‘The detour is the path’

Plans are made for flexing and adapting, former Marine pilot says.

When Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour recalls the chaotic details of a mission during the Iraq War as a U.S. Marine Corps. fighter pilot, she asks attendees at the CUNA Lending Council Virtual Conference to identify the most important factors for success.

Among the suggestions were teamwork, confidence under pressure. But Armour, America’s first African-American female combat pilot, says her flight plan was the No. 1 reason she succeeded.

“Our plan gave us the framework for when stuff hit the fan,” she says. “We could flex, adapt, get back on course, and accomplish the mission. It’s all about flexibility and adaptability in the moment.”

She says credit unions face a similar situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

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