The CUInsight Network podcast: Products for success – Envisant

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 guests on today’s show are Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisant and Tom Kane, President & CEO at Illinois Credit Union League. Libby and Tom share their career journeys that led them to their current roles. Envisant, a subsidiary of the Illinois Credit Union League, provides exceptional pricing and functionality in the card space by aggregating credit unions of diverse sizes. Envisant helps credit unions find solutions and achieve their vision through experience and expertise.

During our conversation, we discuss all that Envisant has achieved to earn CUSO Of The Year, awarded by NACUSO and what that means to Libby and Tom as we look to the future. Libby talks about Envisant’s partnership with Curql Collective, providing opportunity for credit unions with assets above $100 million to jointly invest in transformative technology to remain competitive and relevant. Tom announces an upcoming transition in leadership at the Illinois Credit Union League and Libby shares excitement in what’s to come. Listen as Libby and Tom talk about their dedication to the movement in helping credit unions grow, thrive, and prepare for the future.

As we wrap up the episode, Libby and Tom share great leaders in their life, what they are splurging on these days when it comes to travel and home renovations, along with how to balance work and home life. Enjoy my conversation with Libby and Tom!

Connect with Libby:
Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisant
www.envisant.com
Libby: LinkedIn
Envisant: LinkedIn | Facebook | X 

Connect with Tom:
Tom Kane, President & CEO of Illinois Credit Union League
www.icul.com
Tom: LinkedIn
Illinois Credit Union League: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Libby and Tom! Check out all the exceptional work their team is doing over at Envisant and Illinois Credit Union League.
Shout-out: Curql
Shout-out: Curql Fund II
Place mentioned: Illinois
Shout-out: NACUSO
Place mentioned: Mississippi
Shout-out: CU Kind Day
Place mentioned: Minnesota
Shout-out: In The Cellar
Shout-out: Children’s Miracle Network
Shout-out: Tom’s dad
Shout-out: Los Angeles
Shout-out: Tom’s son
Place mentioned: Las Vegas
Place mentioned: Washington DC
Place mentioned: Miami
Place mentioned: Cuba
Book mentioned: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Place mentioned: Chicago
Shout-out: I Love My Credit Union Day

In this episode:
[01:08] – Tom shares how he grew up in a banking family but pursued international relations, working in the CIA.
[02:21] – Libby had originally planned to be a doctor but transitioned to finance 
[05:45] – Libby began as a bank auditor, became a credit union CEO, and now leads Envisant
[07:54] – We learn that Libby was drawn to Envisant for its work with over 2,000 credit unions, offering tailored solutions for each one.
[10:09] – Tom emphasizes that their main asset is their long-tenured staff, which drives their success in providing services and support.
[12:49] – Through Curql Fund II, credit unions gain access to large-scale opportunities.
[16:47] – Envisant won NACUSO’s CUSO of the Year award.
[19:19] – Praising their team’s dedication, Libby emphasizes their innovative investments and industry support.
[20:47] – Tom plans to retire at the end of 2024, with Libby succeeding him as President and CEO.
[22:15] – Expressing her excitement for the transition, Libby values Tom’s knowledge and ongoing support.
[24:15] – Libby focuses on helping CUs deal with industry consolidation and strategic planning despite rapid changes.
[26:40] – Tom cites his father as his greatest influence, valuing his role as both a businessman and a father.
[28:42] – Libby’s ultimate treat is travel; she loves learning about different cultures and experiences.
[29:29] – Known for being frugal, Tom’s current splurge involves renovating his house.
[32:15] – Reading any book, whether fiction or nonfiction, can stimulate thinking.
[35:09] – Libby has found balance through a daily ten-minute yoga routine.
[35:54] – Hear why Tom values hybrid work.
[38:48] – Libby feels blessed to be working in this industry.