WASHINGTON—Entry-level employees who want to convert ideas into action should prepare written reports and collaborate with other departments before presenting proposals for change to CEOs.
Specifically, those who attended the Credit Union Times sponsored “Not for CEOs” leadership roundtable during the second day of GAC asked the credit union executive panel of credit union how they can harness the enthusiasm and ideas gained at conferences without losing momentum when they return to their cooperatives.
Panelists Michael Poulos, CEO of Michigan First CU; Bob Schumacher, retired CEO of MountainCrest CU; Brent Dixon, Filene Research Institute; Kathryn Davis, SVP at Xceed Financial CU, and Moderator Sarah Snell Cooke, Credit Union Times Editor-in-Chief, addressed questions asked in person and via Twitter regarding career development. The event was broadcast over the internet via live feed on the Credit Union Times website and sponsored by CO-OP Financial Services.
Schumacher praised the credit union crashers, saying they are driving change within the industry, and challenging the traditional conference model. The retired CEO also encouraged young credit union professionals to find a mentor; Schumacher says he currently mentors two future industry leaders.
Davis suggested hopeful executives learn about other departments within the credit union; specifically, the call center, where phone representatives field questions that provide a glimpse into how the institution works.
"With Not for CEOs, we wanted to focus on bringing young executives the opportunity to participate in a highly interactive session specifically geared to their interests," Credit Union Times Editor-in-Chief Sarah Snell Cooke said.
