Kevin Baun

Chief Operating Officer, Rosenort Credit Union

Career:

Start in the financial services industry: 2004
Start in the credit union system: 2008

Though raised in a family of bankers, Kevin had no interest in following their footsteps during his high school years. Nevertheless, his professional path led him into the financial services industry, a journey he now reflects on with gratitude. Kevin has held numerous roles, including call center support agent, teller, lender, mutual funds sales representative, call center manager, branch manager, sales and service manager, and manager of omni-channel delivery. He brings this breadth of experience to his role as Chief Operating Officer at Rosenort Credit Union.

A typical day:

Kevin admits that defining a “typical day” is difficult, but what remains constant is the focus on people. Whether he's in meetings, tackling projects, participating in huddles, coaching team members, or responding to emails, he says his days are enriched by working with others. He feels fortunate to work alongside incredible people who are committed to fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and service to their membership.

Continuous learning and improvement:

One of Kevin’s favourite pastimes is reading, a habit that fuels his personal and professional growth. He also enjoys making the most of his time, so he turns his daily commute into an opportunity for learning by listening to audio books and podcasts on business, self-improvement, or leadership – as well as history shorts.

Keys to success:

Kevin considers himself fortunate to have supportive peers, leaders, mentors, friends, and family – including his incredible wife. Their belief in his potential, especially during moments when he struggled to see it himself, has had a lasting impact. He’s grateful for the chances others have given him and willingness to place their trust in him, and this motivates him to do his best and be worthy of that trust. He looks for ways to pay that forward whenever he can, offering others the same encouragement and opportunities.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Some of the books Kevin recommends are: Start With Why, Find Your Why, and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek; Good to Great and Built to Last by Jim Collins; Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson; Dare to Lead by Brené Brown; and Tribes by Seth Godin. While the list goes on, including works by John C. Maxwell, Kevin encourages others to discover what inspires them, in whatever medium, be it paper, audio, or otherwise.

Guiding principles:

1. Be the person you would look up to. This is a motto Kevin strives to embody in every interaction and decision, and he pauses to reflect on this before acting.

2. Flip problems into opportunities. Kevin acknowledges this isn’t always easy, or even possible. Still, he believes it's important to recognize when things aren’t going well, and to train the mind to quickly shift from “Well, shoot” to “What can we do about it?”

3. Surround yourself with people who lift you up – and keep you grounded. Positivity breeds positivity, he says, and the same is true for negativity. Kevin encourages others to choose their circle with intention, and likewise to continually earn the privilege of friendship.

4. Don't assume, ask. Our minds are incredible, Kevin says. However, they are also quick to justify and rationalize situations. That means you are making up a story, often without the facts. This doesn't serve you, or the people involved. Don't assume, ask.

5. Don't blame a zebra for its stripes. Accept people for who they are, he says, then refer to #3.

CUYLM participation:

Kevin served on the CUYLM Executive Committee from 2017 to 2020 and then continued his involvement afterward as part of an alumni support panel.

He describes the experience of being surrounded by a network of like-minded young leaders across the credit union system as invigorating.

Kevin looked up to the seasoned committee members and was inspired by the enthusiasm of his peers. He credits CUYLM with expanding his perspective, encouraging him to look beyond his current role and credit union to better understand the broader system.

He is grateful for the opportunities to learn, receive guidance and support, and play a role in bringing the committee’s ideas to life. Serving on the committee empowered him to lead, innovate, and gain hands-on experience in strategic planning, budgeting, project management and more.

Kevin deeply values the lasting connections he formed during his time with CUYLM. He describes it as an incredible life experience, one that enriched his career and personal growth in countless ways. “Whenever I think back on my time with CUYLM,” he says, “it’s with deep appreciation and fond memories.”

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

July 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is burnout, stress and resilience. See what’s new below.

Books:

• The Upside of Stress - Kelly McGonigal

Articles:

• Building Your Resilience - American Psychological Association

• Building Resilience - Martin E.P. Seligman 

• The Secret to Building Resilience - Rob Cross, Karen Dillon, and Danna Greenberg

• Distress Vs Eustress: Learn All About the Different Types of Stress - Maggie Wooll

Podcasts:

• Huberman Lab: Tools for Managing Stress and Anxiety

• The School of Greatness: How to Manage Anxiety, Burnout, and Overwhelm

Inclusive Leadership in Action: EDI Workshop for Young Leaders

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) is pleased to present Inclusive Leadership in Action, an in-person workshop for young leaders in the Manitoba credit union system. 

Led by leadership coach Phyllis Reid-Jarvis, this workshop offers an immersive learning experience focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Join us to gain actionable strategies to lead with empathy, confidence and purpose. This is more than a workshop, it’s a springboard for young leaders to drive meaningful change. 

Registration is now open – reserve your spot! 

Why this workshop?

• Relevant Curriculum: This workshop covers essential leadership topics, including the Invisible Caste System and its impact on human rights, as well as the need for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. 

• Hands-On Experience: We believe in learning by doing. This workshop includes real-world case studies that allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings. You'll gain invaluable experience that will set you apart from your peers by using coaching tools such as the AADCAE Tool for Asking Questions. 

• How to Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue: This workshop provides opportunities for creating and maintaining safe spaces for dialogue. You will collaborate with your peers to apply EDI principles and practices, building inclusive relationships that support you and your peers throughout your leadership journey. 

• Personal Growth: Leadership is not just about leading others; it's also about personal growth. This workshop includes activities that focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. You'll emerge equipped as a leader ready to face any EDI-related challenges. 

About the Facilitator

Phyllis Reid-Jarvis is a leading educator and consultant whose work centers around intentional leadership practices and advocacy. She works with leaders in organizations and communities to create a better working and living experience for all people. She is a Professional Certified Executive Coach (ICF), holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Manitoba, and is a certified MBTI Practitioner and Psychological Health and Safety Workplace Advisor. She also holds a certificate in Adult Learning from ATD. Phyllis is the author of several books and training resources on EDI and leadership. 

Event details:

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM 
Location: Stride Place, 245 Royal Rd S, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba 
Dress Code: Business Casual 
Cost: $50 per person, lunch included 
Deadline to register: Monday, August 25, 2025 

Agenda:

10:30 AM – Registration 
11:00 AM – Lunch 
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Workshop 

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Login to CUCommunity to access the registration link. If you don’t have an account, please contact us for registration support.

Note: Your credit union’s current account at CUCM will be debited $50 for the workshop fee. Please ensure you have your credit union’s permission to attend before registering. Cancellations can be accepted until Friday, August 29. After this date, substitutions only. 

Questions & Support:

For questions about the workshop or support, please contact us.

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) is proud to announce its participation in the 50 – 30 Challenge, meeting the criteria not only in 2025, but for the past several terms.  

The 50 – 30 Challenge was an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the initiative was to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table. 

The 50 – 30 Challenge asked that organizations aspire to two goals: 

• Gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people); and 

• Significant representation (30%) of members of other equity-deserving groups, including those who identify as Racialized, Black, and/or People of colour ("Visible Minorities"), People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples. 

2,853 organizations participated in the 50 – 30 Challenge, among them Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA). 

The CUYLM Executive Committee, comprised of talented and dedicated members with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills, and backgrounds, reflects the diversity of credit union membership and the environment in which the committee operates.  

“We strongly believe in the benefits that diverse representation brings – not only to our committee but to the credit union system as a whole,” says Paige Marchand, 2025 Chair of the CUYLM Executive Committee. “We have seen evidence year after year that by having diversity within our committee, we are awarded with new ideas, perspectives, and contexts for decision-making.” 

The Manitoba credit union system, using the seven cooperative principles as its compass, was built on the values of openness and inclusivity, believing that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to financial services and educational opportunities. This belief is enshrined in non-discriminatory membership policy, ensuring that everyone is welcome to join and benefit from credit union services. 

Following that compass and in support of the 50 – 30 Challenge commitment, CUYLM has implemented several DEI initiatives, including: 

• Truth and Reconciliation: Actively engaging in truth and reconciliation learnings to address historical injustices and promote healing within our respective communities. By acknowledging and learning from the past, the system can build a more inclusive and equitable future. 

• DEI Training and Development: Providing ongoing DEI training and development opportunities for committee members, enhancing understanding, fostering empathy, and equipping leaders with the skills needed to champion DEI within our provincial system. 

• Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Established inclusive recruitment practices to ensure the committee reflects the diversity of our collective memberships. By prioritizing diversity in the onboarding process, CUYLM aims to create a more inclusive culture. 

Ian Gould, Vice-Chair of the CUYLM Executive Committee, shares “DEI is not just a buzzword for us; it is a fundamental aspect of our identity and mission. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we honor our founding cooperative values and strengthen our commitment to education and community empowerment. We call on all credit unions to join us in this vital endeavor.” 

The CUYLM Executive Committee urges all credit unions to recognize the importance of DEI and to invest in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Presenting a united front in this space will create a credit union system that is not only more just and equitable, but also more innovative and resilient. Together, we can lead the way in building a financial system that truly serves everyone. 

Here’s how your credit union can get started: 

Learn more and access a variety of resources prepared by the 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Partners to assist organizations in their efforts toward diverse and inclusive workplaces by visiting the Government of Canada website.  

Jaret Murray

VP Agriculture & Commercial Experience, Stride Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2006

In high school, Jaret’s career aspirations revolved around his desire to be involved in agriculture at some level, and he considered careers in education or veterinary medicine.

After earning his university degree, he briefly worked with the Province of Manitoba’s Assessment Branch before transitioning into a Sales Agronomist role at Portage Co-op. There, he scouted fields and sold seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products.

In 2006, Jaret took a pivotal step into finance, joining Portage Credit Union as a Financial Services Officer. By late 2006, he advanced to an Account Manager position, and in 2014, he was named successor to the VP Lending role, overseeing the Agriculture and Commercial department.

Following the 2017 amalgamation of Portage and Austin Credit Unions, which formed Stride Credit Union, Jaret became VP Agriculture & Commercial Experience, a role he continues to enjoy today.

A typical day:

On a typical day, Jaret works with Account Managers to navigate member inquiries, identify opportunities and mitigate challenges. Strategically, he focuses on reviewing staff training opportunities, analyzing data management opportunities and exploring digital connections for improved internal and external efficiencies.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Jaret strives to actively listen and relate the experiences of those around him to his role and organization. He believes in the importance of trying new things, understanding that success is a journey rather than an immediate outcome. The real value, he says, often lies in lessons learned along the way. Jaret has found that consciously making one small thing better each day leads to significant growth over time.

Keys to success:

Jaret says a key to his success is his willingness to challenge both his own assumptions and those of others. He also values collaboration and finds that working with a strong group of peers to raise the bar together has been very beneficial. 

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Jaret gravitates toward agricultural and economic podcasts, which he listens to on the go. He notes that there is a plethora of podcasts and YouTube content on the topic of leadership and encourages exploring what resonates most with you.

Guiding principles:

Jaret believes that honesty, hard work and communication are keys to moving teams forward.

CUYLM participation:

As a former member of the CUYLM Executive Committee, serving from 2016 to 2019, Jaret says CUYLM helped him connect with other aspiring young leaders within the credit union system. These relationships have provided valuable sounding boards for operational and strategic discussions and enriched his professional and personal growth.

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

June 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is growth mindsets. See what’s new below.

Books:

• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Articles:

• What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means, by Carol Dweck

• The Value of a Growth Mindset, And How to Develop One by Svetlana Whitener

• 15 Ways to Build a Growth Mindset by Tchlkl Davis

• A Growth Mindset is a Must-Have – These 13 Tips Will Help You Grow Yours by Maggie Wooll

Podcasts:

• WorkLife: How to Rethink a Bad Decision

• The School of Greatness: The Secret to Avoiding Burnout and Reshaping Your Identity

Videos:

• The Power of Believing That You Can Improve by Carol Dweck

• Getting Stuck in the Negatives (and How to Get Unstuck) by Alison Ledgerwood

Josh Roels

Manager of Operations, Me-Dian Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2006

Josh entered college with the goal of becoming an accountant. However, a summer job at a credit union sparked a new interest, inspiring him to shift his second-year studies toward financial services.

After gaining experience as a Member Service Representative (MSR), Josh progressed through various roles from Loans Clerk, Loans Officer, Commercial Credit Officer, Branch Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, Manager of Lending and into his current role as Manager of Operations at Me-Dian Credit Union.

A typical day:

As the Manager of Operations, Josh has a range of shifting priorities and he adapts to the demands of each day. He oversees all member-facing activities, manages third party relationships, and works on strategic operational initiatives, planning any required system changes for banking systems, online banking platforms, or CRM systems. Josh also collaborates with operational managers to remove barriers and identify opportunities to create processes and procedures to help ensure consistent member service and employee satisfaction.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Personal and professional growth is an important priority for Josh. Each year, he creates a plan for his development, setting specific goals and seeking out books, courses, and workshops to help him achieve them. He takes advantage of mentorship opportunities, learning from others with industry experience and leveraging their insights to navigate challenges. Over the years, Josh has received excellent coaching that strengthened his problem-solving skills and empowered him to think critically and independently.

Keys to success:

Josh says the biggest contributing factor to his success is that he’s self-motivated and seeks out opportunities for growth. Though making time for learning can be challenging, he believes in pushing yourself, and that people are often capable of more than they realize.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

For self-development, Josh is a regular listener of The Mindset Mentor podcast by Rob Dial. For credit union industry knowledge, he listens to the Grow Your Credit Union podcast. Two books Josh recently found to be insightful were Good to Great by Jim Collins and Winning on Purpose by Fred Reichheld.

Guiding principles:

Josh's leadership approach is shaped by the following core values, which he applies in his role:

• Honesty - being honest in his interactions

• Respect - giving respect to everyone

• Wisdom - sharing and receiving wisdom from others

CUYLM participation:

As a former member of the CUYLM Executive Committee, Josh gained valuable opportunities to connect with credit union peers, expand his network, and strengthen his leadership skills. The experience also enabled him to navigate shared challenges and work collaboratively toward overcoming them.

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

May 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is increasing focus, memory and concentration. See what’s new below.

Podcasts:

• On Purpose: 7 Ways to Be Productive Even When You’re Tired

• On Purpose: 8 Strategies to Remove Distractions to Improve Focus and Productivity

• The School of Greatness: Focus Your Mind So You Will Never Be Lazy

• The School of Greatness: Eliminate Brain Fog, Increase Your Focus, and Control Your Motivation

• The School of Greatness: Avoid Burnout, Learn Faster, Improve Your Memory and Overcome Procrastination

Videos:

• How to Triple Your Memory By Using This Trick - Ricardo Lieuw On

• How to Become a Memory Master - by Idriz Zogaj

• 5 Ways to Listen Better - Julian Treasure

• What Happens to You Brain When You Pay Attention? - Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar

• The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise - Wendy Suzuki

• How Your “Working Memory” Makes Sense of the World - Peter Doolittle

Articles:

• Improve Your Focus and Concentration: 15 Ways to Build Your Skills - BetterUp

• Having Your Smartphone Nearby Takes a Toll on Your Thinking - Harvard Business Review

Tyronne Wall

Regional Branch Manager – Executive Team, Rosenort Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2007

In high school, Tyronne dreamed of attending post-secondary education to pursue a career as a doctor. However, his ambitions ultimately steered him toward a different path—one that blossomed into a successful career in the credit union system.

Starting as a casual Member Service Representative (MSR) at Heartland Credit Union, his role soon transitioned into a permanent position. His eagerness to grow saw him taking on responsibilities as an MSR Trainer and ATM Administrator.

In 2008, Tyronne embraced the opportunity to join a career development program, where he gained hands-on experience across a variety of roles, including Call Centre Representative, Receptionist, Loans Administrator, Financial Service Representative and Personal Account Manager.

This diverse exposure prepared him for his next step in 2010, when he became a Commercial Account Manager—a role he held for six years before advancing to Branch Manager at Rosenort Credit Union.

By 2024, Tyronne reached a significant milestone in his career, being promoted to Regional Branch Manager and joining the executive team of Rosenort Credit Union.

A typical day:

Tyronne's typical workday revolves around guiding and supporting his staff. He is accessible to his team, helping them reach their goals and fostering their professional growth. Alongside his dedication to staff development, he prioritizes serving members, making himself available at the branch to meet with them personally and address their needs.

Continuous learning and improvement:

To foster continuous learning and growth, Tyronne draws inspiration from a friend's advice: “We are only growing when we are doing the things that make us uncomfortable.” By intentionally stepping into discomfort—whether it’s enrolling in a challenging course or delivering a speech—Tyronne discovers opportunities to gain new knowledge and develop valuable skills.

Keys to success:

Tyronne believes the biggest contributing factor to his success is “CARE”.  He has made it his personal mission to care for the credit union he works for, the members they serve, and his fellow employees. 

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Tyronne emphasizes that the two most valuable resources for young leaders are their membership and fellow leaders within the credit union. Engaging in conversations and actively listening to your membership, he notes, can provide invaluable insights into how to better meet their needs. Similarly, building meaningful connections with other leaders within your organization allows you to learn from their experiences and adopt proven strategies that can enhance your own leadership skills.

Guiding principles:

The following principles guide Tyronne:

• Excellence: In everything he does, he is committed to doing it to the best of his ability.

• Care: To make sure his actions are those that look after the wellbeing of others.

• Determination: To never give up and see things through to the end. 

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

April 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is creativity and purpose. See what’s new below.

Podcasts:

• The School of Greatness: How Dopamine Drives Love, Creativity, and Addiction with Daniel Z. Lieberman

• Huberman Lab: The Science of Creativity & How to Enhance Creative Innovation

• Huberman Lab: Robert Greene – A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose

• Huberman Lab: Rick Rubin – How to Access Your Creativity

• ReThinking Podcast: How Yo-Yo Ma Sustains His Creative Energy

• WorkLife Podcast: The Creative Power of Misfits

• WorkLife Podcast: The Daily Show’s Secret to Creativity 

• WorkLife: The Science of Recharging on Weekends and Vacations

Articles:

• Beat Generosity Burnout - Harvard Business Review

• Creativity: How to Unlock Your Hidden Creative Genius - James Clear

• Why Creativity Isn’t Just for Creatives and How to Find It Anywhere - BetterUp

• 12 Traits of Creative People - Indeed

• 3 Science-Based Strategies to Increase Your Creativity - Steven Kotler

Dan Stanicky

Chief Operating Officer, Belgian-Alliance Credit Union

Career:

Start in the financial services industry: 2002
Start in the credit union system: 2007

In high school, Dan knew he wanted to pursue a career in Business Sales and Service. His goal was to move into a leadership role and manage a team by the time he was 40. He achieved his goal at 39.

Dan started his career in lending at Trans Canada Credit, later known as Wells Fargo Financial. He joined the credit union system in 2007 as Financial Services Officer at North Winnipeg Credit Union and was later promoted to Manager, Lending Services. When North Winnipeg Credit Union merged with Carpathia Credit Union, Dan moved into commercial lending full time and was promoted to Manager, Business Services. Following the merger of Carpathia Credit Union with Access Credit Union, Dan became Business Account Manager II. In 2024, Dan took on his current role of Chief Operating Officer at Belgian-Alliance Credit Union.

A typical day:

Dan provides guidance, training and support to staff members to ensure their success and, in turn, the success of the credit union. He manages tasks related to daily operations. He works on commercial lending requests, providing support to members and adjudicating credit. He also engages in policy reviews and identifies opportunities for improvement. In smaller credit unions, Dan notes that individuals often wear multiple hats and get involved in various areas as needed, truly becoming a jack of all trades.

Continuous learning and improvement:

For continuous learning and development, Dan recommends keeping up to date on developments in the financial services industry, taking advantage of new training programs related to your position and other areas of interest, learning about new products in the industry, and not being afraid to ask questions. Reflecting on things you worked on in the past and evaluating how successful those things were can offer insights. Dan says learning from mistakes is important too – it’s okay to make them, just don’t make them multiple times.

Keys to success:

Dan’s keys to success are hard work, education, patience, and leading by example.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

If interested in a leadership role, Dan recommends discussing your career goals with supervisors, managers or executives. They can be a valuable resource to help plan a path that aligns with your abilities. He also recommends researching courses that will help you get there, in addition to podcasts and books.

Guiding principles:

Dan’s guiding principles are integrity, honesty, hard work, education and surrounding yourself with excellent people. He believes in training your staff well enough that they can leave but treating them well enough that they do not want to leave.

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

February 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is hidden confidence. See what’s new below.

Books:

• Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

• Hidden Potential: the Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant

Articles:

• 5 Myths about Introverts and Extraverts at Work by Adam Grant

• The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance by Gareth Cook

• 5 Keys to Unlocking Your Hidden Potential and Success by Daniel White

• 11 Introvert Strengths & Qualities That Help In Life by Rain Story

Podcasts:

• Freakonomics: How to Succeed at Failing, Part 1: The Chain of Events

• WorkLife Podcast: Your Insecurities Aren’t What You Think They Are

• WorkLife Podcast: Your Hidden Personality

• Re:Thinking: Unlocking Hidden Potential with Malcolm Gladwell

Paige Marchand

Manager, Product & Digital Marketing, Access Credit Union

Career:

Start in the financial services industry: 2012
Start in the credit union system: 2018

In high school, Paige wasn't sure what she wanted to do next. She knew she needed to do something that allowed space for her creativity but hadn’t settled on what that could look like by graduation.

Paige chose to take a year off after graduation to consider where her passions lay. She moved into her own apartment and found full time work at a food distributor in customer service and administration. Once out on her own, she realized it would be nearly impossible to afford both university and lodging costs, so she continued down the path of working her way up. Through hard work, support from leaders in various organizations, and a little luck, she began her first marketing position in 2009.

Paige continued to push herself to learn more and advance through her career. She came to work in financial services marketing in 2012 and has continued down that path since, joining Crosstown Civic Credit Union in 2018 as a Marketing Specialist. Following the merger between Crosstown Civic and Access in 2021, she took on her current role as Manager, Product & Digital Marketing, where she now leads an incredible team.

A typical day:

Paige says her days are never the same, which she loves. It depends on what's happening in the organization at any given time. As her team is responsible for deploying both internal and external communications when changes, challenges, or issues arise, their day must be fluid.

In her position, Paige spends a fair amount of time in meetings, as either herself or another member of her team is deployed to various organizational projects in addition to their day-to-day responsibilities. Otherwise, Paige is coaching her team to continue progressing their skills and career path, working with them on digital marketing strategies, product and service enhancements/development, and supporting the organization's communications needs.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Paige says her preferred method of learning is by experience. She is a hands-on, can-do individual. She has a difficult time learning from reading or participating in webinars, preferring to jump into tasks and initiatives headfirst to learn from experience, mistakes, and her own research.

That said, Paige participates in as many in-person learning opportunities as she can, including conferences, think tanks, networking, etc. and finds she can often learn more from others than from any structured program. She also ensures she is constantly honing her skills by staying current with new marketing trends and consumer habits through self-directed programming in her chosen field.

Keys to success:

Paige’s keys to success are hard work and sheer determination. She says when you don't have the credentials behind your name that come with a university education, you have to work to earn respect the hard way and be prepared to get your hands dirty, take your lumps.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Paige highly recommends the entire eLEAD program with Sandra McDowell. She says Sandra does an amazing job of teaching in a way that resonates and stays with you and she learned a lot about compassionate leadership through her programs. 

Guiding principles:

• Honesty: Be honest, always. Be honest if you don’t understand something. Be honest when you don’t agree with something, and why. Be honest with yourself. If something isn’t working for you, only you can change it.

• Curiosity: Be curious, ask questions. The only stupid question is the one not asked.

• Flexibility: Be adaptable, be willing to flex and change and grow. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes (that’s how you learn). Learn by osmosis (experience), learn from those who came before you but with fresh eyes, be open to new ideas.

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

January 2025 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is building confidence. See what’s new below.

Books:

• Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect - Matthew Lieberman

Articles:

• There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing - Adam Grant

• Keep It Real: 14 Concrete Ways to Build Authentic Trust In Network Relationships - The Forbes Coaches Council

• What’s the Best Way to Build Trust at Work? - Alisa Yu, Julian Zlatev, and Justin Berg

• 10 Ways To Build Trust in a Relationship, Positive Psychology - Heather Craig

Podcasts:

• Huberman Lab: Science of Social Bonding in Family, Friendship and Romantic Love

• A Bit of Optimism: Extreme Listening with Deeyah Khan

• On Purpose: 6 Ways to be a Great Friend & Build Meaningful Relationships

• On Purpose: 8 Strategies to Deal with Toxic Or Negative People In Your Life, Work, and Relationships

• On Purpose: 3 Crucial Methods to Increase Work Productivity & How to Unlock Individual Success Through Collaboration

• A Bit of Optimism: Finding Your Tribe with Amy Cuddy

• Dare to Lead: Charles Feltman on Trust: Building, Maintaining, and Restoring It

• Dare to Lead: Barrett Guillen on BRAVING Trust

• Unlocking Us: The Anatomy of Trust

• WorkLife: How to Trust People You Don’t Like

• WorkLife: Faking Your Emotions at Work

• The School of Greatness: Positively Influence Others, Increase Mental Flexibility & Diversify Your Identity with Adam Grant

• The School of Greatness: Brene Brown: Create True Belonging and Heal the World

Dr. Archana Krishnan

Manager, Business Intelligence, Stride Credit Union

Career:

Start in the financial services industry: 2018
Start in the credit union system: 2019

In high school, Archana wanted to become a neurosurgeon.

Archana began her career in the financial services industry in 2018 as a part-time Customer Experience Associate at TD Canada Trust. In 2019, she discovered the credit union system via a mutual acquaintance and took a position as a full-time teller at Westoba Credit Union.

Archana held four other positions in her five years with Westoba Credit Union. These include Financial Consultant, Retail Credit Underwriter Administrator II, Business Analyst, Manager Business Process Support.

Earlier in 2024, Archana moved to Stride Credit Union as their Manager of Business Intelligence.

During this journey, Archana had the opportunity to learn from leaders within the system by participating in and Chairing Emerging Leaders of Westoba and Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM). She also found immense value in participating in the CUYLM Mentorship Program, CCUA National Mentorship Program, and the National Young Leaders Committee Horizon Program.

A typical day:

Archana loves how versatile her workdays can be and says that Business Intelligence thrives on ambiguity, as it provides the opportunity to discover new paths toward overcoming persistent challenges.

Archana’s day is predominantly focused on gathering data and analyzing it to provide insights and recommendations on strategy to the executives and board. It also involves collaboration with other departments to provide data-based recommendations on improving existing processes and recommendations to align departmental strategy with organizational vision.

Archana also conducts in-depth research to understand what is happening in the market and within the system. She also dedicates time to connect with her team for brainstorming sessions, provide coaching, and connect with her leaders for mentorship.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Archana learns new things regularly via the research she conducts as part of her role. She thrives on learning and is constantly looking for opportunities to challenge herself intellectually. Archana is an avid user of LinkedIn and has found connecting with peers within her field and LinkedIn learning to be a great source of knowledge.

Keys to success:

Archana’s three keys to success are:

• Networking: mentors, coaches, colleagues and sponsors have greatly contributed to her success. Archana always has someone to connect with, be it talking through an issue or seeking guidance for her career. She says the credit unions she has worked for have shown tremendous faith in her and have been personally invested in her success, for which she is eternally grateful.

• Family: Archana’s husband is her biggest supporter and cheerleader! She cannot imagine any success without him.

• Last but not the least, solid hard work. There is no alternative to it.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Books:

• Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

• The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

• Becoming by Michelle Obama

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

Movies:

• Hidden Figures

• The Green Book

Podcast:

• The Huberman Lab

Guiding principles:

1. Be kind always, not just to others but to yourself

2. Go where you are celebrated and not tolerated

3. Live in the present

4. For every act of kindness you receive, remember to pay it forward

5. Smile! This too shall pass

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

December 2024 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is growth mindsets. See what’s new below.

Books:

• Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace & Purpose Every Day - Jay Shetty

• Think Again - Adam Grant

Podcasts:

• Huberman Lab: The Science of Gratitude and How to Build a Gratitude Practice

• Huberman Lab: Dr. Alia Crum: Science of Mindsets for Health & Performance

• Bossed Up: Set Strong Boundaries, Step into Your Power, & Stop People Pleasing

• On Purpose: 6 Ways to Transform a Negative Mindset & How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety

Articles:

• A Summary of Growth and Fixed Mindsets - Carol Dweck

• Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: How What You Think Affects What You Achieve - Jennifer Smith

Videos:

• TED Talk: What Frogs in Hot Water Can Teach Us About Thinking Again - Adam Grant

• TED Talk: The Habits of Happiness - Matthieu Ricard

• TEDx Talk: Change your mindset, change the game - Dr. Alia Crum

Candice Bradley

Manager, Human Resources & Compliance, Swan Valley Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2014

In high school, Candice wanted to be an accountant. She attended university and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After graduating, she worked for accounting firms and while earning her CA designation (now CPA), which she obtained in 2011.

Candice moved to Manitoba in late 2013 and shortly thereafter started a term position as CFO at Swan Valley Credit Union. After the term, she transitioned into the role of Compliance Officer. When an opportunity came up in HR, she moved into her current role of Manager, HR & Compliance which she’s held since 2017.

A typical day:

A typical day may include a variety of HR responsibilities, such as recruitment and retention efforts, benefits administration, HR Policy, employee engagement surveys, compensation surveys and analysis, or performance reviews. Candice is also responsible for overseeing the AML compliance regime and providing support and guidance to the front-line team in this area.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Candice tries to push herself out of her comfort zone to continually challenge herself to grow and develop. Her previous involvement with the CUYLM Executive Committee and present involvement with the CUMAM Board has helped her to make deep connections in the credit union system that she highly values. She also strives to complete relevant courses and seminars as the opportunity arises.

Keys to success:

Candice says the biggest contributing factors to her success are the connections she’s made throughout the credit union system, the support and guidance she receives from co-workers and mentors, and her openness to taking on new challenges.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Candice tries to stay up to date on a variety of topics by reading news articles from many different sources. She says she finds some great professional business-related resources/articles from Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Forbes.

Guiding principles:

Candice’s guiding principles are:

• Be open to listening and hearing out other perspectives

• Take accountability for your actions and own your mistakes

• Be proactive and take initiative with your own personal growth and development

• Maintain a positive mindset

Looking for resources to aid your leadership development? CUYLM’s Learning Commons is a collection of resources curated by the CUYLM Executive Committee. The Learning Commons contains recommendations for books, articles, podcasts, videos and more on a wide variety of topics.

November 2024 Update:

We’ve added new resources! The theme of this update is burnout, stress and resilience. See what’s new below.

Books:

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle - Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Podcasts:

• On Purpose: Jim Kwik on Why You Feel Burned Out & How to Break Free from Your Limiting Beliefs

• On Purpose: Neha Kumar on Building Resilience to Negativity, and How to Make Your Passions Practical

• Science Vs.: Burnout - Can We Fix Work?

• Habits on Purpose: Breaking the Habits That Lead to Burnout

• Bossed Up: How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers and Build Interpersonal Relationships

• Bossed Up: How to Create Purposeful Goals to Avoid Burnout

• WorkLife: Burnout is Everyone’s Problem

• WorkLife: Breaking Up with Perfectionism

• Unlocking Us: Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle

• Unlocking Us: Comparative Suffering, the 50/50 Myth, and Settling the Ball

• Dare to Lead: Grit and the Importance of Trying New Things

Articles:

• The 7 Types of Rest That Every Person Needs - Saundra Dalton-Smith (TED Ideas)

• Your Body Knows You’re Burned Out - Melinda Wenner Moyer (New York Times)

• Everything You Need to Know About Burnout at Work - Calm

• Stress, Worry and Anxiety Are All Different. How Do You Cope With Each? - Jeremy Engle (New York Times)

• Your Email Does Not Constitute My Emergency - Adam Grant (New York Times)

• Beating Burnout - Monique Valcour (Harvard Business Review)

• Signs of Burnout at Work – and What to Do About It - Allaya Cooks-Campbell (BetterUp)

Calling all young leaders!

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) is recruiting for positions on the CUYLM Executive Committee to serve 3-year terms starting January 2025. 

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 1 hour committee video conference call and related prep work.

• Approximately two in-person 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.

• The opportunity to represent CUYLM at the national conference and/or other system-related events (that may include system conventions and meetings) if you progress into the role of Vice-Chair or Chair.

• And most importantly, the chance to network and meet other young leaders within the credit union system who have the same passion you do for making positive changes in our system!

Are you ready to take the next step?

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

• Prepared to be fully engaged in committee meetings. Committee meetings are hosted virtually every month for an hour in duration. Sub-committee meetings are held in addition to the committee meeting on a schedule dictated by the sub-committee.

• Excited to contribute to the creation and execution of CUYLM’s annual plan, including development and delivery of events and initiatives.

• Age 37 years or less at the time of application.

• Have not previously served as a member of the committee.

• Attain full support and a short reference from your direct manager/supervisor.

Apply now!

Learn more and complete the application form.

Apply on or before November 15, 2024.

All applicants will be contacted by November 30.

Virtual “Coffee With CUYLM” session:

If you’re thinking about applying and would like to know more about CUYLM, our recruitment process, or what it’s like to serve on the Executive Committee, join us for a virtual coffee break where we’ll answer your questions.

Date: November 6, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM

If interested in attending, please register here.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by the current CUYLM Executive Committee. We strive to establish a 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). 

CUYLM strives to be comprised of talented and dedicated members with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills, and backgrounds. The skills and backgrounds collectively represented on the committee reflect the diverse nature of our membership and the environment in which the committee operates.

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.

Questions:

Please direct any questions to: cuylm@cucm.org.

Lorie Reimer

Member Services Manager, Steinbach Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 1990

In high school, Lorie was interested in work that involved marketing and business development in some way. She worked in the hospitality industry during high school until a few months after graduation. 

Lorie began her career in the credit union system as a Teller at Steinbach Credit Union, bringing her customer service skills with her. She held this position for about a year before moving to the Member Services department. As a Member Services Representative (MSR), she enjoyed building relationships with members and staff.

Over the course of her career, Lorie moved into the role of Supervisor and then Manager of the Member Services team. Lorie has been in her current role for 17 years. During those years, she had two maternity leaves. After each, she was happy to be able to return to the role she’s been passionate about all this time.

A typical day:

On a typical day, Lorie is available to her team to support them in their roles and answer questions. She provides encouragement and advice to help her team navigate the different needs and situations of members throughout the day. Lorie plans for new hires that are needed, supports the development of training new team members receive, and works alongside many peer managers to help roll out new initiatives to help staff and members be successful as they do their day-to-day banking.

Lorie values the opportunity to interact with members when they visit the branch. She says they often share their thoughts, ideas and experiences, and there is always something to be learned through these important conversations.

Continuous learning and development:

Lorie believes in the importance of being open to learning new things. Sometimes it's learning a new process or procedure, or taking courses offered through the workplace to enhance your ability to do your job. She finds it rewarding to step outside the box and take advantage of additional training.

Keys to success:

Lorie says working with supportive peer leaders and managers has been a big contributing factor to her success. She appreciates those who take an additional moment to recognize accomplishments or share something new they learned. Lorie believes in bringing your positive attitude and passion for your job to work each and every day!

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

• Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell

Guiding principles:

Lorie’s guiding principles are:

• Positivity - Stay positive in what you do, the tough stuff will work itself out.

• Trust - One simple word, yet the most important when building your team and working together for the greater good.

• Care - Show your peers and teams you care about them. They will always do more for you and your workplace when someone cares about them.