In the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and unity, Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba continued our profoundly meaningful journey this year dedicated to truth and reconciliation. We believe that true change begins with understanding and acknowledging the past, and this commitment led us to the doors of the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.

The visit was nothing short of enlightening. We had the distinct honor of sitting down with an Elder who is a survivor of the Residential School system, and their wisdom and insights left an indelible mark on all of us. The Elder, with grace and resilience, shared their experiences, allowing us to delve into the history that still reverberates in the lives of Indigenous communities today.

The immersive experience that unfolded over two hours was incredibly eye-opening. As we listened to the Elder's stories, we were transported to a different era, where the echoes of the past were keenly felt. The vivid narratives provided a glimpse into the pain, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those who had been through unimaginable hardships. 

This visit was not only a moment of learning but also a heartfelt pledge to continue our efforts toward truth and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that the road to understanding and healing is ongoing. At CUYLM, we remain committed to fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society, one that acknowledges the past while building a brighter future.

We recognize that our role as young leaders is not only about seeking change but also about becoming catalysts for it. This visit has strengthened our resolve to work towards a more equitable and unified tomorrow.

We express our deepest gratitude to the National Indigenous Residential School Museum and the Elder who shared their story with us. We also thank our fellow members for their openness, curiosity, and commitment to this journey.

As we move forward, let this experience be a beacon of inspiration. Let us carry the lessons learned during our visit with us, as we strive for a more compassionate and harmonious society, embracing the path of truth and reconciliation.

Archana Krishnan,
Vice-Chair, Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba

To learn about the National Indigenous Residential Museum, please visit National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Inc. (nirsmuseum.ca)

Pictured below: CUYLM Executive Committee 2023. To learn about the committee, please visit our Executive Committee page.

CUYLM Executive Committee 2023

Calling All Young Leaders!

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba is recruiting for positions on the CUYLM Executive Committee to serve 3-year terms starting January 2024.  

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, in executing our action plans, and during social networking events.

• Age 37 years or less on January 1, 2023

• Have not previously served as a member of the committee

• Attain full support from your direct manager/supervisor

If this sounds like you, please apply on or before November 10, 2023. 

Visit our application page to apply. 

Application Review 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. 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. 

Questions:

Please contact us if you have any questions.

We are excited to introduce our new CUYLM Executive Committee members for 2023, selected through our annual recruitment process. They will serve 3-year terms starting this January. Please join us in welcoming:

Paige Marchand

Manager, Product and Digital Marketing, Access Credit Union

Kelli Zeiler

Manager, Talent, Learning and Development, Fusion Credit Union

Michelle Watson

Financial Analyst, Stride Credit Union

“Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where people are becoming more and more closely connected.”

— Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

The world today is a global village. CUYLM is proud to foster a multicultural environment, evident by the diverse composition of our group. As young leaders, we hold the potential to change the way we see things, the way we respond, the way we innovate, and thus, change the world we live in. In a step toward harnessing this power of diversity, CUYLM organized its first Culture Café.

Culture defines who we are as individuals, be it history, geography, food, arts, family, customs, or traditions. One of the best ways of learning about an individual is by understanding their culture. Having a one-on-one interaction is a perfect opportunity to hear peoples' stories, share yours and ask questions! Through Culture Café, we aimed to promote sharing of cultural information in a safe space and respectful manner that encouraged curiosity and knowledge acquisition.

As part of this activity, three CUYLM Executive Committee members, Connor Gosen, Kawsar Jubair, and Yomi Oduwobi, shared their experiences and knowledge of their respective cultures from the United States of America, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. Archana Krishnan facilitated and provided insights into her culture from India.

Topics included common misconceptions, what is considered respectful and disrespectful, sports, arts, education and gender roles, as well as how we could use this knowledge to build trusting relationships with our team and community members. During this discussion, we discovered that despite the differences in cultural backgrounds, factors such as movies, food, and sports bind people together universally.

This activity helped our team bond with one another, understand our peers better, acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the vast potential that cross-cultural awareness holds for creativity, collaboration and success.

If you are inspired by this activity and decide to incorporate it within your organization, please share your experiences with us at cuylm@cucm.org and tag us on your social media posts!

Don’t forget to check out our welcome kit for an overview of what CUYLM offers!

2022 CUYLM Executive Committee

To learn more about our Executive Committee, please visit this link.

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba is recruiting for positions on the CUYLM Executive Committee to serve 3-year terms starting January 2023.  

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, in executing our action plans, and during social networking events.

• Age 37 years or less on January 1, 2022

• Have not previously served as a member of the committee

• Attain full support from your direct manager/supervisor

If this sounds like you, please apply on or before November 15, 2022. 

Visit our application page to apply. 

Application Review 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. 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. 

Questions:

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

Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba is recruiting for positions on the CUYLM Executive Committee to serve 3-year terms starting January 2022.  

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 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, in executing our action plans, and during social networking events.

• Age 37 years or less on January 1, 2021

• Have not previously served as a member of the committee

• Attain full support from your direct manager/supervisor

If this sounds like you, please apply on or before November 30, 2021. 

Visit our application page to apply: https://www.cuylm.com/join-executive

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by the current CUYLM Executive Committee. CUYLM 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. 

The executive committee believes in diversity and values the benefits that diversity can bring to the committee.

Questions:

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

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).

Through this blog, we are excited to share more about Stacy Gill, CUYLM Executive Committee member, and Manager, Human Resources at Fusion Credit Union. Stacy is a member of our executive team on the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) committee, and the Manager, Human Resources at Fusion Credit Union.  Stacy has a passion for travel, adventure, and the outdoors, and she has an impressive bucket list already underway (ask her about it the next time you see each other!).  With the onset of Covid-19, Stacy has embraced a ‘socially distant’ version of the activities she loves, and she continues to seek out fun and adventure wherever possible!

Throughout her career in the credit union system, Stacy has capitalized on opportunities to learn more about the diverse operations of our credit unions.  Her credit union experience began as a summer student while attending the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Since then, Stacy has gained skills and knowledge in consumer lending, marketing, human resources, leadership and coaching.  Stacy is known to have a goal and growth-oriented mindset, and has completed a double major in Human Resources and Marketing from the Asper School of Business, and she holds the FCUIC designation.  Stacy has also recently passed the National Knowledge Exam for her Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation, which is a significant milestone in the career of an HR professional.

As the HR lead for a credit union that employs nearly 200 people, Stacy is a key contributor to the people-oriented projects and initiatives at Fusion.  Throughout her leadership journey, Stacy is discovering more about her own personality and style to develop greater levels of emotional intelligence and resiliency to change – both of which are critical leadership skills for major events such as a merge and pandemic! With the knowledge that strategic human resource management plays a key role in creating culture and leading employees, Stacy’s goal has been to handle these opportunities and challenges head-on. Stacy is proud of Fusion’s recognition as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, and she speaks of this in terms of successfully realizing on HR and organizational strategy.

Stacy is currently the chair of the newly formed Fusion Young Leaders Committee. Establishing a young leader committee within the organization has brought new opportunities for skill development of other young leaders in the organization. The ideas and passion this young group has with a common interest to support the strategic growth of our credit union is phenomenal.

Stacy is an excellent addition to the CUYLM executive committee – her passion for education and opportunity aligns with CUYLM’s, and we’re all working together to shape the future of the credit union system.  In addition to her knowledge and background, Stacy has experience leading and contributing to diverse and virtual teams, and she is inspiring the committee as much as she is being inspired.

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

Coming into 2020, I was excited for what the year would bring. There were countless changes coming into my life. My wife is pregnant, we had recently moved to a new community, and we were excited to meet and interact with our new neighbors. And the Jets were on the edge of the playoff picture! Then, the COVID-19 health crisis began to unfold around the world. By the middle of March, we were seeing and feeling the impacts of the global pandemic in some form.

As leaders, we found ourselves immersed in a new world of daily meetings focused on new scenarios. We made plans to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and members, and worked on new methods of delivering service and working together. As I reflect on my experience as a leader navigating these uncharted waters over the past few months, here are some personal takeaways I would like to share.

1. The pandemic has affected everyone in a different way

As the health, financial, and other impacts of the pandemic began to unfold, I realized the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being. Faced with new situations and uncertainty, we were all experiencing stress in various ways. For example, we heeded public health advice and refrained from visiting loved ones to prioritize everyone’s safety.  As for many of you, this affected me personally, as I have people in my life who are on a timeline and I am not sure how long that timeline is.

Knowing that everyone was faced with new challenges, I wanted to ensure CUYLM committee members were putting their mental well-being above all else, and decided to cancel our regularly scheduled monthly call. We encouraged committee members to lean on one another for support and advice on how to manage new situations at work and at home. We prioritized supporting our families, loved ones, members and communities.

2. Our capacity to change and adapt is greater that we think.

From virtual meetings to e-signatures and having employees work from home, things changed very quickly in a matter of days. I am the type of person who always questions why things are done the way they are done. Earlier this winter my father and I went on an ice fishing trip. I stopped at four establishments in search of a fishing licence and asked myself, ‘why can’t I purchase a fishing licence online?’ Adapting to the pandemic meant embracing virtual technology across many industries, and guess what? You can now purchase a fishing licence online.

Our committee re-connected (virtually) after a brief pause, and we, too, needed to adapt. Our first virtual meeting was a great stress relief as we caught up, joked around, and heard perspectives on how credit unions were adapting to the new environment. It wasn’t long before we realized that we would need to find new ways of delivering experiences that were traditionally delivered as large, in-person events, which seem to be a distant memory. Our challenge: re-think the Think Tank that was planned for early June!

CUYLM hosts events like these to inspire, connect, and engage with young leaders in the credit union system. I am a credit union nerd through and through, and thoroughly enjoy meeting and getting to know young leaders at these events.

The committee started brainstorming, and it wasn’t long before we were on the path of something completely new. We are still working out the details, but Manitoba young leaders can expect to hear more about the chance to engage with us in a new way in the fall of 2020!

3. Cherish the connections in your life.

I used to come home after a long workweek, exhausted, and ready to relax. Then, my wife would say “we are meeting with so and so tonight”. After a long week, I would have much rather stayed in for the evening. Now, after being stuck at home, I crave that human interaction. I took those times for granted. Connecting with others is one of the great joys in life. Looking forward, I know I will cherish the times with friends, family, co-workers, and new acquaintances.

While working with CUYLM and in the credit union system I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many amazing people across Manitoba and Canada. This new website was designed as a place to encourage those important connections. It is a place where credit union employees can read, learn, and engage with other system leaders. We are stronger together.

As a committee, we are challenging ourselves to get creative, not be scared to fail, and to try new things, while delivering engaging and relevant content to our supporters. We have been able to deliver on important items as set out in our strategic plan (like our bursary program and this new website), despite working in uncharted territory.

I want to send a huge shout out to Credit Union Central of Manitoba and CUYLM Executive Committee member Carla Toews for being instrumental in the new website design. Thank you!

We have a number of exciting things planned for the year ahead, so please subscribe to our mailing list, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook accounts for updates!

Cheers,
Bradley McEachern

Avoiding Your Knee Jerk Reaction

Beginning at the Royal Bank of Canada in 2003, Kevin Baun has climbed through the ranks in a number of positions including Call Centre Representative, Member Service Representative, Financial Advisor, Manager, and last, but certainly not least – Chief Operating Officer with Belgian Alliance Credit Union.

In his current role, Kevin is responsible for the operations of the credit union; ensuring cohesiveness, consistency, and support. In his words, making sure everyone feels like a part of the team is his greatest responsibility, noting, CULTURE EATS STRATEGY FOR BREAKFAST.

In January, 2017, Kevin joined the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) committee for a three year term – occupying roles of both Vice-Chair and Chair. In his words, the experience with CUYLM starts and ends with ‘wow’.

Kevin attributes the experience to the shared fascination of the credit union system with his committee colleagues; “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people who dare to dream of a better system, and a better way to support everyone who’s in it.”

Kevin also listed the benefits of running for the Vice-Chair/Chair role in saying it opens your eyes to even more elements of the system, and an aspect of leadership that would otherwise be unavailable.

With nearly twenty years’ experience within the financial industry, Kevin notes the biggest lesson he has learned is to avoid his knee jerk reaction.

“If you can accept that you can learn how to modify the impression others have of you, and you do it, both parties will be better for it.”

This is where Kevin attributes his success – learning and accepting that the only person he has control over is himself. Going on to explain further, he says:

“When colleagues bring a certain situation (positive or negative) to my attention, I rarely say anything – rather, I ask a question. If I feel strongly for either side of the situation, my first instinct is to jump in, and solve the problem. However, I’ve recently learned the stronger you feel about something the less likely you are to change.”

Kevin calls these moments pulse checks, and says they occur daily.

When asked his number one piece of advice for young leaders emerging in the Credit Union System his answers were, be a life-long learner and discover your why.

“Never stop learning. Never. You’ll be better for it for yourself, family, friends, and co-workers. The more you learn, the more you understand, and the more you grow.”

He goes on to say, “Two people can often do the same thing, but not with the same level of authenticity and members/customers can tell – so identify your WHY. Why do you do what you do?”

Kevin notes that people prescribe to why you do what you do, and not what you do, mentioning, authenticity is key in putting your best foot forward.

Meet, Randy Dagasdas – Interim CEO with Me-Dian Credit Union, CUYLM executive, and aspiring MD. Of course, if you ask him, he’ll be adamant that ship has sailed.

Randy has been in the credit union system for ten years, and in the financial industry for 17. He has occupied roles from Call Centre Representative and Financial Account Manager to Manager of Personal Lending and now, Interim CEO.

For Randy, his university degree took seven years to complete.

“I never took a full course load. I always worked. At one point, I had seven jobs. My first year of university, I would work from midnight to 8 a.m., go home, shower, and go straight to class.”

It is said that the rate of learning should always be greater than the rate of change – so how do I ensure I am continuously learning?

“It’s quite simple – it’s easier to believe that you are growing when you surround yourself with individuals who are not. So surround yourself with motivated individuals that want to make a difference.”

For Randy, this rings true as he has completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, his Executive MBA, and is currently focused on his Canadian Risk Management designation. Having immigrated to Canada from the Philippines when he was just 15, Randy attributes his work ethic to a grateful heart.

My standards are higher because my reasons are bigger – it is an opportunity to live in Canada.”

A big believer in having a personal strategic plan, Randy believes long term relationships have been and will continue to be his strategic plan.

“We always come up with business strategies for the credit union, why not for ourselves?”

Randy notes, people often go to events and try to network and connect with as many people as they can, while he applies himself to one or two networking relationships and makes the possible friendship his focus – connections he’s certain will last.

“I am a fairly private person, and so long term relationships are truly important to me. We have leaders in our system who are incredibly welcoming and it has been my mission to seek out those individuals – the genuine leaders that promote and nurture relationships. Those are the people you want to connect and grow with.”

Randy joined the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba committee in January, 2018. In his words:

“CUYLM and the Credit Union system have both been very good to me.”

As Randy places a lot of emphasis on self-development (both as a person and educationally), he has found that making connections with other members of the committee has benefited him immensely.

“I can always pick up the phone and call around for help when I need it, and the reason I can do that is because once I make a connection with someone, I work to keep it.”

The CUYLM committee continues to stress the importance of friendships in networking, and making those connections count.

Investing in the development of young credit union leaders is not only beneficial to the employee, but to the system as a whole, because you are not just investing in a person; you are investing in the long-term security, stability, and growth of future credit unions. An initiative like CUYLM is important because it provides future leaders the opportunity to expand their networks and gain a deeper understanding of the system issues while working collaboratively to help find solutions.

If you know a way to make the world a better place and can help prepare people for what is ahead, we have a responsibility to share it with people, who will then pass it along to others. This knowledge sharing is why CUYLM was such an instrumental part of my career. I was fortunate to have a leader within my credit union invest in me and support my professional growth, which has given me the tools I needed to get to where I am today.

Being a part of the Executive Committee with CUYLM allowed me to be a part of something beyond my credit union, helped enlighten me to the challenges, and showed me the opportunities available. I had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the system with Parliament in Ottawa, facilitate working groups with executives and board members of our credit union, and gain valuable leadership development training through the CUYLM-hosted Think Tanks and conferences. All of this continues to benefit me today.

I’m excited about the potential of the young leaders I know today. They are authentic, bright, and curious. If we do our part to help them get ready, the future will be in good hands.

Former CUYLM Executive Committee member
Dawn Borges, Director, Member and Employee Experience
Crosstown Civic Credit Union

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

CUYLM was fortunate enough to have four of its committee members attend the CUNextGEN Intensive as part of the National Credit Union Conference in Toronto that took place April 29-May 1.

The CUNextGen started early Sunday morning at 7 am with breakfast and registration. Attendees were assigned to tables with 6-7 other young leaders from across the country. Megan Mitchell facilitated a workshop labelled “The Art of the Possible”, which was designed to teach us how to increase our creative influence and effectiveness! Megan tasked each table with their own question where Young Leaders spent the remainder of the day using the “FourSight Framework” as a process to follow and ultimately come up with a solution to the question given at the beginning of the day. It was great to learn about the 4-step process, then to put it altogether:

• Clarify - Identifying the Challenge

• Ideate - Generating Ideas

• Develop - Turning Ideas into Solutions

• Implement - Making it Happen

Each group was tasked to use the “FourSight Framework” to come up with a solution to the question they had been assigned, and then presented the solution to the rest of the group on Day 2. Given the short amount of time to prepare for the presentations, it was amazing to see what each group came up with as a final product! It definitely goes to show how passionate and creative our Young Leaders are from across the country.

At the end of day 1, we had the opportunity to take part in a “Human Library”. Each of us had the opportunity to pre-select five industry leaders who we wanted to learn more about – with a rotation every 20 minutes. It was interesting to hear their ideas and perspectives on all the ongoing opportunities the CU system is facing. Some of the questions asked were:

• How is your credit union dealing with the notion that CU’s are turning into banks?

• How do you see the CU System in 5 years?

• What has your career path looked like to get to where you are today?

Over the course of the 2 days, we had many chances to network with other Young Leaders and meet people from all across the country. It was a fantastic experience to connect with people and to share perspectives and ideas.

Overall, this experience made you realize that every credit union has its challenges, and there are so many bright minds within the CU System. It was exciting to see how many people are so passionate about helping members with their finances, and ultimately want to provide them with the best service possible. It was mind-blowing and exciting to see the BIG ideas that so many of these young leaders have. It makes you us feel good about going back to our individual CUs and getting more involved to make a greater impact.

CUYLM is offering a similar workshop on May 17, as our annual “Think Tank”. We encourage all Young Leaders to get involved and be part of the future of the CU System.

2018 CUYLM Committee Members,

Brad
Marie
Kevin
Shellyna

Shellyna Lipic and Kevin Baun, CUYLM’s Executive Committee Chair and Vice Chair, had the opportunity to represent CUYLM at the Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM) conference in Brandon on March 22nd, as well as at the University of Winnipeg’s Co-Op class that same evening, which made for a very busy day!

Credit Union Central of Manitoba

Shellyna and Kevin were able to mix and mingle with executives from Credit Unions across Manitoba, discussing and challenging interesting topics that are relevant across the Credit Union system.

The topic that our Chair and Vice-Chair discussed in their group was “What is one assumption we have that we should challenge, and what that would look like?”.

The solutions the group came up with aligned greatly with CUYLM’s own initiatives: Empower existing staff, provide financial literacy, and promote co-operative awareness in the community.

Shellyna did a fantastic job representing CUYLM by speaking for our group’s challenge and solution at the podium for all to hear.

The audience also had the opportunity to hear David Dern of www.cdfcanada.coop. We are going to be in touch with him about opportunities for young leaders to make a difference outside of MB (stay tuned).

University of Winnipeg – Co-Op Class

Shellyna and Kevin also met with other credit unions and co-operatives to share who we are, as CUYLM, our mission statement, and our background. We heard from the students on their own innovative co-operative ideas.

The night finished with mingling, asking and answering questions, and encouraging students to seek out their local credit union for a career path.

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

Elaine Mann, CUYLM Executive Committee member:

I had the pleasure to take Ray Brasch, board member of Grandview Credit Union, out for breakfast on a beautiful spring morning. I was overwhelmed by his positive, enthusiastic and supportive attitude. We connected on so many levels, as I found out he was my Dad’s friend in school, and now Ray and I both share a passion for the Credit Union System. Crazy!

Our visit was a chance to talk about the many aspects of the Credit Union System. He talked about collaboration between Credit Unions and how it has become essential in rural areas. Small communities struggle to provide members with expertise, but together we can truly provide the Credit Union difference to our members. Ray has shown commitment to both the Credit Union and his community for the past sixteen years, as they have faced many changes and overcame challenges. He stressed that commitment is important even in tough times, especially for young leaders, as they are the future and far more important than we could ever imagine.

My take away on this visit was, as a seasoned leader, Ray confirmed that every single person should be respected for the ability to convert pressure into productivity and skills into strengths. This is something as young leaders we can all work toward.