We had a fascinating interview with World Council of Credit Unions' new President/CEO Brian Branch on today's global challenges facing credit unions. It was an honor having Brian on the show to discuss his immediate goals, resolutions to international CU issues, financial technology services, career anecdotes from his global travels over the years (47 countries!), and the unique advice former WOCCU President/CEO Pete Crear provided before he handed over the reigns to Brian. A class act all the way, we were thrilled to chat with Brian. TheWOCCU is definitely in good hands. And check out the exotic masks and headgear hanging on his wall behind him -- all given to him by colleagues throughout the globe. Enjoy the show!

Topics:
• As leader of the WOCCU, what are your new responsibilities?
• Any words of wisdom from Pete Crear before he left?
• What are three of the biggest issues or challenges plaguing credit unions globally today?
• Any resolutions to those issues from the WOCCU?
• Under your leadership will there be any changes to the WOCCU operations?
• You've mentioned that the WOCCU needs to stay relevant. How does it do this today?
• How have the tremendous financial service technology changes affected credit unions across the globe?
• You've worked in 47 countries worldwide, any favorite anecdotes to share?
• To wrap up: What can we do as an industry help credit unions internationally flourish in this century?

Visit:
WOCCU

If you enjoy financial politics, then this is the show for you. We are pleased to have New Jersey Credit Union League President/CEO Paul Gentile on the program today talking about a big legislative win for New Jersey credit unions. This landmark win made headlines in every CU trade publication and Paul was proud to tell us all about it. He also had a few words on NCUA regulations, NJCUL's consumer awareness campaign, unique lending opportunities, the upcoming 77th New Jersey Credit Union League Conference, and - of course - earthquakes. It was a pleasure having Paul on the show providing us with his insight on the latest issues affecting credit unions today. Enjoy the program!

Topics:
• New Jersey credit unions winning big on the legislative front
• NJCUL's consumer awareness campaign
• Helping create new national consumer awareness site called "ASmarterChoice.com" 
• Credit unions coping with the roller coaster stock market
• Niche areas credit unions can focus on to combat tough lending environment
• What are you hearing from New Jersey credit unions about NCUA and the current regulatory environment?
• NJCUL's 77th annual convention coming up Sept. 18-20, 2011

Visit:
New Jersey Credit Union League
ASmarterChoice.org

She's been called by some in the press as a "daredevil" marketer because of her strategic "try something new" approach. This philosophy of looking outside the industry for new ideas and delivering has done wonders for Members First Credit Union's Marketing and Business Development Manager Amanda Thomas' career. She was recently chosen as one of CU Times Trailblazers: 40 Below and a finalist in the 2011 CUES Next Top Executivecontest. We talk with Amanda about her marketing successes -- and failures, as they have done wonders for Members First's performance, too. So if you enjoy a compelling and different look at credit union marketing, check out this episode with Amanda Thomas. Enjoy!

Topics discussed:
• According to Credit Union Times, your mantra is not to be afraid of trying anything new to stand out from the marketing noise. How did this philosophy come about?
• You mentioned that you started to see results in your career committing to this philosophy. How so?
• What are a couple of innovative campaigns/projects you have done at Members First that maybe other CUs could learn from?
• How has social media helped you?
• How did it feel to be recognized as one of CU Times Trailblazers: 40 Below?
• What's the latest status on CUES Next Top Executive?
• From your perspective, what can credit unions do better marketing-wise to enhance their exposure?

Visit:
Members First Credit Union
CU Times Trailblazers: 40 Below
CUES 2011 Next Top Executive

I may be in the minority, but I think biometrics are cool. If you can add these fascinating security measures to your business, it just adds to your brand's sophistication. For credit unions, it's a complementary layer to your already stringent security measures that seems to save a ton of time authenticating members for even the simplest of service calls. No more "interrogation" before they get to their request.

We talk with Finivation's CEO, Brian Bodell, about his company's new voice biometrics technology and how it helps credit unions easily and quickly identify members when they call in for assistance. Brian also provides us with where biometrics came from, how they work, and what's in store for the future. It was good to have him on the show providing us with his valuable insight in this important area. Enjoy the program -- and pardon my dorkiness in the intro.

Topics discussed:
-- What is Finivation?
-- How do voice biometrics work?
-- Three specific ways credit unions can use voice biometrics.
-- Why are biometrics so important for the future of financial services?
-- FFIEC has recently imposed new security guidelines for financial institutions. Some are saying they are not forward thinking enough. Why?
-- What can credit unions do better to mitigate members security fears these days?

Visit:
Finivation Software

It's that time of the year again -- back to school time for your kids. It's also back to Ondine Irving's School of Credit Card Program Management, which takes place next month in Chicago. We invited Ondine (Card Analysis Solutions) back on the show to discuss her school and what important, practical, and cost-saving info attendees will take away. She has an impressive line-up of speakers, as well. Ondine was also kind enough to provide us with a few free nuggets of advice for credit unions dealing with credit card programs. You'll want to watch this. Always a pleasure having Ondine on the program, as she provides a ton of value and passion to credit unions. Enjoy the show!

Topics discussed...
-- Your School of Credit Card Program Management, what's it all about?
-- What are some best practices attendees will experience?
• Mobile payment tech impacting plastic
• Reward programs: success and failures
• Effective credit card marketing programs
-- Speakers?
-- How do you see credit union attendees benefiting?
-- How can credit unions maximize their profit while still offering members a fair and ethical credit card product?
-- What are some trends you are seeing in the marketplace today?
-- How can folks sign up?

Visit:
Card Analysis Solutions
CreditCardConnection.org
School of Credit Card Program Management