Welcome to another inspiring episode of Women of Banking Podcast! In this conversation, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Maria Allen, Vice President of Market Growth and Expansion at Golden West Credit Union, to discuss her remarkable career journey, leadership strategies, and the evolving landscape of credit unions and banking.

Starting as a teller to help fund her undergraduate degree in creative writing, Maria shares how she transitioned into sales management, scaled loan production from $1 million to over $16 million in a single department, and balanced a rigorous MBA program at the University of Utah while working full-time.

Tune in as Maria dives deep into what it takes to thrive in the financial services industry, especially for women building their careers in a historically male-dominated sector. She also offers unique perspectives on redefining member service through the "financial doctor" analogy, leveraging artificial intelligence for hyper-personalized member experiences, and why the future of credit unions depends on a renaissance of community-driven human connection.

• From Teller to VP: Maria’s 7.5-year career progression and lessons in ambition.

• The Art of Sales & Service: Why viewing sales as education and service drives results.

• The "Financial Doctor" Approach: Treating member service with expertise and empathy.

• Juggling an MBA: Tips on time management, resilience, and reframing challenges.

• AI & Hyper-Personalization: How credit unions can use technology to empower human connection.

• Women in Banking: Actionable advice on leveraging natural strengths into powerful leadership skills.

• The Future of Credit Unions: Balancing technological innovation with community roots.

• Podcast Host: Anurag Mukherjee

• Guest: Maria Allen (VP of Market Growth and Expansion, Golden West Credit Union)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to The Outlier Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of finance!

#TheOutlierPodcast #CreditUnions #WomenInBanking #BankingLeadership #GoldenWestCreditUnion #FinancePodcast #CareerGrowth #MemberExperience #ArtificialIntelligence

Key Discussion Highlights:Connect & Learn More:

Welcome to a brand-new, power-packed episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, your host Anurag Mukherjee sits down for an inspiring, candid conversation with Jasmin Gammel, Chief Operations Officer of Coast Central Credit Union. Jasmin reflects on her incredible two-and-a-half-decade career journey across the credit union and financial services sector, sharing invaluable lessons on leadership, operational excellence, and community impact.

• 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Vibes: Anurag and Jasmin kick off the episode discussing the anticipation of the weekend, setting a warm, conversational, and engaging tone for the interview.

• 00:43 - Jasmin’s Origin Story: Jasmin walks us through her career path, starting on the front lines at age 19 in savings and loan, transitioning into credit unions, stepping briefly into the fintech/vendor side with Q2, and ultimately returning home to serve the community where she was born and raised in beautiful California.

• 02:30 - Credit Unions vs. Traditional Banking: Why Jasmin chose the credit union ecosystem over traditional commercial banking, driven by core values of service, human connection, and localized community impact.

• 03:08 - The Reality of Running Operations: Moving from frontline member service into technology and project management. Jasmin reveals what most people never guess about running operations: it is fundamentally about people, empathy, and bringing diverse departments together, not just systems and numbers.

• 05:01 - Hard Leadership Decisions: A candid look at the toughest parts of leadership—including the hard reality of letting team members go, dealing with self-doubt, and questioning whether you as a leader poured enough coaching and communication into your people.

• 07:17 - The Power of the Career Pivot: Jasmin discusses the pivotal moment she left the credit union space to work for a vendor (Q2) and how that temporary departure gave her a valuable external perspective before bringing her back to where she truly belonged.

• 09:43 - Deep Dive Into Community Impact: Discover the unique scale and influence of Coast Central Credit Union across its three counties—holding over $2.3 billion in deposits, giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual grants, and logging thousands of staff volunteer hours.

• 12:47 - Rapid-Fire Round: Fast-paced, candid questions covering finance myths (spoiler: finance is about EQ, not just math!), mentorship, choosing a leadership style ("Collaborative"), handling chaos, and her brand-new favorite vocabulary word: "Figureoutable"!

• 17:39 - Advice to My Younger Self: Jasmin’s golden rule for day-one leaders: Listen more than you speak, practice patience, and always bring people along by helping them understand the "why."

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Over IQ: In an automated, tech-driven world, human empathy and collaboration remain the true cornerstones of successful leadership.

2. The Magic of Full Circle: Returning to serve the exact community that raised you brings a profound sense of purpose and magnified local impact that corporate banking simply cannot replicate.

3. Resilience in Chaos: Staying calm when plans fall apart keeps your team grounded because teams naturally take their operational cues from their leaders.

4. Embrace Career Exploration: Stepping outside your comfort zone or trying new environments can grant you the clarity you need to find your true professional home.

• Guest: Jasmin Gammel, Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Coast Central Credit Union

• Host: Anurag Mukherjee

• Podcast: Women of Community Banking

If you enjoyed this episode, please show your support by clicking the Like button, leaving a Comment below with your favorite takeaway (or how you plan to use the word "figureoutable" this week!),

#WomenOfCommunityBanking #CreditUnions #BankingLeadership #WomenInFinance #CommunityBanking #Podcast #OperationsLeadership #Fintech #LeadershipMindset #CoastCentralCreditUnion #BankingIndustry

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with a true veteran in the financial services sector, Kelli Wisner-Frank, CFO of Community Choice Credit Union.

With an impressive career spanning over two and a half decades—including more than 20 years with Community Choice—Kelli shares her inspiring journey from starting as an accounting manager to stepping into the C-suite as a Chief Financial Officer. Discover how early mentorship, empathetic leadership, and a passion for community service shaped her path as a female leader in finance.

• The Career Journey: Reflecting on 25 years in financial services, navigating industry changes, and finding lifelong fulfillment within the credit union movement.

• Leadership Evolution: How leadership styles change from managing individual contributors to leading other leaders, featuring Community Choice's unique "Leaders Leading Leaders" (L3) green-yellow-red operational framework.

• Women in Finance: Discussing the rarity of women in C-suite finance roles, balancing career and family, and empowering the next generation of female leaders.

• Modern Member Experience: Exploring how credit unions balance frictionless digital innovation with robust, human-centered frontline service.

• Navigating the Housing Market: How credit unions support first-time homebuyers and promote financial wellness amidst high interest rates and modern economic challenges.

• Impactful Member Stories: Heartwarming real-life examples of going above and beyond to help members navigate debt, tax challenges, and life events.

• The Future of Credit Unions: Predictions on how technology, AI, and human connection will intersect over the next five years.

If you are passionate about financial services, credit union leadership, women in banking, or member-first financial wellness, this episode is a must-watch!

Subscribe to the Women of Banking podcast for more insightful conversations with industry leaders, executives, and innovators transforming the financial ecosystem.

Key Discussion Points:

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee engages in a deep, insightful conversation with Celeste Fehely, Chief Member Experience Officer at San Francisco Federal Credit Union.From Part-Time Teller to C-Suite LeaderCeleste’s journey in financial services is a masterclass in organic career growth, self-advocacy, and continuous learning. Like many long-term leaders in the industry, Celeste describes herself as an "accidental banker." What started as a part-time job as a bank teller during her freshman year of college—simply intended to pay basic bills—turned into a passionate, 20+ year career across both commercial banking and credit union ecosystems.Throughout her evolution from teller to assistant vice president, regional manager, and ultimately Chief Member Experience Officer, Celeste has been driven by a singular motivation: making a meaningful impact. Whether through empowering employees to grow, enhancing the end-to-end member journey, or guiding institutions through complex operational changes, her leadership philosophy remains rooted in curiosity, authenticity, and strategic vision.Inside the Role of a Chief Member Experience OfficerWhat does it take to oversee member experience across an entire financial institution? Celeste breaks down her multi-faceted responsibilities at San Francisco Federal Credit Union, where she oversees:Credit Unions vs. Commercial Banks: The Power of PurposeHaving spent substantial time in both commercial banks and member-owned credit unions, Celeste offers a unique comparative perspective. While appreciating the structure of traditional banking, she highlights why the credit union model uniquely aligns with her values:Lead with Authenticity: Great leaders don't need to have every answer—they ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and create space for their teams to shine.Master the Technical Architecture: Don't leave technical details strictly to IT. Understanding back-end systems, digital workflows, and operational technology makes you a far more effective decision-maker."Stay in the Game": Embracing resilience through career ups and downs, knowing that non-linear paths build stronger leaders.Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Growth never happens inside your comfort zone. Overcoming the fear of failure, saying "yes" to intimidating projects, and leaning into mentorship are key to unlocking full potential.Milestone Industry News: Acquiring Summit BankThe episode concludes with an exciting operational milestone for San Francisco Federal Credit Union: its strategic acquisition of Summit Bank. As only the second credit union in California to acquire a commercial bank, SF Federal continues to pioneer growth, expand its community footprint, and elevate its service offerings.Key Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & East Coast vs. West Coast Weather Check00:55 – The Accidental Banker: Starting as a College Teller02:30 – Career Motivations: Driving Impact & Leading Through Change03:40 – The Role of CXO: Aligning Branches, Contact Centers & Wealth Management04:54 – Credit Unions vs. Banks: Mission-Driven Finance & Scrappiness06:11 – Early Career Milestones: Finding a Voice at the Decision Table06:47 – Female-Majority Leadership: Culture, Collaboration & Diverse Thought08:20 – De-Bunking the C-Suite Path: Authenticity over Rigid Trajectories09:34 – Future Panel Ideas: Inviting the Executive Team to the Podcast10:12 – The 3 Pillars of Career Advice: Authenticity, Tech Mastery & Resilience13:13 – Advice to Her Younger Self: Overcoming Fear of Failure & Finding Mentors15:37 – Breaking News: SF Federal Credit Union's Acquisition of Summit Bank#WomenInBanking #CreditUnions #BankingLeadership #MemberExperience #FemaleExecutives #FinancialServices #CareerAdvice #WomenInLeadership #CommunityBanking #FintechPodcast #SFFederalCreditUnion #BankingAcquisition #ExecutiveCoaching

In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Katy Pritsos, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Global Credit Union, to explore the intersection of human-centric leadership, organizational growth, and operational excellence.

With over two decades in financial services—starting as a bank teller and rising to executive leadership—Katy brings a comprehensive, ground-level perspective to modern credit union operations. She breaks down how credit unions leverage mission-driven values ("people helping people") to create meaningful employee experiences, navigate major organizational transformations (including mergers and acquisitions), and build cultures grounded in trust and transparency.

Key Discussion Points & Topics:

• Transitioning from Operations to Strategy: What changes when you shift from operational management to executive leadership?

• People-First Culture vs. Operational Excellence: How to maintain high standards and accountability while leading with empathy.

• The Credit Union Advantage: How mission-driven banking creates higher purpose and stronger alignment for employees compared to traditional corporate structures.

• Navigating Workforce Expectations: What younger professionals (Gen Z) expect from leadership, including transparent flexibility, ongoing feedback, and visible growth paths.

• Leading Through Organizational Change: Best practices for internal communication, managing trust, and maintaining team alignment during mergers and rebrands.

• Executive Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders: Overcoming confidence gaps, raising your hand before you feel 100% qualified, and embracing growth within the role.

Featured Guest: Katy Pritsos | Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Global Credit Union

About Global Credit Union:Global Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving its members and communities across multiple regions with tailored financial solutions, community engagement, and member-first services.

About the Podcast:The Women of Community Banking Podcast highlights executive leaders, innovators, and changemakers across credit unions and community banks. We dive into leadership philosophies, industry shifts, talent development, and the future of community-focused financial institutions.

In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Rossana Creo, Chief Strategy Officer at the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU).Starting her journey at UNFCU over 25 years ago as a bilingual Member Service Representative (MSR) in the contact center, Rossana built a remarkable career path that led her to the C-suite. Today, she leads UNFCU's Office of Strategy Management, which oversees global strategic planning, member experience transformation, and specialized UN community initiatives.UNFCU serves over 260,000 members residing across more than 200 countries and territories. In this conversation, Rossana unpacks what it takes to design, execute, and scale financial strategies for an exceptionally unique, globally dispersed membership while maintaining a high-touch, human-centric approach.Key topics covered in this episode:• Rossana Creo's career progression from entry-level MSR to Chief Strategy Officer• The creation and operational role of UNFCU’s Member Experience Center of Excellence• Balancing digital self-service capabilities with dedicated human touchpoints across global time zones• Measuring strategic impact and avoiding "SPOTS" (Strategic Plan On The Shelf)• The critical role of career mentorship, sponsorship, and executive alignment• Real-world member impact: How credit unions fulfill their mission during life-changing momentsAbout UNFCU:The United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) is a global financial cooperative serving the United Nations community, including employees, retirees, and their families worldwide.About the Guest:Rossana Creo is the Chief Strategy Officer at UNFCU. With more than two decades of dedicated service at the institution, she oversees enterprise strategy development, member experience excellence, and strategic sponsor relations.About the Show:The Women of Banking Podcast highlights key leaders, executives, and innovators shaping the future of community banking, credit unions, and financial services. Hosted by Anurag Mukherjee, the podcast showcases inspirational career trajectories and actionable insights from industry leaders.#WomenOfBanking #CreditUnions #Fintech #Leadership #GlobalBanking #UNFCU #ExecutiveLeadership #MemberExperience #FinancialServices

In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Susan Peyret, Chief Financial Officer at Keesler Federal Credit Union.

Susan shares her unique career trajectory—transitioning from wealth management and financial advisory roles at major wire houses like Merrill Lynch into credit union executive leadership. She offers an insider look at leading full-scale financial due diligence through one of the largest credit union mergers across Mississippi and Louisiana, managing culture integration, and navigating complex core system conversions.

The discussion delves into how modern credit union CFOs balance rigorous financial discipline—such as managing liquidity, controlling operating expenses, and optimizing asset liability management (ALM)—with an unwavering member-first mission. Susan breaks down how generating strong top-line earnings enables credit unions to deliver higher member dividends, competitive loan discounts, and sustained community investment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Susan Peyret’s non-traditional path from wealth management to Credit Union CFO

• Executing M&A financial due diligence and managing core banking conversions

• Aligning organizational culture and multi-institution teams during mergers

• Strategic balance sheet management: Capital adequacy, liquidity, and ALM Levers

• Balancing strict cost controls with long-term technology investments and fintech competition

• Translating financial performance into direct member value and community impact

• Navigating macroeconomic pressures, inflation, and changing consumer expectations

• Career wisdom on self-reflection, mindfulness, and professional growth in financial services

About the Guest:Susan Peyret serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Keesler Federal Credit Union. With nearly two decades of financial services experience—including 15 years within the credit union movement across organizations like Amplify, Fortera, and Keesler Federal—Susan brings a forward-looking, strategic lens to balance sheet management, corporate finance, and community-focused banking.

About the Show:The Women of Community Banking Podcast highlights female leaders, executives, and innovators shaping the future of credit unions, community banks, and financial institutions across North America.

In this episode of the Women of Banking podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Youssi Farag, Chief Financial Officer at WEOKIE Federal Credit Union, to explore her inspiring journey from starting as a bank teller after moving from Egypt to becoming an executive leader in financial services.

Youssi breaks down the unique mission-driven model of credit unions, how modern technology and automation are shifting the modern CFO's role from historical accounting to forward-looking strategy, and what it truly takes to practice authentic leadership as a first-generation immigrant and executive mother.

• The Immigrant Mindset & Executive Growth: Moving from Egypt to the United States, earning an advanced business degree, starting at entry-level banking roles, and navigating the path to C-suite leadership through performance, discipline, and resilience.

• Credit Unions vs. Community Banks: Why credit union cooperative models prioritize member value and financial wellness over pure shareholder profitability.

• The Evolving CFO Role: How real-time data analytics, automation, and cybersecurity have transformed corporate finance from manual data gathering to strategic story-telling and risk management.

• Authentic Leadership over Fitting the Mold: Overcoming gender, age, and cultural barriers by leading with empathy, transparency, and trust rather than trying to be the loudest voice in the room.

• Work-Life Focus over Perfection: Practical advice for balancing family, career demands, and executive responsibility by prioritizing purpose rather than chasing everyday perfection.

• Community Banking Beyond Balance Sheets: How local events like "Heard on Heard" and "Credit Union in the Park" align financial strength with true community connection.

• 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome: Youssi Farag, CFO of WEOKIE Federal Credit Union

• 01:07 - Youssi’s Immigrant Story: From Egypt to Bank Teller to CFO

• 03:51 - Mission-Driven Banking: Community Banks vs. Credit Union Cooperatives

• 06:19 - Women in C-Suite Leadership: Overcoming Career Barriers with Credibility

• 08:34 - Leading with Discipline and Empathy: Why Authenticity Matters

• 10:11 - Executive Advice for Balancing Career, Family, and Growth

• 12:24 - How Technology and Automation Transformed the CFO Role

• 14:28 - Community Impact Beyond the Balance Sheet: "Heard on Heard" & Credit Unions

• 16:10 - Closing Remarks

Youssi Farag is the Chief Financial Officer at WEOKIE Federal Credit Union, one of Oklahoma's premier financial cooperatives. Born and raised in Egypt, Youssi earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree from Poitiers University in France. With an extensive background spanning credit analysis, banking operations, and financial management, she is dedicated to balancing financial discipline with member-first service and community empowerment.

The Women of Community Banking podcast, hosted by Anurag Mukherjee, spotlights top female executives, innovators, and leaders transforming credit unions, community banks, and financial technology.

Guest Info: Youssi Farag, CFO, WEOKIE Federal Credit Union

#WomenInBanking #CreditUnions #CommunityBanking #CFOInterview #FinancialLeadership #WomenInLeadership #WEOKIE #Fintech

Key Takeaways & Discussion HighlightsEpisode TimestampsAbout the GuestAbout Women of Community Banking Podcast

In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Jamie Harrison, Chief Growth Officer at Meritrust Credit Union. With over two decades of dedicated service at Meritrust, Jamie shares her inspiring career evolution from marketing and retail into leading end-to-end growth strategy across the organization.

Jamie breaks down what it truly takes to drive scalable growth in modern financial institutions—from executing strategic M&A mergers and navigating complex cultural integrations to shifting from a traditional "member" mindset to an agile "customer-first" perspective. Discover how Meritrust is leveraging prescriptive banking, data-driven personalization, and high-impact community and NIL athletic partnerships (including the Denver Nuggets' Christian Braun and KU Jayhawks) to cut through market noise and win long-term loyalty.

• The Evolution of CGO in Credit Unions: Why unifying product development, marketing, channels, pricing, and member experience under one growth charter eliminates operational silos.

• M&A as a Growth Engine: Inside Meritrust’s merger with Premier Members Credit Union, expanding from Kansas into high-growth Denver, Colorado.

• Merging Cultures & Managing Risk: Balancing innovation with risk mitigation when unifying two distinct operational mindsets across core systems.

• Customer vs. Member Mindset: Why framing members as customers with choices drives superior digital experiences and retention.

• Prescriptive Banking & Data: How credit unions can utilize transactional data to anticipate financial needs rather than relying on lagging indicators.

• Strategic Co-Branding: How athletic and university partnerships build instant brand trust and market relevance in expansion markets.

• 00:00 – Introduction & Jamie Harrison's 20+ Year Journey

• 01:39 – Combining Business Strategy with Mission-Driven Purpose

• 03:25 – What Does a Chief Growth Officer Actually Do Day-to-Day?

• 06:48 – M&A in Credit Unions: Merging with Premier Members CU

• 09:40 – Cultural Integration, Core Conversions & Innovation Risk

• 12:03 – Member vs. Customer Mindset: Why Choice Matters

• 14:35 – Digital Transformation & Prescriptive Banking

• 18:45 – Cutting Through Noise: Brand Partnerships, NIL & Market Expansion

• Guest: Jamie Harrison, Chief Growth Officer at Meritrust Credit Union

• Host: Anurag Mukherjee

• Show: Women of Community Banking Podcast

#CreditUnions #CommunityBanking #Fintech #CreditUnionGrowth #ChiefGrowthOfficer #PrescriptiveBanking #BankingInnovation #MeritrustCreditUnion #MergersAndAcquisitions #WomenInBanking

📌 Key Takeaways & Highlights⏱️ Chapter Timestamps👤 About the Guest & Host

How do credit unions scale modern digital banking while retaining the high-touch, human connection that members trust?In this episode of the Women of Community Banking podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Adi, Senior Vice President of Digital Delivery at Fairwinds Credit Union in Orlando, Florida. With over 23 years of dedicated service at Fairwinds, Adi shares her inspiring career transition from classroom teacher to financial executive, revealing how educational principles drive impactful corporate leadership and team development.Discover how Fairwinds Credit Union is revolutionizing digital onboarding, elevating Net Promoter Scores (NPS) above 85+, and creating a mission-driven culture centered around true financial wellness and debt-free banking.----------------------------------------------------------------📌 KEY TOPICS COVERED----------------------------------------------------------------• Career Pivots in Banking: Transitioning from teaching to executive leadership in financial services.• Mission-Driven Culture: Inside Fairwinds Credit Union’s "20 Year Club" and employee retention strategies.• Financial Freedom Philosophy: Why Fairwinds actively discourages predatory debt products and partners with Dave Ramsey.• Humanizing Digital Delivery: Centralizing digital onboarding to eliminate member friction while keeping human touchpoints intact.• Gen Z & Financial Literacy: The shift from social media financial advice (TikTok/Instagram) back to trusted community banking relationships.• Women in Financial Leadership: Overcoming corporate workplace expectations, building confidence, and mentoring the next generation of female executives.----------------------------------------------------------------⏱️ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS----------------------------------------------------------------00:00 - Introduction & Welcome01:38 - Clarifying Roles & Background01:59 - From Classroom Teacher to Banking Leader03:48 - Finding Passion in Corporate Training & Leadership Development06:29 - Why Culture & Longevity Matter: The Fairwinds 20-Year Club08:15 - Financial Freedom & Anti-Debt Banking Philosophy10:43 - Modernizing Digital Delivery in Credit Unions12:52 - Digital Experience vs. Human Touch: What Members Really Want14:41 - Centralizing Digital Onboarding & Boosting NPS to 85+18:48 - Navigating Gen Z, Social Media Advice, & Trusted Banking21:35 - Women Leadership in Banking & Overcoming Corporate Challenges25:09 - Career Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders in Financial Services----------------------------------------------------------------👤 ABOUT THE GUEST----------------------------------------------------------------Adi is the Senior Vice President of Digital Delivery at Fairwinds Credit Union, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Over her 23-year career with Fairwinds, she has led initiatives across corporate training, retirement services, operations, product management, contact centers, and digital delivery. Beyond financial services, she is a certified personal trainer, fitness enthusiast, and home cook aspiring to author a cookbook.----------------------------------------------------------------🎙️ ABOUT WOMEN OF COMMUNITY BANKING----------------------------------------------------------------The Women of Community Banking podcast highlights top female executives, leaders, and innovators transforming community banks and credit unions across the United States. Hosted by Anurag Mukherjee, the show explores career journeys, operational excellence, fintech integration, and the future of community finance.----------------------------------------------------------------🔍 KEYWORDS & GEO TOPICS----------------------------------------------------------------Women of Community Banking, Fairwinds Credit Union, Digital Delivery, Credit Union Leadership, Digital Onboarding, Banking Digital Transformation, Female Financial Executives, Net Promoter Score in Banking,