"There’s a true opportunity to be dynamic storytellers.”

Welcome to episode 17 of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Hosted by Randy Smith, co-founder and publisher of CUInsight.com. I’m excited to announce that Michael Reuter is joining me as today’s guest! In case you aren’t already familiar with Mike, he’s the Executive Director of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions at WOCCU. We’ll chat about everything from the importance of doing global good, the benefits of US credit unions being involved in the larger global movement, and Mike’s own path to credit unions.

Doing global good within this industry, Mike explains, is about taking the “why” of credit unions to a global level. This helps international credit union members who might think that they don’t have the ability to expand their business, grow their farm, or create a better life. Hearing Mike’s passion about this topic is a fantastic reminder of how much of a difference credit unions can make.

One of the things I deeply admire about Mike is his work and leadership style. As you’ll hear today, he views being part of a team as one of the most important aspects of being a leader. It might not surprise you to learn that he’s also acutely aware of the need to listen first while forming opinions, and that he understands the need for patience.

We’ll also dig into what role the Worldwide Foundation plays in addressing challenges resulting from climate change, business reasons for why it makes sense to get involved in the global movement, why storytelling is so important, and much more. If you’re in need of a great dose of inspiration to get you re-enthused about working in the credit union industry, don’t miss this fantastic conversation! Enjoy.

Find the show notes from this episode at CUInsight.com.

How to find Mike:
Michael Reuter
Executive Director, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
[email protected]
www.doglobalgood.org
Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram

In This Episode:

[00:03] - Welcome back to the show! Today’s guest is Michael Reuter, the Executive Director of the Worldwide Foundation at WOCCU.

[02:36] - What does doing global good mean to Michael?

[04:00] - Michael talks about how he hopes that the credit union community engages to do more global good. 

[06:33] - Does Michael have a favorite story about the Worldwide Foundation doing good?

[09:50] - We hear about whether there’s a business reason (rather than just wanting to do good) that credit unions in the United States should want to be actively involved in the global movement.

[13:21] - What’s the biggest challenge that the Worldwide Foundation is currently facing?

[17:10] - Michael talks about whether the effects of climate change are something that the Worldwide Foundation addresses.

[18:22] - We learn about how credit unions and individuals can get involved with the Worldwide Foundation.

[21:12] - One of Michael’s favorite posts on the Worldwide Foundation’s blog is one of the earliest ones: Three Ways Global Good Can Grow Your Credit Union.

[22:32] - We move into the second part of the podcast, with Michael explaining what inspired him to take the gig at the Worldwide Foundation.

[25:44] - Michael explains why he went through the Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program.

[27:33] - Is there a belief currently held by credit