In this insightful episode of the "Women of Community Banking" podcast, join host Anurag Mukherjee as he sits down with Caroline Willard, the dynamic CEO of Cornerstone League. With nearly 30 years in financial services, including over two decades dedicated to credit unions, Caroline shares her remarkable journey from banking and CUSOs to leading one of the most prominent credit union leagues.Discover what truly fuels Caroline's passion for the credit union movement, her "Ikigai" – the inner reason that keeps her going. She opens up about the unique challenges she faced as a woman navigating the financial services industry and offers invaluable advice for aspiring female leaders, including the power of asking good questions, embracing diligence, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership.Caroline provides a candid look at the current landscape of the credit union movement, discussing the significant threat of losing the federal income tax exemption, the ever-increasing regulatory burden, and the evolving competitive landscape driven by consumer demands for seamless digital experiences. She emphasizes the crucial role of advocacy and strategic partnerships in ensuring credit unions remain the best choice for communities.TakeawaysCaroline's passion for credit unions drives her leadership.The credit union movement focuses on community support.Women in leadership should embrace curiosity and ask questions.Advocacy is crucial for the survival of credit unions.Regulatory burdens are a significant challenge for credit unions.Technology adoption is essential for credit unions to remain relevant.Self-awareness in leadership styles is important for women.Common sense regulations are needed in the financial sector.Collaboration among credit unions enhances their effectiveness.The future of credit unions depends on adapting to consumer expectations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Caroline and Her Journey03:03 The Passion for Credit Unions05:49 Career Path and Leadership Insights08:50 The Role of Advocacy in Credit Unions11:57 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership15:04 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders17:53 Current State of the Credit Union Movement21:00 Future Challenges and Opportunities23:53 Looking Ahead to 2025 Caroline Willard : https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-willard-cce-cude-cae-659a385/

Join us as we sit down with Miriam Mitchell, the Chief Lending Officer of Addition Financial, in this insightful episode of our podcast series. With 26 years of experience in the financial services industry, Miriam shares her incredible journey from starting as a teller to becoming a leader in the credit union space.In This Episode:Discover Miriam's inspiring career path and how she transitioned from psychology to finance.Learn about the challenges she faced as a female leader in a male-dominated industry and how perseverance and mentorship played a crucial role in her success.Explore how Addition Financial uses data-driven strategies to make informed decisions and stay competitive in the market.Gain insights into the current financial landscape and what 2025 holds for the credit union ecosystem, especially in Florida.Whether you're an aspiring leader, a data enthusiast, or someone interested in the financial industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice.TakeawaysThe impact of lending on people's lives is profound.Having a clear mission and vision is essential for motivation.Miriam transitioned from a bank to a credit union, realizing her passion for community impact.Hands-on experience in various roles is crucial for leadership.Data-driven decision-making is vital in the lending industry.Perseverance is key for female leaders in male-dominated fields.Believing in oneself is crucial to overcoming self-doubt.Seizing opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.The lending market in 2025 is expected to be challenging.Mentorship plays a significant role in career development.Sound Bites"You need a mission and a vision""Perseverance is the key""Never doubt yourself, believe in yourself""Always say yes to opportunities""2025 is still gonna be a challenging year"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Miriam and Her Journey02:18 The Impact of Lending on Lives03:54 Miriam's Career Path and Transition to Credit Unions08:01 Current Role and Responsibilities as Chief Lending Officer10:38 Data-Driven Decision Making in Lending13:37 Challenges Faced as a Female Leader19:38 Advice for Aspiring Leaders22:31 Outlook for 2025 in the Lending Market

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "Women of Community Banking" podcast! In this episode, host Anurag Mukherjee is joined by the remarkable Reva Rao, a trailblazer in the financial services industry with a rich career spanning over 25 years. Reva's journey is nothing short of inspiring, having transitioned from the bustling financial hubs of Australia to the dynamic markets of the United States.What You'll Learn:Reva's Unique Journey: Discover how Reva navigated her career across continents, from starting in Australia to making impactful contributions at major institutions like JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, and eventually embracing the community-driven mission of credit unions.The Power of Continuous Learning: Reva shares her passion for staying ahead of industry trends and the importance of innovation in banking.Challenges in Leadership: Gain insights into the hurdles faced by women in leadership roles and the strategies Reva employed to overcome them.Lending 2.0: Explore the evolution of lending practices with the integration of technology, data analytics, and the critical role of fraud prevention.Future of Credit Unions: Understand the impact of macroeconomic conditions on the lending ecosystem and what the future holds for credit unions.Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Reva offers practical advice for women aiming to make their mark in the financial sector, emphasizing adaptability, networking, and having a clear vision.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Reva Rao and Her Journey02:56 The Evolution of Banking and Lending06:10 Transitioning from Traditional Banking to Credit Unions08:48 Challenges Faced as a Woman in Leadership12:00 Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders14:50 The Future of Lending: Trends and Innovations17:50 Impact of Macro Economic Conditions on Lending21:04 Looking Ahead: The Credit Union Ecosystem in 2025 & beyond