Mind Matters

Welcome to Mind Matters, the podcast that lets you step inside the minds of CEOs and learn the secrets behind their successes and strategies. Today, we're honored to have an exemplary guest with us, a visionary in the financial world, Brian Pillmore, the CEO and founder of Visbanking.

Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Mind Matters is your gateway to understanding the highs and lows of corporate leadership, providing you with the tools to navigate your path with confidence and expertise.

Brian shares his unique journey from engineering to leading a major financial institution, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a CEO's life. Engage with us as we explore transformative strategies and leadership insights that are not only thought-provoking but instrumental in shaping the future of your career. 

Welcome to Mind Matters, where leadership is demystified and your potential unleashed.

Timestamps

00:00 Started career at a big company, seeking leadership.

04:01 First day as CEO of the bank, was overwhelming.

07:38 RA sets expectations, confronts challenges, and builds trust.

11:36 Mentorship has been key to my success.

13:37 Adapted leadership style for cultural and financial change.

18:37 Work life balance, culture, CEO time freedom.

21:11 Brian, thank you. Helpful advice for CEOs.

24:14 Technology advances, missed opportunities, excitement for the future.

29:03 Big cities have talented, educated, hardworking people.

30:20 Identifying customer problems and recruiting talent in banking.

Connect with Brian Pillmore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpillmore/

Website: https://visbanking.com/brian-pillmore/

Welcome to another insightful episode of Mind Matters, the podcast that delves deep into the minds behind business innovations and leadership. I'm your host, Kendall Raessler, and today we have a truly captivating guest, Michael Abernathy, the CEO of Buckeye Credit Union, a trailblazer in the financial sector.

Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartening narrative of transforming challenges into triumphs. Join us as he opens up about the demanding financial choices he faced, the strategic targeting of underserved groups, and the turning of the tide for a company on the brink of insolvency. From a staggering loss of $3 million in three years, Buckeye Credit Union underwent a profound cultural shift, championed by Michael, that brought them back to profitability and sustainable growth.

We'll hear Michael's personal journey from areas of turmoil to senior leadership, his approach towards long-term organizational planning, and his focus on nurturing a positive internal culture. Get ready to learn how controlled scaling, innovative tech like interactive teller machines, and placing members first helped double his company's size from 2019 to 2022.

So, buckle up for a story of resilience, mentorship, and a future-forward outlook in the banking industry. Whether you're a new CEO or just looking for inspiration to shake up your sector, this is the episode that will frame your strategic mindset and make your Mind Matter.

Timestamps

00:00 Successful business, tragedy strikes, job market struggle, opportunity.

05:39 New culture, tough decisions, leadership changes, progress.

07:35 Overcame challenges and built pride in the brand.

12:51 Understanding how all departments work together is essential.

13:39 Step back, view holistically, guide, influence, and maneuver.

18:25 Father's hard work and risks taught important lessons.

21:41 Attracting working-class, focused on underserved communities.

25:27 Balancing work, community involvement, and advocacy efforts.

28:59 Growth, mergers, and new branch opening.

32:24 Embracing digital transformation with traditional touch.

Connect with Michael Abernathy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelabernathyjr

Website: https://www.buckeyecu.org/

Welcome back to Mind Matters, the podcast that journeys into the minds of impactful CEOs, unveiling the secrets behind their successes and the keys to personal and professional growth. Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Neal Oswald, COO of Wanilah Advisors, a seasoned leader with a fascinating career trajectory, from his start at Ernst and Young to mastering the complex intersection of finance, risk, operations, and technology. 

Tune in as we explore Neal's strategies for effective consulting, navigating company politics, and aligning team objectives. We'll uncover his approach to leadership, the pivotal role of genuine communication, and the art of continuous self-improvement. Ready to delve into the insights that have kept Neal's projects unfailingly on track? 

Let's get into the mind of a man whose expertise is shaping the way businesses evolve and excel. This is Mind Matters with your host, Kendall Raessler.

Timestamps

00:00 Experienced consultant with deep finance and tech expertise.

05:08 Understand perspectives, align goals, and listen attentively.

08:55 Establish credibility, listen, and offer insightful solutions collaboratively.

11:05 Set limits, prioritize quality, and work with specialists.

12:59 Consultants need diverse expertise for success.

18:22 Automation improves routine work and cultivates employee motivation.

22:14 Authenticity, empathy, and targeting in digital marketing.

Connect with Neal Oswald

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/neal-oswald-1061895

Website: https://www.wanilah.com/

Welcome back to Mind Matters, the podcast where we explore the journeys and insights of influential leaders in business and life. I'm your host, Kendall Raessler, and in today's episode, MM with Ronaldo Hardy, we're diving into the incredible story of Ronaldo Hardy's rise from humble beginnings to becoming a transformational leader in the credit union industry.

Ronaldo's journey is one of resilience and determination, beginning with challenging financial circumstances, a period of poor decision-making, and an educational hiatus. Despite dropping out of school, he later returned to academia with a vengeance, securing both bachelor's and master's degrees.

We'll hear firsthand about Ronaldo's mix of fear and excitement as he assumed his first CEO role without having completed his bachelor's degree. 

Join us as Ronaldo details his strategic vision, involving a listening tour and a three-year roadmap focused on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability key elements that underscored his digital transformation success.

Timestamps

00:00 Ronaldo Hardy, CEO of Nacuso, the financial industry.

03:31 Struggled, learned, lost a job, fueled future work.

06:43 CEO with passion for credit unions, and consulting.

13:00 The CEO focused on creating a supportive work culture.

14:36 Focus on culture to drive sustainable growth.

20:01 Creative mentoring led to career success and confidence.

20:47 First African American mentor opened new horizons.

25:02 End matters more, ethical means vital for leadership.

28:44 Strategic priorities: collaboration, innovation, sustainability, scaling growth.

Connect with Ronaldo Hardy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldohardy/

Website: https://www.nacuso.org/

In this episode, host Kendall Raessler interviews Eric Dillon, the President of General Bank Canada, who shares invaluable experiences and wisdom from his professional journey. Eric discusses his career shift from chemistry to economics, his progression from retail banking to leading small banks, and the impactful lessons he learned as a first-time CEO. Throughout the conversation, Eric emphasizes the importance of mentorship, self-development, and the need to cultivate leaders within the organization. He also sheds light on his approach to work-life balance, strategic scaling, and leveraging technology for efficiency. 

Join us for a compelling and insightful conversation with Eric Dillon as we uncover the mind matters behind successful leadership.

Timestamps

00:00 U of A grad switched from chemistry. Branch manager.

03:14 Grew up in retail banking, facing challenges.

06:46 Leading means checking the ego, seeking help, and delegating.

11:59 Innovative achievements, proud mentorship, and social impact.

15:55 Striving for improvement, being honest with oneself.

16:40 Consolidate tasks and focus on priorities.

22:54 Technology levels the playing field for banks.

23:58 AI improved the loan approval process and minimized losses.

Connect with Eric Dillon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjdillon/?originalSubdomain=ca

Website: https://www.generalbank.ca/

In this episode, host Kendall Raessler sits down with Jeff Tisdale, CEO of Landcor. They dive into a compelling conversation about Jeff's professional journey, the challenges he faced as a new CEO, and the strategies he implemented to scale his organization. 

Jeff provides invaluable insights on motivating and building culture with the right talent, maintaining work-life balance, and adapting to the rapidly changing CEO landscape. 

Join us for a riveting discussion filled with practical advice essential for personal growth and leadership journey.

Timestamps

00:00 Transitioning to leadership role, seeking authenticity.

04:00 Transitioning to Landcor from a credit union brings challenges.

09:22 Aging brings confidence in oneself, moving forward.

11:42 Take breaks to avoid burnout when working.

15:27 Technology companies need expertise to serve customers.

16:40 Seeking smarter people with a customer-focused approach.

21:45 Young workers seek global opportunities, pose challenges.

Connect with Jeff Tisdale 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftisdale/ 

Website: https://www.landcor.com/ 

In this episode of Mind Matters, we had the pleasure of hosting Scott Steele, CEO of Citizens Bank Weston. With an extensive background in community banking and experience navigating through acquisitions, Scott shares valuable insights into leadership, change management, and the dynamics of scaling a community bank. From his West Virginia roots to his career milestones, Scott's journey offers practical wisdom and perspectives on leading effectively in the ever-evolving banking world. 

Tune in to discover how Scott navigates the challenges of change, motivates his team, and maintains a balance between work and personal life. 

Join us as we delve into the engaging and informative discussion with Scott Steele, a leader at the forefront of community banking innovation.

Timestamps

00:00 From West Virginia to North Carolina banking.

04:52 Navigated merger, found a bank and faced challenges.

08:15 CEOs must navigate various unexpected challenges effectively.

10:06 Approaching a new job cautiously, mindful of problems.

15:55 Bank expanded into new markets and gained success.

18:54 Supportive family facilitated career and location changes.

20:39 Believe in the product, deliver on promises, confidence.

25:06 Initial conversations lead to realistic expectations and decisions.

26:20 Grateful for insightful contributions. Future collaborations ahead.

Connect with Scott Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-steele-a730b046

Website: https://www.citizensbankweston.com/

In this episode, our host Kendall Raessler engages in an insightful conversation with Jim Donnelly, CEO of Wayne Bank. Jim shares his diverse professional journey, from serving in the state legislature to transitioning into a career in banking. 

He discusses his approach to leadership, listening to employees, balancing the needs of the team and the board of directors, work-life balance challenges, and scaling a business. Through his experiences, he provides invaluable advice for new and seasoned CEOs alike.

This conversation is going to be full of inspiration and tips, so make sure you tune in. You won't want to miss it!

Timestamps

00:00 New bank CEO immerses in community, addresses concerns.

07:11 Challenging meetings, focus on moving forward. Ethical, energized leadership.

10:48 Work-life balance is important, except in emergencies.

13:09 Moving from small bank to moderate-sized bank, managing projects and resources effectively.

16:12 Understand current position, improve, and embrace technology.

19:07 Focus on strengths, weaknesses, and improvement plan.

21:57 Community bank serves local customers and faces fraud.

25:28 Be humble, listen, tap into others' ideas.

Connect with Jim Donnelly

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-donnelly-4393677/

Website: https://wayne.bank/

In today's episode, we're super excited to sit down and talk with Leslie Smith, who together with her partner runs Smith Brody Associates. This company isn't just any company; it's a mortgage broker business in Indiana that's owned by women, which is pretty cool. Leslie's going to share some really important lessons and stories from her long career of 16 years. She's been at the top as a CEO, and she's going to tell us all about what it's like to be in charge, the tough times she's gone through, especially when the economy took a nosedive back in 2008, and how she managed through those times.

Leslie's going to talk about how important it is to work hard, the feelings involved in her job, and how she makes sure to keep a balance between her work and her personal life, which we all know can be pretty tricky. She's faced her fair share of hurdles, like getting the right licenses to run her business, growing the company, and using technology to make sure customers have the best experience possible.

This conversation is going to be full of inspiration and tips, so make sure you tune in. You won't want to miss it!

Timestamps

00:00 Real estate work is unpredictable but rewarding.

06:52 Mentorships and Dad's work ethic inspired me.

08:47 Started business, mother of three, failed the test.

12:36 Business owner adapts to remote work flexibility.

16:25 Pursuing certifications, expanding into new territories.

19:20 Personality compatibility is crucial in selecting loan officers.

22:29 Always available sets us apart, a game changer.

Connect with Leslie Smith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-smith-b566b49/

Website: https://smithbroady.com/

In today's episode, the remarkable Ronnie Stephens, CEO of Wymar Federal Credit Union, shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise. Ronnie has a ton of experience and knows a lot about the finance world. He's going to tell us all about how he ended up working in finance by chance, the big moments that made him the leader he is today, and the clever ways he's growing his company. We're diving deep into Ronnie's tips and how he uses the simple idea of treating others how you want to be treated to lead his team.

This episode is packed with great advice for anyone who leads a team or runs a company and wants to make a big difference in their work. We'll share stories and tips from Ronnie that you can use to become a better leader. So, tune in if you're ready to learn some helpful insights that can help you with your leadership journey.

Timestamps

00:00 Bank, credit unions, CEO roles in career.

04:58 Identifying top managers and promoting cohesive decision-making teams.

08:24 Joined an organization, learned, and then made changes gradually.

12:07 Wymar supports community events and promotes business. Successful strategy.

13:25 Staying ahead in the financial industry, expanding services.

17:40 Unexpected results, need to see from members' perspective.

Connect with Ronnie Stephens

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-stephens-81795431

Website: https://www.wymarfcu.com/