CUMAM Conference - Advice for Young Leaders

Members of CUYLM attended the Credit Union Managers Association (CUMAM) conference in Winnipeg and hosted a booth at the conference trade show to survey conference attendees. They asked attendees what advice they would give to young leaders looking to break through to the next level of their career, about personal breakthrough moments they have had, and how they encourage “breakthroughs” in their team.

We caught up with Rachelle Nato, Marie McKean and Candice Bradley of CUYLM to find out how their day went at the conference.

Q: Was this your first time at CUMAM?
Rachelle: Yes! I was very excited to be part of the CUMAM conference.

Q: What was the vibe in the booth?
Marie: Great atmosphere, the people stopping by were great to talk to.
Candice: Very upbeat and positive. Lots of great conversation.

Q: What was your favourite part of the trade show experience?
Rachelle: I loved how busy our booth was! People were coming to say hi. I got to see CUYLM alumni as well as meet new people.
Marie: Getting to talk to other people in the system and listening to their advice. And, of course, getting to meet up with other CUYLM members.

Q: Did you see some familiar faces?
Rachelle: All CUYLM alumni made a point to come to our booth and say hi.
Candice: Yes! It was so great to catch up with so many people I’ve met at other system events!

Q: What are your favourite comments?
Marie: Take the good with the bad. Every moment is an opportunity for growth. Get involved, observe… everyone is a coach. Take what resonated with you and run with it.
Candice: Don’t be afraid to take chances and go outside your comfort zone.

Q: Did you learn anything new from this experience?
Rachelle: Credit union managers and executives are happy to share their knowledge. I love that our booth made them think. I can’t wait to share the info with our membership!
Candice: Just reinforces how glad I am to be part of the credit union system!

Here are the comments collected from the CUYLM booth:

Question 1: What advice could you give to a young leader looking to break through to the next level of their career?

  1. Take the good with the bad! Every moment is an opportunity for growth!  (Natalie B., CCCU)

  2. Be open to feedback and advice given by others. (Marie McKean, Westoba)

  3. Don’t wait for opportunity or the perfect time. Seek it out and take control.  (Cora, Sunova)

  4. Never give up, keep going. (Vicki, CCCU)

  5. Be true to yourself about your goals and values. Pursuing a career path with those in mind will help enthusiasm shine through. (Lisa Prays, Cambrian)

  6. It won’t get done for you so you need to take ownership and make it happen by talking to your boss, networking and continuing to add to your toolbox. (Bennie, CFG)

  7. Keep learning and trying new things. (Jody, Noventis)

  8. Take an active roll to meet many people within the system. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get out of your comfort area. (Tyler Booker, Fusion)

  9. Always volunteer to take on that task that no one wants. (Norman Neil, Westoba)

  10. Get involved, observe. Everyone is a coach. Take what resonated with you and run with it. (Jen, Sunrise)

  11. Set long and short term goals and communicate to your organization what they are! (Leanne, Stride)

  12. Don’t be afraid to take changes. Believe in yourself! (Lavonne Tyschinski, Fusion)

  13. Try! Ask! Go outside your comfort zone. (Amanda, Noventis)

  14. I would advise to keep curious, ask questions, experiment, share your ides and forge forward. (Anonymous)

  15. Always keep your eyes and ears open to opportunities. (Rachelle Nato, Caisse)

  16. Be patient and be willing to take on additional responsibilities or be a team supporter to show all the skills and competence you offer. (Marcel Gauvin, Caisse Financial Group)

  17. Take a chance. (Justin, CCCU)

  18. Be you.  Learn everyday.  Listen, listen, listen! (Lindsay Hextall, Westoba)

  19. Network and be humble. (Shahani, Westoba)

  20. It doesn’t have to be a straight line as you progress through your career.  (Mike Brolund, Sunrise)

  21. Get involved in your organization. Absorb as much info as you can from experienced peers. Challenge yourself. (Brent Budz, Stride)

  22. Ask Questions, continually learn. Be confident in yourself! (Leanne DeGrave, Stride)

  23. Always be willing to take on any challenge, whether you see them as small or large – you never know who is watching or what the result will be!  (Sarah Ferguson, Westoba)

  24. Ask questions and learn as much as you can about every area of the organization. (Leanne, Fusion)

  25. Always be willing to learn and try new things. (Mona W., Cambrian)

Question 2: What has been a breakthrough moment in your own career?

  1. Never get comfortable – comfort zones change too. (Trevor K, Stride)

  2. Great management empowering me and leading me. (Patti McEvoy, Westoba)

  3. Taking on a project no one else would do. (Dave Hyde, Westoba)

  4. When my manager believed in me and supported me in achieving my goal to transition to a management position. (Kim S., Assiniboine)

  5. Discovering the value of empowering other. (Rob U., Access)

  6. Finding an inspirational mentor in the industry. (Brittany Gulowaty, CUCM)

  7. The moment I realized I was worthy! Take time for yourself. Health comes first. (Nicole, Steinbach)

  8. Learning to share knowledge! (Sherri, Cambrian)

  9. Having the courage to step outside my comfort zone and challenging myself to take on a new role that forced me to learn and grow. (Leiha Fiddler, CUES)

  10. Applied for a position I didn’t think I’d get. (Debbie, Sunova)

  11. Mergers! (Trent H., Fusion)

  12. Getting involved in the Young leader’s movement through the National Young Leader award! It sparked a passion for the development of the broader CU system that I would not have otherwise had! (Amie, CUCM)

  13. Leaving the security of a full-time role for a 1-year term working for the executive team. (Brent, Steinbach)

Question 3: How do you encourage “breakthroughs” in your teams?

  1. Great communication and innovative ideas! (Kathy, Noventis)

  2. Encourage that no idea is a bad idea. (Nicole, Cambrian)

  3. Give them an open platform and allow them to collaborate. (Leanne, Sunrise)

  4. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of good enough. (Tayona, Sunrise)

  5. Encourage all team members to communicate ideas – no matter positions or experience. (Terry, Minnedosa)

Events, ConferenceCUYLMManitoba