The CUInsight Experience podcast: Lauren Culp – Transitions (#194)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 194 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Velera, formerly PSCU/Co-op Solutions, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. Velera serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services.

My guest on today’s show is Lauren Culp, the current President & CEO of CUInsight and soon-to-be ​​Executive Director at the National Credit Union Foundation. Lauren discusses her upcoming career transition and reflects on her time at CUInsight. She shares valuable insights about leadership, communication, career development, and how we can break new ground to grow our industry.

During our conversation, Lauren opens up about the bittersweet nature of leaving CUInsight after five impactful years, reflecting on the accomplishments she’s most proud of. She is excited about the people in the credit union industry and the alignment of their goals to help evolve and grow our movement. Lauren shares insights and offers tips on executing strategic plans and getting everyone on board. She emphasizes the importance of listening, collaborating, and fostering a supportive team culture. Listen as we explore the theme of transitions, including the larger shifts happening within the credit union space.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Lauren shares the best advice she’s been given around feedback, a book she recommends, and inspiration to change the world. Enjoy my conversation with Lauren Culp!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Lauren:
Lauren Culp, President & CEO at CUInsight
cuinsight.com
Lauren: LinkedIn
CUInsight: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at Velera, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Lauren? Click here.
Shout-out: The National Credit Union Foundation
Shout-out: Gigi Hyland
Shout-out: Julie R Ferguson
Place mentioned: Alaska
Shout-out: Ronaldo Hardy
Shout-out: NACUSO
Shout-out: Heather McKissick
Shout-out: CUES
Shout-out: Velera
Shout-out: America’s Credit Unions
Shout-out: Tony Hernandez
Shout-out: Defense Credit Union Council
Shout-out: Harvard Business Review
Shout-out: Associated Press
Shout-out: MacKenzie Scott
Shout-out: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Shout-out: Bill Gates
Shout-out: Melinda French Gates
Shout-out: Jim Hayes
Shout-out: Tracie Kenyon
Shout-out: John Pettit
Shout-out: Credit Union Development Education
Shout-out: Filene Research Institute
Shout-out: Tansley Stearns
Shout-out: Humanidei
Shout-out: Randy’s nephew
Shout-out: Emma Stone
Book mentioned: Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Lauren Culp (episodes 39 & 115), Julie Ferguson, Gigi Hyland (episodes 2 & 120), Heather McKissick, Tony Hernandez (episodes 59 & 185), Jim Hayes, Tracie Kenyon, Tansley Stearns (episodes 36 & 146), Ronaldo Hardy

In This Episode:
[1:53] – Lauren reflects on the bittersweet transition to The National Credit Foundation and plans for future projects.
[4:06] – Encouraged by friends, Lauren applied for a new role, pushing herself beyond comfort in order to grow.
[8:47] – Lauren expresses pride in her team’s culture and foundational work that will drive future growth.
[11:56] – Leadership transitions and new technologies in the industry excite Lauren, as she anticipates significant momentum.
[19:05] – Lauren discusses the importance of collaboration within teams.
[21:57] – With a clear direction, Lauren fosters collaboration and values team input, facilitating a trusting environment.
[23:39] – Transparency has helped Lauren navigate board relationships.
[27:07] – Lauren shares insights and offers tips on executing strategic plans.
[29:21] – Lauren emphasizes the importance of SMART goals for strategic planning.
[31:14] – Lauren prioritizes career satisfaction through regular check-ins.
[34:06] – Lauren found speaker training beneficial for improving communication in various professional settings.
[35:52] – Hear how Lauren learned the value of keeping the user’s needs central.
[38:00] – Excitement surrounds the direction Lauren is leading, while leaving CUInsight in a great place.
[40:22] – Lauren received advice on handling conflicting feedback, suggesting focusing on sources that truly matter.
[41:59] – Lauren shares a book recommendation.
[42:54] – What does success look like to Lauren?
[43:35] – Lauren encourages pushing boundaries to avoid becoming stagnant.