Episode 29 of The Accidental Leader features Chris Lorence, whose extensive career in credit unions and banking offers a wealth of information on leadership, authenticity, and the evolving challenges of financial services! Our conversation isn’t one that I planned. Instead, a powerful LinkedIn post that Chris shared on leadership and risk caught my eye, sparking the need to bring him on. Chris's career journey, from his beginnings with Internet banking to his current role leading the Labor Credit Unions Foundation, truly reflects a true passion for innovation balanced with real-world experience in risk-taking.

Join us as Chris and I discuss the often complex world of leadership, especially in traditionally conservative spaces like credit unions. Chris’s philosophy, inspired by a quote from Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker, that "there’s no leadership without risk," highlights his approach to guiding teams and making impactful decisions, and throughout our conversation, Chris opens up about his own experiences as an openly gay leader, revealing the challenges that he has faced and the growth that he has achieved by balancing vulnerability with accountability.

I really hope that you will tune in for a deep, thoughtful discussion on what it means to be an authentic leader, with Chris sharing inspiring stories of mentors who shaped his approach, encouraging him to give credit and hold space for learning. This episode explores what it takes to trust a team, even in the face of setbacks, and why leaders must sometimes step back to truly lead. For anyone navigating leadership in any field, this episode offers incredibly valuable lessons on taking risks and facilitating genuine team dynamics!

Time Stamps:

[2:22] We get some background information on Chris.

[5:55] Chris argues that effective leadership requires taking risks, balancing goals, employee care, and innovation for organizational growth.

[7:04] Being a leader requires balancing authenticity, vulnerability, and accountability, which is a constant, evolving effort.

[9:02] The most recent episode features Christie Smith, whose authenticity, vulnerability, and commitment to growth in leadership is all impressive.

[10:48] Chris discusses how being an openly gay leader in financial services has been a complex journey, balancing authenticity and risk in a rather conservative realm.

[13:58] Chris has learned that authentic leadership involves navigating unique challenges that no book can fully prepare you for.

[16:05] This podcast reflects on leadership, inspired by both strong and flawed leaders that we have had.

[17:54] Chris' mentor Dave encouraged growth by gently challenging him, teaching patience and the importance of quality control.

[19:34] Chris shares how he was inspired to lead with credibility and open communication.

[21:32] Balancing guidance with freedom, I trust my team to learn from mistakes and grow together.

[24:30] Letting go of micromanagement and sharing the journey helped create a strong, unified team for Chris.

[26:57] Leaders need to delegate and share goals with their team to inspire accountability and a sense of purpose.

[29:16] Chris discusses how board meetings aren’t glamorous or secretive; they're ordinary, strategic sessions that can inform team growth.

[32:25] Leadership isn't glamorous; it's challenging and sometimes lonely, but connecting with others can help inspire growth.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Christopher Lorence on LinkedIn

The Accidental Leader - “Growing into your leadership role with guest Christie Smith”

Darren Walker on LinkedIn