The CUInsight Network podcast: Collaborative solutions – CUNA Strategic Services

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). Barb is a return guest to the podcast and shares a brief overview of her previous episode. CSS connects credit unions and leagues to the industry’s top solution providers. The team at CSS understands the issues credit unions face, finds solutions to solve those problems, and distributes those solutions to credit unions of all sizes.

During our conversation, Barb and I chat about the value CSS provides in connecting, collaborating, and providing solutions for the credit union system. She talks about CSS’ new webinar series, Safeguarding Your Credit Union’s Future, and shares how it was designed based on the needs and feedback of executives in the industry. Barb shares the passion and commitment of the CSS team to help credit unions thrive and better serve their members. As we look to the future, Barb shares their plan to rebrand and reimagine their strategy to continue serving the credit union industry.

As we wrap up the episode, Barb talks about an upcoming trip she is excited about, a book she recommends, and the importance of being intentional and spreading kindness.

Connect with Barb:
Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services
blowman@cuna.coop
cunastrategicservices.com
Barb: LinkedIn
CSS: LinkedIn

Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Barb! Check out all the exceptional work her team is doing over at CUNA Strategic Services here.
Want to hear more from Barb? Click here.
Barb’s Previous Episode: Episode #62
Shout-out: America’s Credit Union
Shout-out: World Council of Credit Unions
Shout-out: TruStage
CSS Webinar Series: Safeguarding Your Credit Union’s Future 
Shout-out: AACUL
Shout-out: Advantage powered by JMFA
Shout-out: CFPB
Shout-out: Cooperative Credit Union Association
Shout-out: Sam Plester
Shout-out: Mission Brands Consulting
Shout-out: Agility Recovery
Shout-out: VentureTech
Shout-out: GAC
Shout-out: Sheila McCracken
Shout-out: Loyola Federal Savings Bank
Place mentioned: Seattle, WA
Place mentioned: Chicago, IL
Shout-out: Brian Lee
Shout-out: Landings Credit Union
Place mentioned: Arizona
Shout-out: Carefull
Place mentioned: Washington DC
Article mentioned: “Credit scores and Alzheimer’s Disease” by Brian Lee
Book mentioned: The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins

In this episode:
[01:16] – Collaborating across the system, CSS finds solutions to address credit union challenges.
[03:33] – Barb talks about CSS’ new webinar series, Safeguarding Your Credit Union’s Future.
[06:22] – Recently, CSS explored disaster preparedness with an executive who lost his home in a tornado.
[09:32] – We learn that upcoming CSS webinars will cover fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and data-driven transformation.
[12:47] – CSS’ webinars offer practical insights through experience-based discussions for CUs.
[15:28] – Barb shares CSS’ plan to rebrand.
[20:01] – Barb expresses excitement about an Alaskan cruise this month.
[21:13] – Barb loves visiting Chicago, particularly enjoying history and architecture.
[21:56] – Barb recommends reading the book, The 36-Hour Day.
[23:33] – We discuss content, resources, and providers available to learn more about Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 
[26:04] – Barb prioritizes balance by being intentional, accountable, and present for her family and friends.
[27:20] – Barb encourages listeners to extend grace to people because we never know what they are enduring.