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The Bank Leader Link

The Bank Leader Link

By Illinois Bankers Association

Tune into this must-listen podcast that gives insight into the banking world. Each month, industry experts report on timely topics during discussions with the Illinois Bankers Association President & CEO, Randy Hultgren. Join us and get linked with Be prepared to hear the links you’ve been missing to become the expert in your field.
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Take Care of Your Financial and Mental Health! Here's How...

The Bank Leader LinkJul 05, 2023

00:00
31:22
Take Care of Your Financial and Mental Health! Here's How...

Take Care of Your Financial and Mental Health! Here's How...

Join Randy Hultgren as he deep dives with Joyce Marter, author of The Financial Mindset Fix, on addressing the many ways that mental health needs to be front of mind today. Whether for yourself, your staff, or your customers, wellness must be a priority. Learn how mental and financial health create a unique cross section of specific awareness for our industry.

Jul 05, 202331:22
Coaching Culture - Grow Your Customers and Coworkers Strategically

Coaching Culture - Grow Your Customers and Coworkers Strategically

Joe Micallef, President (and Professional Coach) of Grow UP Sales, joins IBA President & CEO Randy Hultgren for a lightening round of hot coaching tips. In times of uncertainty, learn how to grow your customers and coworkers in a strategic way while promote a coaching culture. After this podcast, tap into Joe's multitude of free resources by visiting https://www.banktalenthq.com or https://growupsales.com!

May 01, 202329:02
Level Up Your Leadership Skills!

Level Up Your Leadership Skills!

Donna Flynn, Founder & CEO of SkillsMastery Group, joins Randy in a thoughtful discussion about the value and importance of our development as leaders. Her useful coaching tips provide a quick guide on self-care and how to connect and grow as leaders while "living in the uncomfortable." Donna's honest approach to leadership and how to lead, as well as how to create opportunities for future leaders, will be a repeat listen!

Mar 31, 202325:46
Spring Legislative Session - The IBA is Here to Protect Illinois Banking!

Spring Legislative Session - The IBA is Here to Protect Illinois Banking!

Join Randy with IBA's EVP of Government Relations, Ben Jackson, as he takes the pulse of the Illinois current spring legislative session and what our industry is facing.  Listen as they discuss introduced legislation, the unintended consequences it may present to our membership, and how we are working to protect Illinois banking.  They also address other pressing industry issues, such as check fraud, and our efforts on those fronts.

Mar 09, 202319:35
Cultivate Your Leadership Team with These Valuable Tools!

Cultivate Your Leadership Team with These Valuable Tools!

Randy Hultgren visits with the IBA Education leadership team, Callan Stapleton and Lyndee Fein.  As you work on your bank's strategic plan for 2023 for your current and emerging leadership team, consider the valuable IBA education resources, right at your fingertips!  Whether enrolling your up-and-coming trailblazer in the Future Leaders Alliance or sending your team to one of our many outstanding conferences, the IBA offers something for everyone.  We look forward to seeing our family of Illinois bankers at one (or some) of these programs!

Jan 30, 202325:47
Educating Professionals, Creating Leaders. Learn how the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI is your next professional step.

Educating Professionals, Creating Leaders. Learn how the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI is your next professional step.

Kirby Davidson, President & CEO, and Kathy Berman, VP of Communications & Marketing, both with the Graduate School of Banking (GSB) in Madison, WI, join host, Randy Hultgren, to share about the leadership development through GSB.  Whether you're interested in the deep dive three-year program or one of the many specialty schools, now is the time to plan for your personal growth and your bank's personnel development in educating its current and future leaders.  Listen today to learn how you join the more than 23,000 alumni!

Dec 19, 202228:54
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago - Why We Need It and What It Does For Our Local Communities

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago - Why We Need It and What It Does For Our Local Communities

Bank Leader Link host Randy Hultgren visits with Michael Steelman, Chair Emeritus and Senior Counsel for the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Bushnell, and Dave Feldhaus, Senior Vice President, External Affairs with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.  Listen as Mike and Dave dig deep into the many reasons why the FHLBC continues to be a necessary partner with our community banks and the customers they serve.  They address many questions about the progression of how the FHLBC will continue its mission and why this valuable resource should not be taken for granted. 

Dec 06, 202228:37
2022 Election - Let's Take a Look

2022 Election - Let's Take a Look

Randy Hultgren visits with longtime friend, ABA's Chief Political Strategist Rob Engstrom, and invites Rob to share his extensive perspectives on our country's past political environment and tomorrow's potential landscape.  Rob discusses his time working for Speaker Gingrich during the Clinton Administration as well as his current service with the American Bankers Association.  Hear his thoughts on our current legislative pulse and what he and Randy anticipate our experiences will be over the next two years. 

Nov 21, 202233:18
THE Key Benefit and Protection That All Banks Need - Listen Today!

THE Key Benefit and Protection That All Banks Need - Listen Today!

Join our trusted advisors Mike Mahorney, Senior Trust Advisor with the Illinois Bankers Group Insurance Trust, and Adam Walsh, Vice President of the Illinois Bankers Insurance Services, as they engage with host Randy Hultgren in a robust discussion covering our wide array of insurance offerings.  Whether you are looking for staff, director, or institution coverage, the IBA offers a solution to make sure that your staff and facilities are covered against all threats and risks.   

Nov 07, 202227:46
Expert Tips on Navigating Unprecedented Times

Expert Tips on Navigating Unprecedented Times

Randy Hultgren talks with Brian Liebfried, Managing Director of Client Insights, with Performance Trust.  Join them as Brian shares his perspectives on how your financial institution can manage its way through this unprecedented rate environment.  Learn how to navigate this along with other pressing, sometimes conflicting, indicators.

Oct 25, 202230:30
The Impact of the Community Banker

The Impact of the Community Banker

Randy visits with Dan Watts, 2017 IBA Chair and President of Forest Park National Bank & Trust Company, on his perspectives over his 25+ year banking career.  From the development of unused industrial space in his neighborhood to his position on the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Dan provides thoughtful insight into the deep impact banking has in Illinois.  

Oct 10, 202223:45
Permanently Temporary - How Bank Leaders Navigate This New Technology Space

Permanently Temporary - How Bank Leaders Navigate This New Technology Space

Join host IBA President & CEO Randy Hultgren as he talks with guest Mike Tenpas, CEO of UFS, a bank technology outfitter, on how community banks can navigate this "in-between space", both from a looking back and looking forward perspective.  Mike explains how this is not necessarily a technology topic but more of a leadership topic.  If this issue keeps you up at night, this is a podcast for you!

Sep 26, 202223:59
IBA Legal Update - CRA Comment Letter, Compliance Resources, and more!

IBA Legal Update - CRA Comment Letter, Compliance Resources, and more!

Guest Carolyn Settanni, IBA Executive Vice President & General Counsel, joins Randy to provide an update on our recent CRA Comment Letter.  Also, hear about other pressing legislative issues, free compliance resources, and key compliance programs right around the corner!

Sep 12, 202227:20
Prepping Your Bank For Our Current Environment

Prepping Your Bank For Our Current Environment

Guest John Behringer, CPA, Partner, National Financial Institutions Consulting Leader, RSM US LLP shares his perspectives on current banking risks.  Learn how a strong partner can help your bank navigate these risks and create solutions for your team.

Aug 29, 202228:01
Ag Banking Perspectives with ABA's Ed Elfmann, SVP of Agriculture & Rural Banking Policy

Ag Banking Perspectives with ABA's Ed Elfmann, SVP of Agriculture & Rural Banking Policy

Ed touches on a multitude of ag-related topics including the Farm Bill, the ECORA Act, credit union and Farm Credit taxation hurdles, and much more.  If you work with ag customers, this is a must-listen episode!

Aug 15, 202225:54
Meet Betsy Johnson, 2022-2023 IBA Chair!

Meet Betsy Johnson, 2022-2023 IBA Chair!

We invite you to get to know our new IBA Chair - Betsy Johnson, President & CEO of Solutions Bank, located in Forreston, IL.  Betsy provides a birds eye look at her banking career path which ultimately culminated in her serving as the President & CEO.  She also discusses her goals for her term as Chair and touches on the IBA's newly crafted strategic plan.  And, finally, you will hear a bit about her second favorite (after the IBA!) professional passion - the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin.

Aug 02, 202223:11
Everything Legislative in 2022 with guest, Ben Jackson, EVP, Government Relations, Illinois Bankers Association

Everything Legislative in 2022 with guest, Ben Jackson, EVP, Government Relations, Illinois Bankers Association

Tune in to hear the latest on the 2022 campaign projections, current state and federal banking legislative issues, and legislative perspectives in the industry.

Jun 24, 202230:32
Outlook for Bank Earnings in 2022 and into 2023 with guest Kent Musbach, SVP, BOK Financial

Outlook for Bank Earnings in 2022 and into 2023 with guest Kent Musbach, SVP, BOK Financial

Outlook for Bank Earnings in 2022 and into 2023 with guest Kent Musbach, SVP, BOK Financial

  • Unrealized loss in the investment portfolio
  • Markets outlook for interest rates and yield curve
  • Loan price lagging
  • Deposit side risks and other higher-yielding options
  • Rate rising environment
May 09, 202223:51
Cybersecurity with guest Chad Knutson, President, CISO, and Partner, SBS CyberSecurity

Cybersecurity with guest Chad Knutson, President, CISO, and Partner, SBS CyberSecurity

Cybersecurity: Chad Knutson, President, CISO, and Partner, SBS CyberSecurity

What to expect in the months to come from a cybersecurity perspective

Biggest cybersecurity challenges in 2022

Federal Reserve's FedLine Assurance Program

How institutions need to stay ahead of cybercrime

What keeps Chad up at night

Strengths and weaknesses of banks current cybersecurity programs

Dec 09, 202126:02
Banker Perspective with guest Mick O'Rourke, President, Signature Bank

Banker Perspective with guest Mick O'Rourke, President, Signature Bank

Banker Perspective: Mick O’Rourke, President, Signature Bank

Relationships with a capital R

The Secret Sauce

INVEST in Technology

Serving your Stakeholders

Liquidity, Low Interest Rates, Employment and looking forward to the future.

Oct 28, 202125:27
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with guests Cedric Thurman and Leslie Drish, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with guests Cedric Thurman and Leslie Drish, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Cedric Thurman, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer and Leslie Drish, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

What to be thinking about

Understanding the why

Build DEI Culture

Have the conversation

Oct 13, 202125:16
Ag Update - Delaney Howell, Trader PhD

Ag Update - Delaney Howell, Trader PhD

<ul>
<li>Be an Advisor</li>
<li>Farmer Misconceptions</li>
<li>How to help your customers with a Marketing plan</li>
<li>Farmer Succession Planning</li>
<li>Political Challenges and more</li>
</ul>
Sep 10, 202123:38
POST-ELECTION REGULATORY CHANGES IN BANKING - John Geiringer, Partner - Barack Ferrazzano

POST-ELECTION REGULATORY CHANGES IN BANKING - John Geiringer, Partner - Barack Ferrazzano

• Changes banks will see from the Biden Administration

• Will the bigger challenge be new federal laws or a change in tone from new regulators?

• What is on the horizon that banks need to research and be prepared for?

• How can banks be prepared for a more active CFPB?

• The proposal for a state CRA

Mar 11, 202120:16
TECHNOLOGY IN BANKING – Sultan Meghji, CEO & Co-Founder – Neocova

TECHNOLOGY IN BANKING – Sultan Meghji, CEO & Co-Founder – Neocova

<ul>
<li>2021 banking technology upgrade suggestions</li>
<li>How do banks stay accountable with their cybersecurity?</li>
<li>What changes in political leadership could impact banking technology?</li>
<li>Where will technology in banking be in a few years?</li>
<li>Why bankers should stay optimistic during 2021!</li>
</ul>
Jan 21, 202117:48
NAVIGATING THE WORKPLACE DURING COVID-19 – Hope McAllister, Executive Vice President of Human Relations – Busey Bank

NAVIGATING THE WORKPLACE DURING COVID-19 – Hope McAllister, Executive Vice President of Human Relations – Busey Bank

Episode #3: NAVIGATING THE WORKPLACE DURING COVID-19 – Hope McAllister, Executive Vice President of Human Relations – Busey Bank

  • Current COVID-19 updates, and how Busey Bank is keeping employees safe
  • Keeping company culture strong while working remote
  • The importance of mental and emotional health in your employees
  • How can the HR staff at a bank find resources to help guide them through COVID-19
  • Conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine
Dec 21, 202015:49
NEVER EVER GIVE UP! – Matt Feldman, President and CEO – Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

NEVER EVER GIVE UP! – Matt Feldman, President and CEO – Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

<strong>EPISODE 2: NEVER EVER GIVE UP! – Matt Feldman, President and CEO – Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago</strong>
<ul>
<li>Lessons learned during 17 years at FHLBC</li>
<li>Giving back to your community during uncertain times</li>
<li>Best advice for bankers to reach success</li>
<li>How the IBA and the FHLBC have worked together to serve the banking industry</li>
</ul>
Nov 17, 202017:41
All Things Election! - Tom Gannon, VP U.S. Public Policy – Mastercard

All Things Election! - Tom Gannon, VP U.S. Public Policy – Mastercard

EPISODE 1: ALL THINGS ELECTION!

• Can we rely on current polling?

• Is the election heading towards being a tight race or a landslide win?

• What to watch for on election night?

• When will we know the results?

• What key races, other than the presidency, should we be watching?

• Why exercising your right to vote is important!

Oct 23, 202016:42