The CUInsight Experience podcast: Renée Sattiewhite – Think global (#197)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 197 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 Renée Sattiewhite, President and CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). This conversation is held on-site at SACCA Congress in Kenya, surrounded by an influential group of 32 individuals from the U.S. credit union system. Renée shares what inspired her to bring this diverse group to Kenya, stemming from her experiences at previous congresses and her passion for fostering connections and future growth.

During our conversation, Renée talks about the unique insights gained from international perspectives. She shares the vast value of learning from different cultures to improve our practices for the communities we serve. We discuss how ACCOSCA’s commitment to inclusivity is evident through their efforts. Renée discusses strategies for developing a pipeline of diverse leaders and the significance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation. Listen as we explore the joys of international collaboration, the power of community, and the challenges we face as an industry, which also serve as opportunities for growth and lasting change.

As we wrap up the show, Renée shares who she thinks of when she hears the word, success. She shares book recommendations and provides advice to all listeners. Enjoy my conversation with Renée Sattiewhite!

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Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Renée:
Renée Sattiewhite, President & CEO at AACUC
aacuc.org
Renée: LinkedIn
AACUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | 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 Renée? Click here.
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Shout-out: SACCA Congress
Shout-out: ACCOSCA
Place mentioned: Kenya
Shout-out: Distinguished Service Award
Shout-out: Robert Trunzo
Shout-out: TruStage
Shout-out: Lois Kitsch
Shout-out: Herb Wegner Memorial Awards
Shout-out: Bill Cheney
Shout-out: Mike Mercer
Shout-out: AACUC Hall of Fame
Shout-out: Joan Nelson
Shout-out: Sandra DeVoe Bland
Shout-out: Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award
Shout-out: Sheilah Montgomery
Shout-out: Cooperative Hall of Fame
Place mentioned: Italy
Shout-out Brett Martinez
Shout-out: Murray Williams
Shout-out: Iowa Credit Union League
Shout-out: Cathie Mahon
Shout-out: Inclusiv
Shout-out: Priscilla Awkard
Shout-out: Coastal Credit Union
Shout-out: Marvin York
Shout-out: Debbie Smith
Shout-out: GUCU
Shout-out: Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award
Shout-out: Kevin Martin
Shout-out: Emma Hayes
Place mentioned: Ghana
Shout-out: Bert J. Hash, Jr.
Shout-out: Joanne Todd
Shout-out: George Ombado
Program mentioned: Credit Union Development Education
Program mentioned: African Development Educators (ADE) Program
Place mentioned: Botswana
Place mentioned: Nairobi, Kenya
Shout-out: World Council of Credit Unions
Shout-out: Terrance Williams
Shout-out: Heather McKissick
Shout-out: CUES
Shout-out: John Cassidy
Shout-out: Velera
Shout-out: Chuck Fagan
Shout-out: Brandi Stankovic
Shout-out: Dan Berger
Shout-out: Maurice Smith
Shout-out: Landmark Worldwide
Shout-out: United Way
Shout-out: Esperanza Poblano
Place mentioned: California
Album mentioned: 30 Greatest Hits by Aretha Franklin
Shout-out: Aretha Franklin
Book mentioned: Sowing Seeds: Life Lessons From My Father by Maurice R. Smith
Book mentioned: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick M. Lencioni 
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Renée Sattiewhite (episodes 52 & 143), Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, 161, 177, & 190), Bob Trunzo (episodes 32 & 162), Lois Kitsch, Bill Cheney, Brett Martinez, Cathie Mahon, Bert J. Hash, Jr, Joanne Todd, George Ombado, Terrance Williams, Heather McKissick, Chuck Fagan, Dan Berger (episodes 3 & 151)  Maurice Smith (episodes 9 & 143)
Stay tuned for SACCO insight launching in January 2025

In This Episode:
[2:11] – Renée received a Distinguished Service Award last year and decided to bring 32 participants to SACCA Congress this year.
[3:12] – Renée reflects on gathering industry leaders for this event.
[6:25] – Renée highlights the value of learning from international conferences and improving credit unions.
[9:11] – Randy discusses fostering community and bonding during the SACCA Congress and Nairobi trip.
[10:05] – Hear about the strong bond and solidarity between Renée’s team.
[12:37] – Viewing challenges as opportunities, Renée emphasizes inclusivity through collaboration and leadership.
[15:39] – We learn that building a pipeline for diverse C-level executives is a key focus for Renée and her team.
[18:33] – To be an effective leader, it’s essential to listen and collaborate.
[23:06] – Renée strongly values respect for hierarchy and protocol in her organization.
[24:05] – Influenced by community and service, Renée’s leadership prioritizes genuine engagement with others.
[26:45] – For CEOs, understanding and maintaining strong board relationships is very important to effective leadership.
[27:54] – Renée insists that DEI is vital for the future of organizations.
[31:40] – Renée advises staying patient and persistent, as progress often comes in waves.
[34:39] – When Renée hears the word, “success” she thinks of, Maurice Smith.
[35:47] – Renée emphasizes the importance of kindness, grace, and understanding toward others in daily interactions.