The CUInsight Experience podcast: Samantha Beeler – Change challenge (#196)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 196 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 Samantha Beeler, President of LSCU & Affiliates. Samantha shares the career journey that led her to credit unions and her current role. We discuss the challenges credit unions face while also exploring exciting new ventures and expansion opportunities. Samantha admires the grit and resilience of the credit union industry and how we unite to move our industry forward.

During our conversation, Samantha shares the lasting impact mentors have had on her career and advises those working towards a leadership role. She expresses the value in fostering a culture of openness where where everyone feels valued and heard. When it comes to feedback, the LSCU & Affiliates team shares common language to create a fast to fail, quick to learn culture. Listen as we discuss ways to drive our industry forward through collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.

As we wrap up the show, listen as Samantha shares how she finds harmony in balancing work and family life, some audio book recommendations, and who her favorite superhero is. Enjoy my conversation with Samantha Beeler!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Samantha:
Samantha Beeler, President of LSCU & Affiliates
lscu.coop
Samantha: LinkedIn
LSCU: LinkedIn | 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 Samantha? Click here.
Place mentioned: Africa
Place mentioned: Malawi
Place mentioned: Thailand
Place mentioned: Washington DC
Shout-out: 2024 SACCA Congress
Shout-out: AACUC
Shout-out: Renée Sattiewhite
Shout-out: Mike Mercer
Place mentioned: Greenville, SC
Place mentioned: Asheville, NC
Place mentioned: Alabama
Shout-out: Virginia Credit Union League
Place mentioned: Florida
Place mentioned: Georgia
Shout-out: America’s Credit Unions
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Shout-out: Jennifer Wagner
Shout-out: GoWest
Shout-out: Troy Stang
Shout-out: Debie Keesee
Shout-out: Maureen Bock
Shout-out: Paul Gentile

Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: Harvard Kennedy School
Shout-out: Denise Gabel
Shout-out: GAC
Shout-out: EPA
Shout-out: Harvard Business Review
Shout-out: Frosted Flakes
Shout-out: Frosted Mini Wheats
Shout-out: Chuck Fagan
Place mentioned: Oregon
Shout-out: Wonder Woman
Place mentioned: Philippines
Place mentioned: Southeast Asia
Place mentioned: Europe
Place mentioned: Connecticut
Shout-out: Jennifer Lawrence
Shout-out: Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF)
Book mentioned: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
Book mentioned: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
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), Paul Gentile, Chuck Fagan (episodes 5 & 176), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[1:20] – Samantha’s journey as a missionary led her to appreciate the people-centered nature of credit unions.
[4:05] – Credit unions face natural disasters and cybersecurity risks, emphasizing the need for courage and innovation.
[8:25] – Samantha shares the lasting impact mentors have had on her career.
[11:25] – Samantha values her team’s honest feedback and collaboration.
[15:24] – Hear how Samantha chose different development paths, attending Harvard and trying stand-up comedy to improve skills.
[19:02] – Samantha values emotional intelligence and leadership influence during job candidate interviews.
[22:40] – Samantha’s team uses a “fast to fail, quick to learn” culture to foster accountability and open communication.
[28:37] – Samantha advocates for the importance of self-reflection.
[33:11] – Samantha seeks alignment and guidance from her board, empowering rather than managing them.
[38:29] – As the youngest league president, Samantha emphasizes long-term planning for the future.
[41:45] – Samantha’s first job was as a lifeguard in high school, which was very stressful for her.
[42:16] – Samantha enjoys spending time with her three daughters on their Alabama farm.
[43:05] – We learn that Samantha prioritizes family above all and strives for harmony rather than balance.
[45:18] – Credit unions need support for rebuilding, and donations can help displaced families.