Guest
Alisha Crafton,
Chief
Growth Officer at Kasasa
"The Future Focused CXOs"
PODCAST - Episode 36
The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial intelligence. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.
In this Future Focused CXOs episode, we speak with Alisha Crafton, Chief Growth Officer at Kasasa, whose career spans credit unions, megabanks, and fintech. Known early in her career as the “Turnaround Queen” for transforming underperforming bank branches, Alisha shares the leadership lessons she’s learned about balancing transformation, technology adoption, and culture-building.
Key takeaways include:
- Systematize success so transformation wins can be repeated across teams.
- Align sales and client success around the same mission and incentives.
- Use technology to deliver on promises, not define them.
- Protect culture as a multiplier for performance and growth.
- Mentor and empower future leaders to ensure succession and resilience.
Tune in for practical advice from a proven leader on how to grow and excel in your career.
The Future Focused CXO Episode 36: Show Notes
1. Transform Struggling Teams by Systematizing Success
Alisha’s branch turnarounds weren’t just about fixing one location—they were about identifying what worked and creating repeatable playbooks. From hiring the right talent to setting clear expectations, she built structures that scaled across multiple branches.
2. Align Sales and Client Success to Drive Growth
At Kasasa, Alisha oversees both sales and client success. She breaks down silos with a shared mission approach, aligning incentives and ensuring both teams are equally invested in upsell, retention, and client satisfaction.
3. Use Technology as a Promise-Keeper
For Alisha, tech adoption starts with the sales promise. Salesforce CRM and other tools are only introduced after processes are designed to ensure seamless delivery on client expectations.
“Growth comes from aligning the right people, the right systems, and the right cultural DNA. Technology only amplifies this when it’s mapped to a clear, customer-facing value promise.”
— Alisha Crafton
4. Protect Culture as a Strategic Asset
Kasasa’s values—like empowered ownership and interdependence—guide hiring, client partnerships, and even tough calls like parting ways with “brilliant jerks.” Culture isn’t an afterthought—it’s the multiplier for performance.
5. Build Future Leaders Before You Need Them
Alisha emphasizes mentoring, giving people room to operate at the level of their next role, and refusing to let fear of being replaced stall succession planning.
Conclusion – Turning Bold Moves into Lasting Impact
Alisha Crafton shows that lasting transformation comes from aligning people, systems, and culture—and using technology to deliver on promises. Her story is proof that bold leadership and strong values can drive growth without burning out teams.
For more inspiring stories and actionable strategies from top executives, subscribe to the Future Focused CXOs podcast on your favorite streaming platform:
