Board of Directors
Financial Education, Literacy, or Wellness – Oh My!
In credit unions, Financial Education, Financial Literacy, and Financial Wellness are seemingly interchangeable, but each has a distinct meaning and purpose. What does your credit union want to become in the eyes of your members and the community? Which of these options will differentiate you from other financial providers? Financial Education: Financial education provides consumers…
Read MoreHarmony of Purpose in Strategic Execution
In the fast-paced and ever-changing financial services landscape, the successful execution of a strategic plan is crucial to a credit union’s growth and sustainability. However, even the most well-crafted strategies can fall short of their intended outcomes if they are not effectively aligned with a consistent and disciplined culture. Cultural alignment is pivotal in strategic…
Read MoreLessons from the Airline Cancellation Debacle
A credit union can draw some lessons from the past year’s major airline cancellation debacle. Here are some potential takeaways: It’s important to note that each industry has unique challenges and characteristics. Therefore, while credit unions can draw inspiration from other sectors’ experiences, they must adapt and tailor the lessons to their specific operations and…
Read MoreIndirect Auto Lending? Pros and Cons.
Indirect auto lending, where a credit union partners with car dealerships or a direct lending CUSO to offer financing to their customers, has become a popular method of expanding loan portfolios and attracting new members. However, like any financial service, there are both benefits and drawbacks associated with this approach. This article will explore the…
Read MoreThe Retired CEO won’t get out of the way… What should the board do?
A very high-profile credit union faces a leadership and strategic crisis that may derail the organization for decades. Here is the situation I have observed from afar. The retired CEO disagreed with the new CEO’s direction for the credit union and won’t get out of the way. He has publicly disrupted the organization’s annual meeting,…
Read MoreBuilding a Niche Marketing Strategy
Building a sustainable niche marketing strategy involves careful planning, research, and implementation. Here are 14 steps you can follow to develop a sustainable niche marketing strategy: Remember, building a sustainable niche marketing strategy requires patience and consistency. It’s essential to stay committed to your target niche, adapt to changes in the market, and continuously innovate…
Read MoreThe Purposeless Credit Union
A Hilarious Odyssey of Confusion and Coincidence Step right up for a wild and wacky adventure into the world of a credit union without a purpose. Prepare to be amused, perplexed, and perhaps even a little concerned as we explore the misadventures of an aimless financial institution. Strap on your seatbelts—it’s going to be a…
Read MoreLost in Leadership Land
A Hilarious Guide to Leading Without Core Values. Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the treacherous and comical world of leadership without any core values. Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey full of confusion, chaos, and questionable decision-making. Get ready to laugh your way through this hilarious guide! The Drifters’ Creed: Without core…
Read MoreGap Funding – Bridging the Divide and Driving Economic Empowerment
In pursuing a more equitable society, supporting businesses owned by individuals from marginalized communities is paramount to a vital, innovative, and sustainable economy. These marginalized groups include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), women, veterans, and rural entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs face unique challenges, the least of which is limited access to capital. Mentoring, coaching,…
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