CU Spotlight

CU Spotlight

Shining a light on the credit unions, partners and nonprofits powering the movement.

  1. Jul 29

    TT-1: Beyond Transactions, The Tempathy Movement

    Many credit unions aspire to achieve more but are limited by time, resources, and uncertainty about where to begin. This episode of CU Spotlight explores how embracing collaborative storytelling, technology, and empathy can drive meaningful transformation. Jonathan Taylor, Shirley Senn, and Phil Senn share their journey from informal conference discussions to launching an award-winning movement. They explain how their collaborative podcast is transforming how credit unions share stories, highlight innovation, and build connections, without requiring perfection or large budgets. In this episode, you will learn: - How a simple podcast became a powerful tool for brand awareness, member engagement, and industry impact - The importance of Tempathy, the intersection of technology and empathy, and its potential to revolutionize member experience and staff operations. - Behind-the-scenes insights on producing grassroots content in a complex and sometimes challenging conference environment - The role of storytelling in driving change, earning recognition, and attracting new partners and sponsors. - Practical strategies for credit unions to leverage external perspectives, create FOMO, and enhance their presence, all without the pressure to be perfect This episode demonstrates that even imperfect, organic efforts can achieve significant impact. If you aim to stand out, share compelling stories, and make a difference, especially with limited time, staff, or expertise, this serves as your guide. It is ideal for credit union leaders, marketing teams, and innovators seeking to use content for positive change, as the future of financial services centers on connection, transparency, and Tempathy. Join us as we celebrate achievements, share practical lessons, and provide actionable steps to make storytelling your organization’s most effective tool. Whether you are beginning or seeking to expand your efforts, this episode offers ideas to help you maximize resources and motivate your team.

    TT-1: Beyond Transactions, The Tempathy Movement

  2. Jun 12

    Barb Lohman Shares The Leadership Lessons That Shaped Her Career

    Recorded live at the 2026 Vermont Association of Credit Unions Enlighten Conference at Killington Resort, CU Spotlight hosts JT and Phil sit down with Barb Lowman, CEO at CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). Fresh off delivering the keynote at the inaugural New England Sister Society meeting, Barb shares the leadership lessons that shaped her 30+ year career — starting as a teller — and dives deep into CSS's reinvented model for supporting credit unions and leagues. She also unveils a groundbreaking pilot partnership between CSS and the Association of Vermont Credit Unions that's poised to change how small leagues serve their members. 3 Key Takeaways: Say yes before you're ready. Barb's career was defined by taking on roles she didn't fully know how to do yet — and figuring it out along the way. Daring to say yes (and knowing when to say no) is the foundation of real leadership growth.Start with the problem, not the product. CSS's entire model is built around listening first — understanding what credit unions and their members actually need before matching them with the right fintech solution. It's the antidote to the classic "signed a contract at the cocktail reception" problem.Small leagues don't have to go it alone. The CSS/Vermont pilot proves that leagues without large staffs can still deliver robust fintech engagement to their member credit unions — through fractional resources, shared support, and the right partnerships. Independence and collaboration aren't mutually exclusive.  Shine a light where it matters.

    Barb Lohman Shares The Leadership Lessons That Shaped Her Career

  3. May 8

    2026-4: Data Doesn't Lie- You're Just Not Looking

    Summary At Bits & Bytes GAC 2026, JT sits down with data strategist Anne Legg of Thrive to challenge one of the biggest myths in credit unions: that data problems are about access or technology. Instead, Anne argues the real issue is focus. From fixing broken member experiences to redefining how credit unions measure their true impact, this episode dives into how organizations can turn the data they already have into meaningful growth—and do it fast.  Key Takeaways 1. Your data problem isn’t data—it’s direction Most credit unions are drowning in data across dozens of systems, but the real challenge is identifying the one problem that actually matters and focusing on it first. 2. Speed beats perfection when driven by insight With the right focus and existing resources, major operational improvements—like fixing call center inefficiencies—can happen in weeks, not months. 3. The real metric: financial confidence The future isn’t just tracking transactions—it’s measuring impact. Credit unions must quantify how they improve members’ financial resilience, not just their balance sheets. Shine a light where it matters.

    2026-4: Data Doesn't Lie- You're Just Not Looking

  4. May 7

    Girls Can Do Hard Things": Celebrating Women's Leadership in the Credit Union Movement

    At the Global Women's Leadership Network luncheon during America's Credit Unions GAC, CU Spotlight's Shirley Senn sits down with Bonita Harp of the Healthcare Credit Union Association and Vicki Brynolf of Team One Credit Union. With nearly 40 years in the industry between them, these two leaders reflect on the seismic shift in how women lead — and are celebrated — in financial services. From mentorship and empathy to financial inclusion and the next generation of fierce female leaders, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why community, connection, and credit unions matter. Shine a light where it matters.

    Girls Can Do Hard Things": Celebrating Women's Leadership in the Credit Union Movement

  5. May 7

    It's Our Responsibility" — Creighton Blackwell on Supporting Women in Leadership

    At the GAC 2026 Global Women's Leadership Network luncheon, Creighton Blackwell of Coastal Credit Union shares why championing women in leadership isn't optional — it's a duty. From recognizing everyday impact to building the next generation of diverse leaders, hear why the HeForShe movement is growing and why there's still much more work to do. Shine a light where it matters.

    It's Our Responsibility" — Creighton Blackwell on Supporting Women in Leadership

  6. May 7

    The Impact of Global Women's Leadership Network: A Conversation with Emma Hayes

    Emma Hayes shares what the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) means to her — community, representation, and a worldwide movement that connects women across borders to uplift their communities and champion financial inclusion.  From her experiences at World Council events to witnessing the grassroots impact of the network globally, Emma reflects on privilege, purpose, and why she remains deeply committed to this movement after 12+ years. A powerful conversation about unity, leadership, and making a monumental difference. Shine a light where it matters.

    The Impact of Global Women's Leadership Network: A Conversation with Emma Hayes

  7. May 7

    "Building Each Other Up: Leigh Brady on the Power of the Global Women's Leadership Network

    SECU President & CEO Leigh Brady joins CU Spotlight's Shirley Senn at the 2026 GAC Global Women's Leadership Network luncheon to share why this community matters. From spotlighting female leaders to giving women that "little nudge" of confidence, Leigh reflects on the power of mutual support, the credit union cooperative spirit, and what it means to lift others as you rise. Shine a light where it matters.

    "Building Each Other Up: Leigh Brady on the Power of the Global Women's Leadership Network

  8. May 7

    Credit Unions & Financial Inclusion: Getting Back to the Origin Story

    At the 2026 GAC Conference in Washington, D.C., Shirley Senn (CU Spotlight) interviews credit union veteran Denise Wymore at the Inclusiv CDFI Roundtable. They explore the surge in new credit union charters, the power of the cooperative model in reaching underserved communities — from African immigrants escaping payday lending to grassroots de novos built on trust and empathy — and why the original mission of "people helping people" is more relevant than ever. Shine a light where it matters.

    Credit Unions & Financial Inclusion: Getting Back to the Origin Story
See All (31)

About

Shining a light on the credit unions, partners and nonprofits powering the movement.

Information

  • Creator
    CU Spotlight
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CU Spotlight
  • Show Website
    CU Spotlight