Chris and Dan sit down with Candie Simmons, founder of CL Simmons Consulting, to talk about the people problems that slow banks down: communication breakdowns, the gap between being a great producer and being a great manager, and why marketing and compliance don't have to be at each other's throats.

Candie spent 16 years in banking (including leading marketing for a top 50 institution), now runs her own consultancy, and sits on the board of a community bank in Mississippi. She's seen these issues from every angle.

What we cover:

- The number one problem banks call her about (hint: communication!) and how it shows up everywhere - between departments, between generations, between leadership and staff.

- How to tell the story of community banks' best built-in advantage: being small enough that employees see their impact, and customers can talk still to actual decision-makers.

- How banks can use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to align people's responsibilities with what they're actually good at (instead of just assigning tasks to whoever's available), for better employee satisfaction, a stronger culture, and better outcomes for customers.

Resources Mentioned:

- Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment (~$30, available at gallup.com)

- Books: The Kind Act; A Few Kind Words by Tracey WIllis Gates

Connect with Candie:

clsimmonsconsulting.com: Reach out for a free consultation.

Ep 104 - Candie Simmons - Passion, Purpose & Communication in Community Banking