Money Made Human Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Thank you for tuning in to the very first episode of the Money Made Human podcast! Your host, Gayle Adnyana, welcomes Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the global peak body representing the credit union movement.

Michael shares insights from his extensive 40-year career in the financial sector, including a stint in Glasgow, the home of 1st Class Credit Union, and discusses his current role in leading the global credit union movement. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion in leadership, and explains the enduring value of mutuality—people helping people.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Michael’s role within the World Council of Credit Unions and his hopes for making a lasting impact
• The global credit union movement and growth in the sector
• Upcoming events, including the next World Council Forum in Sydney, Australia, in 2026, and reflections on the 2024 WOCCU conference
• The role of credit unions in Australia’s housing market and home lending
• The pathway ahead for credit unions, including advocacy with international standard-setting bodies
• A fun “Would You Rather: Australian edition” segment

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how credit unions are shaping the future of banking while remaining true to the principle of 'people helping people'.

Watch the video Gayle shared with Michael during the interview: https://youtube.com/shorts/KbO-vfkgI3E?feature=shared

In this special episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana is joined by Cath Wohlers from Stop Loan Sharks England, John Pollock from the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, and Ryan Evans from Stop Loan Sharks Wales. Together, they uncover the hidden world of loan sharking in the UK and highlight the crucial work being done to protect vulnerable borrowers.

The conversation explores what a loan shark is, who might fall victim in today’s society, and how social media and technology have transformed illegal lending. Cath, John, and Ryan discuss the two main challenges of borrowing from a loan shark—financial hardship and the personal toll it takes—and share practical guidance on the pathways out.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The scale of loan sharking across the UK
• Individual-centred support offered by the illegal money lending units
• Advice for credit unions on opening conversations about safe borrowing
• Legal consequences for loan sharks and the importance of awareness
• The personal values and inspiration driving these frontline professionals
• Reassurance for borrowers that they are not alone

Join us for a thoughtful and human-centred discussion on tackling loan sharking and supporting those caught in cycles of predatory lending.

For more information and free, confidential support in your region, visit:

Stop Loan Sharks (England): https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/

Stop Loan Sharks (Wales): https://www.stoploansharkswales.co.uk/

Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit: https://stopillegallending.co.uk/

Northern Ireland PSNI Illegal Money Lending Advice: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/illegal-money-lending

The Money Made Human podcast continues with a heartfelt conversation with Andy Wright, founding member and former CEO of 1st Class Credit Union. In this episode, the current CEO sits down with Andy for a symbolic “passing of the baton” — celebrating the past, present, and future of the credit union movement.

Andy shares stories from his upbringing, including the influence of his father’s trade union activism and his decades-long career at Royal Mail. He recounts how 1st Class Credit Union began life as the “Glasgow Postal Workers Credit Union,” and how it grew into the thriving organisation it is today.

Beyond his professional journey, Andy reflects on the transition into retirement, finding identity outside of work, and the values that have always guided him. With honesty and humour, he offers encouragement for anyone considering stepping into the world of credit unions: get involved — now is your time.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins of 1st Class Credit Union and its growth over the years
• How Andy’s father and his trade union roots shaped his outlook
• Andy’s 25-year career with Royal Mail
• The importance of credit unions as communities of mutual support
• Reflections on retirement and rediscovering self beyond work
• Andy’s advice on tackling imposter syndrome and what he’d tell his younger self

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and why credit unions remain a vital force for people helping people.

In this episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana welcomes Brandee Bickle, Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Executive Projects at Georgia’s Own Credit Union, one of 1st Class Credit Union’s international partners. A lifelong Georgia resident, Brandee brings warmth, insight, and a touch of Southern charm to the conversation!

Brandee shares her journey from growing up in a community banking family to becoming a key leader at Georgia’s Own. She talks about her work in governmental affairs, the importance of agility in a changing financial landscape, and how the credit union’s mission of “Banking on Purpose” guides everything they do.

Together, Gayle and Brandee explore how credit unions in the United States compare to those in the United Kingdom and why embracing the cooperative message is more important than ever.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Brandee’s 25-year journey in Georgia’s credit union industry
• What life and community are like in Atlanta, Georgia
• Insights into governmental affairs and advocacy in the United States
• Differences between credit union usage in the United States and the United Kingdom
• The importance of embracing the cooperative message
• Hopes for the future of Georgia’s Own Credit Union

Join us for an engaging conversation that spans continents, celebrating shared values, community connection, and the global spirit of people helping people.

The Money Made Human podcast was inspired in part by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and Ireland’s deep-rooted credit union culture. Host Gayle Adnyana is joined by ILCU leaders — President Brendan Jenkins, CEO David Malone, Treasurer Dave McCauley (CEO of Donore Credit Union, the oldest credit union in Ireland), and Director Paul Hume, nephew of Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume.

Together, they explore the ethos of the ILCU — putting members first above all else — and how Ireland’s spirit of community, collegiality, and comradeship has shaped the credit union movement both at home and abroad. The conversation delves into personal values, the importance of collaboration, and hopes for the future of Irish credit unions.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The ILCU's ethos of putting members first and the “human-ness” of the model
• Ireland’s culture of community and the role of credit unions as local hubs
• John Hume’s legacy in both peacebuilding and the credit union movement
• Insights from Dave McCauley on leading the oldest credit union in Ireland
• The importance of collaboration across the credit union sector
• Reflections and hopes for the future of the ILCU

Join us for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the values that make credit unions a vital force in Irish communities and beyond.

This episode is dedicated to Brendan’s mother, Maura, and Paul’s father, Paddy, and to all parents and grandparents who have shaped our lives.

Nick Money, co-founder and a director of the Swoboda Research Centre, joins host Gayle Adnyana on the Money Made Human podcast. Swoboda provides credit unions across the UK and Ireland with the research, ideas, and networks they need to grow, innovate, and better serve their members. 

Founded in 2017 by Nick, Dr Paul A. Jones, and the late Ralph Swoboda, the centre fills a unique gap in the sector, helping credit unions plan for the future and strengthen their impact.

Nick shares his personal journey from the Co-operative Bank in the mid-1990s to his passion for social change and organisational purpose. He reflects on the differences between UK and Irish credit unions, the importance of collaboration, and how research and strategic thinking can help expand and enhance the sector’s influence.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins and mission of the Swoboda Research Centre
• How the centre supports credit unions in the UK and Ireland
• Nick’s personal journey, values, and inspirations
• Ideas for growing and strengthening the credit union sector
• The importance of research, networks, and collaboration
• Why credit unions matter to society

Join us for a conversation about innovation, collaboration, and the future of the credit union movement.