The Currency of Knowledge Podcast

What does true wealth really mean? For many people, it goes far beyond money. It’s about family, peace of mind, financial security, and building a legacy for future generations.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, a County National Bank Wealth Management podcast, host Holleigh sits down with Wealth Management team members Lexi Carr and Laira Thompson to discuss their career journeys, the importance of client relationships, and what wealth means to them personally.

Discover how Wealth Management professionals help clients navigate financial goals, estate planning, legacy planning, and preparing for the future. Le...

Redefining Wealth: Faith, Purpose & Financial Fraud | The Currency of Knowledge

What does true wealth mean to you? Is it financial success, the impact you make on others, or something that lasts beyond material possessions?

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, a County National Bank Wealth Management podcast, co-hosts Christopher Phillips and Holly Desmarais sit down with Emily Eckart, a Financial Crimes Specialist at County National Bank, for a meaningful conversation about financial fraud, personal growth, faith, and the true meaning of wealth.

Emily shares her unique career journey and insights into...

Season 3 is here! In this exciting kickoff episode, we dive into the deeper meaning of wealth and why it’s about more than just money. Join Holly and Christopher as they introduce the new season, discuss upcoming guests, and explore how personal purpose statements can help guide financial decisions and life goals.
 
 
 This season focuses on the human side of wealth — dreams, family, travel, purpose, and fulfillment. Discover how defining your personal financial purpose can help you make better decisions, stay focused during uncertain times, and build a life aligned with what truly matters.
 
 
 In t...

In this episode of Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Ryan Tarrant, President & CEO of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, to talk about leadership, economic development, and the long-term vision for Jackson, Michigan.

Ryan shares how nearly two decades as a congressional aide in Washington, DC shaped his approach to collaboration, bipartisan problem-solving, and community-focused leadership. We explore how those experiences now inform his work at the Jackson Chamber—bringing together business leaders, nonprofits, educators, and local government to move the community forward.

This conversation dives in...

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Rann Painter, President and CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association, to discuss the rapidly changing world of banking, financial literacy, and consumer protection.

Rann shares insights on how banking has evolved over the past decade — from fraud prevention and cybersecurity to stablecoins, digital currencies, and new federal regulations. We also explore the Michigan Bankers Association’s role in advocating for both banks and consumers, including their leadership in making financial literacy a high school graduation requirement in Michigan.

Get an inside look at our summer internship program as we talk with interns from marketing, wealth management, retail administration, and commercial lending. Hear their stories, what they learned, how the bank shaped their career paths, and their personal answers to our signature question: “What is wealth?”


This episode highlights real experiences, meaningful mentorship, and how young professionals are building their futures in finance, banking, and beyond. Great for anyone interested in internships, career development, or understanding today’s emerging workforce.

Welcome to The Currency of Knowledge, an educational video series by County National Bank (CNB) where we explore real stories, expert insights, and the power of relationships in community banking.

In this episode, Trent, Vice President of Commercial Lending in Portage/Kalamazoo, Michigan, sits down to discuss what commercial lending really means for small businesses and entrepreneurs. From helping startups secure funding to guiding established companies through expansion and succession planning, Trent shares how CNB builds lifelong relationships that go beyond banking.

🔗 Subscribe for more episodes of The Currency of Knowledge – where f...

In this episode of Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Brad Smith from Advisa to talk about building strong organizational cultures and the power of the Predictive Index. From defining company values to developing effective leaders, Brad shares how culture drives success—and why it’s the real competitive advantage. Plus, we get personal about running, family life, and what true wealth means. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mark to talk about the vital role agriculture plays in our community and how local banks support farmers in growing their businesses. With years of experience in ag lending, Mark shares what makes working with farm families unique, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that come with serving one of the region’s most important industries. Whether you’re in banking, farming, or simply curious about the backbone of our local economy, this conversation highlights the passion, dedication, and impact of ag lending.

Welcome to The Currency of Knowledge podcast by County National Bank Wealth Management. In this episode, hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker sit down with Kathryn Mohr, an experienced attorney and community leader, to explore the often-overlooked but crucial topics of business succession and estate planning.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations redefining wealth beyond the balance sheet.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—what’s your biggest question about succession planning?

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, host Holleigh sits down again with Austin Jenkins from Dimensional Fund Advisors for Part 2 of their conversation—this time diving into the timely and often misunderstood world of ethical and sustainable investing, also known as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing.

Whether you're an environmentally-conscious investor or looking to align your finances with your personal beliefs, this episode breaks down the essentials of investing with purpose—without compromising performance.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, host Holleigh Baker is joined by Austin Jenkins, Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), for an insightful discussion on portfolio diversification and asset allocation. Together, they break down what it means to build a well-diversified investment portfolio, the roles of different asset classes, how to assess risk tolerance, and the psychology behind staying invested. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers foundational knowledge and practical advice to help you create a sound, long-term investment strategy.

This is part one of a two-part series...

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, co-hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker discuss one of the most essential—and often overlooked—aspects of financial planning: estate and trust settlement. With decades of experience guiding families through this emotional and logistical process, they offer clear, practical advice on how to prepare your estate, support your beneficiaries, and avoid unnecessary complications during a time of loss.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge podcast, we welcome Nathan, a new associate at County National Bank Wealth Management—and a familiar face to longtime listeners. Nathan joins us for a candid and educational conversation about risk, reward, and navigating market volatility.

In this episode of the "Currency of Knowledge" education series, the hosts engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Barry Malik, head of retirement plan services. Together, they explore the essential process of helping clients define their financial priorities and goals. Barry emphasizes the importance of personalized financial discussions, shedding light on how individual aspirations, such as travel plans or health concerns, can shape retirement visions. They introduce the concept of a financial purpose statement, a concise reflection of what truly matters to clients, serving as a guiding light for their financial journeys. This episode underscores the idea that financial...

This episode focuses on wealth management. Guest Jake Johnson, CNB Assistant Vice President, Private Banking Officer, discusses the fundamentals of financial planning, emphasizing its comprehensive nature beyond traditional financial advice to include tax and estate planning tailored to individual client needs.

Johnson highlights the significance of building client relationships, understanding their objectives, and delivering continuous support, comparing financial planning and the fitness discipline. He also discusses his role in private banking, the importance of client service, and guides on selecting a wealth advisor based on credentials, trust, and prioritizing client interests, noting his pursuit of CFP certification.<...

In this inspiring episode of The Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Jere Righter, Artistic Director of Michigan’s historic Croswell Opera House. Jere shares her journey from performer to leader, the transformative renovations of the theater, and the true meaning of wealth through community and creativity. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation about resilience, legacy, and the power of the arts.

Meet Holleigh Baker from our Wealth Management team, who has a specialized designation as a Chartered Special Needs Consultant.  With a passion for bridging gaps in resources, Holleigh helps families navigate the complexities of special needs trusts, government benefits, and investment strategies tailored to unique circumstances. Her person-first approach ensures clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make informed decisions. Dedicated to providing clear guidance and compassionate support, Holleigh and her team are here to help families build brighter futures 

In this inspiring episode of The Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Joe Williams, CEO and president of County National Bank, who shares his journey from modest beginnings to a position of influence and mentorship. Williams discusses the values instilled in him by his hardworking parents and the lessons he learned from great and challenging leaders. His story highlights the importance of resilience, positivity, and the power of encouragement. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Williams reveals how wealth extends beyond financial success to encompass purpose, contentment, and the meaningful impact we have on others.

Tune in for this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," where hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker delve into the transformative power of performing arts with special guest Libby Watson, Executive Director of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra. Explore the profound impact of music on youth and community, the intricacies of staging professional concerts, and the fulfilling mission of nonprofit organizations. Discover how cultivating future leaders enriches communities and the vibrant journey of creating meaningful experiences through the arts.

This podcast episode engages with Jenny and Jed Engel, who share their personal and professional journeys. Jenny reflects on her 22-year battle with breast cancer, including her diagnosis, treatment, and the bucket list she created centered around her family’s milestones. Jed discusses his leadership role in the family business, highlighting challenges during the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic. Both emphasize the importance of community support, resilience, and defining wealth beyond money—focusing on family, health, and personal fulfillment. 

Tune in for this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," where hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker delve into the transformative power of performing arts with special guest Libby Watson, Executive Director of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra. Explore the profound impact of music on youth and community, the intricacies of staging professional concerts, and the fulfilling mission of nonprofit organizations. Discover how cultivating future leaders enriches communities and the vibrant journey of creating meaningful experiences through the arts.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with eight talented interns who are reshaping the future of banking. These bright young minds bring fresh perspectives and energy to our organization, contributing to impactful projects that align with our 2024 goals. We discuss their unique take on the banking industry, their experiences working in a field that many of them hadn’t initially considered, and the insights they’ve gained during their time with us. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of community banking and the value of learning from the next generation.

Welcome to this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," featuring Katie Miller, an undergraduate student studying fashion merchandising. Discover her journey of pursuing passions and embracing new challenges while exploring topics like confidence-building, seizing opportunities, the importance of supportive friendships, and preparing for the future. Delve into Katie's personal growth across different life stages as she navigates change and pursues her dreams.

In today's episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," we sit down with Libby Miller, a Speech Language Pathology graduate student, to explore her journey through high school successes, undergraduate studies, and international experiences. Discover the profound lessons she's learned about teamwork, selflessness, and independence. We'll also delve into overlooked needs in society and navigating the transition to financial independence. Catch this candid conversation about personal growth and societal awareness.

Join us on this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge" as we sit down with Paul Lehman, VP and Head of the Bank/Trust Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors, with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Paul shares his personal journey, emphasizing the joys of family life and raising children alongside his career. Take a deep dive into invaluable insights about the roles of wealth managers and financial advisors, stressing the significance of passion and purpose in one's professional life. Don't miss this enriching conversation on the intersection of personal fulfillment and financial expertise.

Check out this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," as we’re joined by Jack Baker, the Mayor of Tecumseh for 34 years. Jack discusses the transformative changes in the community and reflects on his legacy as a lifelong resident. Jack shares profound insights into showcasing service and dedication through actions, emphasizing what it truly means to represent a community and the keys to achieving lasting success in public service. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, community engagement, and the impact of dedicated public service.

Join us for an inspiring episode of "The Currency of Knowledge" with guest Cynthia Heady, who shares her remarkable journey navigating life's hardships through various career changes. Cynthia discusses the pivotal role of friendships, networking, and making connections in her career trajectory while delving into the evolving definitions of wealth and the critical distinction between wants and needs. Tune in for insights on resilience, professional growth, and the pursuit of meaningful work.

In this episode of "The Currency of Knowledge," Christopher and Holleigh sit down with Amber Kohler, Vice President  Bank Operations Officer at County National Bank, as she shares insights about her 28-year journey within the banking industry. Amber discusses how prioritizing health and relationships has shaped her success and resilience, highlighting the bank's role in fostering wellness both financially and personally. Join us for a lively exploration of balancing career longevity with a fulfilling life outside of work.

To begin answering the expansive question of “What is Wealth,” hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker first reflect on what wealth means to them, personally. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes of what values come to light for these Senior Wealth Management Officers and to learn about how they got to be where they are today.