Published by SouthState Correspondent Division
The podcast dedicated to helping community bankers grow themselves, their team, and their profits. Brought to you by the Correspondent Division of SouthState Bank.
Listen on Apple Podcasts40 min
Today, we're sharing BJ Green's pilot episode from his new podcast, Leadership is Everything . In it, SouthState Bank's CEO, John Corbett, explores what it takes to build and scale a successful banking organization. From starting a de novo bank to leading a $68 billion institution, Corbett breaks down the principles that guide effective leadership: alignment, accountability, and affinity. The discussion highlights key themes like decentralized decision-making, the importance of culture, and how leaders can balance growth with maintaining strong local connections. He also shares insights on navigating uncertainty, making high-stakes decisions, and empowering teams through trust and responsibility. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
32 min
Today on the show Caleb Stevens sits down with Ed Kofman to discuss 4 key drivers of profitability for today's community banks. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! Click Here to Book a Call with Ed The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
41 min
In this episode, Tom Fitzgerald sits down with economist Joseph Keating to discuss the economic outlook amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, evolving Federal Reserve policy, and rapid investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The conversation provides an essential and timely look at the key economic forces shaping the remainder of 2026 and the path into 2027. Register for the Elevate Banking Forum here. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC SouthState Wealth is a trade name (doing business as) of SouthState Private Capital Management LLC ("SSPCM"). SouthState Wealth represents the collective wealth management departments and subsidiaries of SouthState Bank, N.A. The following content is for informational purposes only. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank, N.A., its employees, or its affiliates. No portion of this content serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SouthState Wealth. Securities involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal. Investment products and services are not bank deposits, nor are they insured, and are not backed or guaranteed by SouthState Bank, N.A. or its affiliates.
26 min
Today we sit down with Scott Cocanougher, CEO of First Community Bank in Shelbyville, Tennessee and Randy Goggans, founder of the company BankerBounty. Together we discuss the keys to creating change inside your organization and how to create an effective referral program. Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
24 min
In this episode of The Community Bank Podcast , Caleb Stevens sits down with attorney Mark Kanaly to explore the fundamentals of effective strategic planning for community banks. They discuss how strong leadership, clear alignment, and thoughtful preparation can turn strategy from a one-time exercise into a living, actionable roadmap. Mark shares practical insights on fostering collaboration, avoiding common pitfalls like over-dominating voices, and ensuring teams stay disciplined in execution. Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
24 min
In this episode, Chris Nichols and Caleb Stevens sit down with Brennan Perkins, a recent Citadel graduate, to explore how early leadership experiences translate into a career in banking. From learning how to be an effective follower to leading peers under pressure, Brennan shares key lessons on servant leadership, attention to detail, and building influence without authority. The conversation highlights how discipline and structure can coexist with creativity and problem-solving, and why curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn are critical for success early in a banking career. Ultimately, it offers a fresh perspective on how foundational leadership principles can shape future leaders in financial services. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
35 min
In this episode, Chris Nichols and DJ Seeterlin explore what banks can learn from Trader Joe's approach to strategy, focusing on clear customer segments, intentional trade-offs, and delivering value over price. They discuss how aligning products, people, and experiences around a defined audience can help banks stand out, and how these same principles apply to areas like AI, where technology should enhance the human connection. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
35 min
In this episode, Chris Nichols is joined by Samer Saab of Alloy Labs to explore the growing tension between a traditional "debt mindset" and a more forward-looking "equity mindset" in banking. While banks are built to minimize risk and protect principal, that same instinct can limit innovation, partnerships, and long-term growth. Samer shares practical ways banks can rebalance risk and reward by moving faster, experimenting more, and treating new initiatives as scalable capabilities rather than one-off projects. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
42 min
In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Jack Henry's Lee Wetherington to unpack the biggest strategic shifts facing community banks today. From deposit pressures and the rise of small business banking to the growing importance of data strategy and payments, the conversation highlights how banks must rethink their approach to growth. The discussion makes one thing clear: success in the next phase of banking will depend on how well institutions leverage data, adapt their payment strategies, and evolve alongside rapidly changing customer behaviors, especially among Gen Z and small business owners. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
43 min
In this episode, Caleb Stevens talks with Eva Daniel, founder of The Speak Shop, about why effective communication is a critical leadership skill. Eva shares why every professional should have a signature message, common mistakes leaders make when presenting, and how thoughtful storytelling and structure can dramatically increase clarity and credibility. Tune in to learn the hidden career advantage of strong public speaking and how you as a leader can elevate your own. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
37 min
In this episode, we sit down with Ben Udell, a former community banker turned AI advisor, to break down what AI actually means for banks today and how to start using it in practical ways. Ben shares how bankers can use AI to save time, sharpen decision-making, and enhance relationships. From turning voice notes into board reports to accelerating commercial loan analysis and preparing for tougher loan committee conversations, the conversation is packed with actionable use cases. They also tackle common concerns around regulation, risk, and job security, offering a clear message: bankers who learn to work with AI will be better positioned to compete, grow, and lead in the years ahead. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
37 min
Today we speak with Erik Weiner, CEO of de novo Portrait Bank. We discuss his banking background, why he started Portrait bank, the capital raise process, attracting talent, and building out a tech stack. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
25 min
Recorded live from the Financial Brand Fourm on April 14th, Caleb Stevens sits down with Dan Marks, President of OptimaFI, to talk about what bank marketers should actually be focused on today. They dig into using data to prove ROI, aligning marketing with lending and finance, avoiding "shiny object" syndrome, and where AI can genuinely help community banks grow. A practical, real‑world conversation for marketers who want to move the balance sheet—not just launch campaigns. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
46 min
Today we sit down with brothers Pat and Robert McLaughlin. Though they come from different, diverse fields, Pat and Robert share a passion in leadership development. They talk to us about presence, the traits of championship teams, and what they've learned from their work with Jon Gordon. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
40 min
In this episode, former U.S. Senator and SouthState Bank board member Ben Sasse joins Caleb Stevens and Chris Kamienski for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of community banking, the loneliness epidemic, and the digital revolution reshaping the economy. Learn more about SouthState's Correspondent Banking Division at https://southstatecorrespondent.com/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
29 min
Today we speak with Chris Carneal, Founder and CEO of Booster, the largest elementary school fundraising company in the country. He tells us about how he's created a remarkable company through his leadership and a vision. Chris drives his company through virtue, and he shares how community bank leaders can build culture by acting on what your organization believes in. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
43 min
Today we're joined by Bill Moreland, a credit risk expert whose data and analysis we rely on heavily. Bill helps us break down what's really happening beneath the surface of today's credit metrics — from the rise of NDFIs to the surge in loan modifications and what that signals about risk in this cycle. View Agenda & Register for The Elevate Banking Forum View Agenda & Register for The Deposit Conference The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
27 min
Today, Tom Fitzgerald, from our strategy and research group interviews our asset-liability manager, Billy Fielding, from our broker dealer SouthState Securities to discuss the latest trends and asset liability management. Click Here to Subscribe to Tom's Weekly Piece - The Friday Five The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC
36 min
Today Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Keating discuss the current global landscape, including ongoing U.S. politics, developments in the Fed, and the ongoing war with Iran. They tie it all back to how they impact the economy and one's investments. Register for The Elevate Banking Forum: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/the-2026-elevate-banking-forum/ Register for The Deposit Conference: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/the-2026-deposit-conference/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC SouthState Wealth is a trade name (doing business as) of SouthState Private Capital Management LLC ("SSPCM"). SouthState Wealth represents the collective wealth management departments and subsidiaries of SouthState Bank, N.A. The following content is for informational purposes only. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank, N.A., its employees, or its affiliates. No portion of this content serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SouthState Wealth. Securities involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal. Investment products and services are not bank deposits, nor are they insured, and are not backed or guaranteed by SouthState Bank, N.A. or its affiliates.
32 min
In this episode, Caleb Stevens sits down with author and speaker Jon Acuff to talk about where procrastination shows up most often in the business world—and why even high-performing leaders struggle with it. Jon shares practical strategies from his latest book, Procrastination Proof, to help you stop putting off important work and start making meaningful progress. If you've ever delayed a tough conversation, a new initiative, or a big decision, this conversation will give you tools to move forward. Click Here to View Agenda and Register for the Elevate Banking Forum Click Here to View Agenda and Register for the Deposit Conference The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC