Leadership, growth, and technology can all bring change, but they don't have to change what an organization stands for. Neil Hayslett shares how relationships, community involvement, and a commitment to living your values can help a business move forward without losing the qualities that make it distinctive.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast

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Chapters:

(00:00) Intro - Neil Hayslett, CEO of Pendleton Community Bank

(02:37) From James Madison University Intern to Pendleton Community Bank

(08:14) Becoming CEO - The succession from Bill Loving, the surprise of being asked, and the small changes Neil is making, like handwritten birthday cards

(11:54) Leading through the transition and how Neil's leadership style has changed over the years

(19:32) Building the Leadership Team

(24:26) Staying close to the communities PCB serves, the growth through acquisition, and standing apart from bigger banks one relationship at a time

(33:46) Core values and culture and why culture is your brand

(36:54) PCB's role in local economies, and why being a community bank is about behavior rather than size

(43:18) Technology without losing the personal touch

(48:08) Neil's "second act" as CEO, and his advice not to worry about what you can't control

In an industry where the patient experience can often feel routine, thoughtful hospitality can make all the difference. Dr. Filosi shares how challenging convention, listening closely, and finding meaningful ways to make patients feel valued helped shape a dental practice built around genuine care and connection.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/hospitality-in-practice/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) From Dentist to Entrepreneur

(04:03) The Mindset Shift: Building the Best Practice

(06:16) Challenging Conventional Dentistry

(09:38) The Inspiration of Unreasonable Hospitality

(12:38) Sparks: Turning Patient Stories Into Experiences

(19:14) Scaling a Culture of Exceptional Patient Care

(27:58) Patient Appreciation Day

(34:14) Culture, Hiring, and Brand Storytelling

(40:00) Knowing When It’s Time to Sell

(44:58) The Reset and What Comes Next

As technology reshapes the creative industry, the qualities that matter most may be the ones that have always been human. Ted Royer shares his perspective on AI, the changing agency model, building brands through listening, and why creativity requires the courage to experiment, fail, and keep moving forward.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-through-change/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Ted Royer

1:40 Folk Devils and the new agency model

11:42 AI's Impact on Creative Work and the Value of Human Judgement

25:00 Fear, Risk, and Building with Optimism

27:47 Brand Purpose, Stakeholder Insight, and Human Connection

34:39 Creator Culture and Brand Authenticity

40:17 Taste, Experimentation, and Developing Young Creatives

50:04 And Then It Just Got Worse: Reflection and Repair

58:30 The Future of Creative Teams

1:01:15 Rebuilding Identity and Advice to a Younger Self