Culture Shock By Luminate

Nanci

A Luminate Louisiana Credit Unions Podcast about stellar internal culture with an outwardly epic effect.Pull up a seat on our comfy couch and join us for a casual chat between not only professional peers, but friends!'Our internal culture should be so bright that our members need shades'

  1. 08/20/2025

    Episode 15 - Juan Fernandez - Trust Falls & Take Offs

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Trust Falls and Take Offs, we explore how true leadership is built on moments of both vulnerability and lift.  Just like a trust fall, great leaders create environments where their team feels safe to lean back, knowing they’ll be supported. And just like a takeoff, leaders provide the vision, energy, and momentum that help the team rise to new heights. We unpack the balance between letting go of control and offering direction, sharing stories and strategies for building authentic trust, cultivating confidence, and inspiring sustainable success that grows naturally from within the team rather than being forced from the top down. Juan Fernadez Bio: As CEO, I’ve had the honor of leading a transformational journey—reimagining what a modern credit union association can be. When we became Luminate, it wasn’t just a name change; it was a commitment to shine a light on relevant, future-forward solutions for credit unions of all sizes. Whether it’s policy, innovation, or people—everything we do at Luminate is in service of a brighter, more inclusive financial future. I’m proud of our team, our mission, and the movement we’re helping to build. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about the future of credit unions, advocacy, or building purpose-driven leadership ecosystems. I have served the credit union movement for over twenty years in four states - New York, New Mexico, Washington and Louisiana - tackling opportunities in communities of all sizes and complexity. I started as a teller and have grown a career in credit unions because of the amazing power we have to change people's lives. I am passionate about our movement and am honored to be part of it.

  2. 07/16/2025

    Episode 14 - With All Due Heart: Leading With Empathy - Joshua Poole BRECO FCU CEO

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 14 of the Luminate podcast, titled Culture Shock, my co-host Joshua Poole, CEO of BRECO FCU, and I dive deep into what it truly means to lead with heart, empathy, and vulnerability.  This episode is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about connection, courage, and compassion. From personal stories to raw truths, we get honest about the emotional layers of leadership. Fair warning: you might want to keep some tissues nearby, this one’s got all the feels.  ********** Joshua Poole BIO: As a trusted executive leader specializing in credit union operations, I bring a rich and robust history of driving continuous growth and development for the organizations I have served.  My ongoing experience as President and CEO with BRECO Federal Credit Union speaks to my progressive career advancement and capacity to actualize positive change at all turns. I have led BRECO to achieve multiple awards including "Best of the Best" among credit unions statewide while driving improvements to financial performance and risk management. Further, I am well-regarded as a respected thought leader in the industry backed by my contributions as an author for national credit union publications, as part of the Board of Directors with Luminate (formerly Louisiana Credit Union League) and previous Chapter President of the Baton Rouge Chapter of that organization.  My experience is complemented by an MBA in Financial Management Services from Louisiana State University Shreveport and a designation as a Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert (CUERME).

    Episode 14 - With All Due Heart: Leading With Empathy - Joshua Poole BRECO FCU CEO
  3. 04/15/2025

    Episode 12 - Brent Rempe - Becoming A Character In The Member Journey

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Join me and Brent Rempe, President & CEO of First Alliance Credit Union in Rochester, Minnesota, as we dive into what storybook lending really means — and how to become a main character in your member’s journey. This isn’t a fairytale. It’s the real magic of credit unions. 💫📖 Brent Rempe's Bio: I’m an accomplished, mission-driven trailblazer with extensive and international experience in developing and implementing transformational growth strategies, expanding lending operations, and fostering employee development within the credit union and financial industry. As a strategic networker, I strengthen community outreach and forge trusted relationships within the local communities, schools, and real estate industry.  I leverage deep industry knowledge to ensure financial stability and continued growth by leading visionary initiatives, projects, and operations. I’m known as an ideator who proactively and creatively improves processes, communications, and brand to ensure sustainable credit union operations. •Proven effective leadership & change management acumen by unprecedented lending & portfolio growth immediately following a major company restructure. •Maintains an unwavering focus to uplift communities through education, outreach programs, & equal access to products & services. •Demonstrates ability to build enduring company culture & employee loyalty through professional development & leadership programs. I hold degrees in Economics & Entrepreneurship for Educators, Organizational Dynamics, and Business Administration, as well as multiple certifications gained throughout my career.

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A Luminate Louisiana Credit Unions Podcast about stellar internal culture with an outwardly epic effect.Pull up a seat on our comfy couch and join us for a casual chat between not only professional peers, but friends!'Our internal culture should be so bright that our members need shades'