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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Five Steps to Creating a Digital Culture

When asked “In the past year, which method did you use most often to manage your bank account(s)?” consumers responded as follows: Mobile (apps on smartphone or tablet) – 45% Internet/Online (Laptop or PC) – 27% Branches – 14% (Oct 31, 2022 – American Bankers Association) This statistic says a lot! Mobile utilization is the preferred method…

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The Seven Steps to Becoming an Innovative Credit Union

As the financial landscape evolves and becomes disrupted, credit unions face the challenge of staying relevant. To maintain relevancy, innovation becomes a must-have if the organization is to meet the changing needs of its members. Embracing innovation is vital for credit unions to thrive. But innovation, for innovation’s sake, is not helpful. All innovation must…

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Do You Want to “Power Up” Your Auto Loans?

Capture the Electric Vehicle Auto Loan Market. The electric vehicle (EV) market is booming, with a surge in consumer interest in sustainable transportation options. Over 2.3 million electric cars were sold in the first quarter, about 25% more than in the same period last year. We expect to see 14 million in sales by the end of…

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