Last month I spoke at the CUES Executive Summit in Colorado Springs. This conference was attended by some of the most dedicated and intelligent directors and senior leaders we have met in the credit union world. I’d like to share with you some of the valuable content delivered, as well as some of the important [...]

This past year I travelled 300,000 miles globally . The experience helped me connect dots that have serious consequences for business strategy and succession planning. It also reinforced a central theme that is emerging for all of us on boards: Can we learn as fast as the world is changing? As directors, we are always [...]

Maximizing and ensuring member value and performance requires an ongoing review of the depth of talent in your credit union as well as the right complement of skills to lead effectively and navigate changing strategies.  As markets become more global and technology continues to play an even greater role in strategy, the criteria established for [...]

As we begin the new year, most CEOs and C-Suite executives are thinking about how to strengthen the leadership team and management to best execute on strategy. Some leaders may have the “gene” that inspires them to naturally keep learning about the world and how it will impact their credit union. But many don’t have [...]

As we go deep into the fourth quarter of this year, I’d like to reflect upon lessons learned as well as thoughts for the new year and beyond. This morning, after Thanksgiving day, I walked through my rose garden. In some strange way, there were still roses in bloom, unlike most species whose leaves and [...]

Successful leaders live by fundamental leadership principles with discipline and focus. They commit to continuous learning and strive to have their behaviors serve as a reflection of their values — setting the standard and expectations for others in your credit union. The CEO’s communication philosophy and actions sets the tone, whether it be openness with [...]

As I reflect on my travels to over 20 cities in 2011, I am struck by a conversation I’d like to share with you.  Upon arriving late one evening in Las Vegas to speak at a credit union conference, I asked the cab driver “how’s business?” I heard a profoundly sad story.  His face is [...]

Our firm recently facilitated the successful merger of two credit unions.  One of the fundamental issues that we focused on was the ability of the post merger team to quickly establish and maintain productive working relationships with employees and the members they serve. From the outset, it was critical to identify people-related risk factors as [...]

This week I attended the 34th Annual National Director’s Convention in Las Vegas as a speaker on the topic of “Relentless Strategic  Leadership to Ensure Member Value ”.  The sessions were attended by both directors and CEOs.  The topic most commonly asked in both sessions were concerns about toxic board members who are defined as [...]

This past month, I attended a Deloitte conference hosted by their Center for Corporate Governance, including 1,000 directors across 30 locations, live from New York City.  One of the most important topics and issues discussed is the board’s approach to succession planning. The departure of your CEO is the most important and challenging board responsibility. [...]