“Credit unions are so critical in helping their members and communities.” - Robin Kolvek

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI. She joins me to share her compelling story of career pivots, personal values, and staying human in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Robin reflects on how she went from chasing dreams of being a teacher, coach, or even a detective to leading a major fintech company focused on credit unions—and how none of it was part of the plan.

In our conversation, we discuss the often overlooked but incredibly important role that credit unions play in community development and why they deserve more attention in conversations around innovation. Robin offers an insider look at how VisiFI supports small and midsize credit unions by delivering the kinds of digital tools and enhancements that help them not just keep up but also genuinely compete with bigger players. She stresses that their clients’ voices aren’t just “heard” but are integral.

Robin opens up about what it means to be a leader in the credit union space, especially when your organization is backed by a global tech powerhouse like Italy-based Dedagroup. We explore how that relationship gives VisiFI crucial access to next-level tools such as AI, cybersecurity, and analytics—while keeping them local enough to stay responsive to credit unions’ specific needs.

As we wrap up the episode, Robin also reflects on the impact her mother had on her as a child, her love of travel, and how she manages to maintain a work-life balance. She also offers a couple of great book recommendations. Enjoy my conversation with Robin Kolvek!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Robin:
Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI
visifi.com
Robin: LinkedIn
VisiFI: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

“The people helping people motto should be lived inside the walls of our organizations just as much as we live it outside with our members.” - Jaime Marks

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanidei. Jamie and I dig into what actually matters when building strong leadership teams, and she shares the pivotal experiences that shaped her, from her first job at Ent Credit Union to taking on bold career shifts across states and institutions.

In our conversation, we get personal about the mentors who saw Jaime's potential, the environments that helped her grow, and the toxic cultures which she learned to spot from a mile away. Her insights are grounded within years of experience and a true passion for helping organizations lead with integrity and intention. We also touch upon what “values alignment” really looks like when hiring senior leaders, with Jamie explaining that she doesn’t just fill roles; she reads between the lines, listening for what a board or leadership team really needs, even if they don’t say it out loud.

As we wrap up the episode, Jaime talks about the mentors who have impacted her life, her love of Sur La Table and Santa Barbara, California, and has a book recommendation for everyone. Enjoy my conversation with Jaime Marks!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Jaime:
Jaime Marks, Director of Recruiting Services at Humanidei
humanidei.com
Humanidei: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

Want to hear more from Jaime? Click here.

Book mentioned: Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World’s Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself by Rich Roll

“Every time you tell a story, someone's gonna be inspired by what you're doing, and someone's going to believe in credit unions.” - John Pettit

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is our own John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsight. We talk about his journey from aspiring baseball player to storyteller in the credit union space, with his career path being anything but linear from working in a restaurant right after college to managing retail stores and even building houses. He eventually found his passion for sharing stories through CUInsight, where he’s been for over twelve years.

In our conversation, John opens up about what makes credit unions stand out: their genuine commitment to people over profit. He shares why he’s proud to be part of an organization that highlights stories of credit unions making a real impact, and we also talk about the role of storytelling in marketing credit unions and why sharing these success stories is more important now than ever.

As we wrap up the episode, John talks about his love for physical media such as vinyl records and blu-rays, how he uses automated lights to help with work-life balance, and a book you’d definitely find inspiration from. Enjoy my conversation with John Pettit!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with John:
John Pettit, Managing Editor at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
John: LinkedIn
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X

Want to hear more from John? Click here.

Book mentioned: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes

“We exist (to help your credit union get to where you want to go) and we will deliver real results with a real heart.” – Shawn Melamed

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together. 

My guest on today’s show is Shawn Melamed, CEO and co-founder of Spiral. Shawn tells us about his journey from a game-obsessed kid to a serial entrepreneur, managing director at Morgan Stanley, and now CEO of Spiral.

In our conversation, we talk about how Spiral is helping credit unions compete in a crowded market and build meaningful relationships with their members. It isn't only about financial wellness—it’s about creating a system that rewards people for being intentional with their money and gives them tools to do good without making it overly complicated.

As we wrap up the episode, Shawn talks about a former boss who led with empathy and confidence, his family’s love of traveling, the books he thinks everyone should read, and the importance of being disciplined when it comes to work-life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Shawn Melamed! 

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Shawn:
Shawn Melamed, CEO and co-founder of Spiral
spiral.us
Shawn: LinkedIn
Spiral: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X

Book mentioned: The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant
Book mentioned: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

“Credit unions are unsung heroes in our community. The lives they touch are better off for the work they do every single day.” - Sarah Lambert

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Sarah Lambert, Vice President of Marketing at InvestiFi. Sarah shares how her unconventional journey through marketing agencies, HR tech, and major players such as Oracle led her to a role that blends creativity, communication, and a drive to build.

In our conversation, Sarah shares how InvestiFi is helping credit unions compete with big-investing apps without losing the personal trust that makes local institutions stand out. From offering members access to guided investing and fractional shares directly through their existing banking platform, to providing credible financial education within the app itself, InvestiFi is truly reshaping what digital investing can look like for everyday people.

As we wrap up the episode, Sarah talks about her amazing boss, her love for traveling in the US and abroad, and the two books she thinks everyone should read. Enjoy my conversation with Sarah Lambert!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Sarah:
Sarah Lambert, Vice President of Marketing at InvestiFi
investifi.co
Sarah: LinkedIn
InvestiFi: LinkedIn

Show notes from this episode:
Book mentioned: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Book mentioned: Words That Work by Dr. Frank Luntz

“Sales and marketing should be talking every day, because everything you’re doing should be marching in the same direction.” - Whitney Bedard

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Whitney Bedard, Vice President of Marketing and Digital at CUInsight. Whitney describes herself as a curious marketer with a passion for making connections and building meaningful partnerships. She walks us through the unexpected turns of her career, from working the teller line at the nation's first credit union to leading marketing teams, and spending time in real estate and retail. We discussed the value of wearing many hats, why every marketer should experience working in sales, and the lessons she carried from managing a Target store to shaping credit union strategies.

In our conversation, we talk about the vital role which CUInsight plays in the credit union world and how we act as a trusted partner for industry professionals looking to stay informed, connected, and ahead of the curve. Whitney also shares insights into what makes the credit union industry unique, what excites her most about CUInsight’s growing impact, and why she believes that collaboration rather than competition is the key to moving the industry forward.

As we wrap up the episode, Whitney talks about a precious leadership lesson she learned from her Yiayia, a first-generation Greek immigrant who led with quiet strength, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. She also talks about her love of traveling, books, and gardening supplies. Enjoy my conversation with Whitney Bedard!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Whitney:
Whitney Bedard, Vice President of Marketing and Digital at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
Whitney: LinkedIn | Email: [email protected]
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X

“Member experience is everybody’s responsibility because every employee has an impact on member experience.” - Laura Loy

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Laura Loy, Chief Experience Officer at On the Mark Strategies. Laura helps credit unions sharpen their strategies and marketing in order to build stronger, more resilient organizations. She takes us inside On the Mark’s approach to creating consistency in the member journey.

In our conversation, Laura explains how On the Mark Strategies helps credit unions create consistency in every member interaction and breaks down what she calls the “four success markers”. We also talk about staying ahead of industry shifts, what’s changing for credit unions right now, and how CUs can adapt in advance rather than play catch-up later on.

As we wrap up the episode, Laura talks about her great boss, her love of the book “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, and talks about the importance of manifesting work/life balance. Enjoy my conversation with Laura Loy!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Laura:
Laura Loy, Chief Experience Officer at On the Mark Strategies
markarnold.com
Laura: LinkedIn
On the Mark Strategies:: LinkedIn | YouTube

Want to learn more about On the Mark Strategies? Click here.

“When done responsibly, student loans can be one of the most important and empowering investments someone can make in themselves.” - Scott Patterson

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Scott Patterson, President and CEO of CU Student Choice. He joins me to discuss a wide range of topics from his eighth-grade adventures in China to pioneering the early virtual presence of credit unions via Callahan & Associates, as well as the innovation that he has cultivated via his current position at Student Choice.

During our conversation, Scott discusses the origins of CU Student Choice, we explore the increasing importance of gap financing, and we talk about potential policy changes under the current administration and how CU Student Choice is positioning itself to support CUs through whatever comes next. Scott also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at OPAL, their newly launched $8 million loan origination platform that’s changing the game for student lending.

As we wrap up the episode, Scott gives us an inside look at his love for pinball machines, San Antonio, and a certain sci-fi novel from the '90s. Enjoy my conversation with Scott Patterson!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Scott:
Scott Patterson, President & CEO of CU Student Choice
studentchoice.org
Scott: LinkedIn
CU Student Choice:: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

Want to learn more about CU Student Choice? Click here.

“Always have an open mind. Be prepared to try something new because you never know what you might like.” - Stuart Bain

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Stuart Bain, Senior Vice President of Alacriti, who joins me for this episode of the show to talk about how his unexpected career path took him from geology to banking, and ultimately to fintech leadership.

During our conversation, we discuss how outdated loan payment systems can frustrate members and leave burdens on staff. Stuart shares how Alacriti’s solutions—such as real-time integration and self-service options—are truly changing the way credit unions handle payments. We also touch upon the role of instant payments and request-for-pay technology, exploring how they could replace outdated processes.

As we wrap up the episode, Stuart talks about a great leader in his life, and his love for classic cars and Hattie B's Hot Chicken. He also discusses the importance of having separate work and personal cell phones. Enjoy my conversation with Stuart Bain!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Stuart:
Stuart Bain, Senior VP at Alacriti
alacriti.com
Stuart: LinkedIn
Alacriti:: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | Threads

“Be patient. Get answers. Find trusting partners. Enjoy and trust the process.” - Kraig Klinkhammer

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Kraig Klinkhammer, Executive Vice President of Gallagher Executive Benefits Team at Gallagher, who joins me to discuss credit union executive benefits. Kraig reflects on his childhood dream of one day becoming a pilot and how his love for numbers and strategy led him to pivot toward a fulfilling career helping credit unions attract and retain talent via customized benefit plans.

During our conversation, we explore the challenges that credit unions face in today’s competitive world. Kraig offers insights into how his team supports credit unions by designing and servicing long-term benefit plans, highlighting the importance of trust, partnership, and ongoing service. Kraig also provides a behind-the-scenes look at Gallagher, a nearly 200-year-old company with the personal touch of a smaller organization, emphasizing the important role of experience, people, and commitment when selecting a benefits partner.

As we wrap up the episode, Kraig discusses the professor who challenged him to humanize finance and his love for the creature comforts of home. He also shares his appreciation for the history of the east coast. Enjoy my conversation with Kraig Klinkhammer!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Kraig:
Kraig Klinkhammer, Executive VP of Gallagher Executive Benefits Team
ajg.com
Kraig: LinkedIn
Gallagher: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube