The CU2.0 Podcast Robert McGarvey
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- Business
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This podcast explores contemporary, critical thinking and issues impacting the nation's credit unions. What do they need to be doing to not just survive but prosper?
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CU 2.0 Podcast Greatest Hits 3 Prizeout's David Metz + Suncoast CU's Darlene Johnson on Value Upping Gift Cards
Welcome to the CU 2.0 Podcast Greatest Hits show.
There are over 300 shows in the library and yet a reality in the podcast business is that few of us ever even look at more than maybe the half dozen most recent shows. That’s why we are going to resurface some of the best and most popular shows as Greatest Hits.
This is show #3 - a reissue of CU 2.0 Podcast Episode 239 David Metz CEO of Prizeout and Darlene Johnson, EVP of Suncoast Credit Union, on Value Upping Gift Cards
It’s a show with everything. A new twist on putting money in members pockets: ad tech. An eloquent credit union leader from one of the country’s biggest credit unions. And a CUSO makes an appearance.
Potential guests often ask me what prep they should do. I always point them to the library. Listen to a few shows before we do yours. That’s the best homework possible. And this episode is a great example of a pairing that works between a CU exec and a tech partner.
Listen up. -
CU 2.0 Podcast Episode 292 Nook and How to Build Better Member Relationships
Kirk Kordeleski, onetime CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, said it and his endorsement in a Credit Union Times article was so glowing that I knew I had to talk with Austin Wentzlaff, CEO of startup Nook. said Kordeleski: “I firmly believe that Nook is at the forefront of something truly exceptional for the credit union industry. Drawing from my experience as a former credit union CEO, I can attest that every credit union grapples with similar challenges related to member loyalty and engagement – precisely the issues that Nook was established to address.”
Just what is Nook? It’s a content serving platform that helps credit unions build closer relationships - and maybe sell more pertinent products to - select consumer groups.
Once upon a time credit unions had intimate ties with members and genuinely knew a lot about them. When every member - and board member - worked at XYZ factory or newspaper or school it was rather easy to know them.
Nowadays, as more credit unions have community charters and the SEG based institutions often have dozens of very different SEGs it’s gotten harder to know thy members.
The degree of difficulty has escalated further as financial services have transitioned from in person transactions to remote, digital interactions.
Nook’s aim is to use digital tools to build the same kind of strong ties credit unions used to have.
Nook’s current clients include Dort Financial Credit Union ($1.6 billion, Grand Blanc, Mich.) and TopLine Financial Credit Union ($792 million, Maple Grove, Minn.)
And it’s looking for more.
Listen up.
Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com
And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.
Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto -
CU 2.0 Podcast Money Talks with Kirk Kordeleski - "Has the sky fallen?"
The Callahan report on credit union financial performance in 2023 exploded like a bomb. Credit Union Times shrieked: “Credit Union Earnings Fell to Record Low in 2023, Callahan Data Shows.”
The publication added a kick with its subhead: “But CU results are even worse when the most recent three months are extracted for earnings and originations.”
Had the sky in fact fallen?
Then I saw a post on LinkedIn by Kirk Kordeleski, the onetime CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, where he sought to add context to what Callahan had reported and what it in fact means for credit unions.
I immediately contacted him and said we have to do a podcast.
In this show, Kordeleski emphatically says the sky hasn’t fallen for credit unions, nor is it about to fall. In fact he remains very optimistic about the future for the credit unions who in fact comprehend the competitive landscape.
This is not to say all is rosy for all.
The podcast begins with thoughts about the many recent c-suite terminations and the moral of that story is that now, probably for the first time ever, many credit union boards are using competitive performance data to grade their institution’s performance - and they are firing CEOs who don’t measure up.
That’s a tectonic shift for credit union leadership. Kordeleski tells how this came about.
But know this: as I said Kordeleski is very optimistic about the future. In the show he tells what a credit union CEO needs to be doing to succeed in today’s changing universe.
Listen up. -
CU 2.0 Podcast Episode 291 Mahalo, Park View FCU and Neurodiverse Mobile Banking
Maybe 15 to 20 percent of your members have a neurodiverse condition - anything from dyslexia to color blindness - and, surprise, that means they will face big challenges everytime they log into a mobile banking app because that technology just isn’t designed with such conditions in mind.
Enter Mahalo with its Thoughtful Banking mobile app which features a neurodiversity module. Mahalo elaborated on what this means: “Among the platform's new features are left and right-hand use modes, font color options for those with Dyslexia or visual impairments, and the ability to disable animations for individuals affected by Epilepsy.”
On the show today to talk about neurodiversity and mobile banking are Denny Howell of Mahalo Banking and Tanya Holland of Park View Federal Credit Union, a $366 million institution in Virginia.
It’s a provocative discussion and it leaves one wondering: why haven’t a lot more credit unions jumped aboard this neurodiversity issue?
But understand this: the show is about a bigger issue which is how a credit union and a technology provider can collaborate to help solve a problem that impacts a lot of members and still wind up friends.
Listen up.
Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com
And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.
Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto -
CU 2.0 Podcast Newsflash Jack Henry's Shanon McLachlan on Cores for Today and Tomorrow
Do we still need to pay attention to a credit union’s core system?
You bet you do.
On the show today is Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry and - honestly - he draws a picture of core systems that are genuinely exciting, that will grow with a credit union as its tech needs grow.
Regular listeners know that usually when I mention core systems it’s wrapped in what some call sneer quotes.
Mclachlan is determined to prove I’m wrong, that cores can and should be the brains of a thriving credit union.
Is he right?
Listen up for this perspective on a vital 21st century core. -
CU 2.0 Podcast Episode 290 Crux Analytics on How to Succeed at Engaging Small Business Members
You’re a credit union, therefore you want more business members. Business members bring a lot of revenue into an institution.
Many credit unions in recent years have made a push for more small business members. Many have fallen well short of their goals.
There are many reasons why but there also is a big reality: most credit unions need outside help to achieve those goals. They need to work with outsiders who truly get what building relationships with small businesses is all about.
Enter Crux Analytics. They tell their story on their website: “We started Crux because we believe in the power of small business. We have experienced first-hand the challenges owners face and understand the role they serve in our lives and our economy. We have seen the current systems driving small business banking fall short for both owners and financial institutions. Small businesses need access to relevant, quality banking services to thrive. Financial institutions want to be able to engage more with small businesses, who are loyal, valuable, long-term customers. Crux is bridging the gap.”
On the show today is Jacob Bennett, a Crux Analytics co-founder, who tells why Crux Analytics just may be what your credit union needs to really master how to serve small businesses - and, while doing that, genuinely benefiting your community because, honestly, much of America revolves around healthy small businesses.
Crux is seeking credit unions to join a pilot. Hear how towards the end of the show.
This is a show that will leave you feeling optimistic.
Listen up
Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com
And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.
Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto
Customer Reviews
A great listen for CU professionals!
If you’re looking for insights into the current state of the credit union landscape - you’ve come to the right place. Robert has created an incredibly valuable resource for you! Would highly recommend giving it a listen!