The CUInsight Experience podcast: Leigh Brady – Difference makers (#191)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 191 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 Leigh Brady, President & CEO of State Employees Credit Union (SECU) in North Carolina. Leigh shares her career journey that started at SECU over 36 years ago, having grown through the ranks to becoming the President and CEO. Leigh believes people are our biggest strength and the difference makers within the financial services industry.

During our conversation, Leigh discusses challenges credit unions face today and how we can overcome them. She expresses the value in taking risks and innovating to meet members needs based on feedback. Leigh shares the lasting impact mentors have had on her career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Listen as we discuss the power of people, servant leadership, and innovating to drive our movement forward.

As we wrap up the show, listen as Leigh talks about her dad and his positive impact on others, being intentional with your time, and her book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Leigh Brady!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Leigh:
Leigh Brady, President & CEO of State Employees’ Credit Union
ncsecu.org
Leigh: LinkedIn
SECU: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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 Leigh? Click here.
Place mentioned: North Carolina
Shout-out: North Carolina State University
Shout-out: Generation X
Shout-out: Baby Boomers
Shout-out: Millennials 
Shout-out: Ally
Shout-out: ​​Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union
Shout-out: Lead for North Carolina
Shout-out: Julia Roberts
Shout-out: Lily Tomlin
Shout-out: Hotel California by The Eagles
Book mentioned: Be the Exception by Annie Meehan
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[1:32] – Leigh shares her career journey that started at SECU over 37 years ago.
[4:13] – Leigh emphasizes the importance of work ethic and adaptability for success in any role.
[7:51] – Leigh is excited about technology upgrades at SECU, including selecting a new core vendor.
[11:11] – Leigh shares the value gained from mentors over the years.
[14:58] – In her role, Leigh values servant leaders within her team who prioritize others and the organization.
[17:33] – Leigh relieson her husband and network of CEOs for feedback.
[19:46] – Getting her MBA pushed Leigh out of her comfort zone, fostering lifelong learning.
[23:25] – Leigh believes in servant leadership, emphasizing empathy and respect for all team members.
[26:19] – Listening to member feedback, Leigh adjusted loan pricing and other services to meet their needs.
[29:11] – Leigh sees expanded opportunities in remote work and encourages finding a job that aligns with personal passions.
[33:06] – Leigh reflects on her role’s influence, embracing opportunities to mentor others.
[35:12] – Leigh asks Randy some questions.
[37:37] – Leigh is amazed by her father and his impact on others.
[39:50] – Leigh emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and prioritizing connections despite demanding schedules.
[41:06] – What is the best piece of advice that Leigh ever received?
[43:13] – Leigh gives her book recommendation.
[44:14] – Leigh shares her favorite album of all time.
[44:29] – How does Leigh define success?