Join us for an exclusive episode featuring Michelle Shelton, COO of Coastal Credit Union, as she shares her inspiring personal journey, leadership lessons, and vision for the future of credit unions and financial services! Whether you're passionate about leadership, DEI, digital banking or wealth management, this conversation offers invaluable insights for professionals and newcomers alike.Michelle discusses:Her transition from Canadian banking to becoming a C-level executive in the U.S.The dynamic career possibilities within financial institutions.The crucial role of financial education and inclusion.The future of wealth management in credit unions.Strategies for attracting the “Henry” (High Earners, Not Yet Rich) segment.Overcoming challenges as an immigrant and a woman leader.The impact of AI, technology adoption, mergers, and organizational efficiency.Top priorities for credit unions in 2025 and how to measure ROI in a shifting economy.Watch, learn, and be inspired by Michelle’s candid reflections and actionable advice!Video Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome01:00 – Michelle’s Journey: From Teller to COO02:55 – What Drives Michelle: Learning & Leading04:50 – Stepping into Operations at Coastal Credit Union06:10 – Why Choose Credit Unions? Purpose & Mission08:00 – The Future of Wealth Management in Credit Unions10:00 – Attracting the “Henry” Segment: Digital and Human Touch12:00 – Lessons from Immigration & Career Transitions14:00 – Navigating Challenges & “Secret Sauce” for Growth16:15 – Credit Union Mergers & Market Outlook17:50 – 2025 Priorities: Efficiency, AI, and Investment ROI19:10 – Final Thoughts & Rapid Fire#CreditUnions#WomenInLeadership#FinancialInclusion#WealthManagement#BankingCareers#DigitalBanking#AIInFinance#LeadershipJourney#Immigrant Success#FutureOfBanking#GenerativeEngineOptimization#FinancialWellbeing#MichelleShelton#CoastalCreditUnion#PodcastInterview

Join us for an insightful and in-depth conversation with Lisamarie Meyer, SVP, Director of Minnesota Branches at Trustone Financial Federal Credit Union, as she shares her extensive experience and unique perspective from over three decades in the financial services industry. With a remarkable 15-year tenure at Trustone, Lisamarie has been a pivotal force in establishing and managing their thriving retail network.In this compelling episode of the Women of Community Banking Podcast, Lisamarie provides a deep dive into:Episode Highlights:A Journey of Purpose: From Big Banks to Credit UnionsDiscover Lisamarie's intriguing career trajectory, including her decision to transition from a large, established bank to the dynamic world of credit unions. She passionately articulates what truly motivates her – it's not just about financial transactions, but about leading and empowering passionate individuals to deliver exceptional experiences within the community. Hear how her belief in people, both her team and the members, drives her daily.The Heart of Banking: Why Credit Unions Stand ApartLisamarie eloquently explains the fundamental differences that drew her to the credit union movement. She contrasts the "black and white", shareholder-driven policies of big banks with the flexibility and "gray area" approach of credit unions. Learn how this allows for a more personalized, empathetic, and ethical way of serving members, helping them navigate financial challenges and fostering generational relationships.The Evolving Landscape of Retail Banking: A Hybrid FutureGain invaluable insights into Lisamarie's vision for the future of retail banking. She strongly advocates for a hybrid model where brick-and-mortar branches seamlessly integrate with digital services. Understand why, even in an increasingly digital world, the human connection remains paramount for significant financial decisions and complex issues. She also discusses how younger generations, while tech-savvy, still value the option of in-person interaction for education and personalized guidance.Lessons from a Distinguished Career: Communication, Adaptability & True LeadershipDrawing from her extensive career, Lisamarie shares practical and profound lessons learned. She emphasizes the critical importance of effective communication, active listening, and continuous learning. Discover why she believes in "putting yourself out there" and embracing new challenges, even if it means "stubbing your toes." Most importantly, she defines true leadership as compassionate guidance that empowers people to grow, extending far beyond a mere job title.Navigating Challenges: Staffing, Technology, and the Human TouchLisamarie openly discusses the significant challenges she's faced, particularly in staffing and adapting to new technologies like AI. Learn her strategic approach to interviews, focusing on purpose and internal promotion, and how she's learned to effectively educate a diverse workforce on technological advancements by understanding individual learning styles.The Path Ahead: Trustone's Vision for 2025 and BeyondLooking forward, Lisamarie provides an optimistic yet grounded outlook for 2025. She explains how Trustone plans to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties by doubling down on "best-in-class service." Understand why consistently enhancing the member experience, delivering value, and fostering genuine relationships are considered the ultimate differentiators that will drive sustained growth and cement Trustone's position in the community.This episode is an essential listen for banking professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone keen on understanding the evolving dynamics of financial services through the lens of a dedicated and insightful leader.:#RetailBanking #Leadership #WomenInBanking #Trustone #Podcast #Banking Trends #CustomerService #Digital Transformation #CareerJourney #HumanConnection #MinnesotaBanking #FinancialLeadership

Welcome to a brand new, highly engaging episode of the Women of Community Banking Podcast! Your host, Anurag Mukherjee, is joined by the insightful and experienced Bhavna Guglani, Chief Digital Officer of BCU( @loveBCU ) This interview offers a deep dive into the dynamic world of digital finance, leadership, and the future of community banking.Bhavna Guglani brings a truly unique and comprehensive perspective to the table, forged over 25 years of diverse experience across the financial industry. Her journey began in consumer banking in India and the UK, transitioned into a significant decade-plus tenure in the cutting-edge FinTech sector (including her role at Savi Money), and now sees her at the forefront of digital innovation for BCU, a prominent credit union based in Chicago. She possesses a rare "360-degree view" of consumer finance, shaped by her exposure to multiple geographies and varied organizational structures.In this episode, Bhavna shares not just her professional expertise but also the personal story behind her drive. Discover how her background as a dedicated "sports kid" instilled the discipline, collaboration, and leadership qualities that seamlessly transitioned into her successful management career. She articulates her deep motivation: impacting people's daily financial lives and thriving in cultures that prioritize progressive products and strong organizational values.

Get ready for an incredibly inspiring and candid conversation on "Women of Community Banking"! In this must-watch episode, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with the remarkable Samantha Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. Prepare to be captivated by her unique and powerful story.

Samantha shares her extraordinary path, starting as a missionary who traveled to over 30 countries, engaging in everything from building infrastructure to combating human trafficking. This foundational experience deeply rooted her passion for "people helping people," a principle that now defines her impactful career in the credit union movement.

Discover what truly fuels Samantha's relentless drive, even amidst a demanding schedule of constant travel. She openly discusses the real challenges of balancing a high-intensity leadership role with being a military spouse and a mother of three daughters, offering invaluable insights into navigating complex personal and professional demands. Learn her hard-won lessons about setting priorities, building community, and the surprising truth that "having it all isn't the goal."

Samantha also provides a compelling look into the future of the credit union movement in 2025 and beyond. She articulates The League's crucial role as an advocate, collaborator, and influencer, dedicated to creating a thriving operating environment for credit unions. Hear how they're supporting institutions of all sizes – with a special focus on small credit unions – and why she believes the movement's destiny rests in its own hands.

This episode is more than just an interview; it's a deep dive into resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of advocacy. Don't miss this opportunity to gain wisdom from a true leader dedicated to empowering communities through the credit union philosophy.

In this insightful episode of the "Women of Community Banking" podcast, join host Anurag Mukherjee as he sits down with Caroline Willard, the dynamic CEO of Cornerstone League. With nearly 30 years in financial services, including over two decades dedicated to credit unions, Caroline shares her remarkable journey from banking and CUSOs to leading one of the most prominent credit union leagues.Discover what truly fuels Caroline's passion for the credit union movement, her "Ikigai" – the inner reason that keeps her going. She opens up about the unique challenges she faced as a woman navigating the financial services industry and offers invaluable advice for aspiring female leaders, including the power of asking good questions, embracing diligence, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership.Caroline provides a candid look at the current landscape of the credit union movement, discussing the significant threat of losing the federal income tax exemption, the ever-increasing regulatory burden, and the evolving competitive landscape driven by consumer demands for seamless digital experiences. She emphasizes the crucial role of advocacy and strategic partnerships in ensuring credit unions remain the best choice for communities.TakeawaysCaroline's passion for credit unions drives her leadership.The credit union movement focuses on community support.Women in leadership should embrace curiosity and ask questions.Advocacy is crucial for the survival of credit unions.Regulatory burdens are a significant challenge for credit unions.Technology adoption is essential for credit unions to remain relevant.Self-awareness in leadership styles is important for women.Common sense regulations are needed in the financial sector.Collaboration among credit unions enhances their effectiveness.The future of credit unions depends on adapting to consumer expectations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Caroline and Her Journey03:03 The Passion for Credit Unions05:49 Career Path and Leadership Insights08:50 The Role of Advocacy in Credit Unions11:57 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership15:04 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders17:53 Current State of the Credit Union Movement21:00 Future Challenges and Opportunities23:53 Looking Ahead to 2025 Caroline Willard : https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-willard-cce-cude-cae-659a385/

Join us as we sit down with Miriam Mitchell, the Chief Lending Officer of Addition Financial, in this insightful episode of our podcast series. With 26 years of experience in the financial services industry, Miriam shares her incredible journey from starting as a teller to becoming a leader in the credit union space.In This Episode:Discover Miriam's inspiring career path and how she transitioned from psychology to finance.Learn about the challenges she faced as a female leader in a male-dominated industry and how perseverance and mentorship played a crucial role in her success.Explore how Addition Financial uses data-driven strategies to make informed decisions and stay competitive in the market.Gain insights into the current financial landscape and what 2025 holds for the credit union ecosystem, especially in Florida.Whether you're an aspiring leader, a data enthusiast, or someone interested in the financial industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice.TakeawaysThe impact of lending on people's lives is profound.Having a clear mission and vision is essential for motivation.Miriam transitioned from a bank to a credit union, realizing her passion for community impact.Hands-on experience in various roles is crucial for leadership.Data-driven decision-making is vital in the lending industry.Perseverance is key for female leaders in male-dominated fields.Believing in oneself is crucial to overcoming self-doubt.Seizing opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.The lending market in 2025 is expected to be challenging.Mentorship plays a significant role in career development.Sound Bites"You need a mission and a vision""Perseverance is the key""Never doubt yourself, believe in yourself""Always say yes to opportunities""2025 is still gonna be a challenging year"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Miriam and Her Journey02:18 The Impact of Lending on Lives03:54 Miriam's Career Path and Transition to Credit Unions08:01 Current Role and Responsibilities as Chief Lending Officer10:38 Data-Driven Decision Making in Lending13:37 Challenges Faced as a Female Leader19:38 Advice for Aspiring Leaders22:31 Outlook for 2025 in the Lending Market

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "Women of Community Banking" podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee is joined by the remarkable Reva Rao, a trailblazer in the financial services industry with a rich career spanning over 25 years. Reva's journey is nothing short of inspiring, having transitioned from the bustling financial hubs of Australia to the dynamic markets of the United States.What You'll Learn:Reva's Unique Journey: Discover how Reva navigated her career across continents, from starting in Australia to making impactful contributions at major institutions like JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, and eventually embracing the community-driven mission of credit unions.The Power of Continuous Learning: Reva shares her passion for staying ahead of industry trends and the importance of innovation in banking.Challenges in Leadership: Gain insights into the hurdles faced by women in leadership roles and the strategies Reva employed to overcome them.Lending 2.0: Explore the evolution of lending practices with the integration of technology, data analytics, and the critical role of fraud prevention.Future of Credit Unions: Understand the impact of macroeconomic conditions on the lending ecosystem and what the future holds for credit unions.Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Reva offers practical advice for women aiming to make their mark in the financial sector, emphasizing adaptability, networking, and having a clear vision.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Reva Rao and Her Journey02:56 The Evolution of Banking and Lending06:10 Transitioning from Traditional Banking to Credit Unions08:48 Challenges Faced as a Woman in Leadership12:00 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders14:50 The Future of Lending: Trends and Innovations17:50 Impact of Macro Economic Conditions on Lending21:04 Looking Ahead: The Credit Union Ecosystem in 2025 & beyond

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