Read the shownotes and full transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com Want to learn more about SBS CyberSecurity? Watch this video or visit SBSCyber.com The top 10 credit unions pay their employees $25,000 more annually than the rest of the industry, but smaller credit unions aren't losing talent wars when they compete on what money can't buy. Culture, flexibility, and growth opportunities close compensation gaps that seem insurmountable on paper, and the credit unions understanding this difference are winning employees who could make more elsewhere. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome back Brian Lee, President and CEO at Arizona Central Credit Union, to explore: Whether the top 10 credit unions' compensation advantage creates a real talent war. What new leaders should prioritize in their first 90 days. What it actually means when a credit union launches its own stablecoin. A huge thanks to our sponsor, SBS CyberSecurity SBS CyberSecurity partners with hundreds of credit unions across the U.S. to deliver tailored cybersecurity solutions that go beyond compliance. We understand the unique challenges credit unions face — limited resources, evolving threats, and increasing regulatory pressure. Our team speaks your language and knows your examiners. Learn more at SBSCyber.com
Read the full shownotes and transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com Want to learn more about SBS CyberSecurity and TRAC? Watch this video or visit SBSCyber.com Credit unions often wait until CEOs announce retirement to figure out compensation packages, creating situations where merger deals become the path to executive payouts instead of succession planning. The industry that preaches long-term thinking for members sometimes forgets to apply that same logic to leadership transitions, and the consequences show up in merger statistics and talent gaps. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome back Nolan Waltman, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at First Service Credit Union, to explore: How rate cuts create refinancing opportunities and operational nightmares. Why compensation structures trap credit unions between rewarding past leaders and attracting future ones. Whether rising operating costs signal something more serious than inflation. A huge thanks to our sponsor, SBS CyberSecurity SBS CyberSecurity partners with hundreds of credit unions across the U.S. to deliver tailored cybersecurity solutions that go beyond compliance. We understand the unique challenges credit unions face — limited resources, evolving threats, and increasing regulatory pressure. Our team speaks your language and knows your examiners.
Read the full shownotes and transcript on our site: growyourcreditunion.com In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome John Wilkening, EVP and Chief Banking Officer at Tech Credit Union, to explore why small credit unions are choosing extinction over growth, what the Great Recession taught leaders about managing both sides of the balance sheet, and how removing pressure from employees creates better results than adding quotas.
Credit unions promote people into executive roles based on tenure and technical skills, then wonder why leadership feels like amateur hour when the stakes keep getting higher. The industry that prides itself on developing people has somehow forgotten that managing databases doesn't prepare you to manage board dynamics, and knowing compliance doesn't teach you to read the room. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, hosts Joshua Barclay and Becky Reed welcome Jason Tilley, CIO at First Advantage Federal Credit Union, to explore what separates truly effective executives from those who struggle to deliver results, why credit unions are focusing on the wrong part of the digital asset opportunity, and how cybersecurity preparation separates the survivors from the statistics. Key Topics What does it actually take to be a great executive right now? Credit unions are chasing custody when they should be chasing payments Cybersecurity preparation separates survivors from statistics Key Takeaways Develop political intelligence alongside technical competence to succeed in executive roles Digital asset opportunity lies in payment infrastructure, not custody services Cybersecurity preparation requires cultural discipline and regular exercise, not just policy documentation Executive greatness demands synthesizing diverse input into clear direction while maintaining team alignment AI-powered threats require proactive policy development to protect institutional data "You have to trust your staff. You have to get input from your staff. Seek out external sources of truth. You don't know everything you don't know." - Jason Tilley "There is a diplomacy piece to being a CEO that is something that is not as applicable or as important in the other areas of the C-suite." - Becky Reed
Head over to growyourcreditunion.com to see all of our episodes and full transcripts. How does your board member selection process compare to your hiring procedures for other positions? Many credit unions have detailed vetting for staff roles that includes background checks and multiple interviews. Could similar rigor benefit board recruitment? In this episode, hosts Joshua Barclay and Becky Reed welcome Stacie Sloan, COO at Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union, to explore the impossible choice between digital perfection and community roots, why board recruitment feels like amateur hour compared to executive hiring, and how the GENIUS Act could determine whether credit unions control payments or become glorified middlemen. Key Topics Can you really choose between digital perfection and community roots? Why board recruitment feels like amateur hour The payments war credit unions are losing by default Key Takeaways Stop treating digital tools and community relationships as competing priorities Board recruitment requires the same rigor as executive hiring, with skills matrices replacing referral networks Payment innovation through stablecoin technology will separate leaders from followers The institutions building payment capabilities now will own their member relationships tomorrow "Hands down, relationships. That's what credit unions are all about. But if you want to keep them and you want to engage them, we have to deliver digitally as well." - Stacie Sloan "If credit unions wait to get engaged in this space, they're going to be beholden to the same giant fintechs that provide them technology today." - Becky Reed
Credit unions pride themselves on member service, yet they systematically withhold information about products that could save members thousands annually. In this episode, hosts Joshua Barclay and Becky Reed welcome Anand Solanki, CFO and head of product management at Citadel Credit Union, to explore why the shift from service to sales culture starts with purpose, how Silicon Valley product thinking can transform credit union innovation, and what really drives merger decisions when there's no financial windfall waiting. Key Topics Sales isn't a dirty word when members are leaving money on the table Credit unions move at the speed of snails while fintechs eat their lunch The merger question isn't about survival, it's about member impact Key Takeaways Reframe sales as member education and value delivery Member expectations are set by their best digital experiences, not banking ones Innovation velocity matters more than scale in today's environment Merger decisions should be driven by member value, not leadership convenience "We are doing our own members a disservice if we did not show them all of the value that our product offerings can have." - Anand Solanki "Selling is service and service is selling." - Becky Reed Visit growyourcreditunion.com to read the full transcript
Read the full show notes and full transcript on growyourcreditunion.com When conditions get unpredictable, staying boring can be the boldest move if it's part of a broader strategy. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed are joined by Kevin Dougherty, COO at Addition Financial Credit Union, to break down how his team is adapting, from strengthening cyber resilience to scaling visibility with the next generation, while challenging the industry's reliance on the status quo and pushing for smarter, faster responses to today's biggest threats. Listen now to stay ahead of what is shaping the movement.
Note: At the time of recording, Pam Cohen held the position of Chief Administrative Officer at Affinity Federal Credit Union. She has since transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer. All links and a full transcript can be found on growyourcreditunion.com. Some credit unions are waiting years to fix broken tech stacks. Others are launching AI tools in a weekend and proving that speed isn't just about technology, it's a leadership imperative that affects how credit unions serve, grow, and stay relevant. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest Pam Cohen, Chief Operating Officer at Affinity Federal Credit Union, to talk about simplifying tech stacks, reducing employee turnover, and using AI to expand financial inclusion. Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the movement. Follow us on LinkedIn
Some credit union leaders are building small business programs, investing in community growth, and doing the hard work. Others are still hiding behind "we can't"—and it might be costing the industry its future. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest John Holt, CEO of Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, to talk about the controversy around CEO golden parachutes, the untapped opportunity in small business lending, and whether chasing CDFI grants is really worth it. A huge thanks to our sponsor, PFP Services. Credit Unions know that engagement is key to success. PFP Services brings expertise, resources, and passion to help you build strong connections with your members. Our goal is to grow your credit union together, forming lasting bonds every step of the way. Partnering with us means a mutually beneficial relationship with absolutely no cost! Visit familysecurityplan.com/credit-unions/ to learn more. Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the movement.
Check out the post for this episode of Grow Your Credit Union. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host James McBride, CEO, Connects Federal Credit Union and guest Michael Powers, CEO of Garden Savings Federal Credit Union. Together, they discuss the following: Which regulations do the most harm, How to make financial advice stick digitally, and How to spot a merger that strengthens - not swallows - a credit union. Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, PFP Services Credit Unions know that engagement is key to success. PFP Services brings expertise, resources, and passion to help you build strong connections with your members. Our goal is to grow your credit union together, forming lasting bonds every step of the way. Partnering with us means a mutually beneficial relationship with absolutely no cost! Visit familysecurityplan.com/credit-unions/ to learn more.
Credit unions talk about being community-focused. But what if real connection meant showing up in the moments that matter, like when someone's buying groceries? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest Jennifer Borowy, President and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union to talk about how mentorship can accelerate leadership, what lessons credit unions can borrow from banks, and whether in-store branches really drive growth. Also, we talked with Bradley Hickey, Manager of Application Development at American Airlines Federal Credit Union, to hear why CU Build is a must-attend for any credit union team looking to innovate from within. Register here: https://www.cubuild.org/register-now Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growyourcreditunion/
Too often, payday lenders are easier to find than a credit union. What if we flipped that script and brought financial services straight to the communities being exploited? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest Michael Crowl, President and CEO of University Federal Credit Union to talk about: How UFCU is beating industry trends with explosive membership growth. How mobile branches are combatting predatory lenders. What new legislation could mean for small business lending. Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the credit union movement.
Live from NACUSO Reimagine in Las Vegas, this episode tackles one of the most disruptive weeks in credit union oversight, offering a real-time gut check on leadership, advocacy, and opportunity in a time of uncertainty. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by co-host Becky Reed and guest Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer at Credit Unions First, to talk about the unexpected NCUA terminations, what deregulation could unlock, and how to make smarter tech investments through CUSO collaboration. Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the movement.
In a time when speed matters and trust is everything, the right partnership can be the difference between steady growth and a breakout year. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed and guest Mike Valentine, President and CEO of Baxter Credit Union, to talk about the power of partnerships, why branch expansion still matters, and how vendors can break through the noise to connect with credit union leaders. Listen now to stay ahead of what's shaping the movement.
Credit unions have long been risk-averse by design, but today's environment is pushing the industry to think less about what's safe and more about what's best for the member. That shift, from compliance-first to consumer-centric, is reshaping everything from governance to payments to technology strategy. In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay is joined by guest co-host Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union, and returning guest James McBride, CEO of Connects Federal Credit Union, as they talk about: Board engagement and what strong governance really looks like Real-time payments and the risk of falling behind Open banking as a competitive mandate, not just a regulatory issue Listen now and stay ahead of what's shaping the movement. A huge thanks to our sponsor for this episode, InvestiFi InvestiFi delivers an integrated digital investing solution built to enable investing directly from checking accounts, helping Credit Unions to retain more deposits and attract new members. Give your members a new tool to navigate the complexities of financial markets with ease from within their current online banking experience through InvestiFi.
With policymakers revisiting the debate over credit unions' tax exemption, what's at stake for the industry? And if the exemption were to disappear, would it really be as damaging as some fear? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome Michael Goad, President and CEO of Dow Credit Union, to discuss why credit unions are buying banks, the impacts of credit unions losing their nonprofit status, and whether or not we should be optimistic for the rest of 2025.
Revenue isn't the goal. It's the proof that a credit union is delivering real value to its members. But in a rapidly changing landscape, how do credit unions continue to raise the bar on member experience while staying true to their mission? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union, to discuss how credit unions can keep raising the bar on member experience, whether AI is distracting from their biggest advantage, and why some companies are pulling back on DEI, while credit unions may need to double down.
In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome Jim Ahrens, Chief Value Officer at PFP Services, to dive deeper into the challenges and strategies behind effective outbound marketing. Picking up from Episode 27, we talk about where outreach efforts still fall short, how credit unions can shift toward a true service-driven culture, and which metrics actually measure outbound success. A huge thanks to our sponsor for this episode, PFP Services. Credit Unions know that engagement is key to success. PFP Services brings expertise, resources, and passion to help you build strong connections with your members. Our goal is to grow your credit union together, forming lasting bonds every step of the way. Partnering with us means a mutually beneficial relationship with absolutely no cost! Visit familysecurityplan.com/credit-unions/ to learn more.
What happens when you mix tech innovation, multigenerational teams, and key performance metrics? You get a conversation credit union leaders can't afford to miss. Recorded Live at the FUEL Future Summit 2025 in Detroit, Michigan, host Joshua Barclay and guest co-host Elizabeth Osborne, COO, Great Lakes Credit Union welcome special guest Shawn Premer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Consumers Credit Union to break down what it really takes to drive change, lead diverse teams, and make sense of all those KPIs. Whether you're trying to sell big ideas, manage workplace dynamics, or just sound smarter in strategy meetings, this episode has you covered. A big thanks to Credit Unions First for sponsoring this episode! They help credit unions maximize insurance profitability with smart, proactive solutions. Learn more at www.creditunionsfirst.org. Listen now and visit GrowYourCreditUnion.com to see more.
In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and co-host Becky Reed welcome Bill Snider, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Clearview Federal Credit Union, to discuss three timely topics shaping the future of credit unions. The Struggles of Digital Literacy Are tech-savvy team members getting harder to find? Despite living in a high-tech era, Bill believes digital literacy remains an essential focus when hiring and upskilling. As Becky points out, even younger employees accustomed to mobile apps can lack basic PC skills, forcing credit unions to strike a balance between training, buy vs. build software decisions, and proactively developing the tech talent they already have. When the Well Runs Low With liquidity near historic lows, credit unions are taking a closer look at deposits, asset duration, and emerging technologies. Bill explains how Clearview created a dedicated deposits team and revisited its investment mix to maintain financial stability. While Becky reminds us there's "nothing new under the sun," she highlights how innovations like tokenization and AI-driven analytics could help credit unions prepare for the next big shift. Are We Always Better Together? Forty-six mergers occurred in Q2, with most citing expanded services as the reason. Bill shares lessons from Clearview's own merger experiences, warning leaders not to end up like the last scene of The Graduate—unsure of what's next. From culture clashes to duplicate systems, he and Becky agree that bigger isn't always better. Proper planning, cost-benefit analysis, and a clear post-merger roadmap are vital to success. Visit growyourcreditunion.com to learn more!