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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Lessons Learned through a Failed Chatbot, with Imane Bakker
In this episode of the Digital Banking Podcast, host Josh DeTar welcomed Imane Bakkar, Managing Director at Logarisk. With years of experience in financial risk management, Imane unpacked how today's risk landscape had shifted—and why traditional models were no longer enough on their own.Josh and Imane discussed how regulated institutions could navigate risk in an era defined by AI, speed, and interconnectivity. She pointed to real-world failures, a chatbot gone off the rails and algorithmic trading systems that misfired were discussed, to highlight the importance of designing controls that matched the use case. She also explained the role of "risk appetite" versus "risk tolerance," and why understanding that difference mattered.The episode closed with a reflection on preparation versus prediction. Imane urged risk leaders to stop chasing the perfect model and instead focus on knowing their dependencies, designing for speed, and asking smarter questions—before the next crisis hit.
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