WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Teresa FreebornCEO

Xceed Financial CU

Suzanne WeinsteinCEO

Orlando CU

April ClobesCEO

Michigan State University FCU

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIPTeresa Freeborn

President and Chief ExecutiveXceed Financial CU

A bit on how I got here…

Open to opportunities…

Credit union transformation…

What does my story suggest for women and the CU movement?

Don’t just hang out with the fun people ---hang out with CEOs and Board members!

Women need to be seen

Don’t leave women on the outside looking in

Women need to network

Build a personal brand that resonates with decision makers, and their business priorities

Why do women have to change?

DEI: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion entails way more than bringing more women to the table

DEI is a business imperative

Women In LeadershipSuzanne WeinsteinPresident and CEO

Orlando Credit Union

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

People Helping People

What’s my purpose?

What’s my vision?

My Journey

ExperienceEducationDid I stand out?Did I leave a positive impression?

FINANCE – Know Your NumbersPick Four Ratios and Know your Credit Union’s Targets for those ratios

Net WorthROADelinquency RatioOperating Expense Ratio

Build a Strong Personal Brand

Create a LinkedIn account

Develop your elevator speech: Who am I and what do I do?

Get comfortable working the room

Business cards easily accessible

Establishing an innovative mindset in the organization

IT vs MartechRedesign of IT architectureBuilding a digital strategy

Innovation / Technology / Digital

Mentor, Motivate and Move Out of the Way!

Most people are fighting a battle that we know nothing about…

We must work through others to accomplish the organization’s goals.

Recruit and retain great people. Check on them first, then the status of the work. Let them know you care about their well being, then get out of their way!

Game Changers

Master’s Level Education

Certifications

Industry Think Tank Programs

Volunteering at State and National level in Credit Union trade associations / Local Community Boards

Perseverance to Succeed

AttitudeMental Toughness, Integrity, and Commitment Finishing the Race

Marine Corp Marathon Semper Fi Fund *Ironman 70.3 Augusta

Work Life Imbalance

Give yourself permission to enjoy your free time. Be present in the moment.

Find a mentor that has a similar position and home dynamic as you. Develop strategies to cope with the imbalances.

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Understanding the Board of Directors’ Role in the Credit Union

Board governance may differ from one credit union to another.

Seek to understand the Board dynamics in the credit union.

Take Aways

Create your 3, 5 and 10 year personal and professional goalsHold yourself accountablePush yourself outside of your comfort zonePractice mental toughnessMake a difference in another person’s lifeBe gratefulLove what you do - Life is too short to be complacent

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIPApril Clobes

Chief ExecutiveMichigan State University FCU

• About MSUFCU

• Created in 1937

• Federally chartered; still focused on main SEG

• Did two small mergers that totaled $90 million

• $4.7 billion in assets/295,000 members/900 employees/19 branches

My Journey to CEO• Marketing Department

• Raised my hand

• CEO who provided opportunities to everyone; including women and minorities

• Board internal succession plan

• Current role since 2015

Helping women succeed• Mentor women

• Invite women to participate

• Appropriate workplace polices• FMLA• Additional Leave• Flexibility• Hiring

• Culture

Women help yourself• Ask for mentorship

• Apply for positions that you think are a stretch

• Do your salary research

• Say yes to be first, don’t be offended by it

• Mentor other women

• Speak up for what you need

• Be visible and share your story and credentials

Q&A and Discussion

Closing Statements