Money Made Human Podcast

1st Class Credit Union

Highly Commended at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 The Money Made Human podcast celebrates, at its heart, the work of credit unions and their vital role in enriching our lives and communities. Brought to you by 1st Class Credit Union, each episode features insightful discussions with industry leaders and influential voices from society, revealing the meaningful impact that can be made through economic collaboration.  Mostly, it’s a collection of compassionate conversations about navigating life and the individual journeys we take. The host, Gayle Lloyd

  1. Jun 29

    Elaine Rae – Chief Executive Officer, NHS Credit Union (#25)

    Episode 25 of the Money Made Human podcast features Elaine Rae, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Credit Union. Elaine has dedicated her career to improving people's lives, from her early work in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative care to leading one of Scotland's largest credit unions. Having spent five years as Chair of the Board before becoming Chief Executive Officer, she is also one of the founding members of NHS Credit Union and has played a key role in its growth over the past decade. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Elaine about her career journey, the experiences that shaped her values, and the influence of growing up in poverty, her mother's resilience, and her family's trade union roots. She also reflects on the importance of compassionate care, including helping people achieve what she describes as a "good death", and how these experiences continue to inform her leadership today. The conversation explores the role of credit unions during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the importance of empowering women in leadership, and NHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme, which supports members experiencing economic abuse to regain control of their finances. Elaine also shares her work with the Coalition of Credit Unions, her ambitions for the future of NHS Credit Union, and her hopes for the years ahead. Key topics in this episode include: Elaine's career journey and leadership at NHS Credit UnionGrowing up in poverty and the influence of her mother and trade union rootsHer background in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative careFemale leadership and empowering women in the workplaceNHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme and supporting survivors of economic abuseThe role of credit unions during the cost-of-living crisisJoin us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, leadership, financial wellbeing, and the power of credit unions to change lives.

  2. Jun 19

    Debbie Robinson – Chief Executive Officer, OurCoop (#24)

    Episode 24 of the Money Made Human podcast features Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of OurCoop. A passionate advocate for the co-operative movement, Debbie has spent her career championing the values of cooperation, community, and member ownership. As CEO of OurCoop, she leads one of the UK's largest independent co-operative societies, serving communities across multiple sectors while remaining focused on delivering value for members and customers. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Debbie about her career journey, the people who have shaped her values, and the influence of a family deeply connected to the co-operative movement. She reflects on the positive impact of her upbringing, particularly the role her mother played in shaping her outlook on life and leadership. The conversation explores the power of cooperation to create meaningful change, both locally and globally, and why understanding members and customers remains at the heart of the co-operative model. Debbie also shares her thoughts on the future of the movement, the importance of creating opportunity, and why her personal philosophy is to "make every day count". Key topics in this episode include: Debbie's career journey and leadership at OurCoopThe influence of family and the co-operative movement throughout her lifeThe opportunities created through cooperation at both a local and global levelProsperity, growth, and what success should look like for communitiesDebbie's hopes for the future of the co-operative movementThe importance of family and the support of her "home team"Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, cooperation, community, and the values that can help create a better future for everyone.

  3. Jun 10

    Alan Rough MBE – Scottish Former Professional Footballer & Football Broadcaster (#23)

    Episode 23 of the Money Made Human podcast features Alan Rough MBE, Scottish former professional footballer and football broadcaster. Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most recognisable goalkeepers, Alan enjoyed an outstanding playing career that saw him represent his country on the international stage and become a firm favourite with football supporters across Scotland. Best known for his time at Partick Thistle, he remains one of the club’s most celebrated players and a respected voice within the game today. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Alan about his journey into football, the influence of his parents, and the experiences that shaped a career spanning some of the most memorable moments in Scottish football. He reflects on representing Scotland at three World Cups, including his memories of the 1978 tournament in Argentina, and shares his thoughts on how the game has evolved over the decades. Key topics in this episode include: Alan’s journey into football and goalkeepingThe influence of his parents and early life experiencesHow football has changed over the yearsThe importance of saving and planning for the future as a professional footballerHis current role with PLZ Soccer and continued involvement in the gameThe importance of staying active and maintaining good healthJoin us for an entertaining and insightful conversation with one of Scottish football’s most recognisable figures, reflecting on a remarkable career and the lessons learned along the way.

  4. May 8

    Paul Sweeney – Candidate in the Scottish Parliamentary Election for MSP (#21)

    Episode 21 of the Money Made Human podcast features Paul Sweeney, candidate in the Scottish Parliamentary election and former MSP. Before entering politics, Paul worked in the shipbuilding industry, an experience that continues to shape his views on industry, communities, and public service. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Paul about his five years in the Scottish Parliament, his upbringing in Glasgow, and the influence of his parents’ values, trade union roots, and strong sense of service to others. The conversation explores Paul’s passion for shipbuilding and Scotland’s industrial heritage, the importance of investing in communities and skilled industries, and the role credit unions can play in supporting people across Scotland. Paul also reflects on his support for the Coalition of Credit Unions during discussions around the withdrawal of the Family Protection Plan, as well as the impact recent events in Glasgow have had on the city and its communities. Key topics in this episode include: Paul’s journey from shipbuilding into politicsHis five years serving in the Scottish ParliamentThe influence of his upbringing, family values, and trade union rootsThe importance of maintaining Scotland’s industrial heritageRecent events in Glasgow and their impact on local communitiesThe role and importance of credit unions within societyJoin us for an insightful conversation about industry, community, public service, and the values that shape leadership.

  5. Apr 16

    Dermot O'Neill – Chief Executive, Scottish League of Credit Unions (#20)

    Dermot O’Neill is the Chief Executive of the Scottish League of Credit Unions (SLCU), a role he has held for the past 15 years. The SLCU supports 26 of Scotland’s remaining 72 credit unions, helping them to become and remain Compliant, Sustainable and Cooperative. Dermot’s credit union journey began in 2002 when he was appointed General Manager of Taxi Trade Credit Union, where he spent eight years. He then moved into the community credit union sector as Development Manager at Ayrshire Credit Union, before taking up his current leadership role at the SLCU. A passionate advocate for the credit union movement, Dermot is a champion of community finance and the people-focused values that underpin it. He believes strongly in the power of cooperative finance to strengthen communities and improve lives. Outside of credit union life, Dermot prioritises family time, enjoys outdoor adventures and plays football; to the best of his (self-confessed) very average ability. Key topics in this episode include: What the Scottish League of Credit Unions is and how it supports its membersThe six key pillars of the SLCU, including guidance, education, networking and representationWhy it's important for credit unions to have this type of connection and supportDermot’s personal journey and leadership within the credit union movementHow credit unions have adapted and evolved in recent yearsDermot’s hopes for the future of the SLCU and the wider credit union sectorJoin us for an engaging conversation with someone at the heart of Scotland’s credit union movement. This episode was recorded in October 2025.

About

Highly Commended at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 The Money Made Human podcast celebrates, at its heart, the work of credit unions and their vital role in enriching our lives and communities. Brought to you by 1st Class Credit Union, each episode features insightful discussions with industry leaders and influential voices from society, revealing the meaningful impact that can be made through economic collaboration.  Mostly, it’s a collection of compassionate conversations about navigating life and the individual journeys we take. The host, Gayle Lloyd