Hello Young/Emerging Leaders,

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) Executive Team invites you to be part of the 2023 Mentorship Program.

The program is focused on facilitating formal mentorship relationships between credit union employees across Manitoba. The goal of the program is to create opportunities for young/emerging leaders to connect with mentors in order to strengthen and build connections, deepen their networks, develop leadership skills, as well as share knowledge and experiences.

Are you a young/emerging leader in your credit union? Are you self-driven to engage in a mentoring relationship? Are you seeking mentorship as part of your development journey? Can you commit to the mutually agreed time required to meet with a mentor and put in the effort? Can you obtain authorization from your direct manager to be part of the mentorship program? Then you are encouraged to apply to become a mentee.

All mentors are leaders in the Manitoba credit union system; many of whom have previously served on the CUYLM Executive Team. Collectively, the mentors have experience in the following areas: Project Management, Business Development, Commercial/Agricultural Lending, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Policies & Procedures, Operations, Sales & Relationship Management, Executive/Senior Management and Retail Branch Management among others.

The matching process will be facilitated by the CUYLM Executive Team. Through the application process, prospective mentees will provide an indication of their priority development areas. Matches will be based on aligning successful applicants with mentors whose expertise best aligns with their selections.

Important Dates:

• Now until March 3: Application Period

• March 3 to March 15: Applications Reviewed by CUYLM and Mentorship Connections Formed

• March 15 to November 30: Mentorship Period

Mentorship Objectives will be agreed to by the mentors and mentees as part of a Mentorship Agreement. These objectives will be tailored to the mentee’s leadership development aspirations.

The application process is now open and available on our website. Visit the Mentorship Program page to learn more or go directly to the Application Form.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the CUYLM Executive Team.

Regards,

CUYLM Executive Team

Brad McEachern,
Rosenort Credit Union,
Former CUYLM Executive Committee Chair

2020 introduced new challenges and learning opportunities for the CUYLM committee. As Chair, Brad McEachern of Rosenort Credit Union stewarded the committee with commitment and grace. Brad's term as Chair concluded in January 2021.

In preparing for the final weeks of his role, Brad reflected on his years with the committee, noting the life-changing experience it has been for him both professionally and personally.

Over the last three years, he attended the National Young Leaders Conference and Next Gen, he assisted in launching the new CUYLM website, and organized a number of events including a show-stopping conference. Brad has seen and experienced it all!

The committee has walked alongside Brad in some of the most notable moments of life – primarily, the birth of his daughter, Reese. As a committee, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brad for the countless hours worked, the endless patience, and the example he has set for each one of us. We look forward to crossing paths in the system!

Amanda Gilchrist,
Assiniboine Credit Union,
CUYLM Executive Committee Chair

CUYLM is excited to present the new Chair – Amanda Gilchrist. Amanda is currently a Branch Manager with Assiniboine Credit Union and has risen up through the ranks – occupying roles from MSR to Lender to FSR. Eager to hit the ground running, Amanda is ready to lead the committee through another year of adjustments while providing meaningful content for the young leaders of Manitoba.

With a background in education, Amanda is most looking forward to drawing on previous experience while stretching her adaptability skills.

In recalling the last year, Amanda noted the most impressive part of working with Brad has been watching him adapt on the fly. '

"Brad impressively modeled leadership through adversity by aiming to understand all the viewpoints of our partners and committee members, while prioritizing the health and safety of the committee.'"

In commenting on what to expect from CUYLM in 2021, Amanda hinted at a few new and exciting endeavours the committee is focused on, including a new online resource catalogue. CUYLM is excited to see where this year will take them and look forward to working with Amanda!

CUYLM would like to welcome newcomers Quinn Suderman (Winnipeg Police CU), Hart Garfield (Assiniboine CU), Megan Andrews (Westoba CU), and Yomi Oduwobi (Me-Dian CU).

CUYLM would also like to congratulate incoming Vice Chair, Stacy Gill (Fusion CU).

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba is recruiting for FOUR positions on the Executive Committee to serve 3 year terms starting January 2021.

Are you interested in being a part of a team that:

• Empowers other young leaders to grow and prosper in and for the credit union system?

• Provides a forum for young credit union leaders to share ideas and visions?

• Promotes and encourages opportunities for peer and senior leader networking?

• Increases the visibility of the credit union system to the community?

• Mentors young credit union leaders?

• Collaborates and shares activities with the National Young Leaders Committee?

Have we sparked your interest? Here's a little more info for you...

Your time on the committee will be as valuable and rewarding as you want to make it. The committee provides you with opportunities, and it's up to you to make the most of it!

Here's what to expect at the very least

• Active participation on an assigned project team to accomplish tasks and goals for the year.

• Monthly committee conference call and related prep work.

• Approximately two in-person or virtual planning sessions with the full committee.

• The opportunity to attend networking and development events that may include system conventions, golf tournaments, career fairs, speaking arrangements and more.

  • Up to 3-4 committee members are selected to attend these events.

• And, most importantly, the chance to network and meet other young leaders within the credit union system who have the same passion as you do for making positive change.

Are you ready to take the next step? 

To be eligible to apply for a position on the CUYLM Executive, applicants must:

• Be prepared to be fully engaged in committee meetings, in executing our action plans, and during social networking events;

• Be 37 years old or less on January 1, 2020;

• Not have previously served as a member of the committee; and

• Attain full support from your direct manager/supervisor.
  

Applications are available on our website: https://www.cuylm.com/join-executive

Deadline to apply is November 30th, 2020.

Application Review & Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the current CUYLM executive committee. The committee strives to establish an executive committee that is comprised of engaged and active young leaders while also balancing the need for proportionate representation across credit unions, including size and geographical location (rural vs. urban).  In the instance where there are two candidates who are equally qualified for the position, preference may be given to the candidate whose credit union is not yet represented on the committee.

Please direct any questions to: cuylm@cucm.mb.ca

Wow, we’re ecstatic to represent CUYLM as the Chair and Vice Chair for 2018! The passion and enthusiasm that comes from this group is contagious, and we can’t wait to see what is accomplished by the committee this year!

Kevin and I look forward to coming together and collaborating with all of you to solve the systems toughest challenges and showing everyone how creative and passionate we are to work in the CU system!

Our committee has been working hard on updating our website so it’s current with everything we have happening throughout the year. Check back often to see what we’re up to!

And for those of you who are new to the CUYLM membership, our website is a great place for you to get to know us and see what CUYLM is all about!

Kevin Baun – Vice-Chair

If you’re thinking of becoming a committee member of CUYLM this year, it’s never too early to apply!

We will be looking to fill 5 spots in November and would encourage anyone interested to put their name forward for consideration later in the year.

If you’re lucky enough to attend one of our events this year, we encourage you to come say “Hi”, we’d love to meet you!

Shellyna Lipic – CUYLM Chair
Kevin Baun – CUYLM Vice-Chair

Wow, what a year it’s been so far for the CUYLM committee!

Thanks again to everyone that took part in our “Be the Change” conference in April. We hope you are still embracing the takeaways and using them to make positive changes in your personal life and your individual credit unions!

As Chair and Vice Chair of the committee this year, we had the tremendous opportunity to attend the National Credit Union Conference in Halifax this past May to participate in NextGen. Although getting to Halifax was a bit bumpy, due to crazy foggy weather, NextGen did not disappoint! We spent 2 full days learning more about ourselves as leaders and what it takes to be adaptable, resilient, and why change is important. It was both amazing and eye opening to learn how to interpret our various qualities as leaders and what each of them really means and how we adapt to different situations based on those qualities.

Both of us are passionate leaders, and welcome any opportunity to learn about ways to adapt to the ever changing world within the credit union system! We look forward to meeting and networking with all young leaders that attend our events and hope that you’ll come say hi next time you see us!

Sincerely, Jody and Shellyna

We are excited to introduce to you our new committee members for 2017 who will each serve a 3 year term!! Please join us in welcoming the following:

• Dan Quesnel, Loans Officer, Minnedosa Credit Union

• Shellyna Lipic, Manager of Loans Compliance, Steinbach Credit Union

• Kevin Braun, Branch Manager, Crosstown-Civic Credit Union

We would like to say a special thanks to our outgoing CUYLM committee members. Each of these individuals were instrumental in CUYLM’s success and we are thrilled they will be a part of our CUYLM Alumni.

• Emma Lafreniere, Steinbach Credit Union, CUYLM Chair

• Nicole McCallister, Steinbach Credit Union, CUYLM Marketing Committee

• Neil Hamm, Stride Credit Union, CUYLM Marketing Committee

These individuals are passionate about supporting and strengthening the credit union system. Over the past three years they have all worked hard to support and develop CUYLM initiatives and are strong leaders within their credit unions. As committee members, employees and supporters of the MB Credit Union system, they support cooperative values and are committed to continued personal and professional growth for themselves and those they have had the opportunity to work with.

Thank you so much for your ongoing positive contribution, knowledge and ability to see the BIG picture! Your work will carry on for years to come and help continue to empower youth to grow and prosper in and for the credit union system.

Sincerely, CUYLM

Happy New Years everyone! I love this time of year as many people take a few minutes to intentionally reflect on the struggles or successes of the past year and set out on a path to achieve new goals and live out their vision for the New Year.

Sadly, the change of the calendar year for me this year also means the reflecting and bringing to a close my time on the CUYLM committee, and past year as committee chair. As I have spent time reflecting on the busyness of CUYLM this past year and my role as chair, I can’t help but be filled with intense gratitude for this opportunity given to me.

People often ask me about CUYLM and what is all involved with being on the committee, and I always have two responses:

One, this is an ACTIVE committee! As I look back over my calendar of events and all the time spent attending and preparing for events, I am reminded of the question I am always asking myself and as a committee we challenge each other with, “is this adding value to the system”. This is always our key focus.

And I say this humbly, CUYLM has been the single most impacting development challenge I have ever taken on. It has stretched me and provided opportunity for me to grow in so many ways. It has allowed me to meet and work with SO many amazing, talented and passionate people from all over the country who I now call my friends.

So, instead of summarizing all the many successful events of this year (and there are lots!), I would like to leave you with a few leadership lessons I have learnt during my time on the CUYLM committee.

1. Define your core values. I had the privilege of attending the annual CUMAM conference this past year and listened to Drew Dudley from Day One Leadership. Drew really challenged us as leaders to define 3-5 core values, and then create for yourself a question that you can ask yourself each day to determine if you lived out your leadership legacy that day. An example of one of my core values that I have posted in my office is IMPACT. “What have I done today to make someone else’s day better by interacting with me?”

2. Set goals/challenge yourself. Do something you’re scared to do. This past spring Jody McPherson and myself were asked to be one of six speakers to facilitate a working session at the CUCM Convention, speaking to Board Members, CEO’s and senior executives about ‘Millenials in the Workplace’. This was a huge opportunity for CUYLM to add value, but came with some nerves. I am so happy to say that rising up to this challenge was a huge win for CUYLM and has continued to open other doors for us to be called upon by CUCM and executives for having input and having a seat at the table for other system discussions. Maybe your goal is further education, taking that new promotion, or getting up in front of your peers to make a presentation. Whatever it is, if it scares you a little or the opportunity to grow is there, say yes!

3. Look around you, and lead outwards. Remember that leadership is a journey, and never one you are taking alone. CUYLM has taught me CUYLM January 2017 Newsletter to truly collaborate with others and cheer on my peers in their own challenges and successes. Remember that leadership at times means serving others, believing in others, and being the biggest cheer leader of all. A quote that I heard during my first year on the CUYLM committee that really stuck with me and changed my approach towards my 3 year term is “The goal of a leader is to create more leaders!”

4. Live your trademark. I am a huge fan of continued education and learning from others. My office reflects that with a library of the world’s most sought out leadership authors and brilliant minds, but at some point you need to live it out for yourself. You need to be the leader that you aspire to be in the big moments AND in the small. Remember that YOU get to teach people each day about who you are and who you are aspiring to become. “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark”

In closing I would like to thank my fellow CUYLM committee members, past and present for all your tireless dedication and infectious passion, and the Credit Union leaders from across the province who continually support us. The future looks bright I will definitely be watching to see the outcome of the BIG Idea Challenge and the upcoming Spring Conference, and I will always be cheering you on!

#CUpride

Emma Lafreniere

We feel extremely privileged to introduce ourselves as your new CUYLM Chair Emma Lafreniere from Steinbach Credit Union, Assistant Manager of Consumer Lending and CUYLM Vice-Chair Jody McPherson from Noventis Credit Union, Manager of Information Technology.

Together, we have been a part of the Manitoba CU system for more than 25 years. We are very excited to share our knowledge and experience with up and coming leaders, and work together to provide continued support and direction for our dedicated committee as we carry out our 2016 objectives to strengthen and expand our CUYLM presence throughout Manitoba.

We are both passionate about building strong teams and helping people achieve their utmost potential. We consider it a true honor to be a part of CUYLM and are grateful for the amazing opportunities we have had this far to work and learn from so many dedicated, enthusiastic and brilliant young people from across the country. Our committee is planning some NEW and very exciting events this year. More details to follow soon. And as always, look for us at events around the province, social media, and check out our new website!

On behalf of the entire CUYLM committee, we are excited and looking forward to connecting with you in 2016!

Sincerely, Emma and Jody

Outgoing message from our current Chair on her experiences, gains and advice as she moves on:

My first “aha” moment in the credit union movement happened when I applied to join CUYLM, when the committee officially began serving the Manitoba credit union system, in 2012. The “aha” was that I found my purpose which was to learn more about our system, develop my leadership skills, share ideas and collaborate with others and to find and promote opportunities for young leaders. And I was excited to find out that there were other young leaders in Manitoba that felt the same way I did!

Two of the most noticeable gains for me have been firstly the realization of both my strengths and weaknesses as a young leader and secondly the development of my leadership skills. The applied development and skill building practice I’ve received from committee work I could not learn through theory alone. CUYLM has given me an opportunity to practice my knowledge in a nurturing, safe environment with peers that are experiencing the same opportunities I am.

My branch team and credit union have also seen gains through my commitment to the CUYLM committee. I’ve gained tremendous confidence as a leader. My organizational skills, strategic understanding, presentation and public speaking skills have improved. I’ve integrated some amazing ideas to my branch team and credit union from perspectives I’ve gained through interactions I have through CUYLM. Collaboration and cooperation at its finest level happens here!

And lastly, CUYLM has really solidified my dedication to the Manitoba credit union system in three ways. It has opened my eyes to just how many intelligent young leaders we have here in the province (both on the committee and members-at-large). CUYLM has connected me to seasoned leaders in the province and shown me the talent and leadership we have in Manitoba. Work on this committee has introduced me to the executive and board at CUCM. As part of this group I’ve been honoured to learn from, work with and present to this amazing team of individuals who are so dedicated to the credit union system’s presence now and in the future.

I would like to extend an enormous thank you to CUYLM members-at-large for allowing me to work with you, to the CUYLM committee members past and present who have become lifelong friends and to my mentors and leaders who have supported my leadership journey. It has been an honour and a pleasure to have taken such an amazing journey to serve Manitoba’s credit union young leaders. As you can see I am a true advocate of the Credit Union system in Canada and Manitoba. Devoting the past three + years to mentoring and empowering other young leaders in this province to grow has been energizing and necessary for me.

Leadership is action! I promise to continue to do my part.

Sincerely, Lesia

We would like to say a special thanks to our outgoing CUYLM committee members. Each of these individuals were instrumental in CUYLM’s success and we are thrilled they will be a part of our CUYLM Alumni.

• Lesia Gojan Klein – Carpathia Credit Union, Branch Manager & CUYLM Chair

• Tyler Booker – Catalyst Credit Union, Branch Manager & CUYLM Training and Development Subcommittee Chair

• Danika Zurbyk – Vanguard Credit Union, VIP Connect, Financial Services Team Lead, & CUYLM Events Subcommittee

These individuals are passionate about supporting and strengthening the credit union system. Over the past three years they have all worked hard to support and develop CUYLM initiatives and are strong leaders within their credit unions. As committee members, employees and supporters of the MB Credit Union system, they support cooperative values and are committed to continued personal and professional growth for themselves and those they have had the opportunity to work with. Thank you so much for your ongoing positive contribution, knowledge and ability to see the BIG picture! Your work will carry on for years to come and help continue to empower youth to grow and prosper in and for the credit union system.

Sincerely, CUYLM