“We’re going to have to be flexible to compete.” - Brian Lee

Thank you for tuning in to episode 179 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.

My guest on today's show is Brian Lee, President & CEO at Landings Credit Union in Arizona. Brian shares how his time as an examiner influences his problem solving and leadership style. As they continue to grow, Landings Credit Union offers members personalized financial products and services. Under Brian’s leadership, the credit union also earned its Dementia Friendly Business designation.

During our conversation, Brian discusses the minor improvements and micro-innovations that lead to big wins for credit union teams. He explains strategies that help teams boost ideas overall and encourage team members to feel a sense of ownership. Listen as we discuss the identity crisis for many credit unions today and the importance of not getting lost in the noise around us.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Brian talks about making smoothies at a popular chain, being amazed by his children, and listening to this particular Pearl Jam album. Enjoy my conversation with Brian Lee!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Brian:
Brian Lee, President & CEO at Landings Credit Union
[email protected]
landingscu.org

Brian: LinkedIn
Landings Credit Union: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter

“Continue to learn, grow, and collaborate to move our industry forward.” - Linda Armyn

Thank you for tuning in to episode 178 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.

My guest on today's show is Linda Armyn, President & CEO of Bethpage FCU. Linda has been a part of the Bethpage family for over two decades, having grown through its ranks to recently becoming the President & CEO. Linda acknowledges the significance of every role in creating a collaborative team. Together, the team at Bethpage offers a full range of products and services to support the financial needs of members.

During our conversation, Linda talks about the importance of fostering a collaborative environment that includes all departments and board members. She discusses how credit unions can work together to overcome economic challenges and drive our movement forward. Linda shares the lasting impact mentors have had on her career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Listen as we discuss the power of telling our stories to enhance the future of the industry.

As we wrap up the show, listen as Linda shares what music she enjoys, inspiring words from her father, and why she purchased 149 copies of this book and sent it to her team. Enjoy my conversation with Linda Armyn!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Linda:
Linda Armyn, President & CEO of Bethpage FCU
[email protected]
bethpagefcu.com
Linda: LinkedIn
Bethpage FCU: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube 

Make ‘better’ happen.” - Jill Nowacki

Thank you for tuning in to episode 177 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.

My guest on today's show is Jill Nowacki, President & CEO of Humanidei. Jill shares how she started her career in credit unions over 20 years ago and the initiative behind starting Humanidei. Credit unions work with Humanidei to integrate their most important asset, their human capital, into organizational growth plans to win the war for talent. Jill is passionate about helping credit unions and their people reach their full potential and looks forward to seeing the momentum built around organizational growth and wellness.

During our conversation, Jill discusses being optimistic in the face of the industry’s biggest challenge — establishing continued relevance. She talks about the power of being a financial cooperative and embracing what differentiates us given opportunities and challenges in today’s environment. Jill emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence at every organizational level when adding individuals to a team. Listen as we discuss taking the initiative to create a better future for credit unions, teams, and members.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Jill shares the last time she was truly amazed, three intentions she has for 2024, and what book she recommends. Enjoy my conversation with Jill Nowacki!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Jill:
Jill Nowacki, President & CEO of Humanidei
[email protected]
humanidei.com
Jill: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Medium
Humanidei: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

“We’re going to build with the industry and build it the way you want it.” - Chuck Fagan

Thank you for tuning in to episode 176 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.

My guest on today's show is Chuck Fagan, President and CEO of PSCU. 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. Chuck shares insights on the merger of PSCU and Co-op Solutions. 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, Chuck talks about credit unions scaling with mergers. He shares the importance of communication and merging the cultures of PSCU and Co-op to strengthen their impact and continue supporting the industry. Listen as we discuss lessons learned from domestic and international cases of evolving within the financial services industry.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Chuck talks about practicing his golf skills, enjoying being a grandfather, and what’s to come in the future. Enjoy my conversation with Chuck Fagan!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Chuck:
Chuck Fagan, President and CEO of PSCU
[email protected]
pscu.com       
Chuck Fagan: LinkedIn
PSCU: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

“We can make this world a bit better than how we found it.” - Dr. Gamaliel Hassan

Thank you for tuning in to episode 175 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business, the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Dr. Gamaliel Hassan, CEO of Stima Sacco in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Gamaliel shares his career and education journey that led him to where he is today. Stima Sacco is the second largest  SACCO in Africa. Dr. Gamaliel builds teams that directly help communities financially and continue to grow the financial services industry.

During our conversation, Dr. Gamaliel talks about different financial business models and the importance of financial education. He dives into the challenges facing SACCOs and credit unions when it comes to fintechs and how we can leverage technology to remain relevant in a digital world. He explains the importance of knowing when to decline ideas, and to focus on ones that can be implemented. Listen as we discuss educating, informing, and training employees and members to ultimately change the world.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Dr. Gamaliel talks about his view of fatherhood, his big dreams, and who he’d like to cast for his biopic. Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Gamaliel Hassan!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Dr. Gamaliel:
Dr. Gamaliel Hassan, CEO of Stima Sacco
[email protected]
stima-sacco.com       
Dr. Gamaliel: LinkedIn
Stima Sacco: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

“Effective leaders help people see beyond what they’re capable of.” - Terrance Williams

Thank you for tuning in to episode 174 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business, the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Terrance Williams, President & CEO at TruStage. Terrance shares his career journey that led him to his current role at TruStage. TruStage, formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group, is a mutual insurance company that provides insurance, investments, and cutting-edge technology to cooperatives, credit unions, and their members worldwide. As we look to the future, TruStage is focused on evolving to stay ahead and continue meeting the ever-changing needs of members.

During our conversation, Terrance shares his experiences of developing professional relationships and resources within the industry. He shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career and gives advice to those working towards a leadership role. Terrance discusses key points to stay relevant in today’s digital world. Listen as we explore ways to evolve and stay ahead while being united in driving our industry forward.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Terrance shares the best piece of advice he’s heard about authenticity, why fulfillment is part of his view of success, and which actor he’d choose for his biopic. Enjoy my conversation with Terrance Williams!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Terrance:
Terrance Williams, President & CEO at TruStage
trustage.com       
Terrance: LinkedIn
TruStage: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

“Credit unions are the most positioned entity across the world to be the drivers of social and economic change.” - Monica Belz

Thank you for tuning in to episode 173 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business, the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Monica Belz, President & CEO at Kaua’i Federal Credit Union. Monica shares her passion and commitment to humanitarianism, which inspired her involvement with credit unions. The team at Kaua’i Federal Credit Union is rooted in their culture and works to rebuild communities to ensure the wealth and wellness of future generations. Monica believes credit unions are uniquely positioned to positively impact the world.

During our conversation, Monica explains how ancestral wisdom and current cultural trends can create and impact change. She shares the value in advocating for local and global communities, interconnecting them, and her experience sharing and receiving, “aloha.” Monica discusses the importance of and insights to driving economic and social change. Listen as we discuss the strategies behind building resilient communities and regenerative economies.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Monica talks about visiting Japan and being amazed by her eldest child, diving deep into doughnut economics, and who her “shero” is . Enjoy my conversation with Monica Belz!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Monica:
Monica Belz, President & CEO Kaua’i Federal Credit Union
[email protected]
kauaicreditunion.org       
Monica: LinkedIn
Kaua’i FCU: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

“Workplace mental health has a lot to do with the culture.” - Mike Veny

Thank you for tuning in to episode 172 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business, the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Mike Veny, who is fiercely committed to empowering employees to discover the gift of emotional wellness so they can accelerate personal and professional growth. Mike dives into different approaches to wellness, such as whole-life integration to find your own version of balance. We are so excited to have Mike as the keynote speaker for the next CUInsight Mini-Con event, so register today!

During our conversation, Mike and I talk about mental health in the workplace. Mike covers a range of mental health topics for teams and individuals, as well as resources for individual and workplace growth. He discusses the correlation between DEI and mental health in organizations and ways to promote a healthy culture. Listen as we discuss tools and methods that help us reflect on mental health and how organizations benefit from inclusive mental health awareness.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Mike talks about admiring nature, reflecting on a Deepak Chopra quote, and listening to Stevie Wonder. Enjoy my conversation with Mike Veny!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Mike:
Mike Veny, Workplace Mental Health Speaker
[email protected]
mikeveny.com       
Mike: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

“Everyone has their niche.” - Keith O'Neil

Thank you for tuning in to episode 171 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business, the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Keith O'Neil, President & CEO at Johns Hopkins FCU (JHFCU). Keith was introduced to credit unions at a young age through family and became even more involved in college. He empowers his employees and is a mental health advocate, expressing its importance in workplaces. Keith and the JHFCU team continue to focus on their members, their community, and their impact on the credit union industry.

During our conversation, Keith and I talk about finding your own path in the credit union industry and building connections. He shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career, and gives advice to those working towards a leadership role. Keith brings attention to the need for spaces to discuss the correlation between mental and financial health. Listen as we discuss the power of mentorship, transparency in relationships, and teamwork as empathy.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Keith talks about recent events that left him amazed through risk-taking, advice from his mother, and his love for music. Enjoy my conversation with Keith O'Neil!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Keith:
Keith O'Neil, President & CEO at Johns Hopkins FCU
[email protected]
jhfcu.org       
Keith: LinkedIn
JHFCU: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

“What we do impacts people’s lives daily.” - Nathan Cox

Thank you for tuning in to episode 170 of The CUInsight Experience podcast. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business is the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today's show is Nathan Cox, President and CEO at InRoads Credit Union. Nathan shares his career journey in financial services that led him to where he is today. He empowers his team and community with servant leadership and empathy. Nathan and the InRoads team continue to focus on their community and expand their services, talent, and contributions to the credit union industry.

During our conversation, Nathan and I talk about career building and the importance of relationships, opportunities, and self-awareness. He shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career, and gives advice to those working towards a leadership role. Nathan uses an escalator analogy to talk about promotions and lateral moves when pursuing a career. Listen as we discuss skill acquisition, community engagement, and leadership lessons.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Nathan talks about his first job, his view on balancing work and personal life, and his inspiring family. Enjoy my conversation with Nathan Cox!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Nathan:
Nathan Cox, President and CEO at InRoads Credit Union
[email protected]
inroadscu.org       
Nathan: LinkedIn
InRoads:  LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram