Women of Banking (formerly Women of Community Banking)

Women of Banking Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

World’s #1 Podcast featuring journeys for Women leaders of Banking.

  1. 4d ago

    Building Member Value Through Modern Finance – Kim Murray, CFO of First Commonwealth FCU

    Welcome to a brand new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, hosted by Anurag Mukherjee! In this episode, we are joined by a deeply respected leader in the credit union ecosystem, Kim Murray, CFO of First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. With nearly three decades of experience in financial institutions and over 15 years dedicated to credit unions, Kim shares her remarkable, unexpected career journey—starting out as a part-time grocery store cashier and pivoting into finance and accounting after a banker noticed her potential. Throughout the conversation, Kim dives deep into: The Modern CFO Role: How the position has shifted from rigid budget stewardship to dynamic, real-time strategic leadership and forecasting. Balance Sheet Management: What managing a credit union’s engine room entails in plain terms, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risks, and why it matters to everyday members. Mission vs. Performance: Why real member value and strong financial performance are two sides of the same coin rather than conflicting forces. Developing Future Leaders: Her philosophy on building bench strength, teaching financial acumen, and recognizing the difference between being developed versus being held back. Women in Leadership: Essential advice for women early in their careers who aspire to sit at the executive table, find true allies, and avoid toxic career traps. Plus, don't miss our rapid-fire round where Kim shares her one-word vision for the future of banking and recommends a transformative book to help professionals get unstuck. Connect with Kim Murray on LinkedIn to continue the conversation or learn more about First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union. Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes amplifying women's voices and exploring the great work happening in the credit union movement! #WomenInBanking #CreditUnions #FinanceLeadership #CFO #BankingPodcast #FirstCommonwealthFCU

  2. Oct 5

    Three Decades of Marketing Wisdom in Credit Unions | Tracy Szarzi-Fors, SVP, Wright-Patt Credit Union

    Welcome to another inspiring and insightful episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag sits down with Tracy Szarzi-Fors, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Wright-Patt Credit Union, to discuss her extraordinary three-decade journey spanning retail, AM radio, staffing, publishing, and financial services. Tracy shares invaluable advice on navigating a non-linear career path, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and how a nearly century-old credit union stays fresh, resilient, and deeply relevant to modern consumers. They dive deep into the seismic shifts happening in financial marketing today, exploring the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and how marketers must adapt to stay visible in an AI-driven search ecosystem. 00:00 – Introduction to Tracy Szarzi-Fors and her incredible milestone at Wright-Patt Credit Union. 02:00 – The Non-Linear Career Journey: How experiences in AM radio, manufacturing, and owning a magazine shaped Tracy’s approach to sales, storytelling, and problem-solving. 06:12 – Lessons from Economic Shifts: Reflecting on past financial crises and why understanding the broader economic environment is crucial for business survival. 09:03 – Refreshing a 100-Year Brand: How Wright-Patt Credit Union maintains its core mission of helping people while evolving its omnichannel member experiences for newer generations. 12:13 – AI & The Future of Marketing: Embracing AI tools for day-to-day efficiencies, planning, ideation, and team adoption. 14:51 – The Rise of GEO & AEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization and Answer Engine Optimization are the absolute future of brand visibility and how marketers can measure early digital indicators. 17:28 – Career Advice for Younger Professionals: Why you should stop trying so hard to "prove yourself," lean into curiosity, raise your hand for challenges, and find trusted mentors. 19:30 – Fun Personal Insights: Discovering why Tracy became a "Swifty at 50," her perspective on leadership success through her son's journey, and more! For Marketers & Communicators: Learn cutting-edge strategies regarding GEO and AI visibility to prevent your brand from becoming invisible in search engines. For Credit Union Professionals: Understand how to honor legacy trust while innovating for digital-first financial consumers. For Aspiring Leaders: Gain a fresh perspective on career growth, resilience, storytelling, and finding true professional purpose. Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to the Women of Banking Podcast for more engaging conversations with industry trailblazers! Share your favorite takeaways from this episode in the comments below. #WomenOfBanking #CreditUnions #FinancialMarketing #GenerativeEngineOptimization #GEO #AIinMarketing #DigitalBanking #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #MarketingStrategy #BrandStorytelling #BankingPodcast Key Discussion Highlights & Timestamps:Why You Should Watch This Episode:Connect & Subscribe:Hashtags:

  3. Sep 29

    The Evolution of Fintech & Leadership with Linda Fischer, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer at CSI

    Welcome back to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with an absolute icon in the industry, Linda Fischer, Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at CSI. With nearly 40 years of groundbreaking experience spanning computer programming, fintech, operations, and executive leadership, Linda shares her incredible journey from entering computer engineering in the early 1980s to leading operations at one of the top core providers in the financial services ecosystem. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a community banker, or a fintech professional, this conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom on building trust, driving innovation, and navigating leadership as a woman. The Evolution of Fintech: Reflecting on nearly four decades of technology transformation in financial services. The Secret to Customer Happiness: Why personal brand, consistency, transparency, and earning your customer's business every single day matter more than ever. Community Banking Strategy: Why community financial institutions should align their technology stacks with strategy rather than just vendor risk concentration. The "Triple Glass Ceiling": Breaking historical barriers at the intersection of financial services, entrepreneurship, and finance, and the vital role of female sponsorship. Mindset Shift: Moving from self-doubt ("Why me?") to ultimate empowerment ("Why not me?"), drawing from Linda's deeply personal life lessons. Guest: Linda Fischer (CCOO at CSI) Host: Anurag Mukherjee 0:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Linda Fischer to the Podcast 1:08 - A 40-Year Journey: From Computer Engineering to the C-Suite 6:43 - The Secret to Keeping Customers Happy & Building Personal Brand 12:13 - Technology Strategy & Why Community Banks Need Open Architecture 18:30 - Navigating Leadership, the "Triple Glass Ceiling," and Women in Tech 22:40 - Innovation in Fintech & Winning "Innovative Woman of the Year" 24:24 - Final Advice to Aspiring Leaders: Changing "Why Me" to "Why Not Me" Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the Women of Banking Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of finance! Key Takeaways & Discussion Points:Connect with Our Guest & Host:Chapter Timestamps:

  4. Sep 22

    The Future of Credit Unions & AI with Maria Allen, VP of Market Growth, Golden West Credit Union

    Welcome to another inspiring episode of Women of Banking Podcast! In this conversation, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Maria Allen, Vice President of Market Growth and Expansion at Golden West Credit Union, to discuss her remarkable career journey, leadership strategies, and the evolving landscape of credit unions and banking. Starting as a teller to help fund her undergraduate degree in creative writing, Maria shares how she transitioned into sales management, scaled loan production from $1 million to over $16 million in a single department, and balanced a rigorous MBA program at the University of Utah while working full-time. Tune in as Maria dives deep into what it takes to thrive in the financial services industry, especially for women building their careers in a historically male-dominated sector. She also offers unique perspectives on redefining member service through the "financial doctor" analogy, leveraging artificial intelligence for hyper-personalized member experiences, and why the future of credit unions depends on a renaissance of community-driven human connection. From Teller to VP: Maria’s 7.5-year career progression and lessons in ambition. The Art of Sales & Service: Why viewing sales as education and service drives results. The "Financial Doctor" Approach: Treating member service with expertise and empathy. Juggling an MBA: Tips on time management, resilience, and reframing challenges. AI & Hyper-Personalization: How credit unions can use technology to empower human connection. Women in Banking: Actionable advice on leveraging natural strengths into powerful leadership skills. The Future of Credit Unions: Balancing technological innovation with community roots. Podcast Host: Anurag Mukherjee Guest: Maria Allen (VP of Market Growth and Expansion, Golden West Credit Union) Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to The Outlier Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of finance! #TheOutlierPodcast #CreditUnions #WomenInBanking #BankingLeadership #GoldenWestCreditUnion #FinancePodcast #CareerGrowth #MemberExperience #ArtificialIntelligence Key Discussion Highlights:Connect & Learn More:

  5. Sep 16

    The Power of Collaborative Leadership in Banking | Jasmin Gammel, COO of Coast Central Credit Union

    Welcome to a brand-new, power-packed episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, your host Anurag Mukherjee sits down for an inspiring, candid conversation with Jasmin Gammel, Chief Operations Officer of Coast Central Credit Union. Jasmin reflects on her incredible two-and-a-half-decade career journey across the credit union and financial services sector, sharing invaluable lessons on leadership, operational excellence, and community impact. 00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Vibes: Anurag and Jasmin kick off the episode discussing the anticipation of the weekend, setting a warm, conversational, and engaging tone for the interview. 00:43 - Jasmin’s Origin Story: Jasmin walks us through her career path, starting on the front lines at age 19 in savings and loan, transitioning into credit unions, stepping briefly into the fintech/vendor side with Q2, and ultimately returning home to serve the community where she was born and raised in beautiful California. 02:30 - Credit Unions vs. Traditional Banking: Why Jasmin chose the credit union ecosystem over traditional commercial banking, driven by core values of service, human connection, and localized community impact. 03:08 - The Reality of Running Operations: Moving from frontline member service into technology and project management. Jasmin reveals what most people never guess about running operations: it is fundamentally about people, empathy, and bringing diverse departments together, not just systems and numbers. 05:01 - Hard Leadership Decisions: A candid look at the toughest parts of leadership—including the hard reality of letting team members go, dealing with self-doubt, and questioning whether you as a leader poured enough coaching and communication into your people. 07:17 - The Power of the Career Pivot: Jasmin discusses the pivotal moment she left the credit union space to work for a vendor (Q2) and how that temporary departure gave her a valuable external perspective before bringing her back to where she truly belonged. 09:43 - Deep Dive Into Community Impact: Discover the unique scale and influence of Coast Central Credit Union across its three counties—holding over $2.3 billion in deposits, giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual grants, and logging thousands of staff volunteer hours. 12:47 - Rapid-Fire Round: Fast-paced, candid questions covering finance myths (spoiler: finance is about EQ, not just math!), mentorship, choosing a leadership style ("Collaborative"), handling chaos, and her brand-new favorite vocabulary word: "Figureoutable"! 17:39 - Advice to My Younger Self: Jasmin’s golden rule for day-one leaders: Listen more than you speak, practice patience, and always bring people along by helping them understand the "why." Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Over IQ: In an automated, tech-driven world, human empathy and collaboration remain the true cornerstones of successful leadership. The Magic of Full Circle: Returning to serve the exact community that raised you brings a profound sense of purpose and magnified local impact that corporate banking simply cannot replicate. Resilience in Chaos: Staying calm when plans fall apart keeps your team grounded because teams naturally take their operational cues from their leaders. Embrace Career Exploration: Stepping outside your comfort zone or trying new environments can grant you the clarity you need to find your true professional home. Guest: Jasmin Gammel, Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Coast Central Credit Union Host: Anurag Mukherjee Podcast: Women of Community Banking If you enjoyed this episode, please show your support by clicking the Like button, leaving a Comment below with your favorite takeaway (or how you plan to use the word "figureoutable" this week!), #WomenOfCommunityBanking #CreditUnions #BankingLeadership #WomenInFinance #CommunityBanking #Podcast #OperationsLeadership #Fintech #LeadershipMindset #CoastCentralCreditUnion #BankingIndustry

  6. Sep 10

    Building a 25-Year Credit Union Career in Finance | Kelli Wisner-Frank, CFO of Community Choice Credit Union

    Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Women of Banking podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with a true veteran in the financial services sector, Kelli Wisner-Frank, CFO of Community Choice Credit Union. With an impressive career spanning over two and a half decades—including more than 20 years with Community Choice—Kelli shares her inspiring journey from starting as an accounting manager to stepping into the C-suite as a Chief Financial Officer. Discover how early mentorship, empathetic leadership, and a passion for community service shaped her path as a female leader in finance. The Career Journey: Reflecting on 25 years in financial services, navigating industry changes, and finding lifelong fulfillment within the credit union movement. Leadership Evolution: How leadership styles change from managing individual contributors to leading other leaders, featuring Community Choice's unique "Leaders Leading Leaders" (L3) green-yellow-red operational framework. Women in Finance: Discussing the rarity of women in C-suite finance roles, balancing career and family, and empowering the next generation of female leaders. Modern Member Experience: Exploring how credit unions balance frictionless digital innovation with robust, human-centered frontline service. Navigating the Housing Market: How credit unions support first-time homebuyers and promote financial wellness amidst high interest rates and modern economic challenges. Impactful Member Stories: Heartwarming real-life examples of going above and beyond to help members navigate debt, tax challenges, and life events. The Future of Credit Unions: Predictions on how technology, AI, and human connection will intersect over the next five years. If you are passionate about financial services, credit union leadership, women in banking, or member-first financial wellness, this episode is a must-watch! Subscribe to the Women of Banking podcast for more insightful conversations with industry leaders, executives, and innovators transforming the financial ecosystem. Key Discussion Points:

  7. Sep 2

    Building Member-Centric Credit Unions | Celeste Fehely, Chief Member Experience Officer, SF Federal

    Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Women of Banking Podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee engages in a deep, insightful conversation with Celeste Fehely, Chief Member Experience Officer at San Francisco Federal Credit Union.From Part-Time Teller to C-Suite LeaderCeleste’s journey in financial services is a masterclass in organic career growth, self-advocacy, and continuous learning. Like many long-term leaders in the industry, Celeste describes herself as an "accidental banker." What started as a part-time job as a bank teller during her freshman year of college—simply intended to pay basic bills—turned into a passionate, 20+ year career across both commercial banking and credit union ecosystems.Throughout her evolution from teller to assistant vice president, regional manager, and ultimately Chief Member Experience Officer, Celeste has been driven by a singular motivation: making a meaningful impact. Whether through empowering employees to grow, enhancing the end-to-end member journey, or guiding institutions through complex operational changes, her leadership philosophy remains rooted in curiosity, authenticity, and strategic vision.Inside the Role of a Chief Member Experience OfficerWhat does it take to oversee member experience across an entire financial institution? Celeste breaks down her multi-faceted responsibilities at San Francisco Federal Credit Union, where she oversees:Credit Unions vs. Commercial Banks: The Power of PurposeHaving spent substantial time in both commercial banks and member-owned credit unions, Celeste offers a unique comparative perspective. While appreciating the structure of traditional banking, she highlights why the credit union model uniquely aligns with her values:Lead with Authenticity: Great leaders don't need to have every answer—they ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and create space for their teams to shine.Master the Technical Architecture: Don't leave technical details strictly to IT. Understanding back-end systems, digital workflows, and operational technology makes you a far more effective decision-maker."Stay in the Game": Embracing resilience through career ups and downs, knowing that non-linear paths build stronger leaders.Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Growth never happens inside your comfort zone. Overcoming the fear of failure, saying "yes" to intimidating projects, and leaning into mentorship are key to unlocking full potential.Milestone Industry News: Acquiring Summit BankThe episode concludes with an exciting operational milestone for San Francisco Federal Credit Union: its strategic acquisition of Summit Bank. As only the second credit union in California to acquire a commercial bank, SF Federal continues to pioneer growth, expand its community footprint, and elevate its service offerings.Key Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & East Coast vs. West Coast Weather Check00:55 – The Accidental Banker: Starting as a College Teller02:30 – Career Motivations: Driving Impact & Leading Through Change03:40 – The Role of CXO: Aligning Branches, Contact Centers & Wealth Management04:54 – Credit Unions vs. Banks: Mission-Driven Finance & Scrappiness06:11 – Early Career Milestones: Finding a Voice at the Decision Table06:47 – Female-Majority Leadership: Culture, Collaboration & Diverse Thought08:20 – De-Bunking the C-Suite Path: Authenticity over Rigid Trajectories09:34 – Future Panel Ideas: Inviting the Executive Team to the Podcast10:12 – The 3 Pillars of Career Advice: Authenticity, Tech Mastery & Resilience13:13 – Advice to Her Younger Self: Overcoming Fear of Failure & Finding Mentors15:37 – Breaking News: SF Federal Credit Union's Acquisition of Summit Bank#WomenInBanking #CreditUnions #BankingLeadership #MemberExperience #FemaleExecutives #FinancialServices #CareerAdvice #WomenInLeadership #CommunityBanking #FintechPodcast #SFFederalCreditUnion #BankingAcquisition #ExecutiveCoaching

  8. Aug 27

    Human-Centric Leadership in Banking | Katy Pritsos, CAO, Global Credit Union

    In this episode of the Women of Banking Podcast, host Anurag Mukherjee sits down with Katy Pritsos, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Global Credit Union, to explore the intersection of human-centric leadership, organizational growth, and operational excellence. With over two decades in financial services—starting as a bank teller and rising to executive leadership—Katy brings a comprehensive, ground-level perspective to modern credit union operations. She breaks down how credit unions leverage mission-driven values ("people helping people") to create meaningful employee experiences, navigate major organizational transformations (including mergers and acquisitions), and build cultures grounded in trust and transparency. Key Discussion Points & Topics: Transitioning from Operations to Strategy: What changes when you shift from operational management to executive leadership? People-First Culture vs. Operational Excellence: How to maintain high standards and accountability while leading with empathy. The Credit Union Advantage: How mission-driven banking creates higher purpose and stronger alignment for employees compared to traditional corporate structures. Navigating Workforce Expectations: What younger professionals (Gen Z) expect from leadership, including transparent flexibility, ongoing feedback, and visible growth paths. Leading Through Organizational Change: Best practices for internal communication, managing trust, and maintaining team alignment during mergers and rebrands. Executive Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders: Overcoming confidence gaps, raising your hand before you feel 100% qualified, and embracing growth within the role. Featured Guest: Katy Pritsos | Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Global Credit Union About Global Credit Union:Global Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to serving its members and communities across multiple regions with tailored financial solutions, community engagement, and member-first services. About the Podcast:The Women of Community Banking Podcast highlights executive leaders, innovators, and changemakers across credit unions and community banks. We dive into leadership philosophies, industry shifts, talent development, and the future of community-focused financial institutions.

See All (88)

About

World’s #1 Podcast featuring journeys for Women leaders of Banking.

Information