The CUInsight Experience podcast: Tony Hernandez – Multiple voices (#185)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 185 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Motivosity.  Motivosity is all about building amazing company cultures that help people be happier at work. Through building recognition, connection, and community within the credit union, Motivosity makes your employees more engaged, and in turn, your members are too. 

My guest on today’s show is Tony Hernandez, President & CEO at Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). Tony spent 25 years in the United States Air Force before transitioning into the credit union industry. He truly understands the needs of military members and uses his knowledge to support the financial wellness of service members, veterans, and their families.

During our conversation, Tony explains how important it is that veterans know and understand the resources available to them. He talks about becoming an alternate voice within the credit union industry that empowers those who serve our country. Tony shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Listen as we discuss the most current guides and programs DCUC has for veterans across the US.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Tony talks about being amazed by the milestones of his daughters, book, and listening to 80s rock. Enjoy my conversation with Tony Hernandez!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Tony:
Tony Hernandez, President & CEO at DCUC (Defense Credit Union Council)
ahernandez@dcuc.org
dcuc.org
Tony: LinkedIn
DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | X 

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at Motivosity, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Tony? Click here.
Historic event mentioned: COVID-19 pandemic
Place mentioned: New Mexico
Shout-out: United States Air Force
Shout-out: Roland “Arty” Arteaga
Shout-out: The Pentagon
Shout-out: Tony’s wife
Shout-out: Veterans Guide: Understanding Your Benefits
Shout-out: Veterans Home Buying Guide
Shout-out: DCUC Publications
Shout-out: America’s Credit Unions
Shout-out: Filene Research Institute
Shout-out: Crash Course
Shout-out: Meta
Shout-out: Google
Shout-out: Joint Pub 5-0
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Place mentioned: Africa
Place mentioned: Kenya
Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: The Great Courses
Shout-out: Harvard Business Review
Shout-out: TED
Conference mentioned: DCUC 2024 Annual Conference
Place mentioned: St. Petersburg, Florida
Shout-out: Tony’s daughters
Place mentioned: Warsaw, Poland
Place mentioned: Virginia
Shout-out: Oscar Isaac
Shout-out: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
Shout-out: Veterans Benefits Banking Program
Book mentioned: The Accidental Superpower: The Next Generation of American Preeminence and the Coming Global Disorder by Peter Zeihan
Book mentioned: Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope, and Compassion by Richard E. Boyatzis and Annie McKee 
Artist mentioned: Mötley Crüe
Artist mentioned: Guns N’ Roses
Artist mentioned: Led Zeppelin
Artist mentioned: Jimi Hendrix
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Tony Hernandez, Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, 161, & 177), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[00:50] – Tony thinks back on starting out in the United States Air Force.
[03:30] – How did Tony transition into the credit union industry?
[06:31] – “Every zip code has a veteran.”
[08:14] – Tony talks about becoming an alternate voice within the credit union industry.
[10:30] – What makes a great leader in Tony’s eyes? PART 1
[13:10] – What makes a great leader in Tony’s eyes? PART 2
[15:19] – How does Tony create strategic plans?
[18:04] – Tony shares which aspects he looks for in potential team members.
[20:52] – Making decisions together and working towards goals together.
[22:56] – Tony talks about different ways he’s invested in his career and himself.
[24:35] – What are Tony’s thoughts on teams being agile?
[26:21] – Find opportunities to meet with your network of leaders.
[28:57] – Tony talks about keeping a human touch in the member experience.
[31:44] – What’s next for Tony?
[33:03] – Tony’s first job involved washing potatoes. Where did he work?
[35:02] – Tony talks about moving around until finally settling in Virginia.
[38:05] – Building a stronger and wider network to take care of veterans.
[40:57] – Thank you Tony, and thank you for listening!