Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The CUInsight Experience
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transitions with Kelly Botti (#238) | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:45:33 | |
“You get this feeling that your job as a leader is to sink the long putt. But your job is to caddy.” – Kelly Botti Welcome to episode 238 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com, and Jilly Nowacki, co-founder, president and CEO of Zealyst. This episode is sponsored by Trellance. Trellance is a leading technology partner for credit unions, delivering innovative technology solutions to help credit unions achieve more. With a comprehensive suite of analytics, cloud and talent solutions, the Trellance team ensures credit unions increase efficiency, manage risk, and improve member experience. Learn more here! In this 2026 season, Jilly and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. For this episode, we are so thrilled to welcome Kelly Botti - President and CEO of Trumark Credit Union! She joins us to talk about how leadership transitions rarely happen as cleanly as a new title or promotion suggests. We discuss the personal side of change—the uncomfortable stretch of time and growth between who we were and who we're becoming, and we unpack why the biggest leadership shifts often happen internally long before anyone else even notices them! Listen in as Kelly reflects on stepping into executive leadership at a young age, the pressure to prove herself, and how chasing credibility sometimes pulled her away from authenticity. We talk about why experience and not just intelligence often shapes stronger leaders, how mentorship can fill the gaps that life hasn't yet provided, and why trying to have all the answers often acts as an obstacle to actual influence. The three of us share our own stories of early-career missteps, the lessons that we wish we had learned sooner, and how our perspectives have changed over time. Our discussion also examines what leadership looks like once success is no longer measured by personal output, and we talk about creating the conditions for others to succeed, resisting the urge to solve every problem yourself, and continually bringing teams back to a shared mission instead of micromanaging. Kelly offers practical insights into creating a sense of alignment, leading experienced teams, and communicating a vision without controlling every decision. We also spend some time on something leaders don't discuss nearly enough: the emotional work behind major transitions. From burnout and self-awareness to having trusted people in our life who are candid and honest, we explore what it really takes to stay grounded while carrying a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. We close by discussing why the best leaders aren't driven by ego but rather by purpose. If you're working through a major career change, growing into a new leadership role, or simply trying to become a more authentic leader, we think you'll find plenty to reflect on in this conversation with Kelly Botti! Connect with Kelly: Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Faye Nabhani (#233); Tansley Stearns (#228) [12:05] - Jill illustrates how experience teaches leaders to prioritize meaningful issues over perfection. | |||
| Collaboration with April Clobes (#237) | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:37:47 | |
“My biggest goal is that the industry wins, thrives, and survives. You don't do that alone. That's a whole movement.” – April Clobes Welcome to episode 237 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com, and Jilly Nowacki, co-founder, president and CEO of Zealyst. This episode is sponsored by Trellance. Trellance is a leading technology partner for credit unions, delivering innovative technology solutions to help credit unions achieve more. With a comprehensive suite of analytics, cloud and talent solutions, the Trellance team ensures credit unions increase efficiency, manage risk, and improve member experience. Learn more at Trellance.com! In this new 2026 season, Jilly and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. For this episode, we welcome back April Clobes who was a previous guest in episode #73. April is the President and CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union, and she joins us today to talk about the importance of collaboration in the credit union space. Listen in as we discuss how she has grown the credit union from 100 to over 1,200 employees while keeping a strong focus on inclusion, shared ownership, and creating space for every team member to contribute. April shares how curiosity and “what if” thinking have affected everything from new member experiences to experimental concepts such as her organization’s kid-focused Money Lab. We also explore what it takes to build trust across a fast-moving organization (and across an entire industry). April explains why showing up consistently, listening intently, and co-creating solutions can help speed up innovation far beyond what any single organization can achieve alone. April also opens up about the reality of leadership being imperfect—including missed blind spots, the importance of feedback, and learning to slow down and bring others in earlier. We discuss shifting workplace expectations, where employees are increasingly comfortable asking “why” and challenging decisions and how that shift is reshaping leadership styles. Finally, we talk about a more personal side of leadership and how networks of peers, mentors, and board relationships help counteract the loneliness that can sometimes come with executive roles. April leaves us with a clear invitation: collaboration isn’t just a strategy for growth, it’s a commitment to showing up for each other so the whole industry can do better together. We hope that you enjoy this insightful conversation with April Clobes!
| |||
| Identity with Tansley Stearns (#228) | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:34:09 | |
“As women, we have a lot of work to do—and that work is something we have to continue to be impatient about.” – Tansley Stearns Welcome to episode 228 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jilly Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei. This episode is sponsored by Alacriti, a leading payments fintech helping credit unions modernize money movement. Alacriti enables real-time money movement experiences for loan payments, A2A transfers, digital disbursements, and bill pay. Through a single cloud-native platform that connects to RTP, FedNow, Fedwire, ACH, Visa Direct, and Zelle, credit unions can progressively modernize without overhauling legacy systems. Learn more at alacriti.com! In this new 2026 season, Jill and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. Join us for this episode as we welcome Tansley Stearns back to the show. Tansley is the President & CEO of orsa credit union, and she helps challenge us to think about leadership from the inside out, sharing a candid conversation about what it actually takes to become the kind of leader you’re proud to be, not just the one who looks impressive on paper. We talk with Tansley about a defining moment during COVID that reshaped how she thinks about people, trust, and growth and how, from that experience, came her powerful framework of “cushions and wings,” or the idea that leaders must first create safety, care, and trust before asking people to stretch, innovate, and take risks. Without the cushion, the wings can do real harm. That idea really sets the tone for our discussion on authenticity, emotional honesty, and the responsibility that leaders carry when people are watching everything that they do. Tansley shares what it’s meant for her life and journey as a leader to let go of people-pleasing, borrowed identities, and the masks she once wore to fit into rooms that didn’t always feel like home. We explore how embracing who she truly is—laughter, emotions, bold dreams, and all—has made her a more effective and trusted leader, and she also opens up about her uncompromising standards: no “brilliant jerks,” no behavior that harms people, and no shrinking herself to make others feel more comfortable. We also reflect on the mentors who have shaped us, the feedback that changed us, and the responsibility that we now have to show up for the next generation of leaders. We talk about values, joy, growth, and why leadership is ultimately about people, not metrics. This episode is for anyone who’s questioning who they’re becoming at work, who feels the weight of trying to belong, or who wants to lead with courage, care, and clarity, with Tansley reminding us that authenticity isn’t a destination but a practice! Enjoy our conversation with Tansley Stearns! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Connect with Tansley: | |||
| Jill and Randy - Yes or No (#138) | 01 Jul 2022 | 00:38:39 | |
“You can’t just build diversity, you have to bring in the equity to create an inclusive environment.” - Jill Nowacki Thank you for tuning in to episode 138 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is Jill Nowacki, the President & CEO of Humanidei + O’Rourke, who also happens to be my human. In this episode, we chat about intentional living from two different angles with Jill being more of a “YES” person while I am more of a “NO” person. Jill reveals how she leads an intentional life and structures it to allow her to say, “yes” more often. She discusses the importance of creating work-life integration, and we share our different views of taking space and rest. During our conversation, Jill provides her thoughts on effective leadership and highlights the significance of feedback and collaboration when making decisions. Throughout the episode, Jill shares the impact credit unions can have in reducing the racial wealth gap and putting an end to long-term systemic inequality. Jill encourages credit union leaders to have conversations about racial inequity and be more involved in their communities to better understand the issues people are facing. She also recommends credit unions design products and services to solve these economic issues. The conversation comes full circle as we chat about intentionality in building diverse leadership teams and boards. Jill shares the importance of creating an inclusive environment and asking “the equity question” to structure systems in a way that doesn’t favor or leave out specific groups of people. Tune in to hear Jill’s advice on positively impacting our communities, diversity, equity and inclusion, and finding a seat at the right table. As we wrap up the show, listen in as Jill and I share our laughter, stories, and curiosities. Enjoy my conversation with Jill Nowacki! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jill: | |||
| Carol Marx - Grassroot Service (#137) | 17 Jun 2022 | 00:40:06 | |
“Credit unions have done so much for their membership, and they continue to do more.” - Carol Marx Thank you for tuning in to episode 137 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is Carol Marx, President & CEO at the Hawaii Credit Union League. Carol worked in financial services for over 30 years and has recently made her way to credit unions. She expresses her excitement about taking on this role and being involved in the credit union movement. Carol talks about credit union values and how they are reflected through the work performed within communities. During our conversation, Carol talks about credit unions being a united front and coming together to increase awareness and enhance the financial well-being of members across their communities. Carol shares her vision of success, which includes ideas of overcoming adversity, succession planning, and establishing secure housing. She also discusses the greatest investment made in her career and how it prepared her for the future. Carol and I talk about what she looks for to enhance the culture of Hawaii’s credit unions and their teams. When giving feedback, Carol suggests listening to a team member’s perspective first, then following up with a question-driven discussion that leads to a manageable solution. Carol shares what makes a good leader and the importance of aligning the “why” of the organization with their purpose. She explains ways in which she communicates change while involving team members of all levels. Carol shares her vision of what a career in credit unions will look like in five years while continuing the important work of the credit union movement to ensure a strong future for credit unions. As we wrap up the show, listen in as Carol shares how she recharges as a CEO, the album she listens to daily, and the reason she feels her father is the personification of, “People helping people.” Enjoy my conversation with Carol Marx! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Carol: | |||
| D’Amico and Schultz - Community and Culture (#136) | 03 Jun 2022 | 00:36:57 | |
“We want people that are authentic, and passionate, and want to do what’s best for members.” - Jennifer D’Amico Thank you for tuning in to episode 136 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guests on today's show are Jennifer D’Amico and Randy Schultz. Jen is the VP of Marketing at Commonwealth Central Credit Union. Randy is the VP of Marketing at Strum Agency. This episode is filled with insights from two marketing experts in the credit union industry, and was recorded in front of a live audience at the 2022 MAC Conference in Chicago. Jen and Randy talk about what gets them most excited for the future of the movement including data, culture, member experience, and change. During our conversation, Jen and Randy dive into the greatest investment made in each of their careers. Coincidentally, they share similar thoughts on how they immerse themselves in the credit union community. They express the importance of creating connections, continuing education, and sharing ideas to stay relevant in the industry. Together we chat about what to look for in building a strong team that understands the culture and the “why” of the organization. Jen talks about taking risks in marketing and the balancing act of driving new business and showing positive results, while sharing member stories. Randy gives tips to stay up to date in marketing and speaks on the importance of shifting our mindsets. We chat about the future of the credit union movement and the need to humanize the financial services industry to attract talent. As we wrap up the show, listen in as Jen and Randy discuss work-life balance, Randy’s favorite album of all time, and the best combo: Pelotons and puppies. Enjoy my conversation with Jen and Randy! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jen: How to find Randy: | |||
| Whitney Anderson-Harrell - Not a Dress Rehearsal (#135) | 20 May 2022 | 00:36:43 | |
“We’re serving the underserved, doing things differently, making a difference for people.” - Whitney Anderson-Harrell Thank you for tuning in to episode 135 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is Whitney Anderson-Harrell, President & CEO at Elements Financial FCU in Indianapolis. Whitney shares the unique story of her career journey from teller, to outside the industry, and finally back to credit unions. She expresses her excitement about the future of the movement and what credit unions should focus on to stay relevant. She also discusses the value of having and being a mentor to gain greater insight and opportunities throughout your career. During our conversation, Whitney dives into the big investment she made in her career that she also considers a big catalyst for change. Whitney shares that when adding a new member to her team, she looks for integrity, loyalty, and trust. She finds it important to create a healthy environment where solution-oriented conversations are encouraged. Throughout the discussion, Whitney shares her belief in challenging current ideas and listening to new ones to stay relevant and ultimately make the right decisions for members, employees, and the community. As Elements’ newest CEO, Whitney shares how she built a foundation of trust with her leadership team through intention, direct communication, and asking questions. She finds this vital in gaining perspective and understanding what each employee values within the credit union. Whitney also finds it helpful to be direct when giving feedback and speaks on the benefits of having a direct conversation when necessary. Whitney and I chat about how she plans on growing Elements along with the credit union movement as a whole by exceeding member expectations. Tune in to hear Whitney’s advice on when to pull the plug on an idea, balancing a hybrid work environment, technology in the credit union space, and more. As we wrap up the show, listen in as Whitney talks about her amazing family, her love of Motown, and one book she’s been reading lately. Enjoy my conversation with Whitney Anderson-Harrell! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Whitney: | |||
| Lucas Tindell - Invest Your Time (#134) | 06 May 2022 | 00:41:06 | |
“Make the change, be the change, or get swept away in the current of change.” - Lucas Tindell Thank you for tuning in to episode 134 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is author, speaker, trainer, and business and life coach, Lucas Tindell. He is also the keynote speaker for the CUInsight Mini-Con: CHANGE event on May 25. Lucas shares how he helps people connect the dots between what they want and what it takes to achieve it. He also talks about building emotional intelligence (EQ), developing leadership skills, and creating intentionality in life and work. As we start the episode, Lucas shares how his career began by serving his community, much like credit unions do. Lucas talks about the importance of taking control of your time and having stronger intentions than your distractions. Lucas believes emotional intelligence starts with being in control of yourself, ensuring you are able to better connect with others. He also emphasizes self-awareness, empathy, and social skills as critical components of effective leadership. Lucas encourages leaders to be the ones who push their team up from the bottom rather than pull them from the top. He shares the importance of having a balance of system, structure, order, and vision to lead people towards a unified goal. Lucas dives into the greatest investment he’s ever made in his career and the importance of building bridges before you need them. Listen to his insights on making feedback more effective with competency and behavior markers, investing time vs. spending time, and prioritizing core relationships in a work-life balance. As we wrap up the show, Lucas talks about the figurative keys of success, Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, and his inspirational wife. Enjoy my conversation with Lucas Tindell! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Lucas: | |||
| Lily Newfarmer - Speak Your Truth (#133) | 22 Apr 2022 | 00:39:39 | |
“Have confidence, have passion, and go out and conquer where you can.” - Lily Newfarmer Thank you for tuning in to episode 133 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is Lily Newfarmer, President & CEO of Tarrant County’s Credit Union, and also a founder and the board chair of the Credit Union Women's Leadership Alliance (CUWLA). Lily shares her unique story of getting into the credit union movement and the many life lessons she learned along the way. After time spent at the helm of Tarrant County’s Credit Union, Lily and others came together to form CUWLA in a collective effort to support women-CEOs of small credit unions. As we start the episode, Lily shares her belief that the future of the credit union movement is in good hands with so many talented and passionate young professionals. Lily expresses her excitement about the system support that is newly offered to small credit unions (who are mostly run by women) through CUWLA and other organizations. Credit unions of all sizes should invest in training and education for their people, in Lily’s opinion. She provides good ideas for how leaders can find and provide those opportunities to their team members and notes that training is one of her biggest budget items. When adding a new member to her team, Lily usually looks for skillset, attitude, and willingness to learn in addition to two other critical attributes. Lily and I also discuss being a good CEO, leading by example, and building a culture of vulnerability. She also shares her philosophy around the CEO-board relationship and her ability to keep her cool under pressure. Throughout the episode, Lily also chats about what has impressed and amazed her most lately, both personally and professionally. As we wrap up the show, Lily talks about the power of love, the book she read most recently, and the best piece of advice her dad gave her. Enjoy my conversation with Lily Newfarmer! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Lily: | |||
| Mark Robnett - Change the Change (#132) | 08 Apr 2022 | 00:39:03 | |
“Digital transformation is about constantly reimagining how we can serve our members better.” - Mark Robnett Thank you for tuning in to episode 132 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. My guest on today's show is Mark Robnett, President & CEO of Justice Federal Credit Union. Mark came up through his career with a technology background. In each new role, he grew his skills and experience through continuous learning, taking on the chief executive role at the credit union in 2018. During this episode, Mark shares that he is most excited about the credit union industry’s strategic move to embrace fintech. We chat about how powerful technology is, and Mark explains the credit union’s push to use business intelligence and data analytics to better understand their members. In this conversation, Mark talks about the ways that digital transformation should be more than just a project. He believes that technology is an equalizer, allowing smaller organizations to seem larger because of their technology, despite the cost. Mark shares about the investment in his career that has had the most impact: seeking out and collecting great mentors. He recounts the ways he opens doors for more leaders like him in return. Throughout this episode, Mark shares lots of quotes and sayings that resonate with him. We discuss what makes a good leadership team like a good stew, and the qualities that Mark looks for in members of his team. Optimism and trust make a good leader, in Mark’s opinion. Tune in to hear his thoughts on organizational culture in a hybrid workplace, building an environment of trust, and knowing the right time to abort a new project. As we wrap up the show, Mark shares a leader who gave him impactful advice, the recent read he recommends, and his favorite album of all time. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Robnett! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Mark: | |||
| Elissa McCarter-LaBorde - Power of People (#131) | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:39:21 | |
“A lot of people are not well-served by the financial sector, and that’s what we have to change.” - Elissa McCarter-LaBorde Thank you for tuning in to episode 131 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Elissa McCarter-LaBorde, President & CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions. She is new to the credit union industry, but spent over twenty years working in financial inclusion on a global scale. Most of her prior work was spent designing financial services for low-income populations; now, Elissa is bringing her skills and experience to credit unions across the globe. Elissa shares that she has loved to see the commitment, passion, and synergy with financial inclusion initiatives that are core to the credit union movement. After graduate school, Elissa got her first role with a microcredit program as a debt collector in Armenia. This position deeply impacted her understanding of the relationship between people and finances. She expresses that gender distinctions, age, life cycle, financial access, and community support all factor into understanding the consumer. Elissa explains that for her, credit unison are a counterweight to banks and fintechs that have gone astray from supporting people. She shares that a business model prioritizing community reinvestment, such as the one credit unions employ, is really powerful, especially as there are many people who are both underserved or simply not well-served by the financial sector. Elissa and I discuss financial health and inclusion, the power of people and networks, and the importance of diversity of thought in leadership. Elissa also brings up ways she approaches the art of feedback, both giving and receiving. Listen as Elissa talks about a very important early investment in her career, the “secret sauce” she thinks makes good leader, and the big footprint of credit unions across the world that has her most excited. As we wrap up the show, Elissa shares interesting memories of a Yo-Yo Ma concert and the reasons she associates Michelle Obama with “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Elissa McCarter-LaBorde! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Elissa: | |||
| Jim Hayes - People Focused (#130) | 11 Mar 2022 | 00:37:20 | |
“For credit unions as a whole, our industry revolves around people.” - Jim Hayes Thank you for tuning in to episode 130 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Jim Hayes, President & CEO of State Employees' Credit Union (SECU). SECU is one of the largest credit unions in the country, and Jim shares that the team is all about serving their 2.6 million members. Jim explains that while SECU has a strong technology focus, the strength of the credit union is truly in its people. During this episode, Jim and I chat about how the people at his credit union are the exciting part, and the ways he is amazed by the team. He shares that key to his success has been surrounding himself with leaders who he considers smarter than himself. In an ideal employee, Jim looks for a team player who is more interested in team success than individual success. He remarks that he doesn’t want a team full of individual superstars and instead favors collaborative and team-focused leaders with a “we over I” mentality. Jim and I also discuss emotional intelligence and empathy in this conversation. Jim encourages leaders to create an atmosphere where people can takes risks and feel safe to fail. Listen as Jim explains what it takes to build a strong culture and climate that helps people be successful wherever they’re going in life. He also shares his approach to giving effective feedback, his take on a remote workforce, and his approach to strong board-CEO relationships. Tune in to hear Jim share the best advice he’s ever received, the books he recommends every leader read, and the person he thinks of first when he hears the word success. Enjoy my conversation with Jim Hayes! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jim: | |||
| Tiffany Ford - Dynamic Impact (#129) | 25 Feb 2022 | 00:37:17 | |
“Willingness goes miles for me.” - Tiffany Ford Thank you for tuning in to episode 129 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Tiffany Ford, President & CEO of the University of Michigan Credit Union. She talks about the career switch that brought her from public accounting to credit unions. Tiffany is the recipient of the 2018 Professional of the Year Award from the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates (MCUL). All her insights on leadership, team culture, and more are discussed in today’s episode. Tiffany focuses on the dynamic impact credit unions can have on the communities they serve. She shares her perspective, honing in on three attributes she looks for in a great teammate. She describes the ways she is both true to herself and the best version of herself, and explains the invaluable investment others have made in her along her journey to CEO. A solid team requires strong communication, like effective feedback that is a direct and collaborative dialogue. Tiffany gives her stories of what works for her and her team in terms of direct feedback, strong communication, and the one thing she doesn’t want to hear in an interview. Tiffany and I discuss the future of remote work and the ways to keep culture strong no matter where employees are located. We explore how credit unions can continue to evolve, especially in technology, while upholding the mission of serving the members. This conversation gives us the chance to discuss how to can create an atmosphere where your team is willing to take risks with you. Listen as Tiffany shares her advice for new leaders on taking risks, managing the board-CEO relationship, knowing when it’s time to take vacation, and more. Tiffany goes further in the conversation on the idea of cultivating work-life balance for her teams. She says that she starts with herself as an example, and reveals how her support systems inside and outside of her workplace play a role in reminding her of this balance. She returns that energy to those around her by identifying the potential in a person and giving back. Tune in for books she enjoys, her favorite artists, and more. Enjoy my conversation with Tiffany Ford! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Tiffany: | |||
| Green Lights with Scott Simpson (#227) | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:30:45 | |
“Don’t lose that zeal and passion, but don’t trade on the cheapest human emotions—fear and contempt.” – Scott Simpson Welcome to episode 227 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jilly Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei. This episode is sponsored by Alacriti, a leading payments fintech helping credit unions modernize money movement. Alacriti enables real-time money movement experiences for loan payments, A2A transfers, digital disbursements, and bill pay. Through a single cloud-native platform that connects to RTP, FedNow, Fedwire, ACH, Visa Direct, and Zelle, credit unions can progressively modernize without overhauling legacy systems. Learn more at alacriti.com! In this new 2026 season, Jilly and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. For this episode, we are joined by Scott Simpson, President/CEO of America’s Credit Unions. Listen in this episode as we step away from job titles and LinkedIn headlines to talk about the moments that shape a career—the quiet hinge points, the unexpected invitations, and the decisions that feel terrifying in real time but obvious in hindsight. We talk with Scott about the “green light” moments that changed everything: being pulled into politics by a friend, stepping into the middle of a high-stakes bank–credit union fight, and then finally receiving one of the most surprising career taps imaginable—being told to apply for a CEO role he never expected to be offered! What followed wasn’t just a promotion but a defining lesson in humility, courage, and emotional discipline. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation with Scott is the story that he shares about the leader he unintentionally jumped over and the grace that man showed in response. That choice, Scott tells us, didn’t just transform a working relationship; it reshaped his entire career, and we reflect on what it means to name the elephant in the room, ask “Are we okay?” after hard decisions, and lead from empathy rather than ego. Scott also opens up about balancing youthful confidence with seasoned wisdom, resisting the pull toward fear or contempt, and learning to keep “motoring” even when the road ahead feels unclear. From Utah to California to Washington, D.C., his journey shows how small rooms and overlooked moments can ripple across an entire industry, so, for anyone feeling impatient, stuck, or hungry for what’s next, this episode offers something more meaningful than a career checklist. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t come from chasing status but rather from executing where you stand, lifting your part of the piano, and trusting that the road will bend when it’s time! Enjoy our conversation with Scott Simpson! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Connect with James: | |||
| Mike Valentine - Evolution of Growth (#128) | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:39:58 | |
“Surround yourself with people that complement you.” - Mike Valentine Thank you for tuning in to episode 128 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Mike Valentine, President & CEO of BCU based in Illinois. He built his credit union career over more than three decades at BCU. Mike shares the story of the ambitious start (including one very ambitious conversation) that led to him becoming the President & CEO at the credit union. BCU is one of the fastest growing credit unions in the country, and continues to grow; today, it is more than $5 billion in asset size. Mike encourages credit union professionals to improve their collaboration and communication, and encourages credit unions to establish strong partnerships in alignment with their strategic plans. He shares his perspective on the importance of growth, and the ways it leads to opportunity. During our conversation, we also chat about emerging trends in the workforce and the need to embrace flexibility and a virtual environment to attract and retain talent. Mike and I discuss leadership, mentorship, and giving better feedback. Together we reflect on how the organizational culture changes as teams grow. Listen as Mike shares the top traits that stand out for him in potential hires, why he looks for people who complement his skillset, and how to manage the CEO-board relationship. Mike explains that he thinks of his career as a mission more than a job, and his endeavors to promote diversity and inclusion at BCU. Above all, Mike believes communication is critical to maintaining a good balance between work and family, along with having a partner side-by-side with him. Tune in to hear the last time he was amazed, stories about his mentors, and his advice to new CEOs in their board relations. Enjoy my conversation with Mike Valentine! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Mike: | |||
| Hamza Khan - Future of Work (#127) | 28 Jan 2022 | 00:39:08 | |
“Change before change is required.” - Hamza Khan Thank you for tuning in to episode 127 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Hamza Khan, a global keynote speaker and best selling author who has unique insights into the future of work. Hamza Khan’s clients have included some of the world’s most dynamic companies and organizations, including Microsoft, PepsiCo, LinkedIn, Deloitte, Salesforce, TikTok, and over 100 colleges & universities. His insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as VICE, Business Insider, and The Globe and Mail. These world-leading organizations trust Hamza to enhance human potential and optimize performance, which is why he is also the keynote speaker of our next CUInsight Mini-Con event. Work culture switched seemingly overnight with the uproar of the global pandemic. In actuality, Hamza shares that this reinvention and disruption is a longtime coming. He shares why he considers these modern times as a Great Awakening with the Great Resignation, anti-work movements, involution movement, and more. Hamza discusses actionable insights for both employers and employees to take on a values-based approach to adapting in this new future of work. Hamza and I chat about recovering from overachieving, hustle culture, occupational burnout, the paradigm shift in leadership, and the evolution of workforce dynamics. Hamza also reviews the core four traits that modern leaders should acquire to perform well with the changing landscape of work. He explains that the number one reason organizations fail is avoiding the changing world around them. You’ll also hear who Hamza thinks of when he hears the word success, books he thinks everyone should read, what surprised him recently, and more. Enjoy my conversation with Hamza Khan! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Hamza: | |||
| Jill Nowacki - People and Passion (#126) | 14 Jan 2022 | 00:42:04 | |
“Help others reach their full potential.” - Jill Nowacki Thank you for tuning in to episode 126 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent. My guest on today's show is Jill Nowacki, the President & CEO of Humanidei + O’Rourke, who also happens to be my human. In this episode, Jill shares her passion for people, the knack she has for understanding people. She believes that credit unions can only get their mission right if they get their people right. Jill’s love for credit unions as tools to eradicate global poverty is reflected in the work she does to support the talent in the credit union movement. As we dive into the episode, Jill shares about voice of the employee research, and the need for career planning. She believes that without a clear career path, employees can feel like they’re not being included in the organization. Clear performance feedback is another key that Jill explains is critical in employee development. She shares her own experiences with feedback and fostering trust in employees. Jill’s go-to in a performance discussion is to ask questions: what happened, were there clear expectations, and how are you doing personally. Jill and I chat about teams, hiring, board members, and people reaching their full potential. Jill shares two critical components that make a good CEO, bringing insight as someone who built a career around developing people in credit unions. In this kickoff episode of season 4, you’ll hear the last time Jill was amazed, the best advice she received, and how she creates balance in life. Enjoy my conversation with Jill Nowacki! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jill Nowacki: | |||
| Jill Mahany - People First (#125) | 03 Dec 2021 | 00:37:20 | |
“Remember, we have our paychecks because we serve our members.” - Jill Mahany Thank you for tuning in to episode 125 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. CUES is happy to announce the return of its popular online certification programs from Cornell University. Get access to Ivy-League executive education without leaving your office. Learn more at cues.org/cornell. My guest on today's show is Jill Mahany, President & CEO at Santa Ana Federal Credit Union. In this episode, we discuss staying relevant as a small credit union, making the space for strategic thinking, and collaborating with other credit unions. Jill talks about leadership and retaining talent, both of which are particularly crucial for the credit union industry in today’s landscape. She also shares the need for bilingual staff at her credit union to better serve the Hispanic community. Jill’s credit union journey started in 1986, and she shares her gratitude at being a part of such a wonderful industry. She talks about navigating from role to role within the same credit union. Hear Jill explain how her effort and attention to the team helped her move from accounting to interim CEO to the permanent CEO. Putting people first became a top priority for Jill as a leader. Jill and I chat about how her team relies on their networks and bigger credit union neighbors for collaboration and support. Jill believes in surrounding herself with smarter people, and in making the space to think strategically instead of getting stuck in the weeds. Listen to Jill uncover decades of insight as a credit union leader, the person she thinks of when she hears the word success, and her favorite album of all time. Enjoy my conversation with Jill Mahany! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jill: | |||
| Jon Hernandez - Moving Forward (#124) | 19 Nov 2021 | 00:47:50 | |
“Let’s give everybody an opportunity.” - Jon Hernandez Thank you for tuning in to episode 124 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. CUES is happy to announce the return of its popular online certification programs from Cornell University. Get access to Ivy-League executive education without leaving your office. Learn more at cues.org/cornell. My guest on today's show is Jon Hernandez, President & CEO at CalCom, Mattel, and Nikkei & Mabuhay credit unions. In this episode, we discuss ideas around collaboration, strategy execution, complementary niche markets, and developing professional talent and teams. Originally, a teenage Jon set his eyes on being a stockbroker, but he entered the credit union space after he met a chairman of a credit union. Now, Jon is leading multiple credit union teams while taking care of communities that have unique service needs. Identifying and retaining good talent is a skill on its own. Jon is known by his peers for developing great talent within his teams that become strong contributors to the credit union space as a whole. In this episode, he explains his professional development style, and what he pays attention to when interacting with new talent. Much of his approach relies on a gut feeling, but challenging people and responding to their development as an individual are also an important part of the process. Jon believes credit unions can truly move forward if their teams don’t get distracted by what’s impossible. In our discussion, Jon takes time to share the details of a special credit union project. Jon explains why focus groups played a crucial role in his work segmenting membership type. By helping board members understand how their actions benefit the communities they represent, everyone has an opportunity to receive the best credit union services. Enjoy my conversation with Jon Hernandez! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jon: | |||
| Linda White - What Can We Do (#123) | 05 Nov 2021 | 00:39:24 | |
“Ask your members what they need.” - Linda White Thank you for tuning in to episode 123 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. CUES is happy to announce the return of its popular online certification programs from Cornell University. Get access to Ivy-League executive education without leaving your office. Learn more at cues.org/cornell. My guest on today's show is Linda White, President & CEO at Upward Credit Union. In this episode, we chat about growing credit unions in a highly competitive financial services market, what to keep an eye on for the future of credit unions, navigating a career journey, and much more. Linda is an example of a CEO that began as a teller. She started working in the credit union space at 18 years old, and progressed past any career hiccups or uncertainties. As someone who values advocacy, Linda opens the conversation to talk about empathy, building relationships with board members, and building a great team. She worked actively on a few credit union movement boards, participated in women-driven professional communities, and also completed the DE program, so those insights provide a backdrop to how she explains these topics. In her role, Linda focuses on advocating for others, paying-it-forward, and mentoring. All these aspects contribute to her efforts of improving the credit union field. Not only does Linda provide actionable insight from her career journey, she also gives examples of the good and not so great moments of a long career. She expresses her thoughts on being comfortable with being uncomfortable, and knowing how to persevere. Listen to Linda talk about consistently rising to the challenge, managing life in the CEO role, and continuing to learn after years of experience. Through this discussion, Linda assures aspiring professionals that they don’t have to know everything to take on a new role. Enjoy my conversation with Linda White! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Linda: | |||
| Ray Crouse - Leadership Possibilities (#122) | 22 Oct 2021 | 00:46:26 | |
“Never stop listening.” - Ray Crouse Thank you for tuning in to episode 122 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. After listening to our show, be sure to register for CUES’ new online panel discussion series, Real Talk. The inaugural topic, Women in the Workforce, kicks off on November 10th. Register now at cues.org/realtalk. My guest on today's show is Ray Crouse, President & CEO of Parsons Federal Credit Union. In this episode, we chat about building a strong culture and enhancing board relations. Ray also discusses the importance of CUSOs to the credit union ecosystem. He shares his leadership experience during the pandemic and how he successfully navigated shifts with his teams on both the east and west coasts. Member expectations are changing as technology evolves, but Ray emphasizes how much the human aspect still matters in the industry. Ray believes that having a strong capital position does not equate to strong member service, and he shares that leaders must keep members at the forefront. We also chat about the many digital transitions credit unions had to make in the last year and what Ray expects to happen in the industry moving forward as we explore new technologies. As we close the show, we learn that Ray enjoys the outdoors, and taking walks allows him to clear his mind and think strategically. He dispels a leadership myth and encourages leaders to serve not just their members but the community at large. Tune in to hear Ray’s most recent purchase and his close call meeting a legendary artist. Enjoy my conversation with Ray Crouse! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Ray: | |||
| Greg Mitchell - Going Beyond (#121) | 08 Oct 2021 | 00:31:55 | |
“What matters is what you believe you can do.” - Greg Mitchell Thank you for tuning in to episode 121 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. After listening to our show, be sure to register for CUES’ new online panel discussion series, Real Talk. The inaugural topic, Women in the Workforce, kicks off on November 10th. Register now at cues.org/realtalk. My guest on today's show is Greg Mitchell, President & CEO of First Tech Federal Credit Union. In this episode, we chat about strategic innovation, maintaining purpose, and levels of change in transformation. We walk through Greg’s career journey from the United States Coast Guard to Credit Union CEO and the many leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. Greg shares that First Tech’s focus is on making a material difference in the community by combining technology and relationships. We learn that innovation is not new to First Tech, as the credit union was among the first to offer online banking services. During the conversation, Greg encourages leaders to research when, where, and how members want to engage before making large investments. As we move forward, Greg shares tips for creating strategic plans around technology and member services. He explains that credit unions can position themselves to address the digital expectations of members while maintaining the human aspect with deep insight and care. No matter the size of a credit union, the right strategy can be carried out efficiently. Although Greg's start in the industry was not intentional, he appreciates the credit union movement for helping him discover the best version of himself as a confident leader. We learn that he enjoys the outdoors and his woodworking shop is where he finds space to think strategically. Tune in to hear what Greg is reading and his definition of a true leader. Enjoy my conversation with Greg Mitchell! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Greg: | |||
| Gigi Hyland - Leveraging Empathy (#120) | 24 Sep 2021 | 00:44:42 | |
“We are much stronger together than we are apart.”- Gigi Hyland Thank you for tuning in to episode 120 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Gigi Hyland, Executive Director of The National Credit Union Foundation and no stranger to the podcast! We chat about being intentional and how leaders can refocus on their “why.” Gigi shares how she maintains purpose both personally and professionally and the importance of showing up for people where they need us the most. We talk about intentionality and the power credit unions have to help members experience financial well-being. Gigi shares that leaders must be mindful that we all have different realities, and in order to best serve members we have to slow down and listen. She believes that we can use this global crisis to return back to our “why.” Gigi and I also chat about her career journey and the many leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. She believes there is no one way to be a leader, and it takes a vulnerable leader to push a team forward. We discuss her introduction to credit unions through her career in law and her transition from the NCUA to The Foundation. As we wrap up the show, we learn that Gigi enjoys nature and is an avid “birder.” Although the pandemic has been challenging, she is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her family and discover new skills. Listen in as Gigi describes her recent and most exciting purchase and shares encouragement in moving forward with intention as an industry. Enjoy my conversation with Gigi Hyland! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Gigi: | |||
| David Miller - Connecting People (#119) | 10 Sep 2021 | 00:42:51 | |
“If you want a great community, you have to be a part of it.” - David Miller Thank you for tuning in to episode 119 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is David Miller, Co-founder of CUInsight. In this episode, we chat about the history of CUInsight and how it all came to be. We dive deeper into the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship and the many leadership lessons David has learned along the way. He walks us through his career journey and shares his excitement for what’s to come. To start the show, David discusses the idea behind CUInsight as his way to support the credit union community, create a space that connects people to resources, and embrace the culture. He stresses that the publication was not an overnight success and identifying what worked and didn’t early on helped it thrive. David believes that as a leader you have to think strategically about what to add and what to get rid of. Both are equally important for creating useful solutions. As we move through the conversation, we learn that David likes to surround himself with a myriad of people who have shared values and are supportive to his local community. He also shares what he believes a true leader is and how those qualities can be found in many people despite their financial status. We discuss how David stays true to purpose and improvements he thinks credit union leaders can make to maintain relevance. As we wrap up the show, we learn that David wasn’t much of a troublemaker in school but he has always been “the bridge” in his friend circles; connecting people together. Tune in to find out what David is reading, what he enjoys doing outside of his work-from-home office, and a few fun surprises. Enjoy my conversation with David Miller! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find David: | |||
| Reflection (#226) | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:33:37 | |
“When someone joins an organization, you're not just buying into the work; you're buying into the leader too.” - Jilly Nowacki Welcome to episode 225 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jilly Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei. This episode is sponsored by Alacriti, a leading payments fintech helping credit unions modernize money movement. Alacriti enables real-time money movement experiences for loan payments, A2A transfers, digital disbursements, and bill pay. Through a single cloud-native platform that connects to RTP, FedNow, Fedwire, ACH, Visa Direct, and Zelle, credit unions can progressively modernize without overhauling legacy systems. Learn more at alacriti.com In this new 2026 season, Jilly and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. Following up on the first episode of the new 2026 season, we reflect on what leadership really looks like when you’re living it and not just reading about it. Early on for both of us, building something from nothing made every decision very personal. People weren’t just joining a company; they were trusting in us and the vision that we brought, and Jilly shares her own experience founding Humanidei and leading leagues, and we both explore the idea that when you hire someone, they’re buying into more than just the work; they’re buying into you as a leader and the philosophy that you bring. That alignment, we have found, can make all the difference in long-term growth and culture. We talk about the joy and the challenge of watching people grow. From employees stepping into new roles, achieving personal milestones, or moving on to other leadership positions, seeing that impact has been one of the most rewarding parts of our careers, yet it’s easy to overlook these moments in the day-to-day hustle, and we explore why it’s so important to recognize and nurture those “rock stars” and high-potential performers while gracefully letting go of those who unfortunately are not fully invested. We also dive into the weight of leadership, the balance between people and numbers, and how survival phases can make it especially difficult to hold onto joy. Both of us share personal lessons about the seasons of leadership and how knowing where to contribute at your highest value and building meaningful relationships inside and outside the organization can sustain inspiration over the long haul. By the end of our discussion, we land on one key truth: leadership isn’t measured by metrics alone. It’s measured by the people whose lives you have touched and the culture that you have fostered. We encourage leaders, whether you’re a year into the role or decades in, to pause and ask yourself: who has grown because of your leadership? For us, that reflection is often the most rewarding part - and the part that makes us smile! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. | |||
| Todd Marksberry - Caring Deeply (#118) | 27 Aug 2021 | 00:39:19 | |
“We are in the business of winning with people.” - Todd Marksberry Thank you for tuning in to episode 118 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Todd Marksberry, President & CEO of Canvas Credit Union. In this episode, Todd shares his career journey and his take on what true leadership looks like. We also chat about innovation in serving the community and the steps he took to achieve a healthy and safe culture within his team. As we open the show, Todd walks us through his journey of rebranding when initially taking the role of CEO. He discusses his approach to building a solid strategy and gaining buy-in from the board. He believes that with any successful rebrand, leaders should focus on improving culture and processes for both members and employees. Todd believes that maintaining balance in his life is what helps him think strategically. In the office or in his yard, Todd shares that he is able to create solutions and think critically often by completing everyday tasks. He accredits a large portion of the work Canvas has done for the community and the successful partnerships they have built to his team. Todd believes that building strong relationships and shared goals is what keeps him purpose-driven. As we wrap up the show, Todd encourages other leaders to remember all they have done to help members and share their stories. He believes this will help credit unions maintain their relevance in such a saturated financial services industry. During the rapid fire questions, we learned what Todd was like in high school and that he was able to travel all around the world before joining the credit union movement. Find what he did and so much more in my conversation with Todd Marksberry! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Todd: | |||
| Paris Chevalier - Creating Solutions (#117) | 13 Aug 2021 | 00:32:09 | |
“Great leaders are great because they put in a lot of effort.” - Paris Chevalier Thank you for tuning in to episode 117 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Paris Chevalier, President and CEO of South Bay Credit Union, based in California. In this episode, Paris shares her career path to CEO, the importance of supportive circles, and her thoughts on what is leading the credit union industry forward. Throughout the show, Paris provides a glimpse into what work-life integration looks like for her, tips to help empower your team, and how to manage the rapid innovation surging within the credit union space. Paris believes CEOs need to continually focus on the big and communicate how all departments and roles work together to keep moving forward. She chats about her process to learn departments, new technology, and shared goals within the credit union. Paris relies on her marketing skills and the lessons from progressive and visionary mentors to thrive in her non-traditional career path. She attributes much of her success to her supportive circles inside and outside of the industry. Collaboration and team development help Paris maintain purpose, and she often finds joy in helping her team discover solutions for themselves. Looking forward, Paris believes that credit unions will stay relevant because we have embraced our key differences and because our innovation comes with enthusiasm and engagement. As we wrap up the show, Paris expresses thoughts on the “born leader” phrase and dispels other leadership myths. We learn what she was like throughout school and the reasonable trouble she got into during college. Paris shares some encouraging words for new leaders and shares who she thinks of when she hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Paris Chevalier! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Paris: | |||
| Kevin Bethune - Human Potential (#116) | 30 Jul 2021 | 00:41:02 | |
“How do you show up when it matters to your members?” - Kevin Bethune Thank you for tuning in to episode 116 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Kevin Bethune, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at dreams • design + life. Kevin will be our keynote speaker for the upcoming CUInsight Mini-Con: GROW. In this episode, Kevin chats about his career journey and the many leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. We also dive into how credit unions can best position themselves to adapt to the digital transformation and still keep members first. From engineering to designing, Kevin’s career journey includes a host of pivots and exploration. He shares his passion for embracing curiosity and believes multidisciplinary convergence is necessary to identify leadership potential and serve communities holistically. Kevin shares that to be a strong leader, you don’t have to be the strongest voice in the room but you must always be willing to serve. As we dive deeper into how Kevin maintains purpose, he shares that human potential starts with understanding who the efforts and contributions are serving. Kevin says it’s easy to get consumed in market funnels and clicks, when instead, the people should remain the focus. He explains that this is something credit unions do well and what will keep them relevant in the overall financial services market. Throughout the conversation, Kevin encourages credit unions to seek opportunities that foster even better human connection and continue to give members the confidence to move forward. During our rapid fire questions we learn what Kevin was like in high school, what he enjoys doing outside of the office, and the great people he surrounds himself with to reach the next level. As we wrap up the show, Kevin encourages leaders to ask themselves, “Where is the future going?” This answer will help executives and teams refocus on strategic thinking and prepare themselves for shifts that come along the way. Enjoy my conversation with Kevin Bethune! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Kevin: | |||
| Lauren Culp - Building the Ship (#115) | 16 Jul 2021 | 00:46:54 | |
“Don’t ever be afraid to challenge the status quo.” - Lauren Culp Thank you for tuning in to episode 115 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Lauren Culp, our very own Publisher & CEO here at CUInsight.com. In this episode, we chat about all things leadership: insights and tips for first time CEOs, leading through a global crisis, and successfully working with your board. In terms of the board relationship, Lauren shares tools to help CEOs recognize the needs of the board and grow strong relationships while understanding their differences. She believes that a great leader should keep in contact with the board regularly, so much so that meetings become mostly a formality. While it is not difficult to find purpose in the credit union industry, Lauren maintains purpose by asking herself, “What can I continue to do to make a measurable impact?” She believes that the pandemic has given leaders a unique way to stay connected to both members and the mission. We discuss the evolving importance of digital experience and ease of use in delivering on the credit union cornerstone of stellar member service. Lauren believes that challenging the status quo and anticipating member needs is critical to our industry’s success. As we wrap up the show, Lauren shares insights for new CEOs and debunks a few leadership myths. We journey through Lauren’s non-traditional career path and learn about where she draws inspiration. Lauren shares activities she enjoys outside of the office that keep her recharged and who she thinks of now when she hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Lauren Culp! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Lauren: | |||
| Juan Fernández Ceballos - Remaining Focused (#114) | 02 Jul 2021 | 00:47:21 | |
“The best leaders listen.” - Juan Fernández Ceballos Thank you for tuning in to episode 114 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at CUES. CUES is the leading talent development solutions provider to the credit union industry. My guest on today's show is Juan Fernández Ceballos, President & CEO of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico. In this episode, we chat about how credit unions can continue to thrive in a congested financial space and break down barriers. Juan shares the importance of mentorship and its impact on the career journey for future leaders. We also discuss Juan’s new role as President & CEO of CUANM. He shares his excitement as the first Latino to head a credit union association and how working at a natural-person credit union helped him understand the challenges executives and boards face daily. Juan believes the best innovations come from times of crisis and are born out of necessity. We also discuss ways credit unions and leagues can lean into more conversation and action around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Juan encourages other league executives to build a cohesive team and leverage the credit union difference to keep both leagues and credit unions relevant. He also shares hacks for finding the right mentor and ways leaders can support young professionals in their development. As we discuss Juan’s personal leadership style and the ways he maintains purpose, we discover his emphasis on community. We chat about the two types of leaders Juan surrounds himself with and how each group supports purpose. During the rapid-fire questions, Juan shares a very interesting story of his journey to credit unions and how it has fueled his passion for helping others. Juan shares a simple tip for leaders as we close the show, and you’ll be surprised to hear who he thinks of when he hears the word “success.” Enjoy my conversation with Juan Fernández Ceballos! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Juan: | |||
| Jill Nowacki - Be Intentional (#113) | 18 Jun 2021 | 00:45:40 | |
“Being intentional about your career also means accepting that not everything is for you.” - Jill Nowacki Thank you for tuning in to episode 113 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest on today's show is Jill Nowacki, the President & CEO of the Humanidei. In this episode, we explore ideas on strategic intentionality and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into company culture. Jill shares how she prioritizes purpose-driven work inside and outside of the credit union space, and hacks she’s discovered in her career journey. The show begins with our discussion on leadership development and strategy. Jill believes that as the credit union industry moves forward, our strategies must be “people centered” and include transformational change and diverse integration. She examines what that may look like in the “perfect world” versus the “real world” and what strategies leaders should implement throughout the year. Jill shares tips for credit union leaders who also value purpose-driven objectives. She gives her thought on how teams are influenced by purpose-driven leaders and the impact they have on productivity and culture. As we move along in the conversation, Jill shares that credit unions have the ability to change the world only if the people side is right. We wrap up the episode with rapid fire questions and learn about how Jill’s high school experience in a small town has played a major role in the work she does today. Jill also dispels myths about leadership and reminds leaders to know, trust, and stay true to their values. Enjoy the conversation with my love, Jill Nowacki! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jill: | |||
| Patty Corkery - Purpose Driven (#112) | 04 Jun 2021 | 00:41:58 | |
“Always ask questions.” - Patty Corkery Thank you for tuning in to episode 112 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest on today's show is Patty Corkery, the recently-appointed President & CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League. In this episode, we discuss Patty’s journey from litigation attorney to league president and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. Patty also shares tips to help leaders think strategically and plan ahead. Listen in as we chat with Patty about being the first female CEO in the history of Michigan Credit Union League and one of five female league CEOs across the country. Patty shares the importance of finding community personally and professionally and steps she’s taken to build and maintain those strong relationships. She believes that the credit union motto, “People helping people,” is not just about helping members but also one another. Patty walks through her perspective on credit union consolidations and our unique position to successfully meet community needs at any size. She believes the credit union industry will stay relevant by embracing the rapid digital shifts and discovering more opportunities for engagement with virtual education and advocacy. During the rapid-fire questions we learn what Patty was like in high school and how that shaped her career path. We also chat about an interesting opportunity Patty turned down and the impact that had on her leadership style. Take a listen to find out who Patty thinks about when she hears the word success and much more. Enjoy! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Patty: | |||
| Laura Campbell - Push Forward (#111) | 21 May 2021 | 00:40:31 | |
“Do the best thing for the member.” - Laura Campbell Thank you for tuning in to episode 111 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest on the show today is Laura Campbell, the CEO of Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union. On this episode, we talk all about the importance of creating strong relationships with your board and how to be intentional with professional and personal development. Laura shares her journey through the industry to CEO and the many leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. Our conversation includes changes Laura and her team had to implement over the last few months as we navigate this new normal. She shares that her focus was not to find completely different solutions but to implement small shifts that would be long-lasting. Laura believes that in order to be successful moving forward she must focus on the long-term goals and make sure she keeps the member’s best interest at the forefront. Laura also shares leadership misconceptions and how important it is to show up for your team. She put in place “town halls” that allow employees to share their suggestions and experiences with executives and each other. Laura believes it is important to create these opportunities to promote growth and team efficacy. During the rapid-fire questions, we learn Laura loved all sports in high school, especially volleyball. She also shares her love for reading and traveling with her family. Listen to find out who she thinks about when she hears the word “success” and her favorite borrowed slogan. Enjoy my conversation with Laura Campbell! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Laura: | |||
| Andy Janning - Serving Others (#110) | 07 May 2021 | 00:50:47 | |
"You don't have to have the biggest life to have the most successful one." - Andy Janning Thank you for tuning in to episode 110 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest on today's show is Andy Janning. Andy is a filmmaker, author, photographer, keynote speaker, and a long-time supporter and member of the credit union community. We take a deep dive into the work he is doing in collaboration with our friends over at the National Credit Union Foundation entitled “Side Effects.” We also discuss Andy’s credit union journey and how he has been able to keep his purpose constant during the pandemic. Listen in as Andy shares with us his inspiration behind the Side Effects project and the correlation he discovered between physical health and financial well-being for cancer patients. He believes credit unions are able to “see and serve” these members in an effort to minimize their financial distress during such a difficult time. As shifts have become more frequent, Andy shares hacks with leaders on how to manage change including blending career experiences and using them to fuel the next move. He shares questions he routinely asks himself during those moments of transition. Andy believes it is important to provide safe spaces to your colleagues and your team when “the world is weird.” In closing the show, we find out how Andy recharges himself and what he enjoys doing with his wife and daughters in his free time. We also chat about the most recent purchases Andy made during quarantine and what he is reading to keep him inspired. Want to know who Andy thinks of when he hears the word “success?” You’ll have to tune in to find out. Enjoy my conversation with Andy Janning! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Andy: | |||
| Jenny Blake - Shake the Snowglobe (#109) | 23 Apr 2021 | 00:56:02 | |
“If change is the only constant, let’s get better at it.” -Jenny Blake Thank you for tuning in to episode 109 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. Today, my guest is Jenny Blake, author, career and business strategist, international speaker, podcaster, and the keynote for our next Mini-Con Series event, CHANGE. Listen in as we discuss pivoting, finding space to think more strategically as a leader and her ideas around being heart-centered, not only as an industry but in life. We start the conversation with tips on moving forward as leaders and being intentional about making space to think strategically. Jenny shares that any good leader must have the ability to rethink, reimagine, recalibrate, and reflect to effectively lead a team. She believes the global pandemic forced everyone to give themselves permission to think differently and face life’s inevitable changes, both professionally and personally. Jenny discusses the many great leaders in her community and how they exhibit servant leadership. She takes us on a deeper dive into the importance of finding like-minded peers and creating spaces that are safe and full of grace as we all navigate through this time of uncertainty. Jenny believes that this safe space is not a luxury but mandatory. She also shares her method of maintaining a generous and purpose-driven leadership style. From the rapid-fire questions, we learn about Jenny’s most recent “aha” moment that helped her rediscover creativity. Jenny shares her insight on how podcasting has aided in her professional development and why it's a good tool for introverts. We also learn why Jenny has decided to take two words out of her vocabulary. Plus, we chat about her most recent purchase that keeps her active and where she finds joy outside of the office. Enjoy my conversation with Jenny Blake! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Jenny: | |||
| Purpose (#225) | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:24:14 | |
“Purpose makes leadership feel worth it.” - Randy Smith Welcome to episode 225 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jill Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei. This episode is sponsored by Alacriti, a leading payments fintech helping credit unions modernize money movement. Alacriti enables real-time money movement experiences for loan payments, A2A transfers, digital disbursements, and bill pay. Through a single cloud-native platform that connects to RTP, FedNow, Fedwire, ACH, Visa Direct, and Zelle, credit unions can progressively modernize without overhauling legacy systems. Learn more at alacriti.com! In this new 2026 season, Jill and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. We open this season with a clear intention: leadership that feels meaningful, sustainable, and human, and we are much less focused on fixing what’s broken and more on naming what helps leaders feel grounded, energized, and aligned with why they do the work in the first place. Purpose is ultimately the throughline, and Jill shares why it continues to matter so deeply to her, not just as a concept but as something that directly shapes well-being, motivation, and joy at work. From leadership teams to individuals feeling stuck, burned out, or in transition, she reflects on how a lack of purpose shows up in mental health, engagement, and fulfillment, with the question not being just how leaders define purpose for themselves but also how they help their teams understand the value of what they contribute every day. We also add another lens: purpose as the difference between motion and direction; running fast doesn’t help if you’re headed the wrong way. Together, we explore what it looks like to slow down just enough to make sure that the work is worth doing—especially after years marked by urgency, disruption, and constant change. Our conversation also touches on what leaders are grappling with right now. While AI and technology continue to evolve, Jill observes a noticeable shift as 2026 begins: less panic, more curiosity, and a renewed focus on staying human-centered while using new tools appropriately. You will also get a preview of what’s ahead this season, including conversations about career-defining moments, celebrating wins, building legacy, staying grounded, and finding joy in watching others succeed. Thanks for tuning in, and we hope that you enjoy this first episode of a new season of the show! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. | |||
| Tonita Webb - Humanizing Membership (#108) | 09 Apr 2021 | 00:54:25 | |
“Members are also people.” -Tonita Webb Thank you for tuning in to episode 108 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation's premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. Today I sat down with Tonita Webb, the new CEO of Verity Credit Union. We talked about her new role and her journey from the military to credit unions. We also discussed her passion for serving the underserved and creating lending practices that are more inclusive for everyone. As we started our conversation, Tonita shared her reaction when getting the call to be the next CEO of Verity Credit Union. Listen in for Tonita’s goals for this next step and what she plans to do to help the next generation of leaders. Tonita believes life prepared credit unions for the pandemic shift and that we can stay relevant by maximizing technology. Tonita also talks about the challenges many minority groups face when it comes to lending practices and how it fuels her passion to help the underserved. We chat about ways credit unions have the ability to fill in the gap between opportunities and those that are in need. Tonita shares the importance of teaching people to be different and allowing them to be human, and gives examples of what this looks like when leveraging member risk. With the rapid-fire questions, we find out the oddly satisfying item Tonita’s husband purchased that she cannot live without. We discussed an opportunity Tonita said no to that she is so glad she did and what she was like in high school. We learn who Tonita thinks about when she hears the word ‘success’ and how that person has played a vital role in the development of her character. Enjoy my conversation with Tonita Webb! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Tonita: | |||
| Chaz Rzewnicki - Be Legendary (#107) | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:39:53 | |
“It’s not about the income; it’s about the outcome” - Chaz Rzewnicki Thank you for tuning in to episode 107 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. In this episode, I sit down with Chaz Rzewnicki, the President & CEO of Dover Federal Credit Union. Chaz shares his leadership journey, the reason putting people first is so important to him, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion for teams, credit unions, and the credit union industry. Chaz shares pivots he made at Dover FCU during the pandemic that he believes will stick around going forward and his perspective on the unique opportunity credit unions have over the next 3 to 10 years. Chaz and I also discuss how credit unions have the ability to create solutions for the financial inequity challenges in the country and abroad. Listen in as Chaz chats about his thirty day plan, his life’s mission, his philosophy on team development and DEI, and the importance of an intentional and inclusive culture. In the time of virtual everything, Chaz believes credit unions need to focus on technology to stay competitive and relevant in the financial services industry. When Chaz has time off, he likes to go camping and boating with his family because it’s the one time he can shut his mind down, and you’ll be surprised to learn how many hours of sleep he usually gets per night. In the rapid fire questions, we learn some leadership myths Chaz hates hearing, his credit union journey to CEO, and who he thinks of when he hears the word ‘success.’ Enjoy my conversation with Chaz Rzewnicki. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Chaz: | |||
| Todd Harper - F.I.R.E. Philosophy (#106) | 12 Mar 2021 | 00:50:14 | |
“Be safe, be well, be kind!” - Chairman Todd M. Harper Thank you for tuning in to episode 106 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest on today's show is The Honorable Todd M. Harper, Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Chairman Harper was recently appointed to lead the NCUA Board by President Biden. We talked about what it was like when he got the nod to lead the NCUA personally, his journey to getting there, and what he wanted to be when he grew up. We also had a great conversation on the importance of DEI in credit unions. Chairman Harper shares his F.I.R.E. philosophy on credit union regulation, what the NCUA will focus on in the next twelve months, and the first place people should start when getting ready to have the DEI conversation. Chairman Harper also talks about how he keeps up with the pace of change in the credit union space. Chairman Harper has been lucky to have some great friends in his life, and he talks about the ones that have shaped him into who he is today. He also discusses how networking, being kind, and confident can lead you up the ranks when you are looking for a promotion. He tells us how he stays true to his purpose in his personal life and his career. In the rapid-fire questions, we learn what Chairman Harper was like in high school and how he likes to recharge. Who was the first person who came to mind when Chairman Harper hears the word success? You'll have to listen to find out. This was a great conversation and I can't wait to do it again. Enjoy! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find Chairman Harper: | |||
| India Gary-Martin - Learning Leadership (#105) | 26 Feb 2021 | 00:41:54 | |
“When you create an intentional environment, people will begin to think for themselves.” -India Gary-Martin Thank you for tuning in to episode 105 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. Today we have a very special guest on the show India Gary-Martin. India’s name may be familiar to you as she was our Keynote recently at the Lead CUInsight Mini-Con Conference series. India is a nationally acclaimed Keynote speaker with over twenty-five years in financial services, and she is also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. We discuss leadership and specifically how we can provide effective and intentional leadership to our teams that is impactful, what credit unions can do to not only stay relevant but thrive, plus so much more. Enjoy! India shares how her global perspective has helped her when training leaders. She shares how credit unions have made ten year advancements in the last twelve months in terms of what they thought was possible. India says that if you are waiting for the world to go back to normal, you have the wrong mindset. India speaks about what makes a strong leader and why it’s important to be an intentional leader with your team. She explains that in this new normal it allows leaders to get creative with their team about space and time concerning the average work day and what that now looks like. We find out that India was smart but lazy in high school. Her grandfather is the person she thinks about when she hears the word success, and Stevie Wonder’s timeless album Songs in the Key of Life is the best album of all time. India believes that if we want to change the world, then the first step is to listen and seek to understand. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find India: | |||
| Sundie Seefried - Trust Yourself (#104) | 12 Feb 2021 | 00:38:44 | |
“The status quo won’t work anymore.” Thank you for tuning in to episode 104 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest today is Sundie Seefried, the President & CEO of Partner Colorado Credit Union. We discuss leadership and her process to innovation and taking risks, and she talks about getting buy-in for big ideas from her board that I think we can all learn from. We also speak about cannabis banking as more and more credit unions explore that space, and as always, we wrap up the show with some rapid-fire questions that will leave you wanting more. Sundie talks about the culture of hiring, promoting, and grooming from within Partner Colorado Credit Union and their program that helps young professionals think strategically. Sundie speaks about starting Safe Harbor Private Banking and the compliance regulations and resolutions they address with cannabis baking. Sundie shares how she started in credit unions, even though she always wanted to be an ice cream lady. She also talks about her inspiration for taking the position as CEO and how that inspiration has changed over time. If Sundie needs to recharge, she loves to draw, oil paint, listen to audiobooks or just sit in a quiet place. We learn Sundie liked to skip classes in high school while still maintaining straight A’s. Her favorite album of all time is Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the moon, and when she hears the word success, the first person who comes to mind is her father. She believes her father knew he had a strong, performed it well, and fulfilled his life’s mission.
How to find Sundie: | |||
| David Tuyo - Think Big (#103) | 29 Jan 2021 | 00:41:56 | |
“Don’t be afraid to lean in and be the nerd for your members, for your team, or for the industry.” David Tuyo Thank you for tuning in to season 3, episode 103 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My guest today is David Tuyo, the President and CEO of University Credit Union in California. David shares some amazing things he and his team at the credit union are doing and things we can all learn from. We talk about strategic thinking, some cool tips on board relations, and we dig into some leadership lessons he has learned in his career. Listen, as David and I discuss things they implemented for COVID and will keep post-pandemic, the daily check-ins and check-outs he has with his team, and how he keeps his calendar manageable. David speaks about the rigid discipline he has in his board meetings, who he surrounds himself with, and those who have helped him in his career. David shares the moment he knew he wanted to work in credit unions, his transition from Alabama to Los Angeles, and the stops in between. David walks us through his inspiration for taking the position with University Credit Union, and how it has transformed through the years with varying experiences.. In the rapid-fire questions, we find out that David got in trouble in high school and had to pull weeds outside the school building as a consequence. He also shares his interest in all types of music, but the Beetles and the Dave Matthews Band being his favorites, and that his golf coach is the person who exemplifies success to him. Enjoy my conversation with David! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find David: | |||
| Antonio Neves - Rediscover You (#102) | 15 Jan 2021 | 00:47:02 | |
“There is always opportunity in change.” Thank you for tuning in to season three, episode 102 of The CUInsight Experience podcast, with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by our friends at PSCU. As the nation’s premier payments CUSO, PSCU proudly supports the success of more than 1,500 credit unions. My first guest of Season three is Antonio Neves. Antonio is an internationally recognized leadership speaker, author, podcaster, and success coach and was our first keynote in the CUInsight mini-con series we launched last November. Because of the craziness, we called 2020. I wanted to get back to basics and share the stories of how leaders in our movement got to where they are and what lessons they have learned. Antonio is the first guest of the season because of his presentation at REFUEL, and since I knew I was going to reference his speech over and over, I figured we might as well hear it directly from him. Listen as Antonio shares how he had to pivot in his career to accommodate and excel in the pandemic. He expresses the unexpected gift he received by working and being able to stay home with his family and the importance of truly and deeply reconnecting with those he cares about. Antonio believes that if you miss the spark in your life, you need to think about what you stopped doing that got you where you are today. He explains that it is important to identify what is the most important. Antonio also discusses ‘dream jobs’ and not attaching an identity to your profession, but be ready to endorse yourself if someone should ask. We finish up with rapid-fire questions and learn that Antonio was a jock in high school. The best album of all time is The Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory, and his father Al Neves is the first person who comes to mind when he hears the word success. Antonio believes there is such power in choosing how to show up with amazing ideas and thoughts that we can all learn from. Enjoy! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find Antonio: | |||
| Jill and Randy - Morning Walks (#101) | 11 Dec 2020 | 00:32:08 | |
“We can get what we want out of life if we are intentional about it.” Jill Nowacki In this season's final episode, we are changing things up a little. My co-host, the one and only Jill Nowacki, and I are looking back on this crazy year and discussing the good that is often overlooked while moving forward to 2021. I share some ways that the CUInsight Experience will be new and improved for 2021. Listen as Jill and Randy talk about bringing your whole self to work and valuing the differences among peers; the authenticity and culture each individual brings to the workplace. Jill shares some things she is excited to see happen in the next year or two, and Randy discusses how technological advances have allowed him to stay connected with credit union thought leaders. They collectively speak about the difficulties of keeping remote team members connected to the rest of the team while maintaining the credit union's culture and how many industry leaders have successfully taken this challenge on. Jill shares a book she thinks everyone should read and some final thoughts for wrapping up the 2020 season. Randy shares some exciting news about changes to Season 3 of The CUInsight Experience and how its pivot will be bigger and even better! Most of all, we hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday, and we will see you back here in 2021. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find Jill: | |||
| Jim Nussle - Full Circle (#100) | 27 Nov 2020 | 00:46:27 | |
“Start with the end in mind.” My guest on this 100th episode was also my guest on the very first episode of The CUInsight Experience Podcast, Jim Nussle, the President, and CEO of CUNA. I was looking forward to this conversation with Jim. We intentionally kept it broad in scope when talking about credit unions and focused on the future, what credit unions are doing well, where there is room for improvement, and what challenges we face over the next few years. Jim discusses what he sees on a national level in credit unions over the course of the pandemic and how he has grown as a leader during this time. He applauds the credit union movement for being “Financial First Responders” and consistently providing great service to members and support for each other. Jim also talks about what he believes credit unions need to change in order to enhance relevance in the future; leaning into what we do best. A year from now, Jim will be most proud of how the movement navigates and effectively responds to the redefinition of community. Listen as Jim shares what inspired him to take the job as President & CEO of CUNA and how the inspiration has transformed over the years. “Listen, learn, help and lead,” is a phrase Jim’s team has heard him say often and he believes he’s always had the ability to make hard decisions, but he learns more every day. He talks about his prompt ability to pivot, like many leaders, and how that comes with being able to gather your team and adjust accordingly so that no one is left behind. Jim says that spending time with his family, his dog and playing guitar are some things that have kept him sane during the pandemic. As usual, we wrap up this 100th episode with rapid-fire questions and learn that Jim was involved in everything in high school and wanted to be a lawyer and a public servant when he grew up; both of which he has accomplished. Jim says that his dad is the picture of success, and spending time with his parents during this time has become one of his greatest pleasures. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com How to find Jim: | |||
| Nader Moghaddam - Good Partners (#99) | 13 Nov 2020 | 00:41:30 | |
“If you make sure your boss wins, you will be successful through their success.” Thank you for tuning in to episode 99 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Trellance transforming data into actionable insight for credit unions from coast to coast. My guest on today's show is Nader Moghaddam, the President and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union in California. We talked about what it takes to be a good leader, great insights into board relations, and why that CEO board relationship is so important and difficult for people just moving into the CEO role for the first time. Nader also talks about why he feels it's important to be part of the credit union system beyond his credit union's four walls, whether that's at the state or federal level. Nader shares why his connections outside of the credit unions' four walls is so important. He feels he has grown as a leader during this pandemic, and explores the change in traditional credit union responses with work spaces and talent acquisition. Nader also speaks about how important it is to have a good relationship with the board as a C-suite leader and the ability to embrace transition through technological advances. Listen in, as Nader discusses the motivation for taking the CEO position at Financial Partners Credit Union and how that motivation has changed with years on the job. He believes his team has done a tremendous job with their flexibility, dedication and focus throughout the year and looking forward to the next few quarters. His idea of a great day is taking off on his bike, playing pickle ball with his brother, and finishing up with a beer. Wrapping up with the rapid-fire questions, we learn that Nader is a Pink Floyd fan; he was a shy, studious kid in boarding school, and he thought he was going to be a civil engineer when he grew up. When it comes to who he thinks of when he hears the word success, it's his father. His father lived a long life and did many things, never sitting idle. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Nader: | |||
| Connection with Fred Robinson (#224) | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
“You have people that listen, then you have people that are waiting to talk.” – Fred Robinson This episode is sponsored by The Sheeter Group - a leading executive benefits firm that meets your retention and succession needs. This includes non-qualified benefit plans, short and long-term incentive plans, compensation studies, scorecard design, performance evaluation, and more. Learn more at sheetergroup.com. In this season, Jill and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too. For this season finale, we welcome Fred Robinson, President/CEO at Tennessee Credit Union League. Fred has spent 42 years in the credit union business, and so many of his stories return to the simple idea that people remember people, not titles, not logos, and not institutions. Fred traces it through the mentors who shaped him, reminding us why it matters now more than it ever has. We dig into the real substance behind connection—the lived version built via trust, consistency, and showing up long enough for people to recognize that you actually mean what you say. Fred discusses the leaders who taught him that this work can become a calling and that your reputation can be shaped via one conversation, one promise kept, and one honest phone call at a time. He also shares the advice he gives younger professionals today, reminding us that growth isn’t always about chasing the next big thing but is sometimes about sticking with the work long enough to develop roots. Jill also brings in her perspective on our industry and how moving on isn’t the problem but that torching relationships on the way out definitely is. We share stories about how those long-term bonds are important even decades later and why someone new to the movement might feel overwhelmed walking into a room where everyone seems to know everyone. Fred makes a strong case that it’s our responsibility to bring newcomers in and show them connection. We also get into how connection works in a world that’s both very digital and still deeply human. We discuss why a phone call can have a bigger impact than an email, why physical presence still matters, and how meeting people at their own comfort level (whether that be face-to-face or via a screen) keeps relationships real and grounded. Enjoy our conversation with Fred Robinson! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com. Connect with Fred: | |||
| Debbie Painter - Stay Intentional (#98) | 06 Nov 2020 | 00:33:45 | |
“Love what you do, and if you don’t love it, find that love.” My guest on today’s show is Debbie Painter, the President and CEO of the Kentucky Credit Union League. Debbie and I talk about leadership and the communication skills it takes to be a good leader in this digital world that we are all living in. We talk about growing up in credit unions and how that swayed Debbie’s career path, and her view of looking at each position as a longer, bigger career instead of just a job. Debbie also shares some hacks for internal candidates looking for a CEO position plus much more on this episode of The CUInsight Experience. Debbie believes that investing in membership, community, and employees are ways credit unions will stay relevant in the future. She shares some counsel on how her team stays connected during the pandemic and how her leadership has evolved with a ‘family-first approach. This has helped the KYCUL team maintain a healthy and positive atmosphere. She also shares her concerns for credit unions in this tough financial environment. Listen as Debbie shares what inspired her to take the position at the league and how that inspiration has grown over the last two years. Debbie says that her faith enables her to make hard decisions, and seeing your position as a job and nor a career is a mistake most people make today. If she hadn’t started as a teller and worked her way up, she says she wouldn’t be where she is today. During the rapid-fire questions, we learn that Debbie thought she would be a secretary when she grew up and the best album of all time is anything by the Bee Gees. When she hears the word success, she thinks of herself because she loves what she does and believes that if you don’t love it, you should keep looking until you find what makes you happy. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Debbie: | |||
| Bert J. Hash Jr. - Dig Deeper (#97) | 30 Oct 2020 | 00:48:24 | |
“People don’t really care what you know, they want to know that you care.” Thank you for tuning in to episode 97 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Trellance transforming data into actionable insight for credit unions from coast to coast. My guest on today's show is Mr. Bert J. Hash Jr., the former Presiden and CEO at MECU in Baltimore. Bert is very busy in his retirement and services on many boards and committees in his community and around the world. Bert is on the ACCOSCA Foundation board and active in the DE community in Africa. We talk about leadership, board relations, community involvement, mentoring, and what we can do better as credit unions, and so much more. Bert shares why working with ACCOSCA is so important and what US credit unions can learn from credit unions on the African continent with relevance and maintaining a healthy pace of change in technological advances. Bert also shares the need for credit unions to the ‘unbanked’ and those who can truly benefit from services this community offers. Listen, as Bert discusses the effects of the global pandemic on large groups of members, including people of color and middle class citizens combating systems of financial health inequity. Bert talks about what inspired him to take the position at MECU, the various boards and committees he serves, and how getting involved with these organizations was pivotal to his career. During the rapid-fire questions, we learn that Bert was one of the top three students who would succeed after high school. Bert wanted to work in mathematics but changed his major to business after 6 months of schooling. Giving back has become more important as he's gotten older and material things have gotten less. When Bert has a day off, he and his wife go to their place in Virginia called Serenity to relax and unwind and spend time together. This is a great conversation with an even greater man. Enjoy! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Bert: | |||
| Lucy Ito - Organizational Interest (#96) | 23 Oct 2020 | 00:36:35 | |
“A single leader doesn’t have all the answers.” - Lucy Ito My guest on today’s show is Lucy Ito, the President, and CEO of NASCUS, The National Associate of State Credit Union Supervisors. We talk about credit unions and the relationship with regulators because of Lucy’s interesting seat at the table and perspective on it all. She brings leaders together from both sides and has them at the same table. We talk about leadership lessons learned, staying connected in remote environments, and even Lucy’s quest to make the perfect granola. Lucy shares how her team has maintained and enhanced their camaraderie in the virtual setting and how she has grown as a leader during the pandemic. She also discusses the nuances of leadership and remote onboarding while navigating through changes in credit union regulations in a global crisis. Lucy believes that credit unions have to adjust to consumers’ expectations to stay competitive in financial services. Lucy shares what she will be proud her team has accomplished a year from now. When asked about leadership, Lucy shares what inspired her to take the position at NASCUS and how that inspiration has changed with gained experiences. Lucy believes that she has a collaborative leadership style, but she is also hands-off with her team allowing them to develop their decision-making skills. Lucy loves to cook when she has time to relax and recharge, and she has taken time in the last few months to perfect her granola recipe. Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Lucy: | |||