Counting Change

Hosted by Ascent

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Counting Change," where we delve into community finance, credit unions, and fintech. Join us for insightful discussions with experts driving positive change. Explore the impact of credit unions, discover fintech trends, and understand the role of community finance in building resilient economies. Subscribe for engaging conversations beyond the numbers, demystifying complex topics and inspiring you to take control of your financial journey. Let's make every cent matter together!

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55 recent

March 24, 2026Episode 519 min

Community Banking Innovation: Balancing Tradition and Technology withCarie Kelly

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses Community Banking Innovation: Balancing Tradition and Technology with Carie Kelly, Senior Vice President of Digital Banking at Claremont Savings Bank. The episode explores how community banks are leveraging innovation to strengthen local communities while staying true to their roots. Carie shares insights on internal and external innovation, the importance of feedback, and how community banks can compete against larger institutions. Carie also discusses the role of AI in community banking, supporting employee experience, and strategies for balancing community-focused service with tech-driven innovation. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

March 3, 2026Episode 424 min

Efficiency in Operations: Maximizing What You Have While Building for Tomorrow with Loren Swindell

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the operational efficiency and enterprise transformation in banking with Loren Swindell, SVP Enterprise Operations Director at Needham Bank.The episode explores how banks can uncover hidden efficiency gains, evaluate existing systems, and create more streamlined, scalable operations across departments. Loren shares insights on assessing operational gaps when joining a new institution, aligning cross-functional teams to drive process improvement, and leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance internal workflows and frontline experiences. She also discusses the importance of enterprise-wide collaboration, board-level reporting on operational performance, and building a culture that continuously evaluates and optimizes processes.Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

February 10, 2026Episode 331 min

Innovation and Trust: Navigating Tech in Credit Unions with Jamie Kruspel

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the dynamic intersection of community finance and tech innovation with Jamie Kruspel, Chief Transformation Officer at Mainstreet Credit Union. The episode explores how credit unions can innovate with technology while maintaining trust and personal relationships. Jamie shares insights on AI, digital transformation, and fostering a culture of experimentation in the financial sector. Jamie also discusses practical examples of AI and automation improving efficiency and the importance of authentic relationships in financial services. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

February 3, 2026Episode 226 min

Digital Lending Transformation in Credit Unions with Mark Rodriguez

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the digital lending transformation with Mark Rodriguez, CEO of Lending Studio and former SVP and Head of Lending at Partners Federal Credit Union. The episode explores how credit unions can effectively implement digital transformation, focusing on workflow optimization, change management, and leveraging AI to enhance member and employee experiences. Mark shares insights on building internal buy-in, managing change, and ensuring compliance in digital lending. Mark also discusses the importance of a member-centric, mobile-first approach and of overcoming member hesitancy to adopt digital channels. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

January 6, 2026Episode 136 min

The Currency of Trust: Why Community Banks Matter More Than Ever with Wade Peery

In this episode of Counting Change, host Arjun Sahgal discusses the importance of trust in community banking with Wade Peery, Senior Advisor and former Chief Innovation Officer at First Bank. The episode explores how community banks can maintain relevance amid technological advancements such as stablecoins and the evolving financial landscape. Wade shares insights on the challenges and opportunities for community banks, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and technology integration. He also discusses the critical role of trust and how it can be leveraged to compete with larger institutions. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

October 7, 2025Episode 2534 min

Tech Meets Tradition: Expanding Credit Union Horizons with Nicole Smith

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the opportunities in commercial and small business banking within credit unions, focusing on the integration of technology and community-first approaches with Nicole Smith, President and CEO at US Federal Credit Union. The episode explores the alignment of values with institutional goals and the importance of maintaining personal connections in a tech-driven world. Nicole also discusses the challenges and strategies for credit unions to expand responsibly into new financial services. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

September 16, 2025Episode 2437 min

The Challenges of Fraud Prevention in Community Banking, with Brandon Brackey

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the challenges of fraud prevention in community banking with Brandon Brackey, Assistant Vice President at Arcadian BankThe episode explores the evolving landscape of fraud, the role of AI in combating it, and the unique position of community banks in maintaining trust and personal relationships with customers. Brandon shares insights on the importance of proactive fraud prevention and the benefits of close customer relationships. Brandon also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation in banking.Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

September 2, 2025Episode 2340 min

The Power of Storytelling with Josh Rodriguez

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss storytelling with Josh Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President, Fintech and Mission Integration at West Community Credit Union.The episode explores how storytelling is vital in every industry, particularly in credit unions and fintech, to connect with members and drive innovation. Josh shares insights on the challenges credit unions face in telling their stories and the impact of effective storytelling on member engagement and product development. Josh also discusses the significance of empathy and understanding member stories to create meaningful financial solutions. Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.The episode explores how storytelling is vital in every industry, particularly in credit unions and fintech, to connect with members and drive innovation. Josh shares insights on the challenges credit unions face in telling their stories and the impact of effective storytelling on member engagement and product development. Josh also discusses the significance of empathy and understanding member stories to create meaningful financial solutions.

August 19, 2025Episode 2241 min

The Real Reason Branches aren't Dead with EJ Kritz

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss the real reason branches aren't dead with EJ Kritz, Chief Experience Officer at DBSI.Despite the rise of digital banking, branches continue to play a crucial role in customer service, community engagement, and financial education. EJ shares insights on the strategic use of micro branches and the significance of maintaining a physical presence in a digital age. EJ also discusses the challenges and opportunities for financial institutions in adapting to technological advancements.Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.

August 5, 202533 min

Fraud Alert: Understanding and Combating Check Fraud with Chris Wilson

In this episode of Counting Change, hosts Arjun Sahgal and Rachel Reid discuss check fraud with Chris Wilson, Vice President of Business Development at Alogent.The episode explores check fraud, the innovation ecosystem, and the critical role of financial infrastructure. Chris also discusses modernizing financial systems to combat fraud.Counting Change is hosted and run by ⁠⁠Ascent Platform⁠⁠.