Credit Union Career Profile: Jessica Cruickshank, Credit Union Central of Manitoba
Jessica Cruickshank
Director, Consulting and People Services, Credit Union Central of Manitoba
Career:
Start in the credit union system: 2010
In high school, Jessica was convinced she would become an accountant. However, after taking introductory accounting and psychology courses during her first year at the University of Manitoba, she discovered a strong interest in psychology and shifted her academic focus. As she explored career options related to her degree, human resources emerged as a natural fit, leading her to complete her degree pursuing HR-focused studies and went on to complete the Human Resource Management program through the University of Winnipeg's PACE program.
Jessica's career began with an internship at Assiniboine Credit Union, which quickly turned into a full-time opportunity as an HR Assistant. She later moved into Payroll Administration, where she developed expertise in payroll, benefits administration, and HR information systems. Building on that experience, she advanced into an HR Analyst role, combining her strengths in human resources, systems, reporting, and data analysis while supporting employees and leaders across the organization.
In 2015, Jessica joined Credit Union Central of Manitoba, where she expanded her experience beyond a single organization and began supporting credit unions across Manitoba through consulting, HR initiatives, and strategic projects. Over the years, she progressed through a variety of HR, HRIS, consulting, and leadership roles before being appointed Director, Consulting & People Services.
Today, Jessica partners with executives, leaders, and organizations across the Manitoba credit union system on people strategy, talent management, compensation, workforce planning, organizational development, and other people-focused initiatives. Her career has been shaped by a combination of human resources expertise, technology, consulting, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities for growth.
A typical day:
Jessica's days are highly dynamic and varied. Her role is a blend of leadership, consulting, and problem-solving, with no two days looking exactly the same. She may spend one part of the day meeting with senior leaders to discuss organizational challenges and opportunities, another coaching managers through employee-related matters, and another collaborating with her team to deliver HR programs and services.
What she enjoys most about her role is the variety. Some days are focused on strategy, planning, and long-term initiatives, while others involve helping leaders and organizations address immediate people or business challenges. The position combines leadership, relationship building, and problem-solving, allowing her to make a meaningful impact by helping both people and organizations succeed.
Continuous learning and improvement:
Jessica is a strong believer in lifelong learning and making professional development a priority. As a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation holder, she participates in ongoing education to stay current on HR best practices, emerging trends, and legislative changes. She regularly attends industry conferences and professional events and follows a variety of HR publications, newsletters, and resources to remain informed about developments in the profession.
Beyond formal learning, Jessica values the lessons gained through experience. She continuously seeks opportunities to take on new challenges, and reflects on both successes and setbacks as opportunities for growth. She believes that a combination of continuous learning, curiosity, and self-reflection is essential for ongoing personal and professional development.
Keys to success:
Jessica attributes her success to a willingness to continuously learn, embrace new challenges, and take accountability for her decisions. Throughout her career, she has often stepped into unfamiliar situations without having all the answers, relying on her experience, gathering information, and making informed decisions based on the information available at the time.
She believes that effective leadership is not about always being right, but about having the confidence to make decisions, stand behind them, learn from the outcomes, and take responsibility for the results, whether positive or negative. Jessica considers curiosity, confidence in her abilities, and personal accountability to be some of the most important factors contributing to her professional growth and success.
Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:
· Atomic Habits by James Clear (book) A practical guide to building positive habits and making small, consistent improvements that lead to long-term success.
· Professional development opportunities, conferences, networking events, and mentorship programs Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others, build your network, gain new perspectives, and receive guidance from experienced professionals.
· CUYLM Newsletter! A valuable resource for young leaders looking to stay connected, discover development opportunities (like the various events and conferences they host), and learn from others (like via the mentorship program) in the credit union system. https://www.cuylm.com/newsletter
Guiding principles:
One of the principles that guides Jessica most is building trust and fostering psychological safety. She strives to create an environment where people feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, sharing ideas, and having honest conversations. She believes that when individuals feel respected, supported, and safe to speak up, they are empowered to do their best work and contribute more effectively.
Jessica approaches her interactions with empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. By focusing on trust, open communication, and understanding different perspectives, she works to build strong relationships and create positive experiences for both individuals and teams.