Joan Opp - Remove Speed Bumps (#140)

07/29/22 • 39 min

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“Everyone should be focused on a digital experience.” - Joan Opp

Thank you for tuning in to episode 140 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Elan Credit Card. Elan partners with more than 250 credit unions to provide an outsourced credit card program, and offers merchant and mortgage services for credit union members and business owners.

My guest on today's show is Joan Opp, President & CEO of Stanford Federal Credit Union. Joan started her career as a CPA, and gradually started working in the credit union industry. After years in this space, Joan is leading her team through the rapid changes happening in technology and member expectations. In this episode we chat about the future of the movement, including the one thing that all credit unions should be thinking about. She shares her thoughts on digital transformation and simplifying processes to attract members and better compete with fintechs in the market.

During our conversation, we discuss how credit unions can take traditional services and remove the “speed bumps” disrupting the member experience. Joan expresses the power of networking and the value it brings amongst the many opportunities in the industry. She also shares key characteristics that are critical when building a leadership team and how she gives feedback.

Joan offers team management insights from her time in leadership positions and as a CEO. She shares her thoughts on competing for talent; not between other credit unions in the industry, but competing with organizations in Silicon Valley. Joan emphasizes the value of the credit union mission and how it resonates with those who fit this financial space. Joan and I chat about getting past the, “This is how we’ve always done things,” mentality and discuss tips for showing people a fresh perspective to move the organization forward. Tune in to hear Joan discuss digital transformation, diversification, and team expectations.

As we wrap up the show, listen in while Joan shares which books she likes reading lately, why “Work hard. Play hard.” describes her approach to life, and which political figure she thinks is a successful person. Enjoy my conversation with Joan Opp!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List

How to find Joan:
Joan Opp, President & CEO of Stanford Federal Credit Union
[email protected]
https://www.sfcu.org/
Joan: LinkedIn
Stanford FCU: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter

“Everyone should be focused on a digital experience.” - Joan Opp

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List

Previous Episode

Ricky Otey - First Things First (#139)

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“You have to be willing to get out there, go forward, and not worry about yesterday’s mistakes.” - Ricky Otey

Thank you for tuning in to episode 139 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Elan Credit Card. Elan partners with more than 250 credit unions to provide an outsourced credit card program, and offers merchant and mortgage services for credit union members and business owners.

My guest on today's show is Ricky Otey, President & CEO of Partners Federal Credit Union. Ricky has worked in the financial services industry as an executive for 30 years. In this episode, we chat about the professional and personal connections that can strengthen your career trajectory. He expresses excitement for the future of credit unions and shares insights on staying relevant and focused on growth. He also discusses the value of having a mentor (and also being a mentor) to receive guidance and gain greater opportunities throughout your career.

During our conversation, Ricky dives into the greatest investment he made in his career that shaped his thought process. Ricky also shares two critical questions he asks himself when building a leadership team. We discuss the importance of establishing expectations and behaviors through a feedback model; situation, behavior and impact. Ricky discusses the importance of connecting with employees and sharing strategic plans to provide clarity about the organization’s objectives.

Ricky and I chat about taking on new risks and innovating for the future. We also talk about accountability and knowing when to pull the plug on an idea. Ricky chats about the benefits of remote work; specifically, the larger talent pool and increased opportunities that credit unions can now offer future employees. Tune in to hear Ricky discuss team expectations, strategic planning, and storytelling.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Ricky shares how he finds balance in life, his favorite album of all time, and the countless lessons learned from his father. Enjoy my conversation with Ricky Otey!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List

How to find Ricky:
Ricky Otey, President & CEO of Partners Federal Credit Union
[email protected]
www.partnersfcu.org
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Next Episode

Paul Gentile - Innovative Spirit (#141)

“To this day, I care about nothing more than my members and my employees." - Paul Gentile

Thank you for tuning in to episode 141 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Elan Credit Card. Elan partners with more than 250 credit unions to provide an outsourced credit card program, and offers merchant and mortgage services for credit union members and business owners.

My guest on today's show is Paul Gentile, President at Merck Employees Federal Credit Union (MEFCU). Paul became familiar with credit unions while working as a journalist at the Credit Union Times. His passion for growing consumer awareness of credit unions made him an ideal fit for many leadership roles in the industry. After years of engaging with credit unions and communities, his path led him back home to New Jersey, becoming the president of MEFCU.

During our conversation, Paul discusses technology challenges credit unions face. He shares his outlook on the credit union IT landscape and the importance of evolving to avoid stagnation. Paul also talks about innovation, team interactions, and attracting new talent. He believes the credit union mission is our competitive advantage and with that we can continue to innovate and overcome technology challenges to exceed member expectations.

Paul and I chat about taking on new risks as it relates to the greatest investment he’s made in his career. He also shares three critical characteristics he looks for when building a leadership team. We discuss the value of embracing mistakes and accountability when it comes to communicating feedback. Paul gives insights on what it takes to be a good leader and how listening to your members can help you innovate and improve current systems. Later in this episode, Paul discusses the benefits of a hybrid work environment and highlights the significance of personal interactions and culture. Tune in to hear Paul talk about the increasing trend of consolidation between credit unions and leagues while emphasizing the importance of independent advocacy.

As we wrap up the show, Paul shares the best piece of advice he received from a mentor of his, the importance of family, and how Michael Jordan changed the way athletes are viewed. Enjoy my conversation with Paul Gentile!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List

How to find Paul:
Paul Gentile, President at Merck Credit Union
[email protected]
www.merckcu.com
Paul: LinkedIn