level talent may drive the next wave of innovationWhat’s working — and what’s still broken — in fintech From customer-centricity to infrastructure challenges, this discussion captures the current state of fintech innovation and where the industry is heading next. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kornhauser/ Connect with David on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenlongnecker/ Connect with Kirsten on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenlongnecker/ Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/timham/

Mar 24

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28 min
08/30/2025

Neobank News, Noise and Nonsense

In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant unpack the latest moves from Revolut, Chime, and Nubank. Revolut tries its hand at signing up NYC commuters in subway stations, while Chime partners with Workday to reach employees — and even taps into music influencers to grow its brand. Meanwhile, Nubank continues its explosive growth in Brazil, powered by instant payments and niche strategies that U.S. banks could learn from. The conversation dives into what’s hype, what’s real, and where the future of neobanks is headed. Chapters: [0:00] Welcome Back + Summer Recap [1:25] Revolut’s Bold NYC Subway Campaign [6:08] Why Neobanks Struggle in the U.S. [8:14] Chime + Workday Collaboration Debate [13:30] What Makes a Primary Checking Account? [18:53] Chime’s Music & Influencer Strategy [21:24] Spotlight on Nubank’s Explosive Growth [25:51] Lessons from Brazil’s Instant Payments (PIX) [28:40] Banking Niches, AI & Strategic Planning [29:54] Wrap-Up + Next Episode Tease Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

08/30/2025

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31 min
MAR 12

'Busy Isn't Bold': The Banking Branding Problem

Banks and fintech brands are missing opportunities to build real connections largely because of how they communicate. On the show today: Mary chats with Allison Netzer about the second edition of her book, “Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank." They explore what it takes for a brand to pop in a commoditized industry. Hint: jargon, complexity, and “busy” messaging aren’t the answer. Show Notes: Allison's Book: Think Like a Brand, Not a Bank 🔗 https://brandthnk.co/book/ Subscribe to the Money Isn’t Everything podcast here: 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/money-isnt-everything Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wisniewski-3a7578b/ Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonnetzer/ Send a text

Mar 12

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35 min
11/17/2025

2025 in Fintech: The Best Insights from Fintech Hustle Podcast

Host Sam Kilmer looks back at the year’s most quoted hallway moments—packed with real-world takes on AI (purposeful, not buzzwordy), stablecoins (watch the fiat on/off-ramps), data activation (from “we have it” to “we use it”), and go-to-market alignment. Highlights include an AI reality check from a startup CEO, pragmatic stablecoin guidance from an investing leader, compliance and fraud implications for the AI era, organizing sales + marketing around bookings, and why community FIs must aim for personalization beyond product silos. Plus a few road-warrior stories (Grace Potter sighting, sun-safe merch) to cap a big year. Links Sam Kilmer (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Fintech Hustle (Cornerstone site): https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Key Moments00:04 Flashback setup: a “greatest-hits-ish” reel—AI, stablecoin, data, GTM 01:23 AI culture shift: a CEO’s take on leaders who hoped to “retire before it hits” 03:06 Stablecoin sanity check (rooftop chat): focus on fiat ↔ stablecoin conversions now 05:07 AI’s compounding edge: “It’s the dumbest it will ever be today”—early adopters win on efficiency, profitability, M&A leverage 07:18 Purposeful AI: define the outcome first (ops efficiency, intimacy, personalization), then pick the tech 08:25 GTM org design: marketing + sales co-own accounts and bookings; content ≠ handoff forms 10:48 Data to action: banks have data—now align strategy, frontline, and offers to actually use it 12:03 Sign-off: community, road notes, and gearing up for 2026’s guest slate

11/17/2025

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14 min
MAR 6

The Future of Credit Unions: AI, Innovation & Member Strategy

Recorded live from GAC, Sam Kilmer (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors and host of Fintech Hustle) sits down with a powerhouse panel of credit union and fintech leaders for an unscripted hallway conversation. Joining the discussion: Brandi Gregory (Managing Director, Cornerstone Advisors)Ned Tobey (CEO, Circuit)JB Orecchia (CEO, SavvyMoney)Nicole Haverly (VP Credit Unions, nCino)Rob Landis (CEO, Correlation)Topics include AI, member primacy, financial wellness, fraud risks, speed of innovation, and what credit unions must rethink in 2026. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/ Watch the Video Episodes on Youtube! 🔗https://youtu.be/LQOMuzfwl84

Mar 6

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29 min
09/20/2025

Conferences, AI Snake Oil, and the Future of Fintech

In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant dive into the biggest takeaways from Jack Henry Connect and Finovate. From game-changing onboarding strategies to fraud dispute innovation, we unpack what’s really moving the needle in banking tech. They also discuss the emotional side of fintech, remember community leaders, and tackle the hot debate: are 99% of AI startups doomed? Tune in for insights, stories, and talk about the future of financial services. Chapters [0:00] Welcome & On the Road Edition [1:00] Highlights from Jack Henry Connect & Finovate [2:40] Women in Financial Services & Generational Mentorship [4:10] Best Demos & The Power of Onboarding [6:30] Fraud Resolution as a Differentiator [10:40] Echo, Deposit Outflows & Fintech Competition [15:20] Remembering Barb McLean & Industry Tributes [16:30] Jack Henry’s Human Side & Emotional Moments [19:20] Are 99% of AI Startups Doomed? [25:30] Build vs Buy: What Banks Should Really Focus On Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

09/20/2025

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30 min
06/15/2025

Raise Rates Or Roll the Dice? Why Deposit Strategy Is A Mess Right Now

Ron and Stacey vent about boardroom conversations on deposit growth, vendor chaos, and how no one wants to raise rates—but everyone wants deposits. Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

06/15/2025

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30 min
08/02/2025

Chase vs. Fintech: The Future of Data Rights and Banking Innovation

In this episode of What’s Going On in Banking, Ron Shevlin and Stacey Bryant tackle JPMorgan Chase’s controversial move to charge fintechs for data access—is it smart strategy or a threat to innovation? Then we dive into Goldman Sachs’ bold AI rollout and what it really means for the future of financial services. Hot takes, real-world analogies, and a clear look at the regulatory chaos ahead. Chapters [00:00] Introduction & Headlines [00:31] Reactions from Fintech & Public Outcry [02:09] Legal Uncertainty Around Rule 1033 [03:03] Economic Logic & Envelope Analogy [06:21] Market Forces, Competition & Consumer Choice [08:06] The Real Impact on Fintechs & Margins [11:23] Future Outlook & Regulatory Possibilities [16:13] AI in Banking: Goldman Sachs Case Study [20:30] ROI & Hype vs. Reality of AI Adoption [27:10] Starting Small & Industry Adoption Trends Subscribe to the What’s Going On In Banking podcast here: https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/whats-going-on-in-banking Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to the What's Going On In Banking podcast here: https://qrco.de/bgfV82

08/02/2025

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30 min
FEB 7

AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

Recorded at a location near AOBA 2026, this Fintech Hustle episode brings guests Aleda DeMaria (EVP & Chief Operating Officer, PeoplesBank), Mac Thompson (Founder & CEO, White Clay) & Christina Miller (VP, Alkami) for an unscripted hallway conversation on what’s changing right now. Key topics include: Deposit retention after massive outflows and why “acquisition” is not the finish lineAI everywhere, including fraud, and why banks must fight AI with AIVendor consolidation and the reality of fragmented tech stacksData strategy as a growth engine, not just a compliance toolWhy the branch still matters and how to modernize the in-branch experienceThe talent challenge for community banks trying to innovateA clear warning: community banks should stop trying to build what mega-banks build, and focus on partnerships and executionLet us know what theme you’re hearing most in your institution right now. Click to watch more Fintech Hustle! 🔗 https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/fintech-hustle/ Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/samkilmer/

Feb 7

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34 min

Welcome to Cornerstone's podcasts, where we bring you the latest in banking, finance, and fintech. Tune in for guest views, expert opinions, and deep dives into trending topics. From blockchain and digital currencies to regulatory compliance and customer experience, we cover a wide range of topics that keep you "in the know." Subscribe to stay up-to-date and informed!

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Cornerstone Advisors

Top Shows

The Long Game (with Bourbon on the Side) // CEO Ja Hillebrand

AI in Banking, Core Systems & Fintech Trust: Insights from AFT Spring Summit

Neobank News, Noise and Nonsense

'Busy Isn't Bold': The Banking Branding Problem

2025 in Fintech: The Best Insights from Fintech Hustle Podcast

The Future of Credit Unions: AI, Innovation & Member Strategy

Conferences, AI Snake Oil, and the Future of Fintech

Raise Rates Or Roll the Dice? Why Deposit Strategy Is A Mess Right Now

Chase vs. Fintech: The Future of Data Rights and Banking Innovation

AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data, and What’s Breaking

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