Featured CUYLM member: Kevin Baun

Avoiding Your Knee Jerk Reaction

Beginning at the Royal Bank of Canada in 2003, Kevin Baun has climbed through the ranks in a number of positions including Call Centre Representative, Member Service Representative, Financial Advisor, Manager, and last, but certainly not least – Chief Operating Officer with Belgian Alliance Credit Union.

In his current role, Kevin is responsible for the operations of the credit union; ensuring cohesiveness, consistency, and support. In his words, making sure everyone feels like a part of the team is his greatest responsibility, noting, CULTURE EATS STRATEGY FOR BREAKFAST.

In January, 2017, Kevin joined the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) committee for a three year term – occupying roles of both Vice-Chair and Chair. In his words, the experience with CUYLM starts and ends with ‘wow’.

Kevin attributes the experience to the shared fascination of the credit union system with his committee colleagues; “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people who dare to dream of a better system, and a better way to support everyone who’s in it.”

Kevin also listed the benefits of running for the Vice-Chair/Chair role in saying it opens your eyes to even more elements of the system, and an aspect of leadership that would otherwise be unavailable.

With nearly twenty years’ experience within the financial industry, Kevin notes the biggest lesson he has learned is to avoid his knee jerk reaction.

“If you can accept that you can learn how to modify the impression others have of you, and you do it, both parties will be better for it.”

This is where Kevin attributes his success – learning and accepting that the only person he has control over is himself. Going on to explain further, he says:

“When colleagues bring a certain situation (positive or negative) to my attention, I rarely say anything – rather, I ask a question. If I feel strongly for either side of the situation, my first instinct is to jump in, and solve the problem. However, I’ve recently learned the stronger you feel about something the less likely you are to change.”

Kevin calls these moments pulse checks, and says they occur daily.

When asked his number one piece of advice for young leaders emerging in the Credit Union System his answers were, be a life-long learner and discover your why.

“Never stop learning. Never. You’ll be better for it for yourself, family, friends, and co-workers. The more you learn, the more you understand, and the more you grow.”

He goes on to say, “Two people can often do the same thing, but not with the same level of authenticity and members/customers can tell – so identify your WHY. Why do you do what you do?”

Kevin notes that people prescribe to why you do what you do, and not what you do, mentioning, authenticity is key in putting your best foot forward.