Videos | Leadership & Impact

The Art of Fully Engaged Leadership in Credit Unions

January 31, 2024

Full Transcript

Today, we’re diving into the dynamic world of fully engaged leadership. I’m talking about crafting a vision so irresistible it becomes the heartbeat of your organization!

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. “I’ve tried setting a vision, but nobody followed.”

You see, it’s not just about managing; it’s about leading with purpose. Understand that leaders lead, and managers manage. Are you falling into the wrong camp?

Every day, you’ve got to fight for the hearts, minds, and approval of your team. It truly is a relentless pursuit. It’s not about being a boss; it’s about being a beacon. Show them the way, inspire them, and earn their trust because when hearts are won, success is a natural byproduct!

Craft a vision that’s not just a destination but a journey that sets souls on fire. When your team catches that vision, they’re not just working; they’re on a mission!”

So, how do we do that?

Leaders focus on what matters most. Don’t dilute your energy; channel it into the critical tasks that propel your vision forward. When you allow irrelevant tasks to creep in, that’s when you lose focus, productivity decreases and everyone starts to feel overwhelmed and stressed.

This leads me into another area: squandering resources. Wasting time and money on things that do not align with the overall goals and direction of the credit union. Let me be clear: How often are we saying, “we can’t,” – whether it comes to investing in technology, people, and other resources – when our strategic vision says “we must” in order to be competitive.

When you’re a leader, every investment is strategic, every moment is valuable, every member of your team is honed for greatness. Stop running in circles. Make the commitments – and investments – needed for the betterment of your vision, your staff, and your members.

Finally, don’t bail on your dreams prematurely. Success often takes time. Greatness awaits on the other side of persistence.

Also, take note this is not a one-person show. It’s a team effort. Connect, communicate, and cultivate a culture with your executive team, department heads, branch managers, board of directors, even human resources and marketing. Are they casting the same vision as you are? It’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you do it together.

So, credit union leaders: craft that irresistible vision, fight for your team every day, and make sure you are leading and not managing. Engage like there’s no tomorrow, and watch your organization soar to new heights.

And remember… Ideas spark change; actions ignite it.

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Reh Harvey

Vice President of Digital Strategy

Reh Harvey, our Vice President of Digital Strategy, leads with diligence and fervor. Having previously been a member of Team YMC, he is excited to return to such an amazing culture and even more amazing people (his words)! Through his experience in the marketing world, he’s found the key to success is to stay on the cutting edge and to always keep evolving.

Although originally drawn to marketing for its lack of math, Reh now finds himself doing more math than he would’ve bargained for. But his self discipline and positive attitude make it easy for him to laugh and take it in stride. Hoping to one day visit Japan and enjoy some premium Sushi, Reh lives life by his creed: Be a good human. Do good work. And above all, just keep going.

Hailey Madej

Graphic Designer

As YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer, Hailey possesses an eye for detail and a drive to innovate. It’s no surprise though since being creative runs in the family! Inspired from an early age by her mom’s work as a Graphic Designer, Hailey is a seasoned expert whose talents bring vitality and accessibility to every project. As a UX/UI designer, she expertly blends the intuitive and the creative for all to enjoy.

In addition to the occasional freelance project, Hailey also lends her abilities to supporting art initiatives within her community, such as the Belleville Mural Project. Her favorite aspect of joining the YMC team is the friendly, uplifting culture and breadth of design tasks. When it comes to marketing, she believes in pushing boundaries and maybe breaking some rules to capture her audience’s attention. Her advice to those just starting out? “Always seek quality over quantity.”

Dexter Ochoa

Development Assistant

When it comes to blending logical thinking and creative problem solving, Dexter’s abilities are undeniable! Beginning his career as a Web Developer, he’s no stranger to the wide world of Marketing and Advertising. Calling Biñan City in the Philippines home, Dexter has a burning desire to visit the Alpine peaks and valleys of Switzerland. While that journey may be far off, he is still no stranger to international travel. While visiting Japan, he was able to enjoy his favorite delicacy: Sushi and Sashimi. He also learned unexpected facts about Japanese Yen, specifically that it has special markings for the blind to know its value!

Whether he’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or the occasional Pale Pilsen in the evening, Dexter is eager to work with the talented professionals of YMC, and we’re just as eager to add his talent to the team as well! His marketing words of wisdom? “Be creative, and just do what you want!”

Andrew Wyche

Copywriter

Hailing from the NC state capital (that’s Raleigh if you didn’t know), Andrew is YMC’s Copywriter extraordinaire. That’s why he knows that “The verb form of ‘reconnaissance’ is ‘reconnoiter.’ The former is, strictly speaking, a noun.” Seriously, he knows his words and he’ll use those words to get bold and weird (in a good way) with his copy. Fuelled by a love for pasta, shellfish, a good single malt, or a meal consisting of all three, Andrew navigates life with a motto engraved in his heart: “Choose kindness. Always.” It is this guiding principle that has led him to explore the realm of marketing, driven by a desire to connect with people in meaningful ways. As he continues to chase his dreams, one bucket list item stands out above the rest – a pilgrimage to Scotland. With his heart set on adventure and his pen poised for creativity, Andrew’s journey is far from over.

Alex VanHaasteren

Senior Web Developer

Alex is YMC’s Senior Web Developer and, as the title suggests, she is an absolute pro! While she initially started in graphic design – working long and hard to expertly bring concepts to life – she also felt drawn to technology and applying her natural ability to problem solve. Web Development proved the perfect blend of her creative passion and technical savvy.

When Alex is out with friends – including her YMC colleagues – she’s up for Greek cuisine or some good pulled pork BBQ washed down with Diet Coke. Or an Old Fashioned, if the occasion demands. Someday, she hopes to go to Africa on a safari. Hopefully she’ll see a giraffe in the wild, because – as she’s pointed out – its neck is too short to reach the ground!

When she isn’t jamming out to T-Swift, she’s happy to impart some marketing words of wisdom, “Aim to create something unforgettable.” For day-to-day inspiration, she would remind you of two fundamental truths: You decide your happiness, and Ice cream is its own food group—not just a dessert.

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