Profile: Carissa Dicks, Flin Flon Credit Union

Carissa Dicks

Member Services Manager, Flin Flon Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2022

In high school, Carissa wanted to become an architect and design homes. In 2008, she began working with Elite Communications, a Bell MTS store, as a Communications Consultant. When she went on maternity leave in 2010, she left Flin Flon, and was a stay-at-home mom for a period before returning to Flin Flon and Elite Communications. She was promoted to Store Manager in 2015. In 2021, Carissa went on maternity leave again. When it was time for her to return to work, an opportunity at Flin Flon Credit Union arose. She started as a Member Services Representative (MSR) in 2022 and was promoted to Senior MSR in 2023. In 2024, Carissa accepted her current role of Member Services Manager. Carissa says she is excited for her future with Flin Flon Credit Union.

A typical day:

Carissa says no two days are the same. This is something she learned quickly in her current role. Her day usually begins in the vault with the MSRs to hold a treasury. She plans the tasks for the day with the MSRs and then begins her daily to-do lists. Throughout the day, she assists MSRs, helps on the frontline when needed and makes herself available to the credit union membership.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Throughout her career at Flin Flon Credit Union, Carissa has taken advantage of any training opportunities available so she can continue to learn and develop her skills. She is currently enrolled in a Canadian Securities Institute course on mutual funds.

Keys to success:

Carissa says having the support of management that see the best in her and want her to succeed has been a major factor contributing to her success, and she comes to work every day with a positive attitude.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Carissa recommends:

  • Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

  • Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek

Guiding principles:

Carissa’s guiding principles are:

  • Attitude – Carissa believes having a positive attitude sets the tone for your day.

  • Adaptability - Being able to react well to change, both in professional and personal settings.

  • Responsibility - You have to take responsibility for your actions. Mistakes happen, take ownership. You cannot learn from mistakes if you don't make them.

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