U.S. seizes oil tanker off Venezuela in escalation of pressure on Maduro Regime, evacuations ordered in parts of Washington amid threat of 'catastrophic' flooding, and leftover hacks explode on social media as Americans fight high prices with scrap food feasts.

This Morning with Gordon Deal December 11, 2025

Commercial banks are confronting a rapidly shifting landscape as private credit markets grow toward $3.5 trillion and fintech competitors accelerate their offerings with AI-powered tools. Rather than retreating, traditional institutions are doubling down on technology investments and reimagining their commercial lending strategies to compete in this new environment.

"Banks are not short-term thinkers," says Héctor Pagés, SVP and Head of Global Commercial Lending at FIS. "We're not seeing a slowdown in terms of interest or investment from our institutions, in terms of advancing and changing the ways that they're working."

The response from banks has been multifaceted, according to Pagés. Some retail-focused institutions are shifting resources toward commercial lending, while smaller commercial banks are expanding into more complex lending products. Others are adopting an "originate to distribute" model, partnering with private credit firms to spread risk while generating fee income.

This strategic evolution is happening against a backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, tariff fluctuations, and the continued expansion of non-bank lenders into territory traditionally dominated by banks.

Listen to the podcast to learn about how banks are transforming their commercial lending operations through unified technology platforms, the role of AI in automating credit decisions and underwriting processes, and why cloud infrastructure is becoming essential for global scalability. 


Banks reclaim commercial lending through technology and strategic partnerships

Terrorist attack targets jews at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Rob Reiner and his wife have died, family say, as police investigate apparent homicide, and the public shaming of fantasy football losers.

This Morning with Gordon Deal December 15, 2025

The battle for over health care is far from over. Nathaniel Weixel from The Hill  has the story.

ObamaCare impasse sets stage for January health care battle

Roshan Fernandez from the Wall Street Journal explores the fun in publicly shaming fantasy football losers.

The Public Shaming of Fantasy Football Losers

What happens when no one understands your career choice? Callum Borchers from the Wall Street Journal takes us behind the headline.

You Say You’re a Knowledge Architect? Why Modern Careers Are So Hard to Explain

Leveling up has truly changed Yuuya’s life. In the real world, things have done a complete 180. He’s getting used to his new school and making fast friends—which includes a fluffy companion in the other world. Meanwhile, thanks to his physical prowess and good looks, his popularity is through the roof (though he’s oblivious to this). He’s also finally learned how to use magic! Will it be enough to help him survive fires, assassins, and trials in the wilderness?!

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too, Vol. 2 by Miku read by Curtis Michael Holland

Some secrets should stay behind closed doors…
 
Gemma’s got it all figured out: she has her amazing best friends April and Anna, a high-flying job, and a dating life that’s strictly no-strings-attached. Men fall at her feet – and she walks away from them without a backwards glance.

Max is a jet-setter with zero interest in settling down. Between London and New York City, he’s in a position of power, working at a luxury hotelier. But when he meets Gemma in a high-stakes hotel pitch, their chemistry is instant, electric…and completely off limits. Why? Because Max is Anna’s brother. And Anna has just one rule: don’t even think about her brother.

But the danger zone is Gemma’s favorite place to be. And some things are worth bending the rules for…

The Suite Secret by Tierney Page read by Will H. Watt and Evelyn Rose

From the international bestselling author of The Drowning Woman, a psychological thriller about a couple rocked by infidelity who moves to a villa in Spain’s Costa Brava to rebuild their relationship, only to welcome a pair of visitors who have no intention of leaving.  

Sydney Lowe’s life in New York is shattered when her husband, Curtis, admits to a meaningless affair with a client. Begging for forgiveness and vowing to prove his devotion, Curtis suggests the couple retreat to a remote hilltop house in Spain to repair their marriage.  

High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested, and not everyone will leave the villa alive.

“Robyn Harding is probably among the writers I most recommend, and once again she has excelled herself with damaged and damaging characters wreaking havoc on each other. I loved every page! When can I read the next one?” ―Liz Nugent, internationally bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding read by Katherine Littrell

Brown University shooting manhunt continues, Rob Reiner's son arrested on suspicion of murder, and the hero of Bondi Beach is healing.

This Morning with Gordon Deal December 16, 2025

An interview about the intersection of organizational health and culture and themes in Godin's books The Icarus Deception and Linchpin.

Seth Godin interview - "The casual lie of the flight attendant" - Episode 2

I’m a husband, father, business leader and entrepreneur. These roles take up most of my time and energy. I enjoy leading people, helping companies create exceptional cultures and exploring new ideas. I share what I learn along the way on my blog. I’m also a tech, food and outdoor enthusiast.

Seth Godin interview - "The casual lie of the flight attendant" - Episode 2

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