Credit Union Career Profile: Ian Gould, Access Credit Union

Ian Gould 

Manager, Retail Loan Administration, Access Credit Union 

Career: 

Start in the credit union system: 2012 

Ian never expected to build a career in finance. He had ambitions to study medicine, but a summer job at the local credit union in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba changed everything.  

At 16, he joined Sunova Credit Union as a casual Member Services Representative. This opportunity quickly grew into a passion for helping people achieve their financial goals and showed him firsthand how credit unions strengthen the communities they serve. He discovered the skills he was developing – relationship building, problem‑solving, and leadership – were things he truly enjoyed.  

The position was originally meant to fulfill 40 hours of work experience for school credit, but he surpassed those hours with ease and was offered a permanent part-time role in the summer of 2012. He continued working with Sunova Credit Union throughout high school and into university while studying in Winnipeg. 

In 2015, when Sunova opened a new branch in the south end of Winnipeg, Ian transferred there as an Associate. Rather than finishing his university degree, he decided to fully immerse himself in gaining hands-on experience within the credit union. This decision accelerated his growth, leading him first into lending and later into the role of Supervisor, Member Service. 

In 2020, Ian embraced a new challenge by joining Access Credit Union as Manager, Retail Loan Administration. This role marked a significant step forward, requiring him to lead a large team through multiple mergers and oversee a department in which he had no prior technical background. The experience tested and strengthened his leadership capabilities and adaptability. 

Throughout his career, Ian has remained committed to continuous growth, investing in professional development and leadership training. These opportunities have deepened his expertise and prepared him to take on increasing levels of responsibility within the credit union system. 

A typical day: 

Ian says no two days look the same in his role. His work can range from supporting his team through challenges to engaging in strategic planning for long-term success. A significant part of his focus is on modernization – evaluating the credit union’s systems and identifying opportunities for process improvements and technology enhancements. He also spends time collaborating across departments to ensure alignment on initiatives that drive efficiency and enhance member experience. His work requires him to balance immediate operational demands with forward‑looking strategies that position the credit union for continued growth and innovation. 

Continuous learning and improvement: 

For Ian, continuous learning and improvement is a core part of leadership. He believes leading people is never a “check-the-box” exercise where completing a program means you’re done. It’s an ongoing process that evolves as teams, technology, and member expectations change. He approaches this with curiosity and a commitment to growth.  

Ian actively seeks out new skills, techniques, and tools that strengthen his ability to lead. This includes staying current with industry trends, participating in leadership development programs, and engaging with peer networks to exchange insights and best practices.  

His priority is ensuring his team feels supported, valued, and coached in ways that reflect their individual needs and aspirations. By embracing continuous learning, Ian adapts his leadership style to meet today’s challenges while positioning himself and his team for the opportunities ahead. 

Keys to success: 

Ian says the greatest contributors to his success have been adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. This mindset has allowed him to navigate change effectively. 

Throughout his career, he has embraced new opportunities, even those outside his comfort zone, and treated them as catalysts for growth. One example was stepping into a leadership role in Retail Loan Administration without prior experience in the department, a challenge that required him to learn quickly, build relationships, and guide his team through significant change. 

He believes success is rooted in staying curious, welcoming new challenges, and investing in the development of both people and processes. 

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders: 

One resource Ian highly recommends for emerging leaders is Talk to Me Nice by Minda Harts – a helpful read for those who want to build trust within their teams and strengthen workplace relationships. The book introduces the concept of “trust languages”, helping leaders understand their own trust triggers and how to respond when trust is broken or not recognized. Ian believes these insights are invaluable for creating a culture of transparency and psychological safety, which are essential for effective leadership today. 

Guiding principles: 

The principles that guide Ian as a leader are authenticity and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For Ian, being authentic means showing up as his true self – transparent, consistent, and genuine in every interaction. He believes authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong leadership and meaningful relationships. 
Equally important is fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is non-negotiable. To Ian, this means creating spaces where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual feels they belong. Leadership, he says, is not about uniformity, it’s about embracing differences and leveraging them to drive innovation and growth. 
These principles guide every decision Ian makes and every conversation he engages in. They remind him that leadership is not just about achieving results; it’s about empowering people, removing barriers, and ensuring that success is shared by everyone. 

CUYLM participation: 

Ian joined the CUYLM executive committee in 2024, stepping into the role of Vice Chair in 2025. In 2026, he enters the third year of his term as Chair. 

Ian says CUYLM has had a significant impact on his career progression by providing opportunities for leadership development, networking, and exposure to broader credit union system initiatives. Through CUYLM, he’s been able to strengthen his strategic thinking and collaboration skills – capabilities that have directly supported his ability to take on more complex responsibilities in his role.  

CUYLM has also connected him with leaders from across the country, allowing him to share experiential insights and learn from diverse perspectives. These opportunities extend well beyond provincial borders, giving him a national lens on leadership within the credit union system.  

Overall, Ian credits CUYLM with preparing him for future leadership opportunities and significantly expanding his professional network across Canada.