In this heartfelt episode of the Women of Community Banking podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with @KarenKoundourakis, Chief Retail Officer of Lake Michigan Credit Union ( @LMCU ) in Tampa, Florida. Karen shares her inspiring journey, from her early career in social work and community banking to finding her true calling in the credit union movement.Karen, a proud adoptive mother, opens up about her deep passion for helping children succeed and her personal experience adopting her daughter from Guatemala. She discusses how her personal mission aligns perfectly with the credit union's purpose of changing lives, emphasizing that true leadership lies in the small, daily moments of mentorship and empowerment.The conversation delves into the challenges Karen has faced as a woman leader, particularly in balancing competing priorities, and how she navigates these with grace and a focus on her core values. She shares her unique perspective on celebrating failures as opportunities for growth and building sustainable infrastructure for the future.Looking ahead, Karen discusses her vision for leveraging artificial intelligence and technology not to replace jobs, but to enhance human capacity within the financial industry, allowing team members to focus on building meaningful relationships and providing financial coaching. She outlines how leaders have a responsibility to prepare their workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.Finally, Karen offers an optimistic outlook on the credit union movement in 2025. Despite economic challenges, she emphasizes the unwavering commitment of credit unions to their members, highlighting the need for innovation and a "smart optimism" to continue changing lives regardless of external conditions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in purpose-driven leadership, community impact, and the future of financial services.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Karen Koundourakis03:01 The Essence of Leadership05:57 Karen's Journey in Banking and Community Service09:04 Passion for Helping Kids11:54 Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Leader16:11 Role and Vision at LMCU19:01 Future Aspirations for Kids and Technology23:03 Optimism for the Credit Union Movement