The CUInsight Network: Recent Episodes
CUInsight
Welcome to The CUInsight Network. In each episode we have wide-ranging conversations with thought leaders who support the credit union community. We identify issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices. The goal of The CUInsight Network is to take a deeper dive with people and find the gems we can all learn and grow our credit unions from. Thank you for tuning in. Enjoy!
“The institutions we will see win with AI will be the ones that use it to become more human.” - Laurie Flanders
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Laurie Flanders, SVP of Client Experience & Growth at Strum Platform. She joins me for this episode to shed light on a common misconception about data: that collecting more of it automatically leads to better member experiences. Laurie challenges that assumption, exploring why data alone isn't enough. Instead, she explains what it takes for credit unions to transform information into meaningful action that delivers real value for members. She reflects on her unconventional career path from studying English to working in banking, risk management, branch operations, and ultimately helping credit unions strengthen relationships with members via technology.
Throughout our conversation, Laurie explains why understanding data matters far more than simply having it and how disconnected systems often prevent institutions from delivering the experiences that members expect. We also discuss Strum Platform's new CRM built specifically for credit unions and why an approach focused on relationships looks very different from the sales-first CRMs that dominate the market. Laurie explains how bringing member information together in one place can help employees serve members more effectively without adding yet another complicated system to their daily workflow.
As we wrap up the conversation, we turn to the timely topic of AI. Laurie makes the case that, rather than replacing employees, AI has the potential to eliminate tedious work, giving people more time to focus on what matters most: building genuine human connections. We discuss how credit unions can embrace emerging technology while staying true to the people-first philosophy that has always set them apart, and, of course, Laurie undergoes our usual round of rapid-fire questions. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Laurie Flanders!
Connect with Laurie:
Laurie Flanders, SVP of Client Experience & Growth at Strum Platform
strumplatform.com
Laurie: LinkedIn
Strum Platform: LinkedIn
Show notes from this episode:Shout-out: Lee Allen
Shout-out: Laurie’s grandmother
Place mentioned: Scottsdale, AZ
Shout-out: MAC 2026 Conference
Book mentioned: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins
Shout-out: Laurie’s children
In this episode:
[1:02] - We learn that Laurie originally wanted to be a middle school English teacher.
[2:00] - Laurie traces her journey from banking compliance to helping credit unions use member data.
[5:59] - Laurie reveals how Strum Platform unifies member data to deliver more personalized financial guidance.
[8:11] - Data creates value only when connected, understood, and turned into meaningful action.
[11:02] - Strum Platform's CRM gives every employee a unified view in order to strengthen member relationships.
[14:29] - Integrated systems improve personalized member service by keeping everyone on the same page.
[16:23] - AI should ultimately empower employees by strengthening human relationships, not replacing them.
[18:53] - Strum Platform will keep investing in AI, innovation, and partnerships to help credit unions thrive.
[21:00] - Laurie cites her grandmother as a perfect example of an effective leader.
[24:25] - Learn why Laurie recommends the book Good to Great.
[25:31] - Laurie prioritizes being fully present for both her family and her career in order to maintain balance.
[26:44] - Laurie argues that credit unions should use technology and data to strengthen relationships and guide future growth.
“Infrastructure used to be invisible. Now, it’s the brand. ” - Kamila Thompson
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Kamila Thompson, Senior Director of Growth at Nexcess. She comes on the show to discuss the way that we think about technology, trust, and the future of digital banking. Listen as we talk about protecting a credit union’s core system and why the systems surrounding it can have an even more profound impact on security, compliance, and the member experience.
Throughout our conversation, Kamila explains how digital transformation has left many institutions managing vendors and integrations, creating complications that often are not understood until an examination or outage exposes the gaps. She shares some practical insights into why leaders need to explain the “why” of their technology in plain language, and we also discuss what organizations can do to better prepare for future exams while strengthening resilience behind the scenes.
We explore how member expectations have changed over time—reliability is no longer defined by branch hours or friendly service alone but is measured by whether digital experiences work flawlessly when members need them. Kamila makes the case that infrastructure has become part of a credit union’s brand and that trust is built via consistent and dependable technology!
As we wrap up the episode, Kamila looks ahead to AI-ready infrastructure, the growing role of purpose-built cloud environments, and why credit unions shouldn’t have to choose between innovation, compliance, and security. She also undergoes our usual round of rapid-fire questions, and you're going to want to tune in for her answers. Enjoy my conversation with Kamila Thompson!
Connect with Kamila:
Kamila Thompson, Senior Director of Growth at Nexcess
nexcess.com
Kamila: LinkedIn
Nexcess: LinkedIn | YouTube
Show notes from this episode:Shout-out: Indiana Jones
Shout-out: Kamila’s daughter
Shout-out: Star Wars
Shout-out: Kamila’s grandfather
Shout-out: Robbie’s grandfather
Place mentioned: California
Place mentioned: Washington
Place mentioned: New York
Place mentioned: New Jersey
Place mentioned: Nashville, Tennessee
Place mentioned: The Great Smoky Mountains
Book mentioned: The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut
Shout-out: John von Neumann
In this episode:
[1:30] - Hear how Kamilla found an ideal fit at Nexcess, combining her passions for marketing, data, and secure infrastructure.
[4:58] - Kamilla discusses how rapid digital transformation often leads to hidden compliance risks without a strong infrastructure foundation.
[7:21] - It’s important for leaders to understand and document their digital infrastructure to meet regulatory expectations.
[9:44] - Reliable digital infrastructure has become central to member trust, satisfaction, and long-term retention.
[12:32] - For the foreseeable future, Nexcess will be focusing on AI-ready infrastructure, as it enables financial institutions to scale without sacrificing speed or compliance.
[13:54] - We learn why Kamilla looked up to her grandfather.
[15:11] - Traveling with Nexcess has inspired Kamilla to explore Nashville and the Smoky Mountains.
[15:52] - Hear why Kamilla recommends the book The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut.
[16:46] - Kamilla explains how getting up early helps her maintain balance.
[17:41] - In closing, Kamilla argues that lasting digital trust depends on reliable infrastructure, not just polished apps.
"Direct issuance offers credit unions the ability to have more touch points and connect with their members to help solve business challenges.” - Geoff Dean
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Dan Hanks, SVP of Global Product Management, and Geoff Dean, Director of Commercial Product Management - both of i2c Inc. They come on board for this episode to talk about how card programs can play a much bigger role in a credit union's long-term success than many people may realize, which is why more credit unions are taking a fresh look at self-issuance and how today's technology is making that option more accessible to institutions that may have ruled it out in the past.
Throughout our conversation, we compare the traditional agent banking model with self-issuance, explaining some of the differences when it comes to control, profitability, and the overall member experience. Dan and Geoff discuss why owning more of the card program can help credit unions strengthen member relationships, respond more effectively to member needs, and protect the trust that sets them apart from larger financial institutions. They also explain why self-issuance isn't simply about issuing cards but is also about creating better products, offering more flexibility, and positioning credit unions to serve members in more meaningful ways.
As we wrap up the episode, we explore how modern processing platforms support the ability to self-issue while also reducing many of the barriers that once made self-issuance difficult for smaller organizations. They offer some memorable closing remarks, persuading credit unions to leverage modern technology to incorporate self-issuance, stressing the importance of strengthening member relationships. Enjoy my conversation with Dan and Geoff!
Connect with Dan & Geoff:Dan Hanks, SVP of Global Product Management at i2c
Geoff Dean, Director of Commercial Product Management at i2c
i2cinc.com
Dan: LinkedIn
Geoff: LinkedIn
i2c: LinkedIn | Instagram
Show notes from this episode:
Place mentioned: Silicon Valley, CA
Shout-out: Wells Fargo
Shout-out: Apple
Shout-out: Google
In this episode:
[1:03] - Hear how self-issuance gives credit unions more control and revenue opportunities as well as stronger products.
[3:20] - Geoff adds that self-issuance strengthens member relationships while enabling customization and program control.
[6:10] - Direct issuance helps credit unions resolve member needs faster via stronger relationships and better visibility.
[8:18] - Dan argues that competitive self-issued cards help credit unions strengthen loyalty and protect valuable member relationships.
[10:30] - Hear why it’s so crucial to find the right partner.
[12:33] - In closing, credit unions should reconsider self-issuance, as modern solutions have made it viable for more institutions.
““A true strategic partner understands what your goals and challenges are and brings solutions and ideas on how to solve those problems.” – Rex Richardson
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Rex Richardson, Director of Client Processing at Quavo Fraud & Disputes. He unpacks how his unexpected path into financial services led him through more than 17 years of direct experience in fraud, claims, and back-office operations before ultimately landing his current role. Listen in as Rex shares how early influences set the stage for a career built around understanding complex systems and the people they impact.
Throughout our conversation, we dig into what the fraud and disputes space looks like behind the scenes, with Rex breaking down how Quavo approaches it from initiation through investigation, recovery, and resolution, while also leveraging automation, compliance, and emerging AI tools. The result is not just operational efficiency, but also a faster and more transparent experience for members who are often dealing with urgent financial concerns.
Our conversation also turns to one of the biggest pressures that credit unions are facing today: rising amounts of disputes paired with staffing and budget constraints, and Rex walks us through why simply adding more people isn’t always sustainable, instead making the case for strategic partnerships that bring forth expertise, automation, and compliance support. We also explore the hidden costs that creep into inefficient systems such as longer resolution times, increased member contact, and growing operational strain that can quietly increase expenses.
As we wrap up the episode, Rex reflects on what separates a true strategic partner from a traditional staffing solution, highlighting the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term alignment over short-term labor support. We close with a discussion on the integration of AI in fraud investigations, with Rex sharing how human-in-the-loop decision-making could help speed up resolutions while still maintaining oversight and accuracy. Enjoy this insightful conversation with Rex Richardson!
Connect with Rex:
Rex Richardson, Director of Client Processing at Quavo Fraud & Disputes
quavo.com
Rex: LinkedIn
Quavo: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | X
Show notes from this episode:
Shout-out: Rex’s uncle
Shout-out: Rex’s grandfather
Place mentioned: Italy
Place mentioned: Mexico City, Mexico
Shout-out: Rex’s wife
Place mentioned: Chicago, IL
Book mentioned: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Shout-out: Apple
Shout-out: Rex’s kids
In this episode:
[0:54] - We learn that Rex once considered becoming a high school teacher.
[1:57] - Rex entered banking via his uncle, later advancing into leadership roles across claims and operations before joining Quavo.
[4:09] - Hear how Quavo helps simplify a complex, regulated claims industry.
[7:03] - Strategic partners help credit unions manage fraud complexity, compliance, and scaling while improving efficiency and member experience.
[10:59] - Rex explains how rising operational costs and delayed resolutions create hidden inefficiencies.
[14:21] - True strategic partners provide strategy and solutions, unlike staffing firms that only supply workforce support.
[17:10] - Rex discusses AI being developed to assist human decision-making in fraud investigations.
[20:55] - Rex's grandfather’s leadership and customer engagement continue to affect how he interacts with others.
[22:04] - Travel remains Rex's favorite way to splurge, especially immersive cultural experiences in cities like Mexico City and Chicago.
[25:42] - Rex argues that turning off work notifications helps create real separation and restores life outside constant digital urgency.
[28:35] - Credit unions should identify inefficiencies and consider strategic partners to help improve operations and member experience.
“Growth will not come from doing more of the same, but from deeply understanding and connecting with younger consumers.” - Opal Tomashevska
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Opal Tomashevska, Director of Multicultural Business Strategy at TruStage. She joins me for this episode to discuss TruStage’s 2026 “What Matters Now” study and its interesting findings, highlighting that sustainable growth in 2026 begins with recognizing that today’s consumers cannot be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Throughout our conversation, we talk about how younger consumers are reshaping expectations, why financial stability has become a bigger priority than traditional milestones for many Americans, and what credit unions could be missing when it comes to building meaningful relationships with diverse communities. Opal also shares some fascinating insights around neurodivergent consumers, including why they report higher levels of financial worry despite strong employment rates, as well as the continued rise of the “hustle economy” and what that means for financial institutions.
As we wrap up the episode, we explore how consumers are researching financial products today, the growing influence of social media and AI, and why convenience alone isn’t enough to earn long-term loyalty, with Opal’s focusing on turning research into action. Rather than stopping at data and trends, she explains how credit unions can use these insights to better serve members, strengthen trust, and stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Opal Tomashevska!
Connect with Opal:Opal Tomashevska, Director of Multicultural Business Strategy at TruStage
trustage.com
Opal: LinkedIn
TruStage: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Show notes from this episode:
TruStage study mentioned: “What Matters Now”
Shout-out: TikTok
Shout-out: Apple Pay
Shout-out: Google Pay
In this episode:
[0:55] - Opal argues that growth comes from understanding diverse younger consumers and meeting their evolving needs.
[2:33] - Learn how research reveals shifting dreams, heightened neurodivergent worries, and a growing hustle economy.
[5:39] - How can credit unions turn consumer insights into measurable growth?
[6:25] - Every research finding is paired with practical actions which credit unions can put into place.
[8:59] - Hear how consumers increasingly expect inclusivity and representation.
[10:31] - Opal believes that sharing the credit union story can strengthen connections and drive membership.
“If we don't forget where we've come from, we're well positioned to continue to win share and growth in the future.” - Bill Gould
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Bill Gould, president of Allied Solutions. Our conversation today couldn’t be timelier, because since his last appearance on the podcast, Bill has stepped into the role of president at Allied Solutions, giving him an even broader view of the challenges and opportunities that credit unions face today. We kick off by talking about his journey, the remarkable story behind Allied Solutions, and how the company continues to help credit unions grow, protect what they’ve built, recover when challenges come up, and stay prepared for what comes next.
Throughout our conversation, one theme that keeps coming up is the idea of “build, buy, or partner,” and Bill shares why there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for making those decisions. He explains how credit unions can determine which capabilities should remain core to their organization and which are better supported via outside expertise. In addition, Bill and I talk about one of the biggest realities facing the industry right now: growth through mergers, and Bill offers some practical insights into how credit unions can bring organizations together, thoughtfully integrate technology, and create member experiences that are consistent without losing sight of what makes each institution unique.
As we wrap up the episode, we look ahead at the trends shaping the future, including AI, compliance, regulation, automation, and the increasing pace of change across financial services, and, of course, we, as always, get to know our guest a little more personally with a series of rapid-fire questions. Bill shares the leaders who have influenced him most, the books that have shaped his perspective, why family experiences are always worth the investment, and how he stays connected with loved ones despite a demanding travel schedule. Enjoy my conversation with Bill Gould!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bill:
Bill Gould, President of Allied Solutions
alliedsolutions.net
Bill: LinkedIn
Allied Solutions: LinkedIn | Facebook
Show notes from this episode:
Shout-out: Securian Financial
Shout-out: Missy Eldridge
Place mentioned: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Place mentioned: Carmel, Indiana
Place mentioned: Sarasota, Florida
Shout-out: PortX
Place mentioned: Denver, Colorado
Place mentioned: Texas
Shout-out: John Wooden
Shout-out: Minnesota Timberwolves
Place mentioned: Indiana
Shout-out: WNBA
Shout-out: Caitlin Clark
Shout-out: Bill’s family
Shout-out: Robbie’s kids
Place mentioned: Québec City, Québec; Canada
Place mentioned: Europe
Place mentioned: Atlantic Ocean
Book mentioned: Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan
Book mentioned: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Book mentioned: Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI by Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, & Rodney Zemmel
Place mentioned: Washington
Previous guest mentioned in this episode: Bill Gould (episodes 1 & 42)
In this episode:
[0:55] - Bill reflects on how transitioning to Allied expanded his ability to serve credit unions.
[2:00] - Founded by Missy Eldridge, Allied helps credit unions grow, protect, recover, and evolve.
[5:22] - Bill argues that credit unions should strategically balance building, buying, and partnering based on unique strengths.
[7:44] - Partnerships such as PortX help speed up integration and lend innovation and operational flexibility.
[10:36] - Hear how Allied helps merging credit unions align systems and programs while also preserving member value.
[11:44] - Bill reveals that, for the future, Allied is focused on mergers, AI, regulations, and evolving member expectations.
[13:39] - For Bill, leaders such as Missy Eldridge and John Wooden exemplify tenacity and excellence!
[14:48] - Family travel remains Bill’s favorite investment, while work trips offer opportunities for exploration!
[16:16] - Listen as Bill recommends several different books.
[17:09] - Bill believes that balancing a personal life with a professional one requires efficiency, intentionality, and maximizing work-travel opportunities.
[18:22] - Future success depends on balancing growth, risk, transformation, and member-focused values!
“I'm so passionate about creating a world where fraud is rare and trust between a member and their credit union is a given.” - Shanthi Shanmugam
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shanthi Shanmugam, CEO of Casap. She joins me for this episode to discuss the winding path that took her from studying computer science at UC Berkeley to helping credit unions rethink one of the most stressful moments in the member experience: disputes.
Throughout our conversation, Shanthi makes it evident that she is passionate about building technology that feels human. She shares stories from her time at Facebook and Robinhood, including the moment when she realized that she wanted to spend her career solving problems that genuinely matter to people. Hear how that mindset eventually led to the formation of Casap, an AI-powered platform helping credit unions reduce fraud losses, improve dispute resolution, and strengthen member trust without losing the human judgment these situations often require. We also dig into why disputes are far more than just operational headaches, with Shanthi explaining why they’re “trust moments” that can determine whether a member stays loyal to their financial institution or walks away entirely.
As we wrap up the episode, Shanthi talks about her love for custom suits, Bollywood dancing, Colorado Springs, and why Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People still resonates with her years after first reading it. Enjoy my conversation with Shanthi Shanmugam!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Shanthi:Shanthi Shanmugam, CEO of Casap
shanthi@casaphq.com
casaphq.com
Shanthi: LinkedIn
Casap: LinkedIn
Show notes from this episode:
Film mentioned: Ratatouille
Character mentioned: Remy
Book mentioned: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
In this episode:
[1:00] - When she was young, Shanthi dreamed of traveling worldwide through dance and teaching others to love it.
[2:27] - After Berkeley and Facebook, Shanthi pursued product work that was focused on meaningful human impact.
[5:01] - Learn how ChatGPT inspired Shanthi to launch Casap and reimagine trust-centered fraud prevention.
[8:16] - Hear how Casap helps credit unions improve member experiences and reduce fraud via AI-powered dispute management.
[11:13] - Shanthi identifies three major gaps in the dispute process - starting with credit unions needing more transparent support.
[12:36] - The second gap is fragmented systems which weaken fraud decision-making.
[13:57] - Thirdly, better dispute insights are needed to differentiate between legitimate cases and attempted fraud.
[15:09] - Shanthi points out that disputes become defining moments that shape long-term member loyalty and retention.
[17:49] - Shanthi illustrates the difference between agentic AI and other AI tools.
[20:28] - I praise Casap for balancing fast automation with compassionate human support.
[21:08] - Casap aims to become credit unions’ broader AI operating system beyond just dispute management.
[23:24] - Hear why Shanthi credits her mother with being a good leader.
[25:36] - Shanthi reflects on a trip to Colorado Springs which offered her a refreshing conference experience outside the usual Vegas routine.
[26:39] - Shanthi empathically believes that everyone should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
[27:14] - Shanthi reveals that monthly check-ins help her balance rapid company growth with family and personal priorities.
[29:49] - Shanthi expresses gratitude for credit unions.
“Start simple and stay curious.” - Larry Meador
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketing. Our conversation goes far beyond marketing buzzwords and demographic charts, with Larry sharing how a kid obsessed with commercials and creativity eventually found his way into advertising and the credit union world. Along the way, hear the wildly scrappy origin story behind evok!
Throughout our conversation, Larry explains why demographics alone don’t tell the full story and why understanding motivations, anxieties, habits, and emotional triggers matters so much more than simply targeting “women 35 to 54.” We talk about the difference between target audiences and personas, how digital personalization has completely changed member expectations, and why credit unions can’t afford to sound generic anymore. Larry also breaks down how his team helps credit unions identify who they’re already connecting with, where future opportunities exist, and how behavior-driven marketing can help strengthen loyalty in an era when consumers can move money with simply a few taps on their phones.
As we wrap up the episode, Larry talks about why travel makes him a better marketer, the lessons that he has learned from coaches and family members, and why communication sits at the center of great leadership. Enjoy my conversation with Larry Meador!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Larry:
Larry Meador, CEO of evok credit union marketing
evokad.com
Larry: LinkedIn
evok: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
Film mentioned: Jerry Maguire
Film mentioned: Other People’s Money
Book mentioned: The Art of Client Service by Robert Solomon
Book mentioned: What Drives Winning: Building Character Gets Results. Here's How. by Brett Ledbetter
Book mentioned: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
In this episode:
[0:58] - Hear how childhood creativity and fascination with commercials eventually led Larry into marketing and storytelling.
[2:38] - Larry reflects on how a nontraditional career path and guerrilla marketing tactics helped launch evok.
[4:33] - evok blends creativity and analytics to uncover members’ emotional financial decision-making drivers.
[6:47] - Larry argues that personas reveal behavioral motivations, enabling more personalized member communication.
[8:31] - Larry believes that personalized, relevant messaging helps credit unions compete through stronger member connection and loyalty.
[10:37] - Effective persona development starts by understanding your existing members and opportunities for growth.
[12:56] - Larry argues that persona-driven messaging strengthens relationships by anticipating members’ needs and life stages.
[15:48] - What is evok's focus for the future?
[17:42] - Hear how travel broadens Larry’s cultural understanding, creativity, and perspective as a marketer!
[19:42] - Larry mentions several books that he thinks everyone should read.
[20:24] - Larry asserts that entrepreneurial “balance” comes via integrating family, fitness, reading, and creative recovery time.
[21:21] - In closing, authenticity and human connection give credit unions opportunities to compete beyond size and technology.
“Strive to delight … it's a great ethos to live by.” - John Findlay
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is John Findlay, CEO of LemonadeLXP. He sits down with me to talk about learning, curiosity, and why most workplace training completely misses the mark. He shares his path to CEO, opens up about being labeled a “terrible student”, and how he knew early on that he was meant to build something of his own. From launching businesses right out of high school to using gamification before it even had a name, his story is a reminder that unconventional paths can lead to meaningful innovation.
Throughout our conversation, we spend a lot of time discussing a problem that feels almost universal: when learning feels like a chore, people check out, but when it’s designed to be interactive and even enjoyable, that becomes a different story. We also get into how AI is changing the equation—not in a vague, buzzwordy way but in practical terms such as how it can reduce onboarding time, offer answers in real moments of need, and help organizations retain knowledge.
As we wrap up the episode, John goes through our usual round of rapid-fire questions, revealing that he is a self-proclaimed “geopolitics nerd”, and why he recommends an especially “epic” book. Enjoy my conversation with John Findlay!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with John:John Findlay, CEO of LemonadeLXP
lemonadelxp.com
John: LinkedIn
LemonadeLXP: LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | YouTube | TikTok | X
“If you understand your members, you'll know what products and services to offer.” - Rob Newberry
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Rob Newberry, Senior Consultant at Abrigo. Rob’s story begins about as far from finance as you can get—on a dairy farm in rural Iowa. His perspective was shaped not by what he wanted to become, but by what he knew he didn’t, and that path eventually led him from an entry-level role in the mortgage industry, to a VP position at Wells Fargo, and later to building a company of his own focused on supporting credit unions and community banks!
In our conversation, Rob calls attention to something that feels increasingly rare in financial services: genuine human connection. He deconstructs why relationship lending still matters and why the best lenders aren’t the ones chasing the lowest rate but rather the ones who truly understand their members. His “Know Your Members” mindset is a practical way to think about risk, retention, and long-term value. We also get into the conflict that can come up between efficiency and authenticity. With AI reshaping workflows on the daily—from loan write-ups to risk analysis—Rob offers a fresh but grounded take on what technology can and can’t do.
As we wrap up the episode, Rob shares his thoughts on effective leadership, where in the world he would like to travel, and his love for live music. Enjoy my conversation with Rob Newberry!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Rob:Rob Newberry, Senior Consultant at Abrigo
abrigo.com
Rob: LinkedIn
Abrigo: LinkedIn
Book mentioned: StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup
Film mentioned: The Terminator
“I can have significance in my life and my career in terms of helping credit unions and in some small way leave the world in a better place.” - Chris Tissue
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Chris Tissue, Chief Operating Officer at CUCollaborate, and he joins me for this episode to discuss something that can really spark some strong opinions across the industry—mergers. Listen in as he shares how his career path (from growing up in Pittsburgh in a family of entrepreneurs to working at Callahan & Associates, Deloitte, and Grant Thornton) eventually led him back to the credit union movement and into a role where he helps institutions think strategically about growth.
In our conversation, we start with Chris’s early career journey and how a liberal arts graduate who once dreamed of entrepreneurship found himself immersed in the credit union world. That experience ended up coming full circle when he joined a former colleague to build out the consulting practice at CUCollaborate.
Along the way, he and I discuss what the organization does day-to-day, and we also, of course, spend a good portion of the conversation discussing mergers, with Chris explaining how the industry historically viewed mergers as emergency solutions for struggling institutions. Nowadays, however, more financially healthy credit unions are considering mergers as a strategy to compete effectively and invest in the future, and Chris shares how his team approaches this work with a clear principle in mind: if a merger doesn’t meaningfully benefit members, it just should not happen.
As we wrap up the episode, we touch upon Chris’s craft beer passion, the leadership influence of his grandfather, why Chicago in the summer tops his travel list, and more! Enjoy my conversation with Chris Tissue!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Chris:Chris Tissue, Chief Operating Officer at CUCollaborative
cucollaborate.com
Chris: LinkedIn
CUCollaborate: LinkedIn
Book mentioned: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Book series mentioned: The Witcher
“The exciting part of life is innovating—creating, filling the gap where previously there was a void.” - Har Rai Khalsa
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Har Rai Khalsa, Co-Founder and CEO of Swaystack. He joins me for a conversation about a challenge which many credit unions quietly wrestle with: turning new accounts into real, active relationships. Har Rai’s path into fintech wasn’t exactly the one he imagined as a kid. Like a lot of young athletes, he once pictured himself going pro, inspired by legends such as Derek Jeter. Instead, his career began in lending, where he spent years learning the mechanics of onboarding, underwriting, and the systems which power financial institutions. He also explains how that experience eventually led him to build technology solutions for financial institutions and ultimately launching Swaystack.
In our conversation, Har Rai shares how his team approached building their company and how—rather than assuming that they knew what credit unions needed—they began by asking a lot of questions. In their early conversations with credit unions, a surprising theme revealed itself: growth wasn’t actually the real problem. Many institutions were opening plenty of accounts, but far too many of those accounts were going inactive within months. We discuss why those first 90 days after opening an account are so incredibly important. Hear how onboarding responsibilities are scattered across departments such as marketing, retail, lending, and digital—yet no one actually owns the outcomes that matter most: balances, transactions, and direct deposit adoption.
As we wrap up the episode, Har Rai talks about how he appreciates a nice car, the cities he loves to visit, a book recommendation, and more! I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Har Rai Khalsa!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Har Rai:
Har Rai Khalsa, Co-Founder and C.E.O. of Swaystack
swaystack.com
Har Rai: LinkedIn
Swaystack: LinkedIn
“You make the best of what you've got, and you document it and you protect people. It can make a humongous difference in families that might be struggling right now.” - James Bishop
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is James Bishop, founder of ClaimStinger. His story doesn’t start out in a boardroom but rather in Southern Colorado playing cowboy on a dude ranch, then repairing hail-damaged cars, then running a shop, and finally asking a critical question: Why is the insurance process so confusing, so slow, and so stacked against everyday people? From that question, ClaimStinger was born, and what James is building now has serious implications for credit unions, their members, and the way vehicle assets are protected.
In our conversation, James and I discuss the quiet documentation gaps that cost members thousands of dollars. James explains why insurance companies are increasingly denying claims due to missing photo evidence, how that drains equity from vehicles, and why credit unions feel the ripple effects in their loan portfolios.
James walks us through the concept of “the birthdate of a loan,” and we also dig into what happens when members are left alone to deal with adjusters, estimates, and confusing checks that never quite cover the damage. James shares some actual stories from his repair shop—people driving devalued cars for over a year because they’re scared, stuck, or unsure what to do next. His proposed solution to this problem is to pair simple, plug-and-play technology with education that empowers credit union teams and members alike!
As we wrap up the episode, James talks about the grandmother who mentored him, the grandsons he’s investing his time in, his love of museums and sci-fi, and why “playing in the dirt” is his version of balance. This conversation is about a lot more than just software; it’s about protecting what people work hard for and making sure that no one feels stranded when life throws a curveball. Enjoy my conversation with James Bishop!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with James:James Bishop, founder of ClaimStinger
claimstinger.com
James: LinkedIn
ClaimStinger: LinkedIn | YouTube
Want to hear more from James? Click here.
“I love what credit unions stand for. I think we continue to provide relevancy and value to communities and our members.” - Cisco Malpartida Smith
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today's show is Cisco Malpartida Smith, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at SRM. We discuss the future of credit unions and the strategic thinking that is needed to keep the movement strong, and Cisco shares the story of how his career began in a remarkable way, starting a student-run credit union while serving as student body president in college. He touches upon how that experience set him on a path that would eventually lead to CEO roles, strategic leadership positions, and advising institutions across the country!
In our conversation, Cisco walks us through the work that he does today helping credit unions solve complex strategic problems, especially when it comes to growth. One of the biggest challenges that he covers is the rising average age of credit union members. Cisco explains why this causes financial pressure, with older members typically saving more and borrowing less. He also explains a strategy that he has spent decades refining—connecting credit unions with colleges and universities to reach the next generation of members.
As we wrap up the episode, Cisco reveals a huge leadership influence on him, what he thinks about maintaining balance between career, family, and community service, and so much more! Perhaps most importantly, he shares an incredibly powerful strategy that has shaped his thinking: the idea of creating meaningful differentiation so that credit unions aren’t simply competing in the same crowded marketplace as everyone else. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Cisco Malpartida Smith!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Cisco:Cisco Malpartida Smith, Managing Director of Strategic Advisory at SRM
srmcorp.com
Cisco: LinkedIn
SRM: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | X
Book mentioned: Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne
“We engage … and encourage more thinking, more ideas, more innovation.” - Tony Hernandez
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today's show are Anthony “Tony” Hernandez, President and CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council and a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, along with Maggie Sayer, President and CEO of Keys Federal Credit Union and DCUC Board Chair. They join me for this episode of the podcast to discuss CU Unplugged! CU Unplugged is not your standard conference with a ballroom, a rigid agenda, and politely timed applause. CU Unplugged is intentionally unstructured without keynote headliners or prepackaged talking points. As Tony puts it, the attendees are the agenda.
In our conversation, we cover why collaboration is the credit union movement’s superpower and why traditional formats don’t always give that superpower room to work. Maggie shares why the open-to-all approach matters so much to her, especially coming from an IT background before becoming a CEO. With facilitators guiding so many outcomes and, of course, AI capturing key discussions, CU Unplugged isn’t just talk; it’s truly a launchpad in that insights from this event will directly shape breakout sessions at DCUC’s annual conference!
As we wrap up the episode, we also get into timely issues such as, again, AI, crypto, governance, and what “AI” even means in practice. The smaller, intentionally designed setting of CU Unplugged creates space for honest questions and renewed curiosity! By the end of our conversation, one theme absolutely stands out: energy - energy, confidence, and the motivation to not just absorb ideas but to also carry them back, share them, and lead with them! Enjoy my conversation with Tony and Maggie!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Anthony:Anthony R. Hernandez, President & C.E.O. of Defense Credit Union Council; Ret. USAF Colonel
dcuc.org
Anthony: LinkedIn
DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
Connect with Maggie:
Maggie Sayer, President & C.E.O. of Keys Federal Credit Union; DCUC Board Chair; Navy / Coast Guard Representative
keysfcu.org
Maggie: LinkedIn
KFCU: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
“We know that trust is non-negotiable.” - Vinay Bhaskar
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Patrick McElhenie, Chief Growth Officer and Vinay Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer of Scienaptic AI. We discuss where lending is headed and why the next leap in AI could fundamentally change how credit unions operate.
In our conversation, Patrick and Vinay explain how Scienaptic helps credit unions approve more loans while reducing risk and improving members’ experiences. We learn how Scienaptic’s platform considers the full life cycle of the member so that decisions are not isolated. We then dig into the main topic of the episode: agentic AI, with Patrick breaking it down into simple terms for us. While traditional AI helps answer “Should we approve this loan?” agentic AI asks, “What should we do next?” Agentic AI can coordinate workflows across systems while keeping humans firmly in control.
As we wrap up the episode, Vinay also shares where credit unions will first feel the impact, especially within the first 60-90 days. He projects fewer false declines, more targeted engagement, and teams spending less time chasing data and more time working directly with members. We talk about explainability, audit trails, compliance guardrails, and what “governed autonomy” really looks like in practice. Finally, in closing, Patrick shares what he sees for Scienaptic’s future on the road ahead. Enjoy my conversation with Patrick McElhenie and Vinay Bhaskar!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Patrick:Patrick McElhenie, Chief Growth Officer at Scienaptic AI
scienaptic.ai
Patrick: LinkedIn
Scienaptic AI: LinkedIn | YouTube
Connect with Vinay:
Vinay Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer at Scienaptic AI
scienaptic.ai
Vinay: LinkedIn
Scienaptic AI: LinkedIn | YouTube
In this episode:
[1:11] - Patrick explains how Scienaptic enables fair, inclusive lending that boosts growth without increasing operational burden.
[4:14] - Vinay reveals that their platform delivers consistent, context-driven decisions across the entire member journey.
[6:52] - Hear how agentic AI moves lending from recommendation to coordinated, human-guided action.
[10:08] - Early gains include faster approvals, fewer false declines, and real-time portfolio action.
[13:17] - Vinay adds that built-in governance ensures explainability, auditability, and human oversight in every AI decision.
[15:56] - With governed autonomy, credit unions control automation while strengthening member relationships
[17:02] - Patrick discusses some of Scienaptic’s plans for the future.
“Whoever provides the ultimate user experience wins at the end of the day.” - Omar Jordan
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Omar Jordan, founder and CEO of Coviance. He shares how an unconventional path, fueled by curiosity, problem-solving, and what he openly calls “extreme ADHD,” led him from subprime lending in the early 2000s to founding what’s now Coviance! His story that he shares in this episode is truly a reminder that the credit union movement has always attracted people who see friction and feel compelled to fix it.
In our conversation, Omar and I talk about his early days and what he learned when the economy collapsed—the culture shock that he experienced when he first stepped into credit unions and saw how many processes were still held together by spreadsheets, sticky notes, and fax machines. Omar realized that members weren’t frustrated by rates or products nearly as much as they were confused by silence, delays, and a lack of transparency once they clicked “submit.”
We also discuss what he calls the “messy middle” of lending, spending time on why modernizing home equity isn’t about swapping out a LOS but is about questioning old assumptions that no longer serve members or staff. We also get into a topic that can make people uncomfortable: pricing, with Omar making a strong case that members aren’t chasing cheap but are chasing clarity, speed, and service!
As we wrap up the episode, Omar shares lessons learned from building a company, raising kids, and realizing that success looks different at 25 than it does at 45. He even reveals what was on his Spotify Wrapped this past year! Enjoy my conversation with Omar Jordan!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Omar:Omar Jordan, founder and C.E.O. of Coviance
coviance.com
Omar: LinkedIn
Coviance: LinkedIn | Facebook | X
“Cybersecurity really is just another risk. I think where we complicate it sometimes is in the language we use to talk about it.” - Steve Torino
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Steve Torino, Chief Information Security Officer at Synergent. Steve’s path to cybersecurity was not a straight line, and he didn’t grow up dreaming about credit unions or information security. What stayed constant, though, was a deep curiosity about technology and how systems work, which eventually carried him from community banking to national payment processing and ultimately to Synergent.
In our conversation, we spend a lot of time talking about what effective cybersecurity governance actually looks like for credit unions and why it is so important. Steve breaks down how governance starts at the board level, how expectations flow through management, and why cybersecurity should be treated like any other form of enterprise risk. We also dig into collaboration and information sharing—one of the credit union movement’s biggest strengths, and Steve points to leagues and professional groups as ways that credit unions can learn from one another.
As we wrap up the episode, Steve talks about the mentor that influenced his life, how he loves traveling to Dallas, recommends a cybersecurity book that every can use, and more! Enjoy my conversation with Steve Torino!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Steve:
Steve Torino, Chief Information Security Officer of Synergent
synergentcorp.com
Steve: LinkedIn
Synergent: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
Book mentioned: Cybersecurity for Everyone by Cathy Olieslaeger
“Securian holds a steadfast commitment to its customers, partners, and the broader community by honoring its promises and insuring dependable protection.” – Cynthia Billingsley-Smart
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Cynthia Billingsley-Smart, Customer Benefit Payments Manager at Securian Financial, whose journey is as inspiring as it is insightful. She has built a career that truly makes an impact, moving from examiner to senior specialist, trainer, auditor, supervisor, and now manager. She discusses what it really means to support credit unions and their members, and Cynthia reflects on Securian's purpose statement to build secure tomorrows.
In our conversation, we talk about how Securian guides the way that they deliver protection products that make a measurable difference when members face unexpected challenges, and Cynthia highlights the fact that partnerships and product innovations aren’t just about offerings; the claims experience is where trust is won or lost. Cynthia also discusses leadership, highlighting the mentors who shaped her path and the principles that she carries forward in her own role.
As we wrap up the episode, Cynthia talks about her love of designer handbags, New Orleans, and the professional book that she recommends—The Digital Mindset, a book which she calls essential reading for anyone navigating today’s rapidly evolving work environment. If you’re curious about how thoughtful leadership, innovative solutions, and member-first approaches intersect in the credit union world, then you will enjoy my conversation with Cynthia Billingsley-Smart!
Securian Financial is the marketing name for Securian Financial Group, Inc., and its
subsidiaries.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Cynthia:
Cynthia Billingsley-Smart, Customer Benefit Payments Manager at Securian Financial
securian.com
Cynthia: LinkedIn
Securian Financial: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
“To connect with people emotionally is really the key to good work.” – Josh Streufert
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Josh Streufert, Principal / Creative Director at Strum. Josh starts off by tracing his own path, which includes childhood dreams of archaeology, a strong Indiana Jones phase, film school, history studies, and eventually saying “yes” to a lot of opportunities that led him into creative leadership. It’s a reminder that most meaningful careers aren’t straight lines but are rather collections of curiosity, timing, and a willingness to try things before you fully know where they’ll lead!
In our conversation, Josh and I discuss what Strum does for credit unions and why branding is so much more than just logos and taglines. Josh shares a simple but powerful idea: when products are largely the same, people choose the organization they like best. From there, we get into how storytelling, creativity, and culture shape trust, loyalty, and the overall member experience. A big part of our discussion is also centered around change and burnout, with Josh introducing a mindset shift: moving from being a “gatekeeper” who protects the status quo to a “curator” who actively searches for better answers. He also talks about the concept of an “optimal rate of failure” and why failing occasionally isn’t a weakness but evidence that you’re still growing.
As we wrap up the conversation, Josh shares how he manages a work-life balance, what book he would recommend reading, and why he idolizes a former high school teacher! Enjoy my conversation with Josh Streufert!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Josh:
Josh Streufert, Principal / Creative Director at Strum
strumagency.com
Josh: LinkedIn
Strum: LinkedIn
Book mentioned: Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
Song mentioned: “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck
TV series mentioned: The Office
“AI is going to be transformational for the credit union industry.” – Steve RickThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
Today's episode is the second part of a very special four-part series brought to you by TruStage! My guest on today’s show is Steve Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage. Listen as he takes a good look at what 2026 may have in store for credit unions and the members they serve. We start with where inflation, GDP, and the labor market appear to be heading—as well as why tariffs and immigration policy are likely to show up in everyday prices sooner than expected. Steve explains why inflation could push past 3% in early 2026 and how that reality continues to shape the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach to interest rates.
Steve gets into what many leaders are watching the most closely: rate cuts. He breaks down why the Fed is expected to gradually ease rates throughout 2026, how close we are to what economists consider a “neutral” rate, and why concerns about rising unemployment are guiding such decisions. From there, our conversation turns to credit unions, with Steve sharing his outlook for loan growth, deposits, and earnings, and we talk about consumer uncertainty, the impact of loans made during the ultra-low-rate years, and what all of this means for balance sheets this coming year.
As we wrap up the episode, Steve and I spend time talking about workforce trends and AI, where productivity gains are changing hiring patterns, reshaping call centers and lending teams, and even impacting recent college graduates trying to enter the job market. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Steve Rick!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Steve:
Steve Rick, Chief Economist of TruStage
trustage.com
Steve: LinkedIn
TruStage: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
In this episode:
[0:52] - Steve reveals how tariffs and tighter immigration push prices higher, potentially lifting inflation above 3% in early 2026.
[2:17] - Expect gradual Fed rate cuts toward a neutral 3% as officials guard against rising unemployment.
[4:05] - Steve explains how loan growth improves to about 5%, while deposits rise 6%.
[5:25] - Earnings improve as margins widen and costs stay in check, with AI playing an expanding role.
[6:48] - AI-driven efficiency slows hiring, cutting projected workforce growth to roughly 1% next year.
[7:59] - Steve further touches upon how recent graduates face tougher entry as unemployment nears 10%.
“Use AI where it can make a difference to the organization and members.” - Shane Butcher
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shane Butcher, Chief Operating Officer / Chief Risk Officer at Optiri, a Trellance Company. Shane and I talk about how a teenage dream of becoming a fighter pilot turned into a career spanning the military, IT, operations, and ultimately the credit union space.
In our conversation, Shane walks us through the evolution of Optiri and what it means to optimize, refresh, and innovate credit union technology without losing sight of the people whom it’s supposed to serve. We talk about why credit unions have unique technology and security needs and how Opitiri focuses on doing the behind-the-scenes work so that credit unions can spend their energy on members.
A big part of our conversation, though, is centered around AI as something already embedded in everyday tools. Shane breaks down what credit unions really should be thinking about right now—understanding where their data lives, tightening permissions, updating vendor policies, and choosing intentional use cases instead of chasing every new idea. We also break down how AI is reshaping cybersecurity on both sides, fueling more convincing attacks while also giving defenders faster, smarter ways to respond.
As we wrap up the episode, Shane shares some lessons that he learned from a Navy mentor who led through calm problem-solving. He also talks about his love of good restaurants and unique experiences, why he loves Las Vegas, and has a book recommendation for us. Enjoy my conversation with Shane Butcher!
“Ask questions. Have a culture of inquiry.” - Deedee Myers
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is returning guest Deedee Myers, CEO of DDJ Myers, Ltd. She comes back to discuss leadership as we unpack what’s forming the future of credit union leadership. From a huge wave of CEO retirements to board turnover to executive teams changing under new leadership, Deedee lays out what this really looks like in the concrete data that her team has been collecting for years.
In our conversation, we talk about numbers and how many CEOs are expected to exit in the coming years. We talk about why so many delayed retirement after COVID and how that pent-up shift is finally arriving. Deedee also explains the generational turnover that is hitting boards and executive teams simultaneously, creating something close to a perfect storm. One of the biggest themes that we talk about, however, is responsibility. Who owns succession? Who’s accountable for readiness? What should each party be doing to prepare for the leadership needs of the next decade? In addition, Deedee and I cover the programs, institutes, and coaching experiences that are truly accelerating leadership growth right now.
As we wrap up the episode, we go through our traditional lightning round of questions as I ask her about the little things as well such as the purchases that she swears by, the rituals that keep her grounded during nonstop travel, and the guiding principle that she believes the industry desperately needs more of. Enjoy my conversation with Deedee Myers!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Deedee:
Deedee Myers, CEO at DDJ Myers, Ltd.
ddjmyers.com
Deedee: LinkedIn
DDJ Meyers, Ltd.: LinkedIn
Want to hear more from Deedee? Click here.
Previous episode featuring Deedee: “Advancing leadership”
Podcast mentioned: The Diary of a CEO
Podcast mentioned: Freakonomics
“Every employee, from the C-suite to the teller, has a role in advocacy.” – Jason Stverak
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are returning guest Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at Defense Credit Union Council, and Elizabeth Eurgubian, Government Relations and Advocacy Consultant at Atlas Advocacy. They both join me for this episode for a conversation that cuts right to the heart of what credit unions need most right now: stronger advocacy, louder storytelling, and a clearer understanding of what sets us apart!
In our conversation, Elizabeth opens with something that she has witnessed from both sides of the table: policymakers are brilliant with statutes and frameworks, but they often have little sense of what day-to-day life looks like inside a credit union. She talks about the power of real-world examples and cautions that if we’re not bringing those stories forward, we’re leaving influence on the table.
Jason also jumps in with the compelling argument that advocacy isn’t a job title; it’s everybody—teller to CEO—every interaction with a member, every community touchpoint, every small moment of goodwill becomes part of what reaches Congress. He shares some incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the recent government shutdown and how lawmakers were reaching out because they’d noticed credit unions stepping up while others hesitated.
As we wrap up the episode, Elizabeth closes by previewing what’s coming from the NCUA in the year ahead—such as stablecoin and digital-asset rulemaking under the GENIUS Act, a much needed regulatory clean-up, and increased vigilance around cybersecurity. She also challenges all of us to think several years ahead about the skills we’ll need, not the ones that we’ve always relied on, as necessary skillsets are always evolving with the times. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Jason and Elizabeth!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jason:Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at Defense Credit Union Council
dcuc.org
Jason: LinkedIn | X
DCUC:
“Better utilizing data can give a more-tailored member experience—which makes the member truly feel like their credit union knows them.” – Mike Kraus
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
Today's episode is the first part of a very special four-part series brought to you by TruStage! Today's discussion is with Mike Kraus (Managing Director of TruStage Ventures) and Jamie Jackson (CEO of Arkatechure), and we focus on how credit unions can make use of their data to drive better member experiences and business outcomes, with Jamie explaining that credit unions often struggle with data silos, lack of data ownership, and a culture of fear around data expertise and Mike noting that credit unions have an abundance of member data, but it is often locked away in legacy core systems. To unlock the value, it's so important for credit unions to pull all their data together into a unified platform!
In our conversation, both Mike and Jamie really emphasize the role that fintech partnerships can play, as they can provide the modern data infrastructure, analytics capabilities, and agility that credit unions often lack. However, they also caution that partnerships must be strategic, with clear alignment on goals and outcomes. We also cover why it's so important to start small and prove value via quick wins and then scaling the data strategy. Measuring outcomes, not just activities, is key, and the most successful credit unions will be those that empower all employees to make data-driven decisions!
As we wrap up the episode, we highlight how effectively leveraging data is crucial for credit unions to deliver personalized member experiences and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape! I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Mike Kraus and Jamie Jackson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mike:
Mike Kraus, Managing Director of TruStage Ventures
trustage.com
Mike: LinkedIn
TruStage: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Connect with Jamie:
Jamie Jackson, CEO of Arkatechure
arkatechture.com
Jamie: LinkedIn
Arkatechure: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“Invest the time to find the purpose in what you do. Let that fuel and motivate you.” – Wes Zauner
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink, returning to the show from episode 96. Wes jumps right in with what he’s hearing across the industry—younger generations expect financial services to move at the pace of their everyday digital lives, and they won’t wait three days for an answer on a loan application. We also talk about the pressure that puts on credit unions that are still relying on paper-heavy workflows and why modernizing the “digital front door” is no longer optional.
In our conversation, Wes gives a clear picture of what instant decisioning, automation, and personalized offers look like when they’re done right and why they matter so much if you want younger members to stick around. He also talks about how MeridianLink is supporting more than 2,000 institutions and handling tens of millions of applications and account openings!
We dig into strategy and how credit unions can build a realistic technology roadmap without trying to be everything to everyone, as well as how understanding the specific people in your community beats a one-size-fits-all approach.
As we wrap up the episode, Wes shares who he thinks of when he hears the word “success,” he talks about his enjoyment of pressure washing, and gives insight to balancing work, parenting, and purpose. Enjoy my conversation with Wes Zauner!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Wes:Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink
meridianlink.com
Wes: LinkedIn
MeridianLink: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“We have to get into the game of convenience so we can continue to prove that credit unions are the best financial institutions for consumers to partner with.” - Jed Meyer
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Jed Meyer, CEO at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, and Jon Ungerland, CIO of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSO. They join me to talk about the evolving digital asset ecosystem and the important role that credit unions can play, with Jon explaining how DaLand has been helping St. Cloud Financial stay relevant by using data and digital tools. A key focus has been DaLand's "Coin2Core" solution, allowing credit unions to connect to emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) networks and cryptocurrencies!
In our conversation, Jed shares how he recognized the impact of the digital asset space on his members' financial lives about five years ago. Initially skeptical, he eventually realized the importance of getting ahead of this trend to keep his members' wealth circulating in the local economy. Partnering with DaLand has allowed St. Cloud Financial to plug into DeFi networks and offer innovative services like their own white-label stablecoin, and both guests call attention to the need for credit unions to engage with the digital asset ecosystem rather than avoid it, with Jed stressing the importance of education both for credit union leaders and their members. He also highlights the role which credit unions can play as trusted, community-based financial institutions in this new landscape.
As we wrap up the episode, Jon notes how leaders across sectors are already deeply invested in the future of tokenized, blockchain-based money, and he cautions that credit unions must act quickly to avoid being left behind. Our conversation also emphasizes the potential of digital assets as well as the need for credit unions to shape this change to best serve their members and communities. Enjoy my conversation with Jed and Jon!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jed:Jed Meyer, C.E.O. at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
scfcu.org
Jed: LinkedIn
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
Connect with Jon:
Jon Ungerland, C.I.O. of Information/Innovation at DaLand CUSO
dalandcuso.com
Jon: LinkedIn
DaLand CUSO: LinkedIn | Twitter |
“When we combine our skills and expertise with (credit unions’) ability to service members, it’s a very synergistic relationship.” - Mitch Pangretic Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mitch Pangretic, SVP and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elan Credit Card. He joins me to discuss his career journey and the value that Elan brings to credit unions as well as so much more, such as how he initially wanted to be an astronaut but ended up in the payments industry, working at companies like Discover, American Express, and US Bank before joining Elan in 2007.
In our conversation, Mitch explains Elan's "agent issuing" model where they act as the credit card department and servicing team for credit union partners, allowing credit unions to offer robust credit card products and features without the complications of managing it all themselves. Elan provides the technology, risk management, marketing, rewards programs, and more! Mitch also highlights how Elan can help credit unions ensure that their members have access to the right credit card products, whether that's travel rewards, cash back, or even options to help build/rebuild credit. He discusses valuable member-facing features such as the Elan mobile app, which provides free credit scores, budgeting tools, and the new "Extend Pay" installment lending feature.
Mitch notes Elan's expertise and how it can complement the deep member relationships of credit unions. By combining Elan's credit knowledge with the credit union's understanding of their members, they can help provide the best financial guidance and education to help members improve their credit. Mitch also looks ahead and shares Elan's focus on continuing to enhance the integrated technology and user experience for both credit union partners and their members.
As we wrap up the episode, Mitch talks about the leader who most influenced him, his vacation bucket list, and how he loves visiting California. Enjoy my conversation with Mitch Pangretic!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mitch Pangretic, SVP and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Elan Credit Card
elanfinancialservices.com
Mitch: LinkedIn
Elan Credit Card: LinkedIn
Book mentioned: Four Friends by William D. Cohan
“Work with a partner instead of just a vendor. Your success is our success. We feel very strongly about that.” - Mark Majeske
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Mark Majeske, SVP Faster Payments at Alacriti, and Matt Kinne, Senior Director of Market Solutions at Zelle. Mark and Matt discuss the partnership between Alacriti and Zelle and how the alliance benefits credit unions in offering peer-to-peer (P2P) payment services to their members. They explain that Zelle has become a household name and an expected service for consumers, with nearly 80% even saying instant payments are the most important feature their financial institution can offer.
In our conversation, we highlight how Zelle helps credit unions address the challenges they face in P2P payments, challenges such as members using external apps such as Venmo. Their directory-based approach allows credit unions to bring that business back into their ecosystem. Offering Zelle as an option also helps credit unions strengthen their position as a trusted partner compared to fintech apps by taking advantage of their existing brand, security, and personal service.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark, Matt, and I discuss the growing use of Zelle by small businesses, which now make up 15% of Zelle's total transactions, presenting an opportunity for credit unions to deepen relationships with local businesses. Our discussion also outlines the benefits of using Zelle via Alacriti as opposed to going direct, including Alacriti's role as a true partner, managing integration complexity, and providing a faster time to market! Enjoy my conversation with Mark Majeske and Matt Kinne!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:Mark Majeske, SVP Faster Payments at Alacriti
alacriti.com
Mark: LinkedIn
Alacriti: LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Twitter
Connect with Matt:
Matt Kinne, Senior Director of Market Solutions at Zelle
zelle.com
Matt: LinkedIn
Zelle: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
“I really do believe what we're doing in the industry to help our members is noble, and TruStage wants to be a partner in that.” - Joe Boan
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Joe Boan, SVP Head of Sales Distribution at TruStage. Joe joins me to share his journey into the financial services industry and how TruStage is committed to partnering with credit unions to help their members achieve greater financial success. He reflects on how his path has taken him through various roles, from working at a brokerage firm to leading product and sales at a large insurance company. He discusses how he has seen the industry from many angles—as a consumer, someone who helps individuals directly, and as a distribution partner for financial services companies.
In our conversation, Joe explains that TruStage is 100% focused on serving credit unions and their members, particularly the "underserved" middle-market consumers. With extensive research, TruStage designs products and solutions that are customized to this group's needs, unlike many institutions that cater to the top percentiles. By offering protection products such as life insurance, TruStage helps credit unions not only serve their members better but also generate sustainable income to support their growth. Joe highlights the fact that TruStage's mission is fully aligned with credit unions to help members become more financially secure.
As we wrap up the episode, Joe talks about the leadership of his college baseball coach, his love of cars, his favorite city to travel to, and has a book recommendation for everyone! Enjoy my conversation with Joe Boan!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Joe:
Joe Boan, SVP Head of Sales Distribution at TruStage
trustage.com
Joe: LinkedIn
TruStage: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Book mentioned: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
“I focus on contributing and winning—and it's not winning for me—it's winning for everyone on my team.” - Pete Hilger
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Pete Hilger, CEO and president of Allied Solutions, a leading provider of products and services to the credit union industry. Pete shares his fascinating journey, from a young man with entrepreneurial ambitions to his current role leading a company that has a $3 billion annual impact on the credit union industry. Pete describes how he initially wanted to be an entrepreneur, but after a stint in the military, he ended up co-founding a document destruction business with his brother, an experience which taught him the realities of running a company which then led to an opportunity to join his family's business.
In our conversation, Pete reveals how he worked his way up through the organization, eventually becoming President and then CEO when the company was sold to Securian in 2004. He discusses the importance of understanding a business from the ground up and how that has made him a stronger and more effective leader. He also discusses the various services Allied Solutions provides to credit unions, from generating non-interest fee income to asset recovery management. He highlights the company's focus on trust in its partnerships, openly sharing financial details to build long-term relationships.
As we wrap up, Pete touches upon his deep admiration for his mom and shares insights into leadership, work-life balance, and the importance of gratitude and positivity. Enjoy my conversation with Pete Hilger!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Pete:Pete Hilger, C.E.O. and president of Allied Solutions
alliedsolutions.net
Pete: LinkedIn
Allied Solutions: LinkedIn | Facebook
Book mentioned: Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss
“As a credit union, you can compete on an incredibly, if not the most influential video medium that’s out there, in television.” - James Karanasios
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is James Karanasios, National Account Manager at TriAD CTV®. James shares his unique journey into the credit union industry, starting out with a passion for music and eventually finding his way into the world of data, identity resolution, and connected TV advertising. Hear how Triad CTV®'s mission is to be "audience first" - helping credit unions leverage the power of connected TV and streaming advertising to reach and engage their target communities.
In our conversation, we discuss the educational aspect of Triad's work—helping credit union marketers understand how streaming TV is changing and how to maximize its impact. James highlights the importance of keeping the creative personal and authentic to truly connect with the intended audience.
James also looks ahead and shares Triad CTV®'s focus on continuing to provide credit unions with a roadmap for implementing successful CTV programs, as well as creating more opportunities for credit unions to share best practices with one another. The goal is to empower credit unions of all sizes to take advantage of this powerful medium and effectively tell their community-focused stories.
As we wrap up, James talks about his love of buying guitars and pedals, his desire to travel to Rome, and lists some albums everyone should listen to. Enjoy my conversation with James Karanasios!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with James:James Karanasios, National Account Manager at TriAD CTV®
triadctv.com
James: LinkedIn
TriAD CTV®: LinkedIn
Want to hear more from James and TriAD? Click here.
Article mentioned: “Trust, TV, and Gen Z: The new rules of credit union marketing”
“My best hack is always keeping my why in focus. Work is part of my why, but also my kids are my why too." – Linda Lafortune
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Linda Lafortune, Director of Learning and Client Support here at CUInsight! She joins me in this episode to share her winding story, not having set out to land in credit unions at all. In fact, her early passions were teaching and horses, and she spent her teen years working at a horse farm, teaching lessons, and absorbing the strong sense of community of that world. After trying her hand at journalism and realizing that it wasn’t the right fit, it was a conversation at the farm that steered her toward her very first credit union job—from there she built a 25-year career across multiple CUs before joining our team at CUInsight five years ago.
In our conversation, Linda shares how those varied experiences—from the teller line to leadership development—have shaped the way she approaches her role today. She talks about CUInsight as a “centralized hub” for credit union professionals and why she’s passionate about making learning accessible and meaningful across the industry.
As we wrap up, we also get into the mentors who helped Linda grow, why she’d rather splurge on experiences than things, what book she believes everyone should read, and the important role that her kids play in keeping her grounded when it comes to maintaining a work-life balance. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Linda Lafortune!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Linda:Linda Lafortune, Director of Learning and Client Support at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
Linda: LinkedIn
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X
“We want to meet people where they are, in an approachable way.” – Ben Brooks
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Ben Brooks, President at Zogo, Inc., a financial education app. He joins me to discuss his background and how he ended up working in the credit union industry, despite not originally envisioning that career path.
In our conversation, Ben explains Zogo's mission is to "empower everyone to take control of their financial future, one lesson at a time,” which Zogo achieves via a mobile app that gamifies complex financial concepts, making them engaging and digestible for users of all ages and experience levels. The app covers topics from basic budgeting to advanced investing, and a key focus for Zogo is partnering with credit unions to help them better connect with younger members around financial education.
Ben looks ahead and shares how Zogo is focused on continually enhancing the app experience, possibly even adding features like paper trading. He also highlights Zogo's "user-obsessed, partner-focused" approach, aiming to be a trusted resource for credit unions to rebuild relevance and trust with members.
As we wrap up, Ben shouts-out the moms in his life, shares his love for Upstate New York, and tells us why he loves James Clear's book Atomic Habits. Enjoy my conversation with Ben Brooks!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Ben:
Ben Brooks, President at Zogo
zogo.com
Ben: LinkedIn
Zogo: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
Book mentioned: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
“The warm and fuzzy stuff actually creates a lot more value than a slight discount on a rate percentage.” - Josh DeTar Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Josh DeTar, Executive Vice President of Evangelism at Tyfone, Inc., a digital banking provider for credit unions. Josh shares his personal journey of how a credit union saved him as a young adult, sparking his passion for the industry.
In our conversation, Josh highlights the importance of credit unions balancing digital self-service with meaningful human connections. His passion for the credit union industry is shaped by his own experience and the inspiring leadership of Tyfone's CEO, Siva G. Narendra. Josh advocates for credit unions to embrace their unique strengths - community ties, member-centric culture, and the "warm and fuzzy" aspects that larger banks can't usually replicate.
As wrap up, Josh talks about the great leaders in his life, recommends the book Hiring for Attitude, and shares that one big goal of his is to take his kids to Disneyland! Enjoy my conversation with Josh DeTar!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Josh:Josh DeTar, Executive Vice President of Evangelism at Tyfone
tyfone.com
Josh: Linkedin
Tyfone: Linkedin | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify (Digital Banking Podcast) | X
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Siva G. Narendra (episode 100)
"We’re looking for ways to make an impact for credit unions of all sizes.” - Nick Brown
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Nick Brown, Senior Trainer & President/CEO at SalesCU, which has the honorable distinction of being named the Top Sales Training Company for two years in a row! Nick joins me to share his journey into the credit union industry and how he found his passion for sales and coaching, explaining how SalesCU helps credit unions move from a reactive, order-taking service approach to a proactive sales culture that adds real value for members.
In our conversation, Nick covers the four essential elements SalesCU focuses on to build an effective sales culture and highlights the importance of leaders becoming effective coaches who observe, plan, develop, and hold their teams accountable in a positive way. He also shares his vision for the future, focusing on making SalesCU's programs accessible to credit unions of all sizes to help them deliver the value their members deserve.
Nick reflects on his own life-saving experience at a Children's Miracle Network hospital as a child, sharing how SalesCU is donating a portion of its earnings to support Credit Unions for Kids.
As we wrap up the episode, Nick reveals what about his childhood soccer coach inspired him, what cities he would most like to visit, and what book he believes everyone should read. Enjoy my conversation with Nick Brown!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Nick:Nick Brown, Senior Trainer & President/C.E.O. at SalesCU
salescu.com
Nick: LinkedIn
SalesCU: LinkedIn
Book mentioned: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
“Be nimble and fearless when it comes to failure. Do it fast and move on.” – Chris Felton
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Chris Felton, President and CEO of Corporate Central Credit Union. Chris joins me to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the credit union industry. He reflects on his own journey into the credit union space, starting out with ambitions of a high-stakes finance career before discovering his passion for the credit union movement and its focus on serving members.
In our conversation, Chris highlights how credit unions can take advantage of emerging technologies to improve member satisfaction, and he discusses Corporate Central's own technology platform, Bistro, which was built to allow for seamless integration with fintech partners. We explore the importance of credit unions embracing a "technology-first" mindset and the need for credit unions to form strategic partnerships with fintechs to deliver the frictionless experiences that members have come to expect.
As we wrap up the episode, Chris talks about his love of the 1965 Ford Mustang and how he could definitely live in Colorado Springs. He also recommends the book “Kill the Company” by Lisa Bodell. Enjoy my conversation with Chris Felton!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Chris:Chris Felton, President and C.E.O. of Corporate Central Credit Union
corpcu.com
Chris: LinkedIn
Corporate Central Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | X
Book mentioned: Kill the Company by Lisa Bodell
Short story mentioned: “Attitude Is Everything” by Francie Baltazar-Schwartz
“Credit unions are so critical in helping their members and communities.” - Robin Kolvek
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI. She joins me to share her compelling story of career pivots, personal values, and staying human in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Robin reflects on how she went from chasing dreams of being a teacher, coach, or even a detective to leading a major fintech company focused on credit unions—and how none of it was part of the plan.
In our conversation, we discuss the often overlooked but incredibly important role that credit unions play in community development and why they deserve more attention in conversations around innovation. Robin offers an insider look at how VisiFI supports small and midsize credit unions by delivering the kinds of digital tools and enhancements that help them not just keep up but also genuinely compete with bigger players. She stresses that their clients’ voices aren’t just “heard” but are integral.
Robin opens up about what it means to be a leader in the credit union space, especially when your organization is backed by a global tech powerhouse like Italy-based Dedagroup. We explore how that relationship gives VisiFI crucial access to next-level tools such as AI, cybersecurity, and analytics—while keeping them local enough to stay responsive to credit unions’ specific needs.
As we wrap up the episode, Robin also reflects on the impact her mother had on her as a child, her love of travel, and how she manages to maintain a work-life balance. She also offers a couple of great book recommendations. Enjoy my conversation with Robin Kolvek!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Robin:Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI
visifi.com
Robin: LinkedIn
VisiFI: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
“The people helping people motto should be lived inside the walls of our organizations just as much as we live it outside with our members.” - Jaime Marks
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanidei. Jamie and I dig into what actually matters when building strong leadership teams, and she shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her, from her first job at Ent Credit Union to taking on bold career shifts across states and institutions.
In our conversation, we get personal about the mentors who saw Jaime's potential, the environments that helped her grow, and the toxic cultures which she learned to spot from a mile away. Her insights are grounded within years of experience and a true passion for helping organizations lead with integrity and intention. We also touch upon what “values alignment” really looks like when hiring senior leaders, with Jamie explaining that she doesn’t just fill roles; she reads between the lines, listening for what a board or leadership team really needs, even if they don’t say it out loud.
As we wrap up the episode, Jaime talks about the mentors who have impacted her life, her love of Sur La Table and Santa Barbara, California, and has a book recommendation for everyone. Enjoy my conversation with Jaime Marks!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jaime:Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanidei
humanidei.com
Humanidei: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
Want to hear more from Jaime? Click here.
Book mentioned: Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself by Rich Roll
“Every time you tell a story, someone's gonna be inspired by what you're doing, and someone's going to believe in credit unions.” - John Pettit
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is our own John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsight. We talk about his journey from aspiring baseball player to storyteller in the credit union space, with his career path being anything but linear from working in a restaurant right after college to managing retail stores and even building houses. He eventually found his passion for sharing stories through CUInsight, where he’s been for over twelve years.
In our conversation, John opens up about what makes credit unions stand out: their genuine commitment to people over profit. He shares why he’s proud to be part of an organization that highlights stories of credit unions making a real impact, and we also talk about the role of storytelling in marketing credit unions and why sharing these success stories is more important now than ever.
As we wrap up the episode, John talks about his love for physical media such as vinyl records and blu-rays, how he uses automated lights to help with work-life balance, and a book you’d definitely find inspiration from. Enjoy my conversation with John Pettit!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with John:John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
John: LinkedIn
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X
Want to hear more from John? Click here.
Book mentioned: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes
“We exist (to help your credit union get to where you want to go) and we will deliver real results with a real heart.” – Shawn Melamed
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shawn Melamed, CEO and co-founder of Spiral. Shawn tells us about his journey from a game-obsessed kid to a serial entrepreneur, managing director at Morgan Stanley, and now CEO of Spiral.
In our conversation, we talk about how Spiral is helping credit unions compete in a crowded market and build meaningful relationships with their members. It isn't only about financial wellness—it’s about creating a system that rewards people for being intentional with their money and gives them tools to do good without making it overly complicated.
As we wrap up the episode, Shawn talks about a former boss who led with empathy and confidence, his family’s love of traveling, the books he thinks everyone should read, and the importance of being disciplined when it comes to work-life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Shawn Melamed!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Shawn:Shawn Melamed, CEO and co-founder of Spiral
spiral.us
Shawn: LinkedIn
Spiral: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X
Book mentioned: The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant
Book mentioned: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“Credit unions are unsung heroes in our community. The lives they touch are better off for the work they do every single day.” - Sarah Lambert
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Sarah Lambert, Vice President of Marketing at InvestiFi. Sarah shares how her unconventional journey through marketing agencies, HR tech, and major players such as Oracle led her to a role that blends creativity, communication, and a drive to build.
In our conversation, Sarah shares how InvestiFi is helping credit unions compete with big-investing apps without losing the personal trust that makes local institutions stand out. From offering members access to guided investing and fractional shares directly through their existing banking platform, to providing credible financial education within the app itself, InvestiFi is truly reshaping what digital investing can look like for everyday people.
As we wrap up the episode, Sarah talks about her amazing boss, her love for traveling in the US and abroad, and the two books she thinks everyone should read. Enjoy my conversation with Sarah Lambert!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Sarah:Sarah Lambert, Vice President of Marketing at InvestiFi
investifi.co
Sarah: LinkedIn
InvestiFi: LinkedIn
Show notes from this episode:
Book mentioned: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Book mentioned: Words That Work by Dr. Frank Luntz
“Sales and marketing should be talking every day, because everything you’re doing should be marching in the same direction.” - Whitney Bedard
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Whitney Bedard, Vice President of Marketing and Digital at CUInsight. Whitney describes herself as a curious marketer with a passion for making connections and building meaningful partnerships. She walks us through the unexpected turns of her career, from working the teller line at the nation's first credit union to leading marketing teams, and spending time in real estate and retail. We discussed the value of wearing many hats, why every marketer should experience working in sales, and the lessons she carried from managing a Target store to shaping credit union strategies.
In our conversation, we talk about the vital role which CUInsight plays in the credit union world and how we act as a trusted partner for industry professionals looking to stay informed, connected, and ahead of the curve. Whitney also shares insights into what makes the credit union industry unique, what excites her most about CUInsight’s growing impact, and why she believes that collaboration rather than competition is the key to moving the industry forward.
As we wrap up the episode, Whitney talks about a precious leadership lesson she learned from her Yiayia, a first-generation Greek immigrant who led with quiet strength, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. She also talks about her love of traveling, books, and gardening supplies. Enjoy my conversation with Whitney Bedard!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Whitney:Whitney Bedard, Vice President of Marketing and Digital at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
Whitney: LinkedIn | Email: wbedard@cuinsight.com
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X
“Member experience is everybody’s responsibility because every employee has an impact on member experience.” - Laura Loy
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Laura Loy, Chief Experience Officer at On the Mark Strategies. Laura helps credit unions sharpen their strategies and marketing in order to build stronger, more resilient organizations. She takes us inside On the Mark’s approach to creating consistency in the member journey.
In our conversation, Laura explains how On the Mark Strategies helps credit unions create consistency in every member interaction and breaks down what she calls the “four success markers”. We also talk about staying ahead of industry shifts, what’s changing for credit unions right now, and how CUs can adapt in advance rather than play catch-up later on.
As we wrap up the episode, Laura talks about her great boss, her love of the book “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, and talks about the importance of manifesting work/life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Laura Loy!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Laura:Laura Loy, Chief Experience Officer at On the Mark Strategies
markarnold.com
Laura: LinkedIn
On the Mark Strategies:: LinkedIn | YouTube
Want to learn more about On the Mark Strategies? Click here.
“When done responsibly, student loans can be one of the most important and empowering investments someone can make in themselves.” - Scott Patterson
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Scott Patterson, President and CEO of CU Student Choice. He joins me to discuss a wide range of topics from his eighth-grade adventures in China to pioneering the early virtual presence of credit unions via Callahan & Associates, as well as the innovation that he has cultivated via his current position at Student Choice.
During our conversation, Scott discusses the origins of CU Student Choice, we explore the increasing importance of gap financing, and we talk about potential policy changes under the current administration and how CU Student Choice is positioning itself to support CUs through whatever comes next. Scott also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at OPAL, their newly launched $8 million loan origination platform that’s changing the game for student lending.
As we wrap up the episode, Scott gives us an inside look at his love for pinball machines, San Antonio, and a certain sci-fi novel from the '90s. Enjoy my conversation with Scott Patterson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Scott:Scott Patterson, President & CEO of CU Student Choice
studentchoice.org
Scott: LinkedIn
CU Student Choice:: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
Want to learn more about CU Student Choice? Click here.
“Always have an open mind. Be prepared to try something new because you never know what you might like.” - Stuart BainThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Stuart Bain, Senior Vice President of Alacriti, who joins me for this episode of the show to talk about how his unexpected career path took him from geology to banking, and ultimately to fintech leadership.
During our conversation, we discuss how outdated loan payment systems can frustrate members and leave burdens on staff. Stuart shares how Alacriti’s solutions—such as real-time integration and self-service options—are truly changing the way credit unions handle payments. We also touch upon the role of instant payments and request-for-pay technology, exploring how they could replace outdated processes.
As we wrap up the episode, Stuart talks about a great leader in his life, and his love for classic cars and Hattie B's Hot Chicken. He also discusses the importance of having separate work and personal cell phones. Enjoy my conversation with Stuart Bain!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Stuart:Stuart Bain, Senior VP at Alacriti
alacriti.com
Stuart: LinkedIn
Alacriti:: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | Threads
“Be patient. Get answers. Find trusting partners. Enjoy and trust the process.” - Kraig Klinkhammer
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Kraig Klinkhammer, Executive Vice President of Gallagher Executive Benefits Team at Gallagher, who joins me to discuss credit union executive benefits. Kraig reflects on his childhood dream of one day becoming a pilot and how his love for numbers and strategy led him to pivot toward a fulfilling career helping credit unions attract and retain talent via customized benefit plans.
During our conversation, we explore the challenges that credit unions face in today’s competitive world. Kraig offers insights into how his team supports credit unions by designing and servicing long-term benefit plans, highlighting the importance of trust, partnership, and ongoing service. Kraig also provides a behind-the-scenes look at Gallagher, a nearly 200-year-old company with the personal touch of a smaller organization, emphasizing the important role of experience, people, and commitment when selecting a benefits partner.
As we wrap up the episode, Kraig discusses the professor who challenged him to humanize finance and his love for the creature comforts of home. He also shares his appreciation for the history of the east coast. Enjoy my conversation with Kraig Klinkhammer!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Kraig:Kraig Klinkhammer, Executive VP of Gallagher Executive Benefits Team
ajg.com
Kraig: LinkedIn
Gallagher: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube
"Instant payments are going to improve member experiences and better meet expectations." - Dr. Siva Narendra
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Dr. Siva Narendra, CEO at Tyfone, who joins me to help explore the fascinating intersection of technology, security, and digital banking. Siva shares how he dreamed of being an artist, but his passion for problem-solving led him down a path involving engineering, energy-efficient systems, mobile payments, and ultimately to Tyfone.
During our conversation, we discuss how Tyfone has become a leader in creating secure, frictionless experiences for credit unions and their members. Siva also shares how the company takes on challenges such as account takeover fraud, instant payments, and using A.I. for smarter, more intuitive member experiences.
You’ll hear about Tyfone’s groundbreaking use of deterministic security, which greatly decreases the risk of fraud while maintaining user-friendliness, as well as Tyfone's leadership in instant payments via tools such as FedNow.
As we wrap up the episode, Siva talks about the tech leader who resonates most with him and how he’s excited to play around with NVIDIA’s agentic A.I. devices. He also talks about his favorite city (other than Portland) and shares his best life hack for work-life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Siva Narendra!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Siva:Dr. Siva Narendra, CEO at Tyfone
tyfone.com
Siva: LinkedIn
Tyfone: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Podcast
“The better we understand ourselves, the better we can understand others.” - Oscar Porras
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Oscar Porras, Senior Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Humanidei. Oscar talks about how he dreamed of becoming an architect but ultimately found his true calling in the credit union industry. With over two decades of experience, Oscar worked across a variety of roles, from teller to branch manager, before finally choosing to commit to creating meaningful change.
During our conversation, Oscar and I explore how Humanidei works to support credit unions in becoming more inclusive and reflective of their communities by developing strong leadership teams and fostering diverse cultures. Oscar offers his insights into building an inclusive leadership pipeline, highlighting why equity and mentoring programs are so important. He also dives into shifting from an assimilation mindset to an integration approach.
As we wrap up the episode, Oscar talks about his love for his father’s old pickup truck and the Oregon Ducks. He also talks about the importance of work-life balance and disconnecting from the online world. Enjoy my conversation with Oscar Porras!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Oscar:
Oscar Porras, Senior Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Humanideihumanidei.com Oscar: LinkedIn Humanidei: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
“We're going to deliver a blueprint for what we know works in our partnerships.” - Aaron Melnarik
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Aaron Melnarik, Senior Vice President and Director of Client Relationships at Elan Credit Card. We explore his 23-year career, including how he’s helped credit unions deliver value through innovative credit card programs. Listen as we talk about credit union partnerships and how Elan Credit Card helps maximize credit union growth.
During our conversation, Aaron discusses what it takes to build and maintain successful partnerships in today’s competitive financial landscape. He explains how Elan Credit Card supports credit unions at every stage of the partnership, from launching programs, providing ongoing training, and using technology like APIs to revamp mobile apps.
As we wrap up the episode, Aaron talks about his dad being the most influential leader in his life, golfing with his family, and his love of the Carolinas. Enjoy my conversation with Aaron Melnarik!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Aaron:
Aaron Melnarik, SVP and Director of Client Relationships at Elan Credit Cardwww.cupartnership.com Aaron: LinkedIn Elan Credit Card: LinkedIn
“We spend our time educating credit unions about using SERPs to attract and retain the talent they need to remain competitive.” - Bernie Winne
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Bernie Winne, Regional VP of Modern Capital Executive Solutions. Bernie shares candidly about his entry into credit unions, and the decades-long career that followed, spanning various roles including CEO of the Boston Firefighters Credit Union. Modern Capital works with credit unions to provide cost-effective benefits plans designed to attract and retain talented leaders.
During our conversation, Bernie discusses the core functions of Modern Capital, and how their investments can provide credit unions with better returns when used for executive compensation, charitable donations, and employee benefits. Bernie talks about the strategic importance of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) as a critical tool for attracting and retaining top executive talent. He explains how Modern Capital tailors its approach to meet credit unions where they are, whether they're already adept in their investment strategies or just beginning to explore them.
As we wrap up the episode, Bernie talks about a great leader he learned from, the one experience he loved spending money on each year, and his favorite city to visit. Enjoy my conversation with Bernie Winne!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bernie:
Bernie Winne, Regional VP of Modern Capital Executive Solutionsmoderncap.com Bernie: LinkedIn Modern Capital Executive Solutions: LinkedIn | Facebook
“Our goal is to help credit unions advance in their digital technology journey.” - Wes Zauner
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink. Wes shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Together, we discuss the evolving landscape of credit unions and the pressing need for digital progression. With solutions to grow deposits, enhance lending, streamline collections, and deliver data-driven personalized experiences, the MeridianLink team is helping credit unions operationalize digital transformation.
During our conversation, Wes and I discuss how credit unions can modernize their systems and embrace solutions that truly enhance the member experience. He believes digital transformation should be viewed as an ongoing journey and shares why MeridianLink views it as digital progression. Wes explains the concept of a digital blueprint, focusing on five key areas: process automation, member experience, share of wallet growth, data centricity, and instant decisioning. MeridianLink supports credit unions in identifying their goals and creating a digital blueprint for ongoing digital progression and growth.
As we wrap up the episode, Wes shares a leader who made a great impact in his life, a city he enjoys traveling to that is full of history, and how routines allow him to balance work life and his personal life. Enjoy my conversation with Wes Zauner
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Wes:
Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLinkmeridianlink.com Wes: LinkedIn MeridianLink: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“Continue to drive impact and innovation for credit unions, to change lives.” - Chuck Long
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Chuck Long, General Manager at Zogo. Chuck shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Zogo is transforming financial education with its innovative product suite, designed to empower communities and strengthen credit unions. Listen as Chuck and I explore the intersection of technology, education, and financial wellness in the credit union industry.
During our conversation, Chuck explains how Zogo's gamified content and personalized learning pathways help members understand important financial concepts, making education accessible and engaging. He emphasizes the importance of digital innovation when it comes to retaining members and shares how credit unions are uniquely positioned to offer personalized service and community support. As we look to the future, Zogo continues to enhance its products to meet the needs of credit unions and their members, improving financial health and creating a lasting impact.
As we wrap up the episode, Chuck shouts out the amazing leaders at Zogo, where he enjoys traveling for work, and shares a book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Chuck Long!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Chuck:
Chuck Long, General Manager at Zogo
chuck.long@zogofinance.comzogo.com Chuck: LinkedIn Zogo: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
“Innovation is a game changer.” - Mark Bugalski
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mark Bugalski, Executive VP and Chief Growth Officer at Allied Solutions. Mark brings over three decades of experience to the industry and shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Allied Solutions is focused on using technology-based solutions to help clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition.
During our conversation, Mark shares how Allied Solutions’ business model is designed to help credit unions grow and serve members, regardless of economic conditions. He explains how credit unions can navigate today's challenging economic landscape by focusing on mitigating risks and optimizing non-interest income. As we look to the future, Allied Solutions is focused on innovating to continue supporting credit unions and providing them with tools for growth and longevity.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark shares the many reasons he admires Pete Hilger’s leadership, his love for a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and his book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Bugalski!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mark Bugalski, Executive VP and Chief Growth Officer at Allied Solutionsalliedsolutions.net Mark: LinkedIn Allied Solutions: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“As a national trade association, our role is to be on the frontline defending our credit unions so they can make members’ lives easier.” - Jason Stverak
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). Jason shares his career journey in politics that led him to his current role. DCUC is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. The team at DCUC provides trusted resources for active duty and veteran members while working on strategic and operational issues, and addressing regulatory and legislative matters.
During our conversation, Jason shares his vision for reimagining the advocacy footprint. He discusses the upcoming launch of Defending Credit Unions PAC and National Advocacy Fund, aiming to optimize grassroots efforts on key advocacy initiatives while maintaining a strong influence. The team at DCUC advocates for members throughout their financial lifecycle, ensuring their needs are met. Listen as we discuss the vital role of DCUC as they provide an expert voice on issues affecting credit unions and their members, bringing the military perspective to national and state issues.
As we wrap up the episode, Jason shares some book recommendations, the city he enjoys traveling to, to experience different cuisines, and lifehacks for work-life balance.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jason:
Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at Defense Credit Union Councildcuc.org Jason: LinkedIn DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
“Get curious about your organization and what your communities need.” - Pixie Gray
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Pixie Gray, VP of Organizational Development at CUES. Pixie shares her career journey that led her to her current role. CUES provides leadership and professional development services to C-suite executives, board members, HR leaders, and emerging leaders in the credit union industry. The team at CUES is dedicated to the growth, development, and success of our movement.
During our conversation, Pixie explains how CUES stands out in the crowded market of leadership development by offering training that is tailored to the unique needs of credit unions. She highlights the importance of staying relevant in an ever-changing environment, discussing the need for fresh perspectives to ensure the continued success of credit unions. As we look to the future, CUES is focused on elevating its offerings to continue meeting and exceeding the needs of the industry.
As we wrap up the episode, Pixie talks about a credit union leader who left a lasting impact on her and the industry as a whole. She enjoys new and exciting dining experiences and shares tips to find balance in life.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Pixie:
Pixie Gray, VP of Organizational Development at CUES
pixie@cues.orgcues.org Pixie: LinkedIn CUES: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“We help credit unions find solutions to their challenges.” - Barb Lowman
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). Barb is a return guest to the podcast and shares a brief overview of her previous episode. CSS connects credit unions and leagues to the industry's top solution providers. The team at CSS understands the issues credit unions face, finds solutions to solve those problems, and distributes those solutions to credit unions of all sizes.
During our conversation, Barb and I chat about the value CSS provides in connecting, collaborating, and providing solutions for the credit union system. She talks about CSS’ new webinar series, Safeguarding Your Credit Union’s Future, and shares how it was designed based on the needs and feedback of executives in the industry. Barb shares the passion and commitment of the CSS team to help credit unions thrive and better serve their members. As we look to the future, Barb shares their plan to rebrand and reimagine their strategy to continue serving the credit union industry.
As we wrap up the episode, Barb talks about an upcoming trip she is excited about, a book she recommends, and the importance of being intentional and spreading kindness.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Barb:
Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services
blowman@cuna.coopcunastrategicservices.com Barb: LinkedIn CSS: LinkedIn
“We’re focused on how we can impact, influence and support credit unions.”- Libby Calderone
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisant and Tom Kane, President & CEO at Illinois Credit Union League. Libby and Tom share their career journeys that led them to their current roles. Envisant, a subsidiary of the Illinois Credit Union League, provides exceptional pricing and functionality in the card space by aggregating credit unions of diverse sizes. Envisant helps credit unions find solutions and achieve their vision through experience and expertise.
During our conversation, we discuss all that Envisant has achieved to earn CUSO Of The Year, awarded by NACUSO and what that means to Libby and Tom as we look to the future. Libby talks about Envisant’s partnership with Curql Collective, providing opportunity for credit unions with assets above $100 million to jointly invest in transformative technology to remain competitive and relevant. Tom announces an upcoming transition in leadership at the Illinois Credit Union League and Libby shares excitement in what’s to come. Listen as Libby and Tom talk about their dedication to the movement in helping credit unions grow, thrive, and prepare for the future.
As we wrap up the episode, Libby and Tom share great leaders in their life, what they are splurging on these days when it comes to travel and home renovations, along with how to balance work and home life. Enjoy my conversation with Libby and Tom!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Libby:
Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisantwww.envisant.com Libby: LinkedIn Envisant: LinkedIn | Facebook | X
Connect with Tom:
Tom Kane, President & CEO of Illinois Credit Union Leaguewww.icul.comTom: LinkedInIllinois Credit Union League: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X
"My first real great leader was my grandmother. She had an eighth-grade education but built her own business and just had a really good business head on her shoulders. It was kind of a 'follow me' type leadership." - Brett Koedam
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
I am happy to be bringing this conversation with Brett Koedam to you for this episode. Brett is the Senior Vice President of Financial Institutions at PAI, a pivotal player in the ATM space. We explore Brett's journey from his beginnings in a small ATM company to overseeing PAI's extensive network spanning 110,000 ATMs nationwide!
Join us as we unpack how PAI supports credit unions by managing the complexities of ATM operations, freeing them to focus on member experiences. Brett highlights PAI's role in filling banking gaps left by branch closures, offering insights into things such as strategic ATM placement.
Tune in to discover why over 40% of Gen Zers choose institutions based on ATM availability and how credit unions can capitalize on this trend through PAI's extensive surcharge-free network and customizable branding solutions. Brett and I also discuss PAI's future roadmap, including exciting developments in ATM technology and their new mobile branch concept designed to revolutionize banking access in underserved areas!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Brett:Brett Koedam; Senior Vice President of Financial Institutions at PAI - A Brink’s Company
gopai.com
Brett: LinkedIn
PAI: LinkedIn | Facebook
Show notes from this episode:Book mentioned: The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
In this episode:
[00:51] - Brett reveals how he founded and expanded his own ATM company, PAI, serving nationwide markets.
[02:34] - PAI specializes in outsourcing ATM management for credit unions, simplifying operations.
[04:53] - PAI also helps credit unions enhance services with strategic ATM placements nationwide.
[06:26] - We learn that PAI offers credit unions expanded ATM access without the hassle of location logistics.
[09:09] - Brett's grandmother, with minimal education, inspired him with entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.
[09:48] - Brett prioritizes family expenses over personal luxuries, dreaming of a non-Texas summer home someday.
[11:11] - Brett credits The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko as his favorite book.
[11:42] - Work-life integration was key during Brett's busy years running his own company.
[12:43] - Hear how PAI offers ATM products, managed services, and innovative solutions.
“We help credit union members overcome the financial challenges faced when paying for college.” - Jim Holt
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer at Student Choice. Jim shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Student Choice works with credit unions to deliver innovative financing solutions that help members responsibly overcome the challenges of higher education affordability.
During our conversation, Jim shares how private student lending can benefit credit unions and their members. He explains the importance of engaging and retaining younger members and how credit unions can do so by offering student loans. Jim shares the opportunities for cross-selling and strengthening member relationships throughout the lifecycle of a private student loan. He discusses the value in offering nontraditional student loans for vocational schools and even pilot training. Listen as Jim talks about the many opportunities for credit unions to provide future-focused funding.
As we wrap up the episode, Jim talks about a mentor who helped him early in his career, a bar built by him and his wife, and a tip to attending concerts, but purchasing tickets the day of so they’re less expensive. Enjoy my conversation with Jim Holt!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jim:
Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer at Student Choicecreditunions.studentchoice.org Jim: LinkedIn Student Choice: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“We are truly helping the underserved.” - Lorrie Wohlfeil
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Lorrie Wohlfeil, COO and Consultant at Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc. Lorrie shares her career journey that is deeply rooted in the credit union industry and influenced by her father, Rex Johnson. Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc. provides comprehensive training and on-site consulting to address and overcome the challenges credit unions face.
During our conversation, Lorrie shares the foundational principles that drive Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc. to serve their members with empathy and expertise. She explains how education and understanding can transform financial outcomes for members. Lorrie shares their unique approach of blending classroom education with hands-on experience, where consultants step into the shoes of credit union staff to ensure the practical application of knowledge. Listen as Lorrie talks about empowering credit union teams to educate, serve, and support members through each stage of their lives.
As we wrap up the episode, Lorrie talks about her admiration for her father, traveling with her family, and work-life balance tips. Enjoy my conversation with Lorrie Wohlfeil!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Lorrie:
Lorrie Wohlfeil, COO and Consultant at Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc.rexcuadvice.com Lorrie: LinkedIn Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” - Bill Partin
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Bill Partin, Founder & CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) at The Leadership Bet. Bill shares his career journey in financial services that led him to his current role. His passion for credit unions and leadership led him to building The Leadership Bet. The Leadership Bet helps credit union teams become their best by developing leaders, driving results, and creating an energizing people-first culture.
During our conversation, Bill shares the importance of leadership development and the positive impact it has on individuals, teams, and overall workplace culture. He talks about setting an intentional process where team members feel valued, and how these strategic goals ripple throughout the organization. Bill explains the significance in aligning your strategic plan and culture plan to deepen relationships and grow. Listen as Bill talks about developing leadership that is abundant and purpose-driven.
As we wrap up the episode, Bill talks about visiting his hometown, books he enjoys and highly recommends, and journaling to keep a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Bill Partin!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bill:
Bill Partin, Founder & CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) at The Leadership Bettheleadershipbet@gmail.comtheleadershipbet.com Bill: LinkedIn The Leadership Bet: LinkedIn
“Our goal is to empower the Latinx community in the credit union industry.” - Barbara Mojica
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Barbara Mojica, Executive Director at NLCUP (National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals). Barbara shares the journey that led her to her current role at NLCUP and how crashing the GAC ignited her credit union spark. NLCUP is dedicated to increasing professional development opportunities and providing services and financial education to the Hispanic/Latino community.
During our conversation, Barbara explains ways credit unions can support the Hispanic/Latino community and empower Latinx professionals in the industry. She talks about strategically placing leaders for better representation of diverse communities. Barbara shares the challenges women of color face and how the credit union industry can better support them. Listen as Barbara talks about helping credit unions connect, serve, and empower the Latinx community.
As we wrap up the episode, Barbara talks about admiring her mom, treating herself to spa days, and visiting Puerto Rico. Enjoy my conversation with Barbara Mojica!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Barbara:
Barbara Mojica, Executive Director at NLCUPbmojica@nlcup.orgnlcup.org Barbara: LinkedIn NLCUP: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
“Challenge yourself to be great.” - Kurt Klassen
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Kurt Klassen, Executive Vice President at LEVEL5. Kurt shares his career journey that led him to his current role. The team at LEVEL 5 allows credit unions to think ahead, plan well, build smart, and grow. Kurt encourages listeners to embrace a bold vision and believes that every credit union team can reach its potential. LEVEL5 helps credit unions minimize risk while amplifying growth through branch development and redesign.
During our conversation, Kurt discusses how credit unions can develop a branch strategy. He shares insights about understanding your markets and evaluating your unique service delivery. Listen as Kurt talks about customizing your branch design and building an effective strategy to increase performance and opportunities for your credit union.
As we wrap up the episode, Kurt shares memories about being inspired by servant leadership, loving time near water, and visiting his favorite city in CA. Enjoy my conversation with Kurt Klassen!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Kurt:
Kurt Klassen, Executive Vice President at LEVEL5kklassen@level5.comlevel5.com Kurt: LinkedIn LEVEL5: LinkedIn | Youtube
“When we prioritize mental health, we create stronger, healthier, more compassionate industries for everyone.” - Robbie Young
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Robbie Young, VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. Robbie is a Certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), mental health advocate, and our unending source of fun facts about the world. She sees CUInsight as a central source to keep credit union professionals inspired, connected, and informed.
During our conversation, Robbie discusses the importance of mental health advocacy and shares resources. She talks about the direct and indirect influence mental health has on professionals in the industry. Robbie explains the importance of taking care of ourselves first, so we can properly care for our members and teams. She shares her experience and the benefits gained from the Credit Union Development Education (DE Program) and looks forward to returning as a mentor this year. Listen as Robbie talks about what you can do to support the mental health of yourself and others.
As we wrap up the episode, Robbie shares some of her famous fun facts, talks about downloading productivity apps, and shares her latest book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Robbie Young!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Robbie:
Robbie Young, VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsightryoung@cuinsight.comcuinsight.com Robbie: LinkedIn CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | X
“Remove the fear and start asking the right questions.” - Bo McDonald
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Bo McDonald, President and CEO at Your Marketing Co. The team at Your Marketing Co. seeks to empower credit union teams through strategic marketing, planning, and branding. Bo emphasizes the team’s mission to help credit unions avoid unnecessary mergers and thrive by engaging, educating, and retaining the next generation of members.
During our conversation, Bo discusses how credit unions can be curious about risks to tackle the fear of change. He talks about evaluating data and developing an appetite for risk as an organization to stay on top of trends and technology. Your Marketing Co. works with credit unions large and small to make a unique difference. Listen as Bo talks about approaches to remain relevant, and attract and retain members now and in the future.
As we wrap up the episode, Bo talks about wanting to be a better pasta maker, giving a shout-out to risk-healthy credit unions, and sharing his latest book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Bo McDonald!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bo:
Bo McDonald, Founder, President, and CEO at Your Marketing Co.
bo@yourmarketingco.comyourmarketing.co Bo: LinkedIn | X Your Marketing Co.: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X Podcast: Accidental Leadership
“People want to do business with organizations that are motivated by their ‘why’.” - Dave Drouin
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guests on today’s show are Katie Stone, CEO & Co-owner at PixelSpoke, and Dave Drouin President & Co-owner at PixelSpoke. As an empowering B Corp, PixelSpoke promotes a cooperative economy by elevating the digital presence of credit unions. The team prides themselves on being true partners and creating beautiful, easy-to-use, award-winning websites.
During our conversation, Katie and Dave discuss what makes a true collaboration. They talk about PixelSpoke’s core values as they pertain to decision-making and success. Katie and Dave share the value of cooperative principles, specifically, “cooperation among cooperatives” and how credit unions can amplify this competitive advantage within the market. Listen as Katie and Dave talk about elevating vendor relationships into a true partnership.
As we wrap up the episode, Katie and Dave talk about the amazing team at PixelSpoke, DIY projects, and book recommendations, and having fun while traveling. Enjoy my conversation with Katie and Dave!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Katie:
Katie Stone CEO & Co-owner at PixelSpokekatie@pixelspoke.compixelspoke.coop Katie: LinkedIn PixelSpoke: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X
Connect with Dave:
Dave Drouin President & Co-owner at Pixel Spokedavid@pixelspoke.compixelspoke.coop
Dave: LinkedIn
“We want to help people see their potential and expand the ability to look ahead.” - Deedee Myers
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Deedee Myers, CEO at DDJ Myers. Deedee shares her career journey to founding and running DDJ Myers. She focuses on bringing out the passion and potential in individuals to enhance the organization. DDJ Myers is committed to working with leaders and organizations to develop professional practices and philosophies that sustain gains over the long term in a complex and ever-evolving marketplace.
During our conversation, Deedee discusses the masterful execution of advancing leadership. She explains finding alignment in organizations and onboarding for leaders. Deedee talks about the topic of burnout, and how to successfully combat it. Listen as Deedee talks about strategies to improve the transition of leadership.
As we wrap up the episode, Deedee shares a story about her dad, her love of off-grid adventures, and her tech habit that came from a Mother’s Day gift. Enjoy my conversation with Deedee Myers!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Deedee:
Deedee Myers, CEO at DDJ Myers
deedeemyers@ddjmyers.comddjmyers.com Deedee: LinkedIn DDJ Myers: LinkedIn | Twitter
“We can automate and give credit unions the right tools to grow efficiently.”- Philip Paul
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Philip Paul, CEO & Founder at Cotribute. Philip shares what inspired him to address business concerns through technology. Cotribute is the preferred digital member acquisition solution for fast onboarding, increased conversions, and expanding wallet share.
During our conversation, Philip discusses effective practices to grow and improve operational efficiencies within credit unions, including deposit, membership, and marginal growth. He explains which approaches to focus on for mindful and intentional business growth. Listen as Philip talks about what credit unions can do to grow.
As we wrap up the episode, Philip talks about learning from an influential boss, building life habits in seasons, and recommending a book for today. Enjoy my conversation with Philip Paul!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Philip:
Philip Paul, CEO & Founder at Cotributeppaul@cotributemail.comcotribute.com Philip: LinkedIn Cotribute: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“People are our best technology.” - Randy Stolp
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Randy Stolp, President at Synergent. Randy shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Randy views Synergent as a person-driven, people-focused cooperative. Together, the team helps credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members.
During our conversation, Randy discusses lessons in why people are the source of innovation. He explains the meaning of being a “technology philosopher” and emphasizes the importance of people in technology. Listen as Randy talks about the people, processes, and products within the industry and how Synergent brings solutions to credit unions and their members.
As we wrap up the episode, Randy talks about singing in front of his favorite music artist, staying connected to loved ones, and embracing a positive outlook. Enjoy my conversation with Randy Stolp!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Randy:
Randy Stolp, President at Synergentrstolp@synergentcorp.comsynergentcorp.com Randy: LinkedIn Synergent: LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter
“We are here. We are local. We are dedicated support.” - Emily Leach
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Emily Leach, VP of Community Accounts for the Mid-Atlantic Region at Visa. Emily shares her career journey that led her to her current role. Emily has worked at Visa as the team customized solutions and products to work more efficiently with credit unions. Visa is a trusted world leader in digital payment technology that connects and enables individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.
During our conversation, Emily discusses new strategies for financial education and serving more people through local partnerships. She explains how these partnerships allow credit unions and fellow financial industry partners to enhance their member offerings. Listen as Emily talks about “excellence through execution” and findings from Visa Research: Future of Payment Technology.
As we wrap up the episode, Emily talks about investing in self-care, prepping for credit union industry events, and reading inspiring books. Enjoy my conversation with Emily Leach!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Emily:
Emily Leach, VP of Community Accounts for the Mid-Atlantic Region at Visa
emleach@visa.comusa.visa.com Emily: LinkedIn Visa: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
“We love working with credit unions to become more data-driven, so they can better support their members.” - Andrea Brown
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Andrea Brown, SVP of Growth at Lodestar. Andrea is a return guest to the podcast and shares what has changed since last year and what remains a common focus for leaders. Lodestar is a data warehouse and analytics partner for credit unions. They provide a full-service analytics platform of data connectors, visuals, workflows, and strategic guidance to help credit unions move forward in their analytics journey.
During our conversation, Andrea discusses which data strategies credit unions should be focusing on to benefit business goals. She explains how leveraging data analytics and choosing the right data warehouse is crucial for a successful core conversion. Listen as Andrea talks about growth plans for the future and continuing to support credit unions with the complex technology systems needed to embrace efficiency and sustainability.
As we wrap up the episode, Andrea talks about spending time with her family, splurging on new experiences, and preferring the audiobook of this recent read. Enjoy my conversation with Andrea Brown!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Andrea:
Andrea Brown, SVP of Growth at Lodestar
andrea.brown@lodestartech.calodestartech.ca Andrea: LinkedIn Lodestar: LinkedIn
“Strategic planning is not a date on the calendar, it’s a process.” - Shawn Temple
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shawn Temple, Strategy Director at On The Mark Strategies. Shawn shares his career journey in credit unions that led him to his current role. On The Mark Strategies empowers credit unions to win, survive, and thrive. The team specializes in strategic planning, branding, training, and marketing services.
During our conversation, Shawn discusses the importance of strategic planning and how it brings clarity and alignment to the organization. He emphasizes the significance of core values and building team cultures to create a healthy work environment. Shawn shares the value of leadership development for today and tomorrow. Listen as Shawn explains how credit union teams can inspire connection from the boardroom to the break room.
As we wrap up the episode, Shawn talks about being inspired by two amazing leaders in his life, enjoying the aloha spirit, and making himself available for a trip to San Diego. Enjoy my conversation with Shawn Temple!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Shawn:
Shawn Temple, Strategy Director at On The Mark Strategies
shawn@markarnold.commarkarnold.com Shawn: LinkedIn On The Mark Strategies: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
“Know your members better than you ever have.” - Mark Weber
Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mark Weber, CEO at Strum and Strum Platform. Mark shares his career journey and how his passion for credit unions began as a child. Strum is a full-service marketing agency helping credit unions build growth strategies through naming, branding, and marketing. Strum Platform is a financial marketing analytics software that helps credit unions better understand their members through data.
During our conversation, Mark and I discuss the importance of data to engage and retain members. He explains the significance of omnichannel tracking in today's environment. Members and prospects have unique journeys as they seek service with multiple touchpoints throughout and he shares how important it is to capture this. Listen as Mark dives into the power of data and the exciting things to come.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark talks about making time for his passion for music, enjoying Honolulu, and going with his team to sing karaoke. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Weber!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mark Weber, CEO at Strum
mark.weber@strumagency.comstrumagency.com Strumplatform.com
Mark: LinkedIn Strum: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Strum Platform: LinkedIn
“The more ways you offer a member to make a payment, the more likely they are to use it.” - Stuart Bain
Thank you for tuning in to episode 74 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Stuart Bain, SVP of Product Management at Alacriti. Stuart shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Alacriti is a leading financial technology company dedicated to helping credit unions accelerate their digital payments transformation. The team is dedicated to providing solutions that empower clients to deliver the innovative digital payment experiences today’s members demand.
During our conversation, Stuart and I chat about payment solutions evolving to provide seamless and efficient experiences. He discusses the benefits of these solutions and the importance of delivering a modern digital payment experience in today’s world. Listen as Stuart talks about embracing digital payment transformation and self-service options along with what is to come in the future.
As we wrap up the episode, Stuart talks about which car he would splurge on, which food chain he enjoys in Tennessee, and which tech hack he uses for balancing work and life. Enjoy my conversation with Stuart Bain!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Stuart:
Stuart Bain, SVP of Product Management at Alacriti
stuart.bain@alacriti.comalacriti.com Stuart: LinkedIn Alacriti: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“We need to be more data-driven than we have ever been.” - Joshua Barclay
Thank you for tuning in to episode 73 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Joshua Barclay, Growth Marketing Manager at CRMNEXT. Joshua shares his career journey that led him to his current role. CRMNEXT is a cloud or on-premise CRM solution provider specifically built for credit unions. Their focus is to support credit unions with actionable data to simplify work, drive growth, and deliver on experience.
During our conversation, Joshua and I chat about the importance of data and technology in this changing financial landscape. Joshua talks about the New World Banking Order and what this means for the future. Listen as Joshua talks about how credit unions can move towards data unification.
As we wrap up the episode, Joshua talks about the leadership legacy of one of his family members, his enjoyment of fine dining experiences, and the city he enjoys traveling to most. Enjoy my conversation with Joshua Barclay!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Joshua:
Joshua Barclay, Growth Marketing Manager at CRMNEXT
joshua.barclay@crmnext.comcrmnext.us Joshua: LinkedIn CRMNEXT: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
“Members are willing to adopt new technology in a way that is convenient for them.” - Nelson Fisher
Thank you for tuning in to episode 72 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Nelson Fisher, Director of Product Development at Co-op Solutions. Nelson shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Co-op Solutions partners with credit unions to deliver member-centric and digital-first services designed to improve operational efficiencies and the member experience. They continue to focus on serving credit unions to improve efficiencies, drive growth, and make data-informed decisions.
During our conversation, Nelson and I chat about building more member-centric services. He shares perspectives about growth in the credit union industry and delves into research on the micro and macroeconomic environment. Listen as Nelson talks about insights on the psychology of spending behavior, digital maturity, and member engagement.
As we wrap up the episode, Nelson talks about his interest in music, his admiration for his wife, and his favorite things about the Bay Area. Enjoy my conversation with Nelson Fisher!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Nelson:
Nelson Fisher, Director of Product Development at Co-op Solutions
nelson.fisher@coop.orgcoop.org/ Nelson: LinkedIn Co-op: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube
“Leverage all the research and thought leadership that’s out in the payments space.” - Tom Pierce
Thank you for tuning in to episode 71 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Tom Pierce, Chief Marketing Officer at PSCU. Tom shares his career journey that led him to his current role. PSCU is the nation’s premier payments CUSO offering end-to-end support and integrated fintech solutions to help credit unions deliver personalized, connected experiences. They continue to focus on serving credit unions beyond traditional payment processing and provide new and innovative solutions to drive our movement forward.
During our conversation, Tom and I chat about trends and preferred payment types across generations. He shares the latest research on how consumers prefer to engage in payments. These key findings include mobile wallet usage, emerging payment trends such as buy now pay later, cryptocurrency, and financial aesthetics. Listen as Tom talks about the financial tendencies across generations to better target member needs.
As we wrap up the episode, Tom talks about an inspirational leader he’s worked with throughout his career, spending time with his wife, traveling, and getting ready for two of his daughters’ weddings. Enjoy my conversation with Tom Pierce!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Tom:
Tom Pierce, Chief Marketing Officer at PSCU
tompierce@pscu.compscu.com Tom: LinkedIn PSCU: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“We see the military voice in our industry as an important voice that needs to be heard.” - Tony Hernandez
Thank you for tuning in to episode 70 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). DCUC is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. The team at DCUC provides trusted resources for active duty and veteran members while working on strategic and operational issues, and addressing regulatory and legislative matters. Tony believes in offering relevant financial services as a way to take care of military personnel and thank them for their efforts.
During our conversation, Tony and I chat about protecting veteran benefits and financial well-being within the credit union industry. He offers insight on how credit unions can “speak military” to better assist military personnel. Listen as Tony talks about protecting military members and veterans from predatory lending, keeping up with legislation and advocacy, and providing service to overseas military personnel.
As we wrap up the episode, Tony talks about traveling with his wife, the freedom and creativity of using dot journals for organization, and shares his book recommendations. Enjoy my conversation with Tony!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Tony:
Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council
ahernandez@dcuc.orgwww.dcuc.org Tony: LinkedIn DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“It’s more than credit cards here, it’s about the members and communities.” - Toby Mattson
Thank you for tuning in to episode 69 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Toby Mattson, Director of Community Partnerships at Elan Credit Card. Toby began his career in credit unions 30 years ago and shares how it led him to his role today. Elan Credit Card offers an outsourced credit card program to credit unions across the US. The team at Elan provides innovative solutions while removing costs, reducing risks, and improving the cardmember experience.
During our conversation, Toby and I chat about consumer trends and how credit cards play into financial well-being. He shares the many ways Elan continues to update credit card programs to match current consumer needs. Toby talks about Elan’s Charitable Giving program and the support they’re providing alongside their credit union partners in communities. Listen as Toby talks about the benefits of outsourcing credit card programs, protecting team culture and engagement, and making an impact in communities nationwide.
As we wrap up the episode, Toby talks about a leader who made a positive impact on his life and career, which book he recommends, and the cities he enjoys visiting the most. Enjoy my conversation with Toby Mattson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Toby:
Toby Mattson, Director of Community Partnerships at Elan Credit Card
toby.mattson@elanfs.comwww.cupartnership.com Toby: LinkedIn Elan: LinkedIn | Twitter
“Buildings exist for people, so they have to be people centric.” - Mark Alguard
Thank you for tuning in to episode 68 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mark Alguard, President & Director of Client Strategy at Momentum. Mark shares his career journey that led him to his current role. The team at Momentum takes a people-centric approach to delivering buildings that help credit unions thrive. People-centric spaces build a solid foundation and foster connections for staff and members.
During our conversation, Mark and I chat about creating workspaces that will help drive organizations forward. Mark talks about having work-life balance without sacrificing the collaborative nature of teams. Listen as Mark shares insights about defining productivity, building hybrid work experiences, and protecting team culture and engagement.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark talks about his warm-hearted Grandpa Jack, his admiration for well-made furniture, and his go-to place to take people when visiting Chicago. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Alguard!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mark Alguard, President & Director of Client Strategy at Momentum
malguard@momentumbuilds.commomentumbuilds.com Mark: LinkedIn Momentum: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“We help credit unions elevate their operational outcomes with AI powered solutions.” - Steve Kass
Thank you for tuning in to episode 67 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Steve Kass, Chief Services Officer at Trellance. Steve shares his career journey that led him to his current role. The team at Trellance is dedicated to credit union innovation. They deliver innovative technology solutions to help credit unions achieve more, including operational and digital transformation.
During our conversation, Steve and I chat about the evolving use of AI in financial services. Steve offers advice to credit unions who are beginning their AI journey and explains the tangible benefits of leveraging AI. As we look to the future, Trellance is focused on supporting credit unions and evolving their AI capabilities to increase efficiencies, manage risk, and improve the member experience.
As we wrap up the episode, Steve talks about the value and memories made through experiences, taking lessons from a sports book, and building work-life integration. Enjoy my conversation with Steve Kass!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Steve:
Steve Kass, Chief Services Officer at Trellance
skass@trellance.comtrellance.com Steve: LinkedIn Trellance: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
“That’s at the foundation of credit unions: making sure the member experience is premium and more personalized.” - David Everson
Thank you for tuning in to episode 66 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is David Everson, Senior Director of Solutions Marketing at Laserfiche. David shares his vast career journey that led him to his current role at Laserfiche. Laserfiche is a software company founded over 30 years ago. The team handles intelligent data capture, records management, and digitization that connects data across departments. Laserfiche helps employees be more productive by eliminating administrative tasks so teams can focus on high-priority operations such as member service.
During our conversation, David and I chat about the importance of omnichannel data management when it comes to providing a seamless member experience. He shares the benefits of Laserfiche’s Solution Marketplace library filled with free data management resources, training modules, and pre-built forms and workflows. Listen as David talks about the resources, tools, and strategies for better data management practices now and in the future.
As we wrap up the episode, David talks about his 30-year friendship with a mentor, his current book recommendation, and his thoughts on work-life balance. Enjoy my conversation with David Everson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with David:
David Everson, Senior Director of Solutions Marketing at Laserfiche
david.everson@laserfiche.comlaserfiche.com David: LinkedIn Laserfiche: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Schedule a Demo
“You are a member of a great global credit union community.” - Mike Reuter
Thank you for tuning in to episode 65 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mike Reuter, Executive Director at the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU). Mike shares how the environment for credit unions has grown since the last time he was a guest on the podcast. WFCU focuses on strengthening credit unions while they serve and transform members’ lives worldwide. As an arm of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), they are advancing financial inclusion, global relief aid, DEI, and more through a vibrant and growing global credit union system. Mike shares his excitement for the 75th anniversary of International Credit Union Day held on October 19, 2023.
During our conversation, Mike and I chat about the strong levels of support across the global credit union movement. He shares the national and international initiatives that keep credit unions operating so teams can help their own communities. Listen as Mike talks about fostering stronger engagement and more connectivity within the global credit union system.
As we wrap up the episode, Mike talks about having a great time in Vancouver, balancing work and life, and pursuing further education to improve customer experiences. Enjoy my conversation with Mike Reuter!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mike:
Mike Reuter, Executive Director at the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
mreuter@woccu.orgdoglobalgood.org Mike: LinkedIn WFCU: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“Everyone has a seat at the table and if the table is not long enough, we’ll build it bigger.” - Tracie Kenyon
Thank you for tuning in to episode 64 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Tracie Kenyon, Executive Development Partner at Humanidei. Tracie shares her career journey within the credit union industry for the last 38 years. Humanidei works with credit unions to integrate their most important asset- their human capital- into organizational growth plans and talent development. Tracie guides teams in creating a positive company culture where team members can build their skills and career.
During our conversation, Tracie and I chat about the importance of taking care of your team and the value in executive coaching. She gives advice on improving the hiring process and shares three tips to get it right the first time. Tracie explains how the “B” at the end of DEIB stands for belonging, and why it is so important for the culture of an organization. Listen as Tracie talks about building a nurturing and innovative company culture for your credit union team.
As we wrap up the episode, Tracie talks about an impactful leader she’s had in her life, her love of books along with a book recommendation, and her passion for work. Enjoy my conversation with Tracie Kenyon!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com**.
Connect with Tracie:
Tracie Kenyon, Executive Development Partner at Humanidei
tracie@humanidei.com*humanidei.com* Tracie: LinkedIn Humanidei: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter**
“Create a website for your credit union, not a template of 20 others.” - Bo McDonaldThank you for tuning in to episode 63 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Bo McDonald, President and CEO at Your Marketing Co and uncommn. In this credit union landscape where technology is more integrated than ever, uncommn is the preferred web development company for credit unions looking to control their online presence. Bo values service that is flexible to the changing needs of the credit union industry.
During our conversation, Bo and I chat about treating a website like a digital branch for members. Bo explains his thoughts about technology partners that don’t fit credit union needs versus technology partners made for credit union needs. Listen as Barb explores ideas to serve and interact with members that removes friction.
As we wrap up the episode, Bo talks about the two Johns that deeply influenced his leadership, the states he loves to visit, and the two things he doesn’t mind splurging on for a good time. Enjoy my conversation with Bo McDonald!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bo:Bo McDonald, President and CEO at Your Marketing Co and uncommn
Email
getuncommn.com
Bo: LinkedIn | Twitter
uncommn: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Bo! Check out all the exceptional work his team is doing over at uncommn here.
Want to hear more from Bo? Click here.
Podcast mentioned: Accidental Leader
Podcast episodes mentioned: The Tale of Two Johns (1, 2)
CuInsight Experience podcast appearances: 69, 149
“There is always an opportunity for credit unions to expand their digital footprint and presence.” - Barb Lowman
Thank you for tuning in to episode 62 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). Barb shares her career journey in the financial service industry that led to her current role at CSS. CUNA Strategic Services connects credit unions and leagues to the industry's top solution providers to create the ultimate partnerships. The team at CSS is focused on positioning credit unions to thrive in the market and provide exceptional member service.
During our conversation, Barb and I chat about the value CSS provides in connecting networks of people, resources, and tools. Barb shares why it is so important for credit unions to invest in technology and support in order to grow in today’s environment. Listen as Barb talks about shifting from idea to execution and delivering solutions to credit unions.
As we wrap up the episode, Barb talks about buying golf shoes, eating foods across the country, and a book that she considers a must-read. Enjoy my conversation with Barb Lowman!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Barb:
Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services
Blowman@cuna.coopcunastrategicservices.com Barb: LinkedIn CUNA Strategic Services: LinkedIn
“When it comes to engagement and financial literacy, effectiveness is key.” - Shyam Pradheep
Thank you for tuning in to episode 61 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shyam Pradheep, General Manager at Zogo and a return guest to the podcast. Zogo is a financial literacy company that provides bite-sized, gamified education in a fun and accessible way. Zogo’s gamified mobile integration is sure to help credit unions effectively attract Gen Z, millennials, and users of all ages in financial education. The team aims to engage members to make the most out of all the services credit unions offer.
During our conversation, Shyam and I chat about building engagement that can be reached by all ages. Shyam shares Zogo’s three pillars of engagement and lessons on gamifying financial literacy. Listen as Shyam reflects on the past, present, and future of Zogo and community engagement within the credit union industry.
As we wrap up the episode, Shyam talks about being a huge foodie, admiring his fellow team members, and experiencing The City That Never Sleeps. Enjoy my conversation with Shyam Pradheep!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Shyam:
Shyam Pradheep, General Manager at Zogo
shyam.pradheep@zogofinance.comzogo.com Shyam: LinkedIn Zogo: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
“Working with credit unions is less transactional, and more about being a good partner and solving problems.” - Craig Helmers
Thank you for tuning in to episode 60 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Craig Helmers, VP of ATM Management at ATM USA. Craig shares his career journey with ATM USA and his passion for working with credit unions. ATM USA is a nationally-recognized and trusted partner of high-quality, turnkey ATM equipment and services. One of their goals is to take the work of operating ATMs off of credit union teams.
During our conversation, Craig and I chat about how credit unions can approach ATM and ITM management by outsourcing. Craig shares tips on how to prepare for ATM compliance changes and how it’s beneficial to have a go-to partner especially when regulatory or technology requirements change. As we look to the future, ATM USA is committed to providing credit unions with ATM solutions to create a better member and employee experience. Listen as Craig shares new products and technology that will provide solutions for running an ATM fleet.
As we wrap up the episode, Craig talks about the inspiring career journey of his friend’s father, some of his favorite travel spots, and the impactful book his older brother gave him. Enjoy my conversation with Craig Helmers!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Craig:
Craig Helmers, VP of ATM Management at ATM USA
Chelmers@atmusa.comatmusa.com Craig: LinkedIn ATM USA: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“Let’s make sure members have access to the help they need when they need it.” - Seth Brickman
Thank you for tuning in to episode 59 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Seth Brickman, CEO of QCash Financial CUSO. Seth is a return guest, so we started this episode discussing changes in the economic environment since we last spoke and how QCash has evolved. QCash is a CUSO that helps credit unions serve members experiencing a financial need and approve loans more often through their patented relational underwriting system. Seth talks about financial inclusion and the vital role credit unions play in protecting members from predatory lenders.
During our conversation, Seth and I chat about financial access and inclusion and how QCash supports lending while mitigating risk. He discusses new products, programs, and technology being used to increase financial inclusion. As we look to the future, QCash is committed to collaborating with credit unions to improve the financial well-being of individuals and communities. QCash continues to support and empower credit unions so they can approve more loans and improve more lives.
As we wrap up the episode, Seth talks about race cars, his puppy, and the city that holds a special meaning for him. Enjoy my conversation with Seth Brickman!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Seth:
Seth Brickman, CEO of QCash Financial CUSO
sbrickman@qcashfinancial.comqcashfinancial.com Seth: LinkedIn QCash: Twitter | LinkedIn
“The better we’re prepared for anything, the better we’re going to be able to respond.” - Paul Whittier
Thank you for tuning in to episode 58 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Paul Whittier, Director of Channel Sales for the West Region at Adlumin. Paul talks about his passion for people and technology sales which led him on his career journey to his current role. Adlumin provides the enterprise-grade security operations platform and managed detection and response services to help organizations comply, detect, prioritize, and respond to cyber threats and IT operations in real-time. Adlumin’s goal is to revolutionize the way organizations secure sensitive data and help gain visibility to be aware of any cyber risks.
During our conversation, Paul and I chat about managing cybersecurity. Paul explains the goals of cyber criminals beyond tampering with member data, such as cyber ransoms. He describes how compliance can protect credit unions against threats and the importance of preparing for future threats by monitoring abnormal cyber events within their network. As we look to the future, Adlumin is focused on evolving their products and creating new solutions to stay ahead of future threats and continue supporting credit unions.
As we wrap up the episode, Paul talks about splurging on life experiences, traveling to different cities, and living life to the fullest. Enjoy my conversation with Paul Whittier!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Paul:
Paul Whittier, Director of Channel Sales for the West Region at Adlumin
paul.whittier@adlumin.comadlumin.com Paul: LinkedIn Adlumin: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
“We want to create a legislative and regulatory environment so credit unions don’t just survive, but thrive and grow.” - Dan Berger
Thank you for tuning in to episode 57 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Dan Berger, President and CEO at NAFCU. Dan has been a guest on The CUInsight Experience podcast and in this episode, we are diving into his experience with NAFCU and the amazing work they do. The team at NAFCU advocates for credit unions nationwide by interacting with government officials and policymakers. NAFCU is committed to representing, assisting, educating and informing credit unions to help them grow and continue serving their members.
During our conversation, Dan and I chat about NAFCU’s mission to support their members through advocacy, compliance assistance, and education and training. We discuss regulation and legislation as it relates to current events and how credit unions set themselves apart. Dan talks about the culture at NAFCU that values and enhances extreme member service to help credit unions support members and communities. As we look to the future, NAFCU is focused on advocacy and creating a legislative and regulatory environment for credit unions to thrive and grow.
As we wrap up the episode, Dan talks about buying fly fishing rods, being present for his family, and having fun in Nashville. Enjoy my conversation with Dan Berger!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Dan:
Dan Berger, President and CEO at NAFCU
dberger@nafcu.orgnafcu.org Dan: LinkedIn NAFCU: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
“Let’s challenge each other to lead.” - Allen Jingst
Thank you for tuning in to episode 56 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Allen Jingst, Chief Revenue Officer at Coviance. Allen talks about his passion for people and technology sales which led him on his career journey to his current role. Coviance is a technology-focused lending platform that makes home equity and HELOC lending simpler, faster, and friction-free. Coviance’s goal is to create a better and faster lending experience for credit unions, their members, and employees.
During our conversation, Allen talks about automating the lending process while enhancing the human touch to improve member experiences. The team at Coviance supports credit unions during the entire process of analyzing, innovating, and initiating new workflows. Allen believes credit unions are long standing financial institutions with a lot of insight to leverage. As we look to the future, Coviance is focused on perfecting the lending experience and continuously improving the process so credit unions can operate more efficiently and gain new members through real estate loans. Listen as Allen shares how credit unions can encourage each other to innovate and lead the movement forward.
As we wrap up the episode, Allen talks about spending time with family, a gadget that he can’t live without for business and personal use, and enjoying nature. Enjoy my conversation with Allen Jingst!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Allen:
Allen Jingst, Chief Revenue Officer at Coviance
ajingst@coviance.comcoviance.com Allen: LinkedIn Coviance: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“Digital transformation is a team sport.” - John Janclaes
Thank you for tuning in to episode 55 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is John Janclaes, President at Nymbus CUSO. John was a guest on the podcast two years ago so we dive right into how the environment for credit unions has evolved and how Nymbus has grown. The team at Nymbus offers a fresh perspective on growth for brands, credit unions, banks, and fintechs, with the technology and support for digital transformation.
During our conversation, John talks about the significance of technology as it pertains to acquiring members, deepening relationships, and retaining members for growth. He expresses how digital transformation is a team sport and it takes collaboration to integrate new systems and see progress. John talks about the book he is writing to help leaders assess, manage, and optimize partner relationships called, “The Partnership Advantage: How to Revitalize Community Financial Institutions.” It will be available this summer. When looking ahead, John is particularly looking forward to the Modern Core his team is developing to reach new growth and unlock new opportunities. Listen as John shares insights as the industry is evolving and how we can continue learning from each other.
As we wrap up the episode, John talks about an influential leader in his life, a book about high performing companies, and a city he loves to visit. Enjoy my conversation with John Janclaes!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with John:
John Janclaes, President at Nymbus CUSO
jjanclaes@nymbus.comnymbus.com/ John: LinkedIn Nymbus: LinkedIn | Twitter
“Credit unions are in a perfect spot to help people, to grow, and to be relevant.” - Jack Imes
Thank you for tuning in to episode 54 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Jack Imes, Chief Client Lending Consultant at Allied Solutions. Jack spent over 35 years working with credit unions and community banks. Allied Solutions is focused on using technology-based solutions to help clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition.
During our conversation, Jack shares how technology is the key to creating a better member experience for all generations. He talks about constantly building relationships to bring the latest innovations to clients and their members. Jack explains how Allied Solutions’ portfolio of diversified products is customized to meet individual partnership needs. As we look to the future, Allied Solutions is focused on supporting credit unions and providing them with tools for growth and longevity. Listen as Jack talks about providing seamless tech stack solutions to scale services and experiences.
As we wrap up the episode, Jack shares why he admires Michael Jordan, listening to podcasts, and exploring small towns. Enjoy my conversation with Jack Imes!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jack:
Jack Imes, Chief Client Lending Consultant at Allied Solutions
jack.imes@alliedsolutions.netalliedsolutions.net Jack: LinkedIn Allied Solutions: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“As credit unions continue to progress, it’s important to stay member driven.” - Anthony Arizola
Thank you for tuning in to episode 53 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Anthony Arizola, Sales Executive at CU NextGen. Anthony began his career in the credit union industry during high school and has been passionate about it since. CU NextGen is a CUSO dedicated to bringing next generation technology to credit unions such as no-code development, robotic process automation, and artificial intelligence. CU NextGen’s goal is to improve service delivery to members and to streamline efficiencies of day-to-day operations.
During our conversation, Anthony talks about using automation and collaboration to build better member-centric experiences. The team at CU NextGen have financial service backgrounds and understand how limited access to resources can affect operations; therefore bringing more solutions. As we look to the future, CU NextGen is committed to collaborating with credit unions by creating think-tank sessions and bringing new digital solutions. CU NextGen empowers credit unions to build customized solutions for smooth workflows that benefit members and employees.
As we wrap up the episode, Anthony talks about cheering for the Detroit Lions, spending time with his family and friends, and listening to podcasts. Enjoy my conversation with Anthony Arizola!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Anthony:
Anthony Arizola, Sales Executive at CU NextGen
anthony.arizola@cunextgen.comwww.cunextgen.com Anthony: LinkedIn CU NextGen: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
“Credit union members are not just borrowers or customers; they’re more than that.” - Michael Dippo
Thank you for tuning in to episode 52 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Michael Dippo, SVP of Lender Placed Auto at SWBC. Michael began his career as a teller in college and he continues to add value to the financial industry with nearly 30 years at SWBC. The team at SWBC offers a wide range of insurance, mortgage, and investment services to financial institutions, businesses, and individuals so they can meet critical goals. Michael specifically works with SWBC’s Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI) carriers to manage existing CPI programs and refine useful coverages for a better future.
During our conversation, Michael talks about financial protection for credit unions and members. Much of his work is based in loan risk management and he shares how SWBC helps credit unions track insurance on collateral. Michael explains how insurance protects a lender’s interest in the collateral they finance as well. The conversation explores current trends on loan risk in the financial industry, specifically changes within the auto industry.
As we wrap up the episode, Michael talks about who he admires most, spending time with his family, and which non-profits he volunteers for and serves on the board. Enjoy my conversation with Michael Dippo!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Michael:
Michael Dippo, SVP of Lender Placed Auto at SWBC
mdippo@swbc.comwww.swbc.com Michael: LinkedIn SWBC: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube
“Credit unions have all of the data needed to translate it into value.” - Andrea Brown
Thank you for tuning in to episode 51 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Andrea Brown, VP of Client Engagement at Lodestar Technologies. Andrea begins by sharing her education and career journey that molded her two passions together; data and credit unions. Lodestar Technologies is an analytics partner for financial institutions, providing a full-service analytics platform of data connectors, visuals, workflows, and strategic guidance to move forward in the analytics journey. Their team of experts come directly from the financial services industry and truly understand credit unions, their values, and mission. As partners, they empower and help clients spend less time on data collection so they have more time to dive in and understand and utilize their data.
During our conversation, Andrea shares how credit unions can build a data strategy and put action behind it. She believes credit unions have a lot of choices and control over the systems they use which is beneficial in customizing it to their specific member needs. Andrea points out places where member data lives throughout the organization and which data strategies to prioritize. She explains where data plays a role in impactful marketing, through targeted communication and campaign management. We discuss how credit unions can translate data into value to create exceptional member experiences. As we look to the future, Andrea talks about machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics as it pertains to credit unions and their data-marketing strategies.
As we wrap up the episode, Andrea talks about why she has so many household organizers, her favorite podcasts, and which video game she plays with her sons. Enjoy my conversation with Andrea Brown!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Andrea:
Andrea Brown, VP of Client Engagement at Lodestar Technologies
andrea.brown@lodestartech.cahttps://lodestartech.ca Andrea: LinkedIn Lodestar Technologies: LinkedIn
“Find the best partner that can help enhance the strategic goals of the institution.” - Kelly Flynn
Thank you for tuning in to episode 50 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Kelly Flynn, National Sales Director at JMFA. Kelly’s been connected to the credit union industry all her life. After years of working within the movement Kelly joined JMFA, one of the most trusted names in the industry helping credit unions improve their performance and profitability. JMFA offers a program called the Contract Optimizer, which helps credit unions evaluate and negotiate their third party vendor agreements and find the best fit for them.
During our conversation, Kelly shares how JMFA works to help credit unions overcome challenges such as reducing member friction, increasing digital capabilities, improving efficiencies, and managing expenses. In a rapidly changing industry, Kelly discusses how financial services must be able to meet the needs of all generations. She explains the many ways that JMFA supports credit unions, specifically how credit unions can become a member’s primary financial institution. Kelly shares the importance of managing vendor relationships and the impact it has on member experience, service, and the credit union’s bottom line.
As we wrap up the episode, Kelly talks about the tennis shoes she can’t live without, the habit she thinks makes a successful person, and the moments she’s looking forward to as spring comes. Enjoy my conversation with Kelly Flynn!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com**.
Connect with Kelly:
Kelly Flynn, National Sales Director at JMFA
kelly.flynn@jmfa.com
https://www.jmfa.com
Kelly: LinkedIn JMFA: LinkedIn**
“If your members are successful, the credit union is also successful.” - Shyam Pradheep
Thank you for tuning in to episode 49 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Shyam Pradheep, General Manager at Zogo. Shyam joined Zogo early on, when it was still an idea between college friends. Starting as an intern, Shyam has had the opportunity to work in all areas of this start-up and now oversees each department as they have grown. Zogo believes in making education accessible, specifically focusing on financial literacy. They focus on three pillars to do so by making it easily available, comprehensible, and engaging. Zogo’s gamified mobile integration is sure to help financial services effectively engage Gen Z, millennials, and users of all ages in financial education.
During our conversation, Shyam talks about why Zogo believes financial literacy is the backbone of financial success. He shares tools and resources that Zogo offers credit unions to engage members and enhance their learning. Through gamification, members can easily understand where they stand with their finances and how to improve. Shyam shares how Zogo plans to continue innovating and evolving to meet the needs of credit unions and their members.
As we wrap up the episode, Shyam talks about why his team amazes him, which episode of the Acquired podcast people should check out, and which book he recommends for everyone to read. Enjoy my conversation with Shyam Pradheep!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Shyam:
Shyam Pradheep, General Manager at Zogo
shyam.pradheep@zogofinance.com
https://www.zogo.com
Shyam: LinkedIn Zogo: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
“Credit unions are the original social enterprise.” - Cameron Madill
Thank you for tuning in to episode 48 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Cameron Madill, CEO and Co-owner at PixelSpoke. Cameron begins by sharing his education and career journey that led him to finding a passion working with credit unions. PixelSpoke is a worker-owned cooperative and certified B Corp that helps credit unions create beautiful and efficient websites. Cameron believes credit unions are the original version of what it means to be a social enterprise. As a team, PixelSpoke is committed to doing exceptional work and building “everybody wins relationships” that inspire positive change.
During our conversation, Cameron discusses strategy and the three core pillars PixelSpoke has built for credit unions: best practices and creativity, digital branch analytics, and impact storytelling. We talk about how PixelSpoke can help credit unions differentiate their impact work to better align with their brand identity. He shares the three core components or three C’s for impact marketing: core focus, committing to something big, and communicating memorably. Cameron talks about climate finance and how it pertains to credit unions and their members. As we look to the future, PixelSpoke is focused on blending digital capabilities and human services to provide a positive member experience.
As we wrap up the episode, Cameron talks about enjoying his favorite coffee machine, listening to opera, and going out in nature when he gets the chance. Enjoy my conversation with Cameron Madill!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com**.
Connect with Cameron:
Cameron Madill, CEO and co-owner at PixelSpoke
cameron@pixelspoke.com
https://www.pixelspoke.com
Cameron: LinkedIn PixelSpoke: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook**
“Stay educated on what’s happening today to anticipate what may happen in the future.” - Brian Keefe
Thank you for tuning in to episode 47 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Brian Keefe, Portfolio Presales Consultant at NICE Actimize. Brian begins by sharing his career journey that started in law enforcement and led him to financial services. NICE Actimize brings together fraud analytics and data intelligence and insights on a single cloud-native platform to mitigate fraud and financial crime across financial institutions. The affordable cloud-based solution adds power and security to credit union operations. For over two decades, the team continues to develop new products and solutions that keep financial institutions a step ahead of financial crime.
During our conversation, Brian talks about investing in new solutions to handle faster payments with less risk. He points out the expectations and importance of instant payments when it comes to meeting the needs of members and prospective members. Brian discusses how NICE Actimize can help credit unions detect and prevent real-time payments fraud. He explores the opportunities to offer the same secure and speedy services as larger financial institutions with the same level of risk mitigation. As we look to the future, Brian shares the importance of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to digital and legacy data and how NICE Actimize plans to continue helping credit unions do so.
As we wrap up the episode, Brian talks about connecting through VR glasses, his favorite podcast genres, and amazing small business owners. Enjoy my conversation with Brian Keefe!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Brian:
Brian Keefe, Portfolio Presales Consultant at NICE ActimizeBrian.Keefe@niceactimize.com https://www.niceactimize.com
Brian: LinkedIn NICE Actimize: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
“Becoming data-driven isn’t just about technology; it’s really about culture change.” - Stef Luck
Thank you for tuning in to episode 46 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Stef Luck, Vice President of Sales at Trellance. Stef begins by sharing her career journey that led her to finding a passion in financial services. She shares how every credit union’s data journey is unique and should be determined based on their specific member needs and strategic goals. The team at Trellance delivers a range of analytics, cloud, and talent solutions helping credit unions turn data into insights and take action on those insights to achieve more and improve their member experience. In the big picture, Trellance provides solutions and consulting to guide credit unions in member experience improvements and data migration to cloud-based strategies.
During our conversation, Stef explains why becoming a data-driven credit union includes more than technology. She points out that being data-driven is a way of doing business, and there is no end point as it keeps advancing. Stef gives advice on possible starting points when it comes to evolving for those who rely on legacy data systems and silos. She shares how a credit union’s data journey requires a change in perspective, such as building a professional culture that values data. Stef explains the four data pillars to determine strategies, understand current placement within your data journey and references a recent white paper by Trellance called How to Build Your Data Maturity Action Plan. This white paper helps credit unions plan their data journey by first understanding where they are within the pillars, what their goals are, and specific actions to take in order to reach those goals. As we look to the future, Stef shares how Trellance plans to continue helping credit unions grow through AI, the cloud, and machine learning.
As we wrap up the episode, Stef talks about a recent purchase that she can’t live without, what she enjoys doing in her free time including going to the gym and getting back into playing the piano. She also shares her definition of success. Enjoy my conversation with Stef Luck!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Stef:
Stef Luck, Vice President of Sales at Trellance
sluck@trellance.com
https://www.trellance.com
Stef: LinkedIn Trellance: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“Insights are a means to delivering outcomes.” - Mark Leher
Thank you for tuning in to episode 45 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Mark Leher, Director of Product Management at Segmint, an Alkami Company. Segmint empowers credit unions to easily understand and utilize data to improve their marketing and strategic decision making. As a team, they help credit unions provide a more meaningful member experience through the insights gained from data. As the industry changes and new trends develop, Segmint equips credit unions with the tools needed to adapt in the future.
During our conversation, Mark discusses how Segmint can help credit unions clarify data so they can better serve members and make informed investments. He mentions how tech investments are evolving from transactional interactions to digital conversations. Mark talks about the value that analytics deliver outside of vanity metrics. He shares use case examples to describe the insights, technology, and data that are bringing valuable outcomes to credit unions. Looking forward, Mark discusses upcoming trends and ways that Segmint, an Alkami Company, plans to continue supporting credit unions in the future.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark shares his wide range of interests, including 90s music, running, and how data analytics translates to sports. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Leher!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mark Leher, Director of Product Management at Segmint an Alkami Company
mark.leher@alkami.com
https://segmint.com
Mark: LinkedIn Segmint: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“The people helping people mantra is real, and you are making a difference.” - Matt Good
Thank you for tuning in to episode 44 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Matt Good, Senior Vice President and Director of Regional Partnerships at Elan Credit Card. Elan partners with credit unions to offer a program that provides industry-leading credit card solutions to their members. Credit card usage continues to increase, especially with the world becoming more digital. Elan works to remove all credit risk, compliance risk, and more, allowing credit unions to offer successful solutions while earning risk-free income.
During our conversation, Matt explains how credit unions and small businesses can team up to serve their community. He speaks to the challenges of the ever changing digital world and how these changes affect operations, causing small businesses to look towards financial institutions for all-in-one service. Matt shares an affordable and multifaceted solution that credit unions can offer to streamline these services and increase revenue. Matt discusses best practices for choosing a merchant services partner along with key considerations to develop a successful partnership.
Tune in to hear how Elan positively impacts communities and includes their credit union partners in doing so. Matt explains the importance of charitable giving and community outreach to members and the potential negative impact if credit unions do not get involved. Looking forward, Matt discusses upcoming trends and ways that Elan plans to continue supporting credit unions in the future.
As we wrap up the episode, Matt shares his admiration for Sparky Anderson, which podcasts he listens to while running, and what he enjoys in his downtime. Enjoy my conversation with Matt Good!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Matt:
Matt Good, Senior Vice President and Director of Regional Partnerships at Elan Credit Cardmatt.good@elanfs.comwww.cupartnership.com Matt: LinkedIn Elan: LinkedIn | Twitter
“Focus on who you serve and how you serve them best.” - Philip Paul
Thank you for tuning in to episode 43 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Philip Paul, CEO at Cotribute. Cotribute is a digital growth platform helping credit unions grow efficiently by acquiring new members while retaining existing ones. Philip shares what inspired him to address business concerns through technology. Cotribute helps credit unions achieve operationally efficient growth using analytics, templates, and automations.
During our conversation, Philip talks about success through a thoughtful operational strategy. He shares insights on the reach, scale, and efficiency of digital member experiences. The team at Cotribute focuses on helping credit unions thrive and improve member services with automation and optimization. Philip explains the benefits of expanding digital channels for credit unions. He shares how credit unions can provide the right offerings, to the right members, at the right time in a way that’s meaningful without losing human interaction that is so valued by members. Philip shares his vision when it comes to emerging trends in financial services and Cotribute’s role in supporting credit unions.
As we wrap up the episode, Philip shares which Apple products he uses most, which podcast he listens to daily, and which sports he follows. Enjoy my conversation with Philip Paul!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com**.
Connect with Philip:
Philip Paul, CEO at Cotribute
hello@cotributemail.com*https://www.cotribute.com* Philip: LinkedIn Cotribute: LinkedIn | Twitter**
“This is a tough time to predict, but a better time to prepare.” - Bill Gould
Thank you for tuning in to episode 42 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Bill Gould, Executive Vice President at Securian Financial. For over 60 years, Securian Financial operates as a mutual holding company that provides a range of financial products and services. The team helps credit unions provide protection and products to members. Together, they create a partnership that improves the experience of both the members and the staff.
In this conversation, Bill and I talk about credit union partnerships that help financial service teams embrace innovation. Bill shares his insights on where fintechs can fit in and create opportunities for credit unions. We discuss the importance of maintaining engagement with employees, and Bill shares two key fundamentals that he looks for when adding to his team. Bill also explains new trends emerging in the financial service industry and how Securian plans to innovate to meet those needs.
As we wrap up the episode, Bill talks about his father’s entrepreneurial grit, his family-time hobbies, and his book choices. Enjoy my conversation with Bill Gould!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bill:
Bill Gould, Executive Vice President at Securian Financial
william.gould@securian.comhttps://www.securian.com/ Bill: LinkedIn Securian Financial: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
“Get engaged and stay engaged.” - Greg Mesack
Thank you for tuning in to episode 41 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Greg Mesack, SVP of Government Affairs at NAFCU. The team at NAFCU advocates for credit unions nationwide by interacting with government officials and policymakers allowing credit unions to continue serving their members. Through financial advocacy, NAFCU helps protect members from financial institutions that may not have consumers’ best interest at heart. NAFCU is committed to representing, assisting, educating and defending our member credit unions to help them grow, and help grow the industry as well.
In this conversation, Greg and I talk about how credit unions are critical in this current economic state and what NAFCU is doing to protect them. Along the way, Greg discusses the Credit Card Competition Act of 2022 (CCCA), the battle between banks and retailers, rapid consolidation, and inflation. He explains how these pull resources from economically-distressed areas, especially rural and inner city communities. Greg speaks passionately about financial advocacy, and he shares how people can get involved.
As we wrap up the episode, Greg talks about Tom Brady, his hack for keeping up with sports, and the product he can’t live without. Enjoy my conversation with Greg Mesack!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Greg:
Greg Mesack, SVP of Government Affairs at NAFCU
gmesack@nafcu.orghttps://www.nafcu.org/ Greg: LinkedIn | Twitter NAFCU: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
“Don’t be hesitant about entering the faster payments arena.” - Mark Majeske
Thank you for tuning in to episode 40 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Mark Majeske, SVP of Faster Payments at Alacriti. The team at Alacriti helps credit unions identify needs of the market, so they can stay on the edge of innovation and time their actions right for members. Credit unions large and small, can participate and compete in the marketplace, especially faster payments. Alacriti partners with credit unions to not only assess market needs but also bring connectivity to various payment rails as well.
In this conversation, Mark and I discuss the hurdles of faster payments and the new expectations it creates in business. He discusses the ease of integration and implementation of a new payment rail into a current core system. Mark talks about payment rail options, and the importance of understanding what members want when it comes to those options to create an easy experience for all. Mark discusses factors that need to be considered when it comes to fraud, along with a hybrid system to protect faster payments against fraud.
Tune in to hear what new trends are expected to emerge in financial services as well as what’s in store for the future at Alacriti. He emphasizes the importance of member centric applications and cryptocurrency. Ultimately, Alacriti is a partner for credit unions that gives members the experience they want and expect.
As we wrap up the episode, Mark talks about his favorite music from the 70s & 80s, how he defines success, and what he enjoys doing at his lake house. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Majeske!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mark:
Mark Majeske, SVP of Faster Payments at Alacriti
mark.majeske@alacriti.comhttps://www.alacriti.com Mark: LinkedIn Alacriti: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“Credit unions are relevant, I just think we can do a better job of making sure the market knows that.” - Roger Willey
Thank you for tuning in to episode 39 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Roger Willey, Chief Revenue Officer at VisiFI. With four decades of experience, VisiFI is a technology provider and CUSO supporting approximately 120 credit unions. Roger began his career when consumer behavior was a rising topic, and has since seen it become a critical business objective. He considers himself a business growth strategist that uses data to help credit unions grow their market share. The core mission at VisiFI is to help credit unions embrace technology and create a digital environment to lead and expand the relationship with their members into easy to use and seamless experiences.
In this episode, Roger discusses the necessary measures credit unions must take to adapt to new trends, support longevity, and connect with members. He talks about opportunities to develop data, intelligence, and member service. Listen to Roger share his thoughts on the unique leverage credit unions have over big banks and how credit unions can adapt to market changes and grow within different environments.
Tune in to hear how you can use the value proposition of credit unions as a competitive advantage and why this message needs to be shared with consumers worldwide. Roger explains how complexity in credit union models adds cost and risk. We discuss VisiFI’s plans on innovating for the future to meet various needs of clients and members. Roger believes the methodology for business growth does not change; but the market, products, and the unique value proposition do change, requiring credit unions to be more agile. Ultimately, Roger encourages listeners to embrace storytelling and find ways to adapt in this digital landscape.
As we wrap up the episode, Roger talks about a recent purchase he can’t live without, the Rolling Stones, and traveling with his wife as empty nesters. Enjoy my conversation with Roger Willey!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Roger:
Roger Willey, Chief Revenue Officer at VisiFI
roger.willey@dedagroup.ithttps://visifi.com/ Roger: LinkedIn VisiFI: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
“There’s a totally different way of doing business right now, and you’ve got to embrace that.” - Bo McDonald
Thank you for tuning in to episode 38 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Bo McDonald, President at Your Marketing Co. The core mission at Your Marketing Co. (YMC) is to help credit unions strategize and uncover unique opportunities. The YMC team finds niches within the credit unions they work with to focus marketing efforts on ideal members. Bo also shares the one rule he gives credit unions on the first day of working together that is necessary for continued growth. YMC offers strategic planning, branding, and marketing for credit unions that seek innovation, relevancy, and growth.
In this episode, Bo speaks about taking the necessary measures to refine or revamp a credit union’s brand. He expresses the importance of being intentional and asking questions to gain perspective when creating a marketing plan and making changes. Listen to Bo share key insights about the future of financial services when it comes to the member experience and redefining what marketing is.
Tune in to hear how you can ask more precise questions of your members and staff to solve the actual problem and improve marketing results going forward. According to Bo, marketing is constantly changing and will continue to change from what is trending right now. He discusses the value in providing ease in services, evaluating marketing plans regularly, and inspiring change.
As we wrap up the episode, Bo talks about antique rocking chairs, his favorite radio station that brings him joy, and one of his favorite books that he even shares with clients. Enjoy my conversation with Bo McDonald!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Bo:
Bo McDonald, President at Your Marketing Co.
bo@yourmarketingco.comhttps://yourmarketing.co Bo: LinkedIn | Twitter Your Marketing Co.: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“Serve your members while also maintaining and monitoring your loan portfolio.” - Dan Price
Thank you for tuning in to episode 37 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Dan Price, President at 2020 Analytics. Dan was a guest on the podcast last year and in this episode we dive right into the state of the economy, CECL, and rising interest rates. Dan shares insights on how credit unions and members are affected by these factors along with inflation and housing affordability. He believes credit unions are well positioned to help borrowers in this economy as well as continue building trusting relationships. The team at 2020 Analytics aims to help credit unions grow assets, improve returns, and save time. Dan shares his specialized insight of data management and algorithms for credit unions in this period of economic uncertainty.
In this episode, Dan speaks about the power of data and properly managing a diversified portfolio. Learn how data tracks the ripple effect of economic setbacks, such as the correlation between interest rates, unemployment, and delinquency. Dan explains that credit unions have the ability to be flexible when it comes to member purchasing power. He offers suggestions that maintain high-quality member service and also keep the pipeline open.
Tune in to hear how 2020 Analytics plans to innovate for the future. Listeners will hear Dan emphasize the importance of using data to focus on creating convenience for borrowers. He also shares his thoughts on trends around risk management, member experience, and how credit unions can prosper in a bull market.
As we wrap up the episode, Dan gives a huge shout out to his children, shares what he enjoys about Spotify’s algorithm, and explains how he handles work-life integration. Enjoy my conversation with Dan Price!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Dan:
Dan Price, President at 2020 Analytics
dprice@ttadata.com
https://ttadata.com/
Dan: LinkedIn | 2020 Analytics: LinkedIn
“We have to be careful to not be chasing the shiny object.” - Doug Burke
Thank you for tuning in to episode 36 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Doug Burke, CEO at Aux. Aux is a CUSO that started as a shared branching network and has since expanded their services based on feedback from clients. Now, Aux offers a robust suite of credit union back-office services, such as accounting, compliance, and data analytics. Aux is committed to helping credit unions, specifically small- and medium-sized credit unions survive and thrive.
Doug started his career in the credit union industry over 30 years ago. In this episode, he explains how Aux takes the “people helping people” philosophy a step further as the ones helping credit unions so they are more equipped to help their members. Aux supports small and medium credit unions by taking on back-office tasks so their teams can focus on strategic growth.
Tune in to hear Doug speak about the growing team at Aux and how they maintain company culture in the midst of major shifts. He explains their team dynamics as a fully remote organization and how they stay connected. Doug emphasizes how their remote structure allows for increased talent pools and greater accessibility for their credit union clients. He shares his thoughts on how to keep team members motivated and emotionally healthy in a remote environment. During our conversation, you’ll also hear about trends for the future and how Aux plans to innovate to stay ahead of these challenges and meet the needs of credit unions and their members.
As we wrap up the episode, Doug shares his travel “must have” item, the nuclear shadow of Rocky Flats, and cycling with his son. Enjoy my conversation with Doug Burke!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Doug:Doug Burke, CEO at Aux
dburke@auxteam.com
https://auxteam.com
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“When you look at the underlying data, you are able to tell a better economic story of members.” - Pankaj Jain
Thank you for tuning in to episode 35 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Pankaj Jain, President and Co-Founder at Scienaptic AI. Pankaj shares his story and the experiences that inspired him to develop this technology and create Scienaptic AI, an AI-powered instant loan decision-making platform. We talk about how the Scienaptic team helps credit unions leverage data to better understand the background of each member, allowing credit unions to approve more loans while minimizing risk.
In this episode, Pankaj shares how Scienaptic supports underwriting efforts through alternative credit scoring and the positive impact it can have on ROI. In an effort to change the narrative of, “Every person is a risk,” Pankaj shares his vision of credit unions moving toward an “Every person gets credit” narrative. We discuss the impact Scienaptic can have on product offerings, loan processes, and the overall digital member experience.
Tune in to hear Pankaj provide insight on streamlining services to capture opportunities and exceed expectations. He discusses the importance of AI and creating a digital member experience that is easy to use and delivers instant gratification to users, specifically Gen Z. During our conversation, you’ll also learn how Scienaptic innovates to avoid disruption in the financial services industry and how they can add value to credit unions so they can stay ahead of these trends and thrive in the industry as well.
As we wrap up the episode, Pankaj talks about a recent purchase he can’t live without, what he finds inspirational about Elon Musk, and spending time in nature with his family. Enjoy my conversation with Pankaj Jain!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Pankaj:Pankaj Jain, President and Co-Founder at Scienaptic AI
pankaj.jain@scienaptic.com
https://www.scienaptic.ai/
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
“The more information you can empower employees with, the better the whole organization is.” - Ben Stangland
Thank you for tuning in to episode 34 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Ben Stangland, President and COO at Strum (previously Weber Marketing Group). After going through brand updates, Strum is now building upon their legacy with their two companies, Strum Agency and Strum Platform. Strum Agency is a full service marketing agency helping credit unions build growth strategies through naming, branding, and marketing. Strum Platform is a financial marketing analytics software that helps credit unions better understand their members through data.
Ben has been with Strum for over twenty years. In this episode, he describes how Strum works with credit unions to help create focus in their growth strategy. He shares the importance of understanding and reaching the credit union’s target member, while staying true to the mission of the organization. Ben puts great emphasis on helping credit unions through the process of renaming and rebranding as they evolve. He discusses the adaptation of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based computing. Ben also gives key insights on the significance of sharing data within the organization rather than keeping it siloed.
Tune in to hear Ben discuss trends that he finds important for the future of the movement and ways credit unions can innovate to meet those needs. Strum helps credit unions utilize the data they already have and supplement it with additional information to gain a better understanding of their members. During our conversation, you’ll also hear more about the rebranding process that Strum went through as they evolved from Weber Marketing Group into the robust organization they are today.
As we wrap up the episode, Ben talks about bullet journaling, jazz music, and spending time with his family. Enjoy my conversation with Ben Stangland!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Ben:Ben Stangland, President and COO at Strum
ben.stangland@strumagency.com
https://www.strumagency.com
https://strumplatform.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
“We create a great member experience while achieving compliance goals.” -Tony Repanich
Thank you for tuning in to episode 33 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Tony Repanich, President and COO at Shield Compliance. Shield Compliance works to transform how credit unions manage risk, comply with regulation, and satisfy growing operational demands associated with serving the legal cannabis market. Shield’s core platform technologies automate the compliance process and give credit unions the structure they need to monitor, measure, and control operations. Their Shield Assure, Shield Engage, and Shield Transact products ensure efficiency and reliability so credit unions can remain compliant while taking risks in a new line of business.
Tony has been in the financial services industry for over two decades. In this episode, he talks about how Shield Compliance can unlock new business opportunities and add value to credit unions. He discusses the economic advantages of cannabis banking and how they can provide the technology needed to mitigate and manage risk. Tony addresses the concerns facing the cannabis banking industry, including regulatory requirements, risk assessments, and personal viewpoints.
Tune in to hear Tony discuss ways to satisfy the regulatory and risk side while supporting access to banking for legal enterprises. Tony also shares ways credit unions in areas with legalized cannabis industries can help make their communities safer by providing access to banking for these cash-heavy businesses. During our conversation, you’ll also hear Tony dive into the cannabis banking playbook that he created to help credit unions understand the logistics of this new environment and frame out what they can expect.
As we wrap up the episode, Tony talks about the magic of Starbucks, his go-to podcast, and his favorite Peloton instructor. Enjoy my conversation with Tony Repanich!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Tony:Tony Repanich, President and COO at Shield Compliance
tony@shieldbanking.com
www.shieldbanking.com
LinkedIn | Facebook
“A great member experience is going to be holistic and involve everyone.” - Taylor Wells
Thank you for tuning in to episode 32 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Taylor Wells, Experience Director at On the Mark Strategies. The core mission at On the Mark Strategies is to guide credit unions in their strategic planning, branding, and building their member experience so they can succeed. The team has many years of credit union experience and truly believes in helping credit unions thrive in a competitive environment. On The Mark Strategies differentiates itself through its core values, the three E’s: Engage, Educate, Entertain.
In this episode, Taylor discusses the significance of the member experience and how On The Mark Strategies can help credit unions create a customized, authentic, and consistent experience for both employees and members. Taylor shares the ways his team works with credit unions to understand and improve their member experience across multiple channels. He explains that the team starts with data collection and demographic work to understand the current state of the member experience and hosts multi-day workshops for the credit union team to recreate their ideal member experience.
During our conversation, Taylor speaks to the disconnect between front and back-office employees and ways to generate buy-in from all levels of the organization. He also shares the effects hiring, growth, and retention can have on the member experience. Taylor recommends credit unions also look outside of the industry to bring in new talent, while not overlooking ways they can promote from within. To maximize ROI and brand impact, Taylor advises credit unions to align their community involvement and charitable donations with their brand values and target audiences. As we wrap up the conversation, Taylor calls out the importance of actionable strategic plans, organizational health, effective marketing, and more.
Tune in to hear Taylor talk about his growing hat collection, his favorite Michael Jordan quote, and the book he recommends everyone read. Enjoy my conversation with Taylor Wells!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Taylor:Taylor Wells, Experience Director at On the Mark Strategies
taylor@markarnold.com
https://www.markarnold.com
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
“Disruption comes in all shapes and sizes.” - Dania Buchanan
Thank you for tuning in to episode 31 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Dania Buchanan, the President at SmartVault. The core mission at SmartVault is providing businesses with a central document destination that enables the adoption of a fully digital, fully automated document workflow. The SmartVault system is also highly secure and supports regulatory compliance mandates. They focus on reducing or eliminating routine and repetitive tasks associated with document workflows, serving small and mid-sized businesses like credit unions.
While she originally wanted to be a journalist, in this episode Dania discusses the inspiration that led to founding SmartVault and taking on the role as President. She shares that product disruption is exciting to her, as her team turns traditional document management on its head. We explore ways that integrating document management into the apps and workflows credit unions are already using can make them more competitive.
Dania always works to create a culture where staff can do the best and most vibrant work of their careers. Throughout the episode, we talk through the needs of employees to be able to collaborate whether working from the office, at home, or in a hybrid of the two. Dania expresses how important community service is to her as a leader and how she intentionally builds structures for her whole team to participate. As technology continues to evolve, Dania recommends building the foundation first and leveraging incremental change instead of trying to redo everything at once.
As we wrap up the episode, Dania shares a favorite beverage, her go-to podcasts, and the person she thinks of first when she hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Dania Buchanan!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Dania:Dania Buchanan, President at SmartVault
dbuchanan@smartvault.com
https://www.smartvault.com/
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“Being reactive is no longer an option if you want to remain relevant.” - Kent Zimmer
Thank you for tuning in to episode 30 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Kent Zimmer, CEO at CU NextGen. CU NextGen is the CUSO dedicated to bringing next-generation technology to credit unions, helping them improve the service delivered to their members, the daily experiences of their staff members, and the efficiency of their operations. CU NextGen is a partnership between Members Development Company, a consortium of nearly 70 large and future-focused credit unions, and ClaySys Technologies, a technology company with leading products in the no-code application development, robotic process automation (RPA), and artificial intelligence spaces.
During our conversation, Kent emphasizes that expectations for ease-of-use and digital experience are constantly evolving. Kent and I discuss how CU NextGen gives credit unions the tools they need for digital transformation, and provides them the flexibility to quickly customize the member experience. Kent shares his thoughts on credit unions being more proactive in customizing the member experience and embracing digital transformation, instead of being reactive to changes. He is excited for the future and for new challenges in creating a better member experience on behalf of credit unions.
During our rapid fire questions, Kent talks about owning a Tesla, winning gold at the pickleball nationals, and his go-to music choices. Listen in as Kent talks about why his idea of success comes from mentors instead of celebrities, and what book he recommends. Enjoy my conversation with Kent Zimmer!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Kent:Kent Zimmer, CEO at CU NextGen
kent.zimmer@cunextgen.com
https://cunextgen.com/
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“Without credible data, you only have an opinion.” - Ryan Housefield
Thank you for tuning in to episode 29 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Ryan Housefield, SVP of Sales at Marquis. Marquis delivers four key components of a successful data analytics, marketing automation, and CRM strategy for credit unions to build personalized relationships with members. Ryan believes credible data sources are key, and that the credit union industry can leverage that data to provide better marketing and member experience.
During our conversation, Ryan shares the importance of taking action on data. He chats about how data is an evolution rather than a revolution, and that finding and maintaining good data is never complete. He explains that relationships and personal connections are key to a credit union’s competitive advantage, and that Marquis enables their clients to deliver on those promises. Treating each member as an individual instead of a number is something Ryan believes sets credit unions apart.
Ryan and I discuss creating more awareness to make sure that credit unions aren’t a “best kept secret.” He shares that once someone knows about and joins the credit union, we need to continue the education throughout the whole member journey. Overall Ryan sees a high-tech and high-touch emphasis emerging for credit unions, including both the technology tools they need to succeed as well as the relationship focus with each member. He encourages credit unions to use data, not just for data’s sake, but to improve member lives.
During our rapid fire questions, Ryan talks about podcasts, country music, and his daughters. Listen in as Ryan talks about what he wanted to be growing up, the recent purchase he can’t live without, and one of his favorite books. Enjoy my conversation with Ryan Housefield!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Ryan:Ryan Housefield, SVP of Sales at Marquis
ryanh@gomarquis.com
https://gomarquis.com
LinkedIn | Twitter
“We were created because people in credit unions wanted to help grow the global credit union system.” - Mike Reuter
Thank you for tuning in to episode 28 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Mike Reuter, the Executive Director of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), which is the engagement and fundraising arm of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). Mike shares that while the Worldwide Foundation focused primarily on disaster relief at its inception, over the years it has grown and today supports the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), World Council Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) program, and much more.
The Worldwide Foundation offers what Mike describes as an à la carte menu of global credit union engagement experiences and programs from which both credit unions and individuals can select. Mike also describes the significant work the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is doing to support Ukraine’s credit unions in the midst of the humanitarian crisis there. During the conversation, Mike provides details on their Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, which raised over $150,000 in its first 10 days, and their Ukrainian Taskforce in partnership with WOCCU and global partners. For credit unions that want to be involved in supporting Ukraine and its credit union system, Mike recommends a charitable donation to the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund.
As a global credit union first responder, Mike and the Worldwide Foundation support the humanitarian side during a crisis, such as the one in Ukraine, in terms of relief needs for members and citizens. WFCU also provides support for the recovery phase of a disaster, helping the credit union system rebuild, accelerate digitization, and refresh their strategic direction. Mike explains that the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions is an industry leader in marshaling volunteer resources, thought leadership, and travel to countries recovering from disaster to chart a stronger and more sustainable future together.
During our rapid fire questions, Mike shares that growing up, he wanted to be an American History professor. Listen in to hear who he thinks of first when he hears the word “success,” the book he loves to gift, and the decade of music he listens to on repeat. Enjoy my conversation with Mike Reuter!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Mike:Mike Reuter, Executive Director at Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU)
mreuter@woccu.org
https://www.doglobalgood.org/
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with credit unions.” - John Cassidy
Thank you for tuning in to episode 27 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is John Cassidy, Director of Credit Union System Relations at CUNA Mutual Group. CUNA Mutual Group built an ecosystem designed to help credit unions succeed, and their strategy is designed on the belief that a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone. They have a strong commitment to making financial products easier to own through simple and affordable solutions, helping credit unions meet their members’ needs. CUNA Mutual is there for credit unions and their members in the moments that matter.
John is especially proud of CUNA Mutual’s relationships with credit unions and the overall system and the ways CUNA Mutual demonstrates that they are truly a partner with credit unions. CUNA Mutual Group builds, buys, and partners with others to provide capabilities that credit unions need. He shares that CUNA Mutual Group has donated millions to programs and campaigns that are important for the credit union mission, including the Credit Union Awareness Program, the Bridge the Gap Campaign, and Financial Well-being for All, among others.
John expresses his thoughts on how credit unions can meet the diverse needs of consumers and especially the importance of serving multicultural consumers. He advocates for investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion and shares both CUNA Mutual’s stance as well as other notable programs moving the industry forward here. Listen as John talks about the Multicultural Center of Excellence, the growing CDFI fund, and political advocacy work.
In our rapid-fire questions, John shares which genres of music he listens to these days, his favorite toothbrush, and the sport he coaches. You’ll also hear about the leader he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with John Cassidy!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with John:John Cassidy, Director of Credit Union System Relations at CUNA Mutual Group
john.cassidy@cunamutual.com
https://www.cunamutual.com/
LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube
“Each day there are people working to make a difference.” - Jack Lynch
Thank you for tuning in to episode 26 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Jack Lynch, Chief Risk Officer at PSCU and President at TriVerity. PSCU is the nation’s premiere credit union organization (CUSO) that evolved from being a payment processor to being an end-to-end financial technology provider. They currently offer a full range of services such as risk management, data analytics, digital banking, contact center services and more. TriVerity is a PSCU company working as a full-service collection agency managing non-performing and charged-off loans with a comprehensive menu of third-party collection services.
During this conversation, Jack talks about the focus on helping credit unions digitally transform and serve the evolving needs of their members. Fraud attempts are on the rise after the pandemic sparked an increase of digital transactions. Jack explains ways that leveraging third-party CUSOs can help credit unions address the significant fraud challenges that consumers face. We chat about how credit unions can educate their communities and the best approach for credit unions of all asset sizes to protect their members.
Jack talks too about the sophistication of new fraud attempts, and the need for sophisticated tools to help fight these attempts. He shares his insights on risk tolerance, contactless cards, and data analytics. Gain insight on building an integrated, multi-layer approach of fraud management to become a more seamless, easy-to-use, and protected financial institution. By working together with CUSOs like PSCU, credit unions can address financial crimes in this digital world.
In our rapid-fire questions, Jack talks about a guitar model he can’t get enough of, his thoughts on George Washington, and his interest in the oboe. Enjoy my conversation with Jack Lynch!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jack:Jack Lynch, Chief Risk Officer at PSCU and President at TriVerity
jlynch@pscu.com
https://www.pscu.com/
https://www.triverity.com/
LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“There’s still a lot of room for credit unions to make meaningful partnerships in their communities.” - Sam Brownell
Thank you for tuning in to episode 25 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Sam Brownell, Founder & CEO at CUCollaborate. CUCollaborate is a consulting, software development, and digital marketing company that helps credit unions grow. Their consulting services range from field of membership expansion to branch strategy to low income designation strategy. Everything CUCollaborate does is with the goal of helping credit unions grow and succeed in making community impact.
Sam shares that when he thinks of defining success for credit unions, quantifying impact for members and communities is top of mind. He explains that when credit unions frame their thinking around maximizing impact and better members’ lives, it’s easy to justify the need for growth.
We chat about field of membership expansion opportunities and best practices. Sam gives background on key considerations credit unions should keep in mind for entering new markets. In this conversation, we also discuss the concept of de novo credit unions, lending to underserved consumers, and CUCollaborate’s focus when it comes to innovating for the future.
In our rapid-fire questions, Sam shares the NFL player who comes to mind when he hears of the word success, his attempts to disconnect from technology, and more. Enjoy my conversation with Sam Brownell!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Sam:Sam Brownell, Founder & CEO at CUCollaborate
sbrownell@cucollaborate.com
www.cucollaborate.com
LinkedIn | Twitter
“Don’t underestimate the value of the human touch.” - Jeff Keltner
Thank you for tuning in to episode 24 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Jeff Keltner, SVP of Business Development at Upstart. Upstart is a leading artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform designed to improve access to affordable credit while reducing the risk and costs of lending for their lender partners. They leverage AI to empower credit unions to an inclusive, frictionless member experience in lending.
Jeff shares that more people are creditworthy than we think. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help a lender understand who is truly creditworthy and how much risk a loan actually represents. Upstart enables financial institutions to use AI in lending with over 800 different variables, both traditional and non-traditional (including occupation, field of work, and stability of income, for example), in their underwriting process, better understanding those in the subprime pool and identifying hidden prime borrowers. This process improves funding rates and reduces friction for borrowers in all demographics.
We chat about inclusive lending and the mission of credit unions to serve the consumer, not just maximize profits. Jeff explains the importance of an transformed digital experience for each lending product, and the need to optimize the whole process from end-to-end rather than digitizing a legacy experience. He believes the financial institutions that will win are those that can leverage artificial intelligence technology and digital transformation, while still providing the human touch where needed.
In our rapid-fire questions, we learn a hobby Jeff has picked up, a book he recommends, and the beverage he’s been enjoying recently. Tune in to hear his perspective on work success and family success, and much more. Enjoy my conversation with Jeff Keltner!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jeff:Jeff Keltner, SVP of Business Development at Upstart
jeff@upstart.com
www.upstart.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“Staying relevant means being reflective of the communities credit unions serve.” - Oscar Porras
Thank you for tuning in to episode 23 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Oscar Porras, Senior Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Humanidei. At Humanidei, the team helps credit unions build capacity for becoming more inclusive organizations. Oscar says he saw a huge need for a more diverse workforce and leadership team when he realized he was one of the few bilingual employees at his credit union. He is driven to help credit unions better reflect the communities they serve at all levels of the organization.
During our discussion, Oscar explains that diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy ultimately helps credit unions better serve their members and become the employer of choice for talented mission-driven people. Diverse teams attract a wider range of talent into the company that contribute to a new pool of ideas, strategies, and solutions.
Listen as Oscar gives his thoughts on winning the war for talent, building a great team with diverse leadership, and better understanding marginalized communities. He dives into his tips for retaining talent by developing a path for employees. Oscar mentions that finding the right people is critical for credit unions, as people are the driving force behind technology, trends, member service, and more.
Tune in to hear about the recent purchase Oscar can’t live without, the people he thinks of when he hears the word “success,” and the ways he spends his time out of the office. Enjoy my conversation with Oscar Porras!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Oscar:Oscar Porras, Senior Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Humanidei
oscar@humanidei.com
www.humanidei.com
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
“We speak military.” - Tony Hernandez
Thank you for tuning in to episode 22 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). The Defense Credit Union Council is a trade association of credit unions who serve military members and veterans, and any credit union can join. Tony personally understands the unique financial circumstances impacting military personnel and veterans, having started his own career in the military. Tony says his team are representatives for military and veteran interests in the credit unions and communities they serve. He shares that DCUC’s efforts advocate for our military and veterans, especially in financial services.
In our conversation, Tony discusses financial services trends on military bases. He also shares about DCUC’s political advocacy efforts and related legislation including the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act, Military Lending Act, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and more. He explains why knowledge around these topics are beneficial for credit unions seeking to reach the military and veterans. As Tony says, the Defense Credit Union Council has first-hand experience in dealing with specific concerns related to professionals in the military and veterans.
Tony is also a huge advocate of honoring veterans. He talks about his own views related to showing empathy and gratitude for those who served this country. Tony shares details about his team working on a project of appreciation for veterans this year. Be sure to check out the episode to learn about a surprising recent purchase Tony can’t live without, the person he thinks of when he hears the word “success,” and more. Enjoy my conversation with Tony Hernandez!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Tony:Tony Hernandez, President & CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council
ahernandez@dcuc.org
https://www.dcuc.org/
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
“Use your data every day in your decision-making.” - Dan Price
Thank you for tuning in to episode 21 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Dan Price, President of 2020 Analytics. From a young age, Dan’s collection of interests always seemed to move him towards the credit union space. In fact, he comes from a family of accountants, which made the transition to financial services easy. During this conversation, he provides powerful insight on topics he already enjoys discussing: tech, data, and growing the credit union. Listen as Dan describes the ways his team at 2020 Analytics works on end-to-end loan portfolio analysis.
To improve operations, Dan emphasizes that credit unions need a better grip on the power of data. Our conversation is an exchange of insight on credit unions reviewing their ability to grow a loan portfolio, where to grow the portfolio, and ways to target and identify members. Dan shares his thoughts on how credit unions can make loan products available across different sets of members. Of course, this naturally leads the conversation into the topic of what credit unions should know about mitigating concentration risk.
Credit unions can use the power of data to stay ahead of the rapidly changing financial services landscape. With great data management, credit unions can properly respond to the shifting expectations of members. Tune in to hear more about who Dan thinks of when he hears the word “success,” his hobbies, and more. Enjoy my conversation with Dan Price!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Dan:Dan Price, President of 2020 Analytics
dprice@ttadata.com
https://ttadata.com
LinkedIn
“Taking action on data is critical.” - Lesley DeCator
Thank you for tuning in to episode 20 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Lesley DeCator, Senior Director for PaymentsEdge Marketing and Advisory at FIS. As we open the episode, Lesley shares her career path and her transition to the credit union industry. She discusses how her team is able to distill data into manageable and actionable reports for credit unions, who can use it to ensure their products and services are meeting members’ needs.
Lesley believes credit unions must continuously improve their service, focus on flexibility and speed, and future-proof their business model to stay relevant and competitive. She encourages leaders to implement data-based strategies and shares insights from her experiences in mergers and acquisitions.
During our rapid fire questions, we learn that Lesley enjoys reading, training horses, and yoga when not in the office. We chat about her most recent pandemic purchase and who she thinks of when she hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Lesley DeCator!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Lesley:Lesley DeCator, Senior Director for PaymentsEdge Marketing and Advisory at FIS
lesley.decator@fisglobal.com
https://www.fisglobal.com
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
“Invest in your people.” - Christopher Stevenson
Thank you for tuning in to episode 19 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Christopher Stevenson, Chief Learning Officer at CUES. Christopher shares with us the importance of high quality professional education and its role in providing development for credit union leaders. We walk through his career journey in education before joining CUES and the leadership lessons he has learned along the way.
We start the show by discussing how education can position executives and board members to make the best decisions in leading their credit union forward. Christopher believes that excellence sets the bar for everything that we do in the industry. He shares that one of the greatest challenges executives face is providing enough time for their staff to participate in ongoing professional development, but that there are a number of ways to mitigate this.
As global pandemic causes major shifts in the financial services industry, Christopher shares how CUES has transformed their learning communities and discovered ways to provide opportunities and resources differently. We chat about new program offerings and ways leaders can use these tools to invest in and successfully develop their employees.
As we close the show, we learn that Christopher is an avid reader and values his time out of the office with family. He shares some of his favorite music, and the person he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Christopher encourages leaders to continuously invest in their teams and build the success of their organizations together. Enjoy my conversation with Christopher Stevenson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Christopher:Christopher Stevenson, Chief Learning Officer at CUES
christopher@cues.org
www.cues.org
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
“Credit unions are not just in the community, they are a part of it!” - Seth Brickman
Thank you for tuning in to episode 18 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Seth Brickman, CEO of QCash Financial CUSO. We walk through his career journey from the military to building high tech software and everything in between. Seth shares tips on maintaining relevance, improving member relationships during times of transitions, and creating space for innovation.
Seth discusses the use of relational underwriting instead of a credit score. Changing the focus allows credit unions to build relationships and embrace financial inclusion. Seth reveals that this approach also keeps members away from predatory lenders. He shares that more vulnerable populations, like minorities and women, are exposed to predatory lending practices at a higher rate and the statistic that over 40% of Americans are not financially equipped to handle a $400 emergency.
Innovation and member acquisition are two major goals Seth believes are at the forefront of the credit union industry. He shares that in order to accomplish these goals successfully, leaders must serve the underserved and create solutions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Maintaining relevance in a saturated financial services market means continuing to cultivate member relationships and finding opportunities to say “yes.”
As we close the show, Seth encourages leaders to listen to members and their needs. He believes this is one of the best ways to retain membership and improve their experience. We learn that Seth enjoys exercising as a tool to stay energized and focused. Listen in to find out who he thinks of when he hears the word “success” and his favorite Spotify playlists. Enjoy my conversation with Seth Brickman!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Seth:Seth Brickman, CEO of QCash Financial CUSO
sbrickman@qcashfinancial.com
www.qcashfinancial.com
Twitter | LinkedIn
“We have the opportunity to level the playing field by taking advantage of resources.” - Carl Robinson
Thank you for tuning in to episode 17 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Carl Robinson, SVP of Payments at Alacriti. In this episode, Carl shares insights on how to use tech to the fullest in the shifting market of payments and cloud optimization. We chat about his career journey, his personal experiences with automation, and the importance of understanding digital strategy to enhance the user experience.
Members are now accustomed to speed, real-time service, and “instant gratification” with many digital services. The speed of money movement and payments are what members view as excellent service. Carl explains how cost-effective iteration can help credit unions leverage technology and increase the quality of operations and member experience without needing to start from scratch.
Carl encourages credit union teams to start finding new solutions by experimenting with tech approaches that increase real time services and speed. Incorporating these elements can help credit unions jump ahead in the financial services industry while mitigating risk. He also shares resources credit unions use to get started.
During our rapid fire questions, we learn that Carl has been interested in the world of payments for many years but wanted to be a racecar driver growing up. He shares that his calendar is rarely empty and that he enjoys spending his time with his children. Listen in as Carl walks us through his favorite books to read and who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Carl Robinson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Carl:Carl Robinson, Senior Vice President of Payments at Alacriti
carl.robinson@alacriti.com
www.alacriti.com
LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
“Put technology in place to change the game!” - Jamie Cosgrove
Thank you for tuning in to episode 16 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Jamie Cosgrove, VP of Financial Services at Podium. In this episode, we chat about Jamie’s career journey and how his team has helped credit unions navigate through new technology. Jamie shares ways to best attract members using search engine optimization and tips to improve communication.
We start the show discussing Podium’s goal to help credit unions become more successful by creating better digital financial interactions. Jamie shares that 80% of buying options start with a search engine and improving where a credit union lands in that search can drive potential members to their “digital doorstep.” Although credit unions cannot make every process digital, Jamie believes that using digital communication with members on the channels they most regularly use, like text messaging, will enhance the member experience while fulfilling their immediate needs.
As we move through the conversation, Jamie shares that credit unions have the biggest advantage right now in the financial services market. He believes that the industry has positioned itself to be nimble amongst the competition. We chat about trends that Jamie and his team have seen and how leaders can utilize what they have to maintain this advantage. Jamie also discusses the transfer of wealth opportunities and the importance of creating personalized experiences for members.
During our rapid fire questions we learn that Jamie had a passion for politics before joining the credit union movement. We also find out some of his favorite pastimes and where he can be found outside of the office. Tune in to hear what Jamie is listening to and who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Jamie Cosgrove!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Jamie:Jamie Cosgrove, VP of Financial Services at Podium
jamie.cosgrove@podium.com
www.podium.com
Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
“Progress over perfection. Don’t wait for perfection.” John Janclaes
Thank you for tuning in to episode 15 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is John Janclaes, President of Nymbus CUSO. John shares his career journey, how leaders can create a culture of growth, and what credit unions can do to stay relevant. He also discusses the challenges and threats facing the industry and what credit unions must focus on to stay ahead of the digital transformation curve.
As we start the show, John shares that Nymbus helps credit unions thrive by winning new markets of members, enhancing processes, and modernizing technology. He shares how his team navigates success and finds value in discovering unique opportunities. He believes that technological advancement and proper leadership will help credit unions maintain relevance in a saturated financial market.
John chats about culture and steps leaders can take to embrace growth at all levels. He shares that credit unions have shown great tenacity during the pandemic. John encourages credit unions to evolve to meet the evolving needs of members. .
During the rapid questions, we learn what John enjoys doing outside of the office and his quarantine purchase that helps him win big on the links! Tune in to hear who John thinks of when hears the “success” and what final tips he has for credit union leaders. Enjoy my conversation with John Janclaes.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with John:John Janclaes, President of Nymbus CUSO
jjanclaes@nymbus.com
www.nymbus.com
Twitter | LinkedIn
“Credit unions have a really good opportunity to be seen as leaders and pioneers in this space.” - Stephen Jones
Thank you for tuning in to episode 14 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, Publisher & CEO of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Stephen Jones, Senior Director of Cyber Security at Dataprise. We chat about cybersecurity and the importance of a secure infrastructure for credit unions. Stephen shares his career journey, digital safety tips, and what leaders can do right away to enhance their security processes.
While we push forward and adapt to a new normal, Stephen believes credit unions have done well with pivoting and remaining nimble. He shares that credit unions should focus on being proactive if they are looking to reduce risks. Risk reduction starts with infrastructure. Stephen suggests leaders find ways to automate security monitoring in order to respond promptly to breaches.
As the digital world becomes more and more robust, Stephen shares that our security systems should be ever-evolving as well. Attackers have discovered new ways to find vulnerabilities and compromise online activity, so credit union leaders must transition to a “zero-trust protection” method that ensures safety and mitigates threats.
As we close the show, we learn that Stephen has always wanted to be in the technology field and shares a very interesting story of how he joined the Dataprise team. We also chat about what he enjoys doing outside of the office and who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Stephen Jones!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Stephen:Stephen Jones, Senior Director of Cyber Security at Dataprise
stephen.jones@dataprise.com
https://www.dataprise.com
Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
“It’s no longer an option to move slow.” - Karen McGaughey
Thank you for tuning in to episode 13 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Karen McGaughey, Principal and VP of Client Services at Strum. We chat about Karen’s journey from communications and psychology to the credit union industry and leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. She shares with us how those fields of study play a major part in her work with Strum and their efforts to help credit unions enhance their marketing, branding, and data analytics.
We start the episode discussing the quick pivots and shifts credit unions have had to make over the last year. Karen shares the importance of having a dedicated team with an established strategy and ways credit unions can team up with agencies to enhance internal processes like data analysis. Karen believes the ultimate goal is to move from a product-centric focus to a more member-centric focus and that credit unions can use data insights to become familiar with the preferences and behavior of their members.
Karen encourages credit unions to focus on strategies that will help the organization know their members better than other competitors. Credit unions can competitively position themselves with storytelling and data insights. Following this approach initiates core strategies that can support credit unions to create a distinctive experience and maintain relevance.
During our rapid fire questions, we learn what Karen enjoys doing outside of the office and her favorite pandemic purchases thus far. As we wrap up the show, Karen shares that properly utilizing insights and technological innovation will allow credit unions to promote brand stories that resonate with members, and create better experiences. Enjoy my conversation with Karen McGaughey!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Karen:Karen McGaughey, Principal and VP of Client Services at Strum
https://www.strumagency.com
karen.mcgaughey@strumagency.com
Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
“Technology, in general, is really a board and CEO conversation.” - Chris Sachse
Thank you for tuning in to episode 12 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Chris Sachse, CEO and Co-founder of Think|Stack. Chris shares insights on leveraging cybersecurity and technology to form a better experience for members. We also chat about Chris’s journey to credit unions through trucking and his knowledge of innovation and logistics.
Think|Stack helps guide credit unions through a digital transformation with a focus on security. Chris explains how credit unions can leverage the technology being implemented and developed by larger web service companies, like Amazon. He believes it is important for leaders to understand new technology and its infrastructure in order to transform operations and protect members.
Chris chats about the adaptability and agility credit unions need in order to keep up with the demands of the market. He shares examples from the pandemic that required technological pivots and believes that a dependable digital platform must be flexible, nimble, and secure. He also shares actionable steps credit unions can take to improve their cybersecurity including budgeting and developing a plan.
As we wrap up our conversation, Chris highlights communication and the value in empowering people to work collaboratively. We learn that Chris loves to golf and spend time with his family outdoors. He believes he was destined to be a CEO, and you would be surprised to find out who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Chris Sachse!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Chris:Chris Sachse, CEO and Co-founder of Think|Stack
chris@thinkstack.com
https://www.thinkstack.co
Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
“When you’re in tough times, you really see the leaders rise.” - Matt Good
Thank you for tuning in to episode 11 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Matt Good, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Elan Advisory Services. We chat about Matt’s journey into the industry and leadership hacks he has learned along the way. Matt shares insights on the transformation of payments over the last year and how credit unions are able to stay competitive as we look forward.
With new expectations around transactions, Matt shares that credit unions must be responsive and proactive to meet member’s needs. The pandemic forced leaders to engage with the possibility of stepping outside physical payments and transactions. Matt shares that 45% of Americans have transitioned to contactless forms of payment, and he encourages leaders to explore payment options if they haven’t done so already.
One of the major trends we discuss is the change in rewards programs. Matt walks us through steps credit unions can take to make transactions convenient and beneficial for members. We chat about the shift in reward offerings since the pandemic and all the options available including cash back on streaming services and groceries. Matt believes it is best practice for credit unions to keep communication constant about member rewards and additional benefits.
As we wrap up our conversation with rapid-fire questions, we learn what Matt enjoys doing outside of the office and what he was like in high school. Matt shares stories of his time working with the Detroit Tigers, and you’ll be surprised to hear who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Matt Good!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Matt:Matt Good, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Elan Advisory Services
matt.good@elanfs.com
https://www.elanadvisoryservices.com/index.html
Twitter | LinkedIn
Thank you for tuning in to episode 10 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Cameron Madill, CEO and Co-owner of PixelSpoke. Cameron shares his journey through the credit union industry and the support he and his team offer to the community. We chat about website accessibility and things to consider when building a new digital experience for members.
We start the conversation by discussing ideas around transforming PixelSpoke’s business model to that of a cooperative, similar to credit unions. Cameron also shares the importance of digital social responsibility and how it will help credit unions improve their website marketing strategy. Cameron believes the integration of new technology has a positive impact on members and institutions.
During our chat Cameron also explains what differentiates a credit union’s impact from other financial institutions. He shares his 3 C’s of cause marketing and what makes them work so well in this industry compared to others. Later, we talk about the methods his team uses to help credit unions identify the specific needs of members through their digital platform interaction and how to interpret the data.
As we wrap up our conversation we learn what Cameron was like in high school and what his career choice would have been if he hadn’t discovered the credit union industry. In the rapid fire questions we found out the most exciting event Cameron experienced during the pandemic and who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Cameron Madill!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Cameron:Cameron Madill, CEO and Co-owner of PixelSpoke
cameron@pixelspoke.com
https://www.pixelspoke.com
Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
“It’s all about meeting the needs of members.” - Cheryl Lawson
Thank you for tuning in to episode 9 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Cheryl Lawson, the Executive Vice President of Compliance Review for JMFA. Cheryl shares with us that throughout her career serving others has always been at the forefront. We chat about JMFA’s focus on providing a critical service that members need with overdraft solutions.
Listen in as Cheryl discusses what a responsible compliance program looks like and the importance of communication with members. She shares the value of delivering a service that members can understand and feel comfortable with. Cheryl believes credit unions must be responsive to their members while being compliant with regulators for overdraft solutions to work best.
Cheryl also speaks about overdraft litigation procedures and current trends in the industry. She shares JMFA’s future focus and tips on how credit unions can remain relevant. Cheryl believes staying open to innovation and being accessible to all members will continue to push the credit union movement forward.
In the rapid-fire questions, we learn outside of the office Cheryl loves to take walks in the park, is an active member of her church, and is excited to reconnect with her family post-pandemic. Tune in to hear Cheryl’s most recent quarantine purchase and her final thoughts for credit union leaders. Enjoy my conversation with Cheryl Lawson!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Cheryl:Cheryl Lawson, Executive Vice President of Compliance Review
cheryl.lawson@jmfa.com
www.jmfa.com
LinkedIn | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to episode 8 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Robert Johnston, CEO of Adlumin, Inc. Robert shares his journey from the military to the credit union industry and how he rediscovered purpose through this transition. He also shares cybersecurity best practices for credit union leaders and how to implement them during periods of rapid change.
Throughout the show Robert shares the data science behind Adlumin’s cybersecurity integration and how his team has been able to improve compliance for credit union CORE systems. He believes it is imperative for credit unions to increase security in order to stay relevant and mitigate major system threats. With the increase in technological breaches and hacking on the rise, Robert and his team have been working on compliance reporting that is easily accessible, seamless, and secure.
We also chat about new regulations with the incoming administration and what that looks like for Adlumin in their daily operations. Robert feels that the next wave of innovation is cloud-based data and its ability to increase the security of member information while allowing credit unions to maximize data retention.
As we wrap up the show, we learn that Robert and his team use just about every video conferencing platform available and are always looking for the next best. We were excited to learn what he does in his free time away from the office, what he is currently reading, and who he thinks about when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Robert Johnston!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Robert Johnston:Robert Johnston, CEO of Adlumin, Inc.
robert.johnston@adlumin.com
www.adlumin.com
LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to episode 7 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Whitney Loe, Director of Business Development for Credit Unions at Ignite Sales. Whitney discusses her journey into the credit union industry and how important it is for vendors to understand the mission and operation of credit unions. We also chat about how credit unions can stay relevant in the midst of constant change.
Listen in as Whitney shares how Ignite Sales works with credit unions to improve their digital member engagement across multiple platforms. She expresses how her team is diligent in understanding the industry and utilizing technology to directly meet the needs of members.
Whitney discusses the unique position credit unions have in the current climate and the opportunity to take members on a journey to financial freedom. As Whitney shares some alarming statistics about the financial well-being of consumers, she believes that collaboration will help credit unions and CUSO’s find a way to make things possible.
As we wrap up our conversation, Whitney gives tips on how credit unions can stay relevant and continue to grow over the next few years. We learn that outside of her daily role, Whitney loves to travel with her family; you will be surprised to find out where she visits most. Enjoy my conversation with Whitney Loe!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Whitney Loe:Whitney Loe, Director of Business Development for Credit Unions at Ignite Sales
wloe@ignitesales.com
www.ignitesales.com
LinkedIn | Twitter
Thank you for tuning in to episode 6 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, Co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today’s show is Derik Krauss, Co-founder of BloomCU. Derik shares what he wanted to do growing up and his journey into the credit union industry. He also shares tips on how BloomCU helps credit unions turn leads into lifelong members by optimizing their website with results-driven designs.
Derik discusses the extensive research his team does examining modern design and technology in various industries to assist leaders with enhancing their digital member experience. He believes that credit unions should have an established end goal and use a web platform that can be continuously improved.
Listen in as Derik shares some challenges credit unions face with retaining a younger field of membership and the five conversion steps he uses to mitigate this challenge. In order for credit unions to stay ahead of the curve and have a competitive advantage, Derik explains that the website should always offer value and be easy to navigate.
During the rapid fire questions we learn what Derik loves to do with his family; something many people would enjoy. We also learn about a recent purchase Derik made for his son that he actually uses the most and who he thinks about when he hears the word ‘success.’ Enjoy my conversation with Derik Krauss.
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
Connect with Derik:Derik Krauss, Co-founder of BloomCUderik@bloomcu.comwww.bloomcu.comLinkedIn | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to episode 5 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
Today, my guest is Tony Repanich, President & COO of Shield Compliance. Tony shares how he actually grew up wanting to be in the financial services industry. He also gives us insight on what credit unions must consider when providing support to cannabis businesses.
Tony discusses how Shield Compliance adds value to the industry by helping credit unions build efficient compliance procedures to serve legalized cannabis organizations. In our chat, Tony goes over the difficulties that credit unions might face when making the decision to serve the cannabis industry and what they can do to mitigate those risks. He expresses that the collaboration between technology and compliance makes onboarding less challenging.
In our conversation, Tony and I chat about how servicing legal cannabis companies can give credit unions a competitive edge over other financial institutions. We discuss the steps a credit union must take to be successful in serving this industry and the evolution of legalization.
From our rapid fire questions we learned that Tony’s most recent purchase has changed the way he does virtual meetings entirely. In his free time, Tony likes to hop on his Peloton and jam out to his pop music playlist. As a Seattle native we were not surprised to find out who Tony thought of when he hears the word ‘success’. Enjoy my conversation with Tony Repanich!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.
How to find Tony:Tony Repanich, President & COO of Shield Compliance
tony@shieldbanking.com
www.shieldbanking.com
LinkedIn | Facebook
Thank you for tuning in to episode 4 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest today is Sean Flynn, the Senior Director of Credit Unions at TransUnion. Sean discusses how he wanted to be a Navy pilot when he grew up but ended up in a high school program that put him on the path to financial services plus much more.
Sean shares that TransUnion is a lot more than a credit reporting bureau, now arming credit unions with tools and strategies to create economic opportunities for the members they serve. We discuss how Sean and his team have a personal connection to the mission of credit unions. He believes that, along with member relationships, employing the right data at the right time to make informed recommendations is the secret to credit unions enhancing the digital experience.
Sean discusses the trends he sees in lending and overall financial services and shares that TransUnion is focused on providing credit unions a more holistic picture of the consumer. For credit unions to stay relevant, Sean believes that making time for creative and strategic thinking is critical.
During the rapid-fire questions, we learn Sean is all about comfort, and he shares one recent purchase that was definitely worth it. To clear his mind, Sean loves to ski and cycle. When he thinks of the word success, two very different people come to mind, and you’ll be surprised to find out who they are. Enjoy my conversation with Sean Flynn!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com
How to find Sean:Sean Flynn, Senior Director of Credit Unions at TransUnion
sean.flynn@transunion.com
www.transunion.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram
Thank you for tuning in to episode 3 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today's show is Joe Salesky, the CEO of CRMNEXT. Joe sums up what CRMNEXT is in two words; “Relationship Multipliers.” They assist credit unions in ‘simplifying the work’ by enhancing the member experience and increasing productivity, profitability and innovation within the credit union.
Listen in as Joe shares his journey into the credit union industry. From being a handy person and enjoying the fulfillment of crafting to discovering the endless possibilities of creating with technology. Joe explains how his team works with credit unions to eliminate barriers between humans and digital channels, and what that looks like when integrated with some of the most common industry databases.
Joe shares the importance of employees not only being a member’s financial advisor, but using the credit union’s systems to offer some assistance across the board; with front-end and back-end communication. He explains that this will make the member experience seamless and more willing to reduce their share-of-wallet and become loyal to a specific institution.
In the rapid-fire questions, we find out that Joe enjoys candles and his most recent quarantine purchase was a bluetooth lighter. When Joe thinks of success, he thinks of Elon Musk and his ability to use technology to create simple solutions for hard problems. Enjoy my conversation with Joe!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com
How to find Joe:Joe Salesky, CEO of CRMNEXT
joe.salesky@crmnext.com
www.crmnext.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Thank you for tuning in to episode 2 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today's show is Bolun Li, the Founder & CEO of Zogo. He and his team work closely with credit unions and other financial institutions to provide an on-the-go and interactive financial education tool. This tool is meant to not only attract the younger generation to credit unions but it emphasizes our social responsibility.
Listen as Bolun discusses the need for credit unions to use advancements in technology to extend their membership to the younger generations and how being more people focused will help. Bolun also talks about delivering financial education resources to prospective members in the way they would engage with it most; primarily through their mobile devices.
With exponential transition since the pandemic and the quick digital transformation, Zogo will continuously work with credit unions to improve their mobile experiences and presence concerning financial education. He also believes that with innovation in retail branches there is potential to shift consumers to building with credit unions over any other financial institution.
In the rapid-fire questions, we find out that when Bolun thinks of success, he thinks about Steve Jobs and enjoys the simplicity of his creations. When his busy calendar is empty, Bolun enjoys drives around town or a quick game of golf to clear his head. Enjoy my conversation with Bolun!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com
How to find Bolun:Bolun Li, Founder & CEO of Zogo
bolun@zogofinance.com
www.zogofinance.com
LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Thank you for tuning in to episode 1 of The CUInsight Network, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.
My guest on today's show is Bill Gould, the Senior Vice President at Securian Financial Group. He oversees sales, business development, financial management, strategic planning, marketing, compliance, and operations. And if that's not enough, he's also responsible for the financial institution insurance business in Canada.
Listen in as Bill discusses his journey to the credit union industry and how his current position has been a bit of a ‘full circle’ experience. Bill talks about the ability to attract and retain members through examining insights and trends while having a variety of lending options.
Bill shares how Securian’s most recent research helps credit unions assist their members with lending protection to prevent delinquencies, especially during the pandemic. He sheds light on the importance of industry leaders accepting change and being able to quickly adapt to it. Bill explains that what sets credit unions apart is the willingness to collaborate and share tips and strategies with each other to best serve members.
In the rapid-fire questions, we find out that Bill recently purchased a puppy for his family and realized it was something he didn’t know he needed. When Bill thinks of success, his father comes to mind as a leader and entrepreneur along with Warren Buffet for his generosity. After work, Bill loves running and getting outdoors to decompress. Enjoy my conversation with Bill!
Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com
How to find Bill:Bill Gould, Senior Vice President at Securian Financial Group
william.gould@securian.com
www.securian.com
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