The CUInsight Experience podcast: Michael Crowl – Curiosity focus (#195)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 195 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 Michael Crowl, President & CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU). Michael shares his career journey that led him to credit unions and his current role. He shares the value of curiosity and reflects on pivotal experiences that shaped his leadership style. The team at UFCU understands human-centered design in digital transformation and innovates to be compelling, maintain authenticity, and engage members effectively.

During our conversation, Michael shares insights into the evolving financial landscape and emphasizes the need to be compelling and not just relevant in today’s fast-paced world. He discusses the importance of transforming technology and culture to maintain authenticity and member engagement. Michael shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Listen as we discuss the value in cultural and digital transformation, the power of curiosity, and authentic leadership that prioritizes others.

As we wrap up the show, listen as Michael talks about a new chapter in his life as empty nesters, energy management, and a book he recommends to everyone. 

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Michael:
Michael Crowl, President & CEO of UFCU
ufcu.org
Michael: LinkedIn
UFCU: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X | 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 Michael? Click here.
Place mentioned: Austin, TX
Shout-out: Credit Union Development Education
Shout-out: Yung Tran
Shout-out: Morgan Stanley
Shout-out: Michael’s mother and grandmother
Shout-out: Tony Budet
Shout-out: Amazon
Shout-out: Burton Eubanks
Shout-out: Laurie Roberts
Shout-out: Mike Clifford
Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Shout-out: Callahan & Associates
Shout-out: Matthew McConaughey
Album mentioned: The Joshua Tree by U2
Book mentioned: CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, & Vikram Malhotra
Book mentioned: Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, 161, 177, & 190), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[1:35] – Michael shares his career journey that led him to UFCU.
[4:47] – Learn who has shaped Michael’s leadership style.
[7:04] – Relevance alone isn’t enough; organizations must be compelling and engage members effectively.
[9:27] – Michael embraces human-centered design and fintech partnerships and fosters innovation at UFCU.
[11:55] – Michael emphasizes evolving both technology and culture to maintain authenticity and member engagement.
[14:21] – Hear how mentorship shaped Michael’s growth, with mentors offering valuable feedback.
[16:30] – Michael mentors his executive team, connecting with employees through listening tours and lunches.
[19:29] – Michael values “executive presence” as curiosity, self-awareness, and authentic leadership that prioritizes others.
[22:09] – Michael prioritizes transparency, creating a comfortable environment for open employee feedback and trust.
[24:20] – Executive coaching transformed Michael’s leadership, helping him clarify and live by his core values.
[27:21] – Michael’s focus is on caring about people.
[30:42] – Michael shares the value in building one-on-one relationships with board members.
[32:16] – Michael practices energy management.
[34:07] – Michael shares his favorite album of all time and book recommendations.
[35:50] – Michael encourages listeners to ask themselves daily whose life they will impact.