“Everyone should be focused on a digital experience.” - Joan Opp

Thank you for tuning in to episode 140 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Elan Credit Card. Elan partners with more than 250 credit unions to provide an outsourced credit card program, and offers merchant and mortgage services for credit union members and business owners.

My guest on today's show is Joan Opp, President & CEO of Stanford Federal Credit Union. Joan started her career as a CPA, and gradually started working in the credit union industry. After years in this space, Joan is leading her team through the rapid changes happening in technology and member expectations. In this episode we chat about the future of the movement, including the one thing that all credit unions should be thinking about. She shares her thoughts on digital transformation and simplifying processes to attract members and better compete with fintechs in the market. 

During our conversation, we discuss how credit unions can take traditional services and remove the “speed bumps” disrupting the member experience. Joan expresses the power of networking and the value it brings amongst the many opportunities in the industry. She also shares key characteristics that are critical when building a leadership team and how she gives feedback. 

Joan offers team management insights from her time in leadership positions and as a CEO. She shares her thoughts on competing for talent; not between other credit unions in the industry, but competing with organizations in Silicon Valley. Joan emphasizes the value of the credit union mission and how it resonates with those who fit this financial space. Joan and I chat about getting past the, “This is how we’ve always done things,” mentality and discuss tips for showing people a fresh perspective to move the organization forward. Tune in to hear Joan discuss digital transformation, diversification, and team expectations. 

As we wrap up the show, listen in while Joan shares which books she likes reading lately, why  “Work hard. Play hard.” describes her approach to life, and which political figure she thinks is a successful person. Enjoy my conversation with Joan Opp!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

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Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Joan:
Joan Opp, President & CEO of Stanford Federal Credit Union
[email protected]
https://www.sfcu.org/ 
Joan: LinkedIn
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