What’s Next for DEI?

You feel Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential to your credit union’s mission and values, but with the political and societal anti-DEI feelings, you may be getting pushback. Some of the population have even demonized the acronym “DEI.” But we are in the “People Helping People” business, and inclusivity is vital to that purpose.…

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Serving Members as an Act of Stewardship

Several years ago, I worked with Dale Turner, now CEO at TruStone Financial Credit Union. As the VP of Lending, he stood at the podium of an all-staff meeting and challenged the entire credit union to “think for the member, don’t just respond to the member.” Dale had the wisdom to know the difference between…

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10 Reasons to Hire a CMO as the New CEO

Credit union boards seem to default to a CFO or COO as the new CEO. The thinking is sound; credit unions are a business of money (finance) and serving members (operations), which are the two key skill sets of the CFO and COO, respectively. But, in the dynamic business landscape of credit unions, the Chief…

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From an Executive to a Strategist – Changing Perceptions.

One complaint I hear from most CEOs about marketing, lending, and operational executives is, “I need my leadership to be more strategic.” But most executives aren’t sure what that really means, and often, the CEO struggles to explain it.  Strategists play a distinct role compared to other executives within an organization. Here are fundamental differences…

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Facing Career Disruption?

Career disruption creates anxiety. It presents itself in many forms: you feel your influence is waning, there is a potential for layoffs, the company’s performance is missing targets, or layoffs have been announced. These palatable disruptions often cause you to become fearful, more risk-averse, or even to try to become invisible. You should do the…

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Marketing Must Be Seen!

Marketing is not just an expense line; it is a strategic partner as credit unions face challenges adapting to rapidly evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. By reimagining marketing’s place and purpose, credit unions can attract new members and reshape perceptions among their executives. First, let’s identify what marketing can and cannot control. What marketing…

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ALM 101 for Marketing

Asset Liability Management (ALM) at a credit union refers to the strategic management of assets and liabilities to ensure the credit union’s financial stability, liquidity, and profitability. Here’s what it involves: Asset Liability Management at a credit union is a comprehensive approach to balancing the institution’s assets and liabilities to optimize financial performance, manage risks…

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How to Retain Employees and Members

Fostering a Culture of Belonging Employee burnout is a pervasive issue affecting organizations across various industries, and credit unions are no exception. The financial sector demands high commitment, attention to detail, and often long working hours, making credit union employees susceptible to burnout. However, creating a culture of belonging can be a powerful antidote to…

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