Credit Scores & the Real Cost of Misinformation, with Christina Roman & Latreace Wells
In the latest episode of Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tyfone, welcomed Christina Roman, Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian, and Latreace Wells, Assistant Vice President of Career Planning and Development at Fisk University. The episode centered around how financial education shapes opportunity and why understanding credit early can change lives.Christina and Latreace discussed the challenges people face when learning about credit and personal finance. They shared how misinformation on social media makes it hard for young adults and students to separate fact from fiction. Both guests explained how practical education—like credit monitoring and honest conversations about money—can help people avoid common pitfalls. Christina highlighted the need for trustworthy resources and explained why credit monitoring should be part of everyone’s routine. Latreace described how her programs at Fisk University help students build good habits before they enter the workforce, stressing that it’s never too late to start fresh.The conversation also touched on the complexity of today’s financial landscape. Subscription services, buy now pay later options, and digital wallets add layers to money management that didn’t exist a decade ago. Christina and Latreace encouraged listeners to focus on small, positive steps—like tracking spending and prioritizing trusted advice—to build a stronger financial future.
--------
1:24:40
--------
1:24:40
Building Winning Cultures and Driving Growth in Credit Unions with Kirk Kordeleski
In the latest episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sat down with Kirk Kordeleski, Partner at PARC Street Group. They explored what it took to build a thriving credit union in today’s environment—one where competition, technology, and member expectations were always changing. Kirk shared why credit unions had to set ambitious goals and maintain a clear vision, even as the industry faced slow growth and increased consolidation.Kirk explained how a strong culture, driven by energy, learning, and accountability, created real momentum. He argued that success came from setting bold targets, communicating a shared purpose, and operating with both efficiency and heart. Kirk also tackled the tough questions around executive compensation, mergers, and the unique challenges that came with leading not-for-profit financial institutions. He believed intellectual honesty and performance-based rewards were key to attracting and keeping the right talent.Throughout the conversation, Kirk returned to the value of positive leadership and the importance of doing the hard work. He encouraged leaders to build teams that were proud of their mission and unafraid of change. For Kirk, when credit unions got these elements right, they achieved more than growth—they delivered meaningful results for their members and their communities.
--------
1:42:19
--------
1:42:19
Scaling digitally without losing your soul, with Katie DeFeo.
In the latest episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sat down with Katie DeFeo, VP and Chief Experience Officer at SunWest Credit Union. They explored how credit unions could stand out in a crowded digital landscape by leading with authenticity and human connection, even as banking became more commoditized and tech-driven.DeFeo explained why building a genuine, approachable brand mattered more than ever. She shared how SunWest focused on delivering experiences that felt personal—whether in a branch or through a mobile app. For DeFeo, it was not enough to match rates or adopt the latest technology. Instead, she encouraged credit unions to communicate in plain language, share real stories, and empower staff to help members in memorable ways.The conversation highlighted the challenge of scaling digital transformation without losing soul. DeFeo described SunWest’s approach to blending technology with bold, human storytelling, and why being willing to disrupt old habits was key to staying relevant.
--------
1:16:01
--------
1:16:01
Why traditional lending technology is holding CUs back, with Michael Claire.
In the latest episode of The Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sat down with Michael Claire, founder and CEO of LoanCirrus Limited. Their conversation focused on how digital lending platforms can reach underserved communities—particularly in regions often overlooked by large banks.Claire shared insights from his work across the Caribbean, where outdated lending models and legacy technology have slowed progress. He explained how LoanCirrus is helping financial institutions reimagine how they serve people, starting with access and trust.DeTar and Claire also discussed the risks of overcomplicating digital transformation. Claire advocated for simple, intuitive tech that lets credit unions and small lenders adapt quickly. Throughout the episode, Claire emphasized that building tools for people—not just institutions—is what moves the needle.
--------
1:44:42
--------
1:44:42
The Rapid Pace of AI’s Evolution, With Amir Sarhangi
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar sits down with Amir Sarhangi, CEO and founder at Skyfire Systems Inc. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of payments, digital commerce, and the day-to-day experience of both consumers and financial institutions.Amir explains how AI agents are set to handle more tasks on our behalf, from booking travel and securing event tickets to making complex payment decisions. He dives into the technical hurdles, such as identity verification and secure transaction processing, and discusses why tokenized payments and open API models will be essential as agent-driven commerce evolves. Throughout, Amir stresses the speed of change in the AI space and the need for banks to adapt quickly to stay relevant and maintain strong customer relationships.The conversation moves beyond technology, touching on the deeper impacts of AI on trust, consumer choice, and the role of financial institutions in a world where software agents may make many decisions for us. Amir offers practical examples and urges banks to act now, harnessing their trusted position to deliver new, user-friendly experiences that keep customers engaged.
The Digital Banking Podcast is powered by Tyfone. Tyfone is a dramastically better digital banking provider. Our appeal is unique, we collaborate closely with our customers and the banking ecosystem in an open approach coupled with a powerful user experience that helps “get things done”! On our podcast you will hear how digital banking plays a leading role for community minded financial institutions from the unique perspectives of our industry expert guests.
South Africa