Profile: Megan Andrews, Steinbach Credit Union

Megan Andrews

Manager, Consumer Lending, Steinbach Credit Union

Career:

Start in the credit union system: 2010

Megan began her career as a part-time Member Services Representative at Assiniboine Credit Union. After transitioning to full-time, she advanced to a Senior Member Services Representative / Member Service Coordinator, where she focused primarily on front-line operations. Eager to move into lending, she shifted into a dual role as a Senior Member Services Representative / Financial Services Representative, eventually specializing as a Financial Account Manager.

Following a maternity leave, Megan joined Westoba Credit Union as an Assistant Branch Manager, then progressed to Branch Manager. After just over a year, she transitioned to Manager, Branch Service and Operations. Today, she has returned to her passion for lending in her current role as Manager, Consumer Lending at Steinbach Credit Union.

A typical day:

Megan’s day typically involves reviewing and approving lending deals that exceed her team’s authority limits and supporting her team through complex or challenging cases, which she says are increasingly common. Coaching and development are also key parts of her daily routine. She collaborates closely with the other two Consumer Lending Managers to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure a consistent, unified approach. She also works alongside her director to enhance and streamline branch processes.

Continuous learning and improvement:

Early in her career, Megan made a point to volunteer for every committee, process improvement initiative and task team available. These experiences gave her a deep understanding of end-to-end processes and highlighted areas for improvement. She has continued that practice, while also investing in formal education. Megan recently completed a Change Management Certificate and is currently pursuing the Governance Professionals of Canada Certification. Continuous learning is a priority—not just for Megan, but also for the teams she leads.

Keys to success:

Megan’s network has been a cornerstone of her success. She feels fortunate to have a strong circle of supporters—both within and outside the credit union system—who encourage her, challenge her, and offer honest feedback when she needs it most. She says maintaining those relationships has been invaluable. She also believes in stepping up, even when it feels intimidating. Volunteering for committees or projects not only expands your knowledge but also showcases your insights and contributions to others.

Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:

Megan recommends anything Simon Sinek. She also notes that Jay Shetty has an amazing podcast that covers a variety of different topics.

Guiding principles:

Kindness, openness, clarity, and honesty. One principle Megan lives by is: “Clear is kind.” She keeps it posted nearby as a constant reminder. As a leader, Megan has learned that clarity, especially in tough conversations, is a form of kindness. It fosters growth, understanding, and development for everyone involved.

CUYLM participation:

Megan served on the CUYLM Executive Committee from 2021 to 2023. She says CUYLM was instrumental in expanding her professional network. It connected her with a diverse group of emerging leaders, as well as seasoned executives across the credit union system. These relationships have helped her build a strong support base, gain valuable insights, and open doors to new opportunities that have propelled her career forward.