How To Learn From Setbacks & Lead Forward with Ezra Eckhardt

What if every obstacle in your path was actually preparing you for something greater? Because the reality is, it does.In this episode, I get the chance to talk with Ezra Eckhardt, President and CEO of STCU, whose journey from being a West Point cadet to leading one of Washington’s largest credit unions is a masterclass in willpower, leadership, and community impact.From facing the relentless challenges of military life to steering organizations through epic economic downturns, Ezra’s story is proof that adversity isn’t a dead end—it’s training for what’s ahead. His experiences in the Army, corporate America, and now in the financial world show how grit, adaptability, and investing in people can turn challenges into opportunities.Ezra Eckhardt’s story of leadership, service, and transformation will leave you inspired—only on Navigating No!00:00 The Boardroom Shake-Up00:56 Introducing Ezra Eckhart01:53 Ezra's Spokane Roots03:27 West Point Challenges04:53 Spokane's Evolution and Community08:04 Military Training and Leadership09:50 The Journey to West Point12:10 Life as a Cadet30:37 Post-Military Career Decisions33:59 Airborne Adventures42:44 Career Beginnings and Early Challenges43:28 Leadership Development at Allied Signal44:29 Transition to Honeywell and Six Sigma Training45:41 Adventure and Personal Growth46:15 Returning to Spokane and Career Moves49:56 Joining Microsoft and Financial Management52:18 Sterling Savings Bank and the Great Recession57:52 Revamping Sterling and Raising Capital01:07:48 STCU Growth and Community Impact01:15:52 Credit Union vs. National Banks01:22:24 Final ThoughtsWelcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure, and self-doubt. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!Catch shorts and full episodes of NAVIGATING NO Here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to NAVIGATING NO while you're on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:https://linktr.ee/navigatingnoSubscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestileyFollow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsite: https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational