Pixie Gray, VP/Organizational Development at CUES, and Jon Jones, Performance Consultant at CUES, both joined us in the Studio Lounge to share the benefits of the "CUES Essential Leadership Program," -- its cost-effective, interactive leadership for emerging talent.

Pixie and Jon talked about how this new leadership competency model has been launched for credit unions to focus on developing future leaders through structured programs. This initiative emphasizes collaboration, peer learning, and emotional intelligence, aiming to reduce turnover in leadership roles and promote sustainable growth.

Participants in this program will experience a cohort model that enhances essential leadership skills while upholding cooperative values. Subsequent consulting services (CUES Consulting) are also available to support credit unions in their leadership development efforts.

Q&A
What is the leadership competency model discussed in the podcast?
The leadership competency model is a framework that combines skills and behaviors specific to credit union leaders.
What is the significance of the leadership competency model for credit unions?
It is tailored to the unique community impact and cooperative nature of credit unions, unlike universal models.
What are the key components of the Essential Leadership Program mentioned?
The program includes three modules: Foundations of Leadership, Executive Presence, and Emotional Intelligence.
How does the Essential Leadership Program support new leaders?
It empowers entry-level leaders and high-potential employees to take ownership of their development and leadership evolution.
What is meant by 'bench building' in the context of leadership development?
Bench building refers to preparing individuals throughout the organization for future leadership roles to ensure continuity.
What role does CUES Consulting play in leadership development?
CUES Consulting provides a holistic approach to leadership development, acting as an extension of credit union HR teams.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to check out our Studio Lounge sponsors supporting our coverage of the 2026 CUES Symposium:
CUES
PARC Street Partners
Velera
Despite Impossible podcast
Backbone coalition

Click here to watch other Studio Lounge episodes from CUES Symposium, too.

Mike Reuter, President at Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, stopped by the Studio Lounge for detailed discussion on International Credit Union Disaster Relief, Worldwide Foundation's 2026 theme, and upcoming events at next month's GAC in DC.

In particular, Mike talked about celebrating the success of the "Rally the Movement" campaign for disaster relief (exceeding expectations) and discussing international credit union efforts in Jamaica and Asia.

He also previewed future events, including the Worldwide Foundation's 2026 theme and the Global Good Award ceremony at GAC, while also addressing the impact of AI on credit unions and philanthropy.

Q&A summary
What fundraising campaign did the Worldwide Foundation conduct in 2025?
The Rally the Movement campaign raised $1.2 million in about 40 days.
What was the purpose of the funds raised during the Rally the Movement campaign?
The funds supported credit union development work in Ukraine, Guatemala, and Kenya.
What significant international disaster relief efforts were discussed in the podcast?
The foundation responded to crises in Jamaica and Sri Lanka, raising funds for recovery efforts.
What is the theme for the Worldwide Foundation in 2026?
The theme for 2026 is 'Tune in to Cooperative Finance,' incorporating music into their messaging.
What is the buzz around AI in relation to credit unions as discussed in the podcast?
AI is expected to significantly impact credit unions' operations and strategic decision-making this year.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to check out our Studio Lounge sponsors supporting our coverage of the 2026 CUES Symposium:
CUES
PARC Street Partners
Velera
Despite Impossible podcast
Backbone coalition

Click here to watch other Studio Lounge episodes from CUES Symposium, too.

Deedee Myers, CEO at DDJ Myers, joined us in the Studio Lounge to talk about the very timely topic of "Internal CEO Readiness" -- especially as more and more new CEOs are taking the helm at credit unions today.

Specifically, Deedee discussed how new CEOs often struggle to understand their organizations, highlighting the need for board competencies and clear governance structures. Candid conversations and trust-building between boards and CEOs are essential in these instances. 

She also touched on the evolving expectations of newer CEOs for meaningful content and the role of AI in governance, concluding with a call for deeper industry engagement and collaboration.

Q&A summary
What is the expectation for a CEO's understanding of their organization within the first 90 days?
The expectation is for a CEO to know what's going on in the organization within 90 days, but this can be challenging due to increasing complexity.
What challenges do new CEOs face when they start in a multi-billion dollar credit union?
New CEOs must navigate the complexities of the organization and establish trust, which can be difficult to achieve in a short timeframe.
How are AI discussions impacting board education and oversight?
There is a growing need for boards to understand AI from a strategic perspective, including operational guidelines and safety mechanisms.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to check out our Studio Lounge sponsors supporting our coverage of the 2026 CUES Symposium:
CUES
PARC Street Partners
Velera
Despite Impossible podcast
Backbone coalition

Click here to watch other Studio Lounge episodes from CUES Symposium, too.

Dave Robertson, Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, joined us in the Studio Lounge for an enlightening talk on "Disrupting the Innovation Process: How to use AI to triple the speed and increase the quality of your innovation process."

In particular, Dave talked about how AI significantly impacts innovation and governance, stressing the need for understanding its capabilities and managing associated risks. 

He also shared stories illustrating AI's potential while emphasizing the importance of human oversight -- a.k.a. human in the loop, urging organizations to adopt AI responsibly to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Q&A summary
What are the risks associated with AI that were highlighted in the discussion?
The discussion covered five types of risks related to AI and how to manage them effectively.
What innovative activity did the CEOs and board chairs participate in during the session?
They participated in a 'promptathon' where they created business ideas using AI.
What is meant by 'AI slop' in the context of the discussion?
'AI slop' refers to the potential for inconsistent and varied business cases generated by AI, leading to confusion and lack of trust.
What humorous anecdote was shared about a chatbot at a Chevrolet dealership?
A customer used the chatbot to create a legally binding contract to buy a Chevy Tahoe for $1, highlighting the need for careful oversight in AI interactions.
What is the significance of the 'Claude Bots' mentioned in the discussion?
Claude Bots represent a social network of AI agents -- yes, AI agents -- that are forming groups and discussing their interactions with human handlers, raising ethical concerns.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to check out our Studio Lounge sponsors supporting our coverage of the 2026 CUES Symposium:
CUES
PARC Street Partners
Velera
Despite Impossible podcast
Backbone coalition

Click here to watch other Studio Lounge episodes from CUES Symposium, too.

Anthony Goodman, Senior Client Partner & Leader of the North American Board Effectiveness Practice at Korn Ferry, and Andrea Gosz, Senior Client Partner, Financial Services Markets at Korn Ferry, stopped by the Studio Lounge to share highlights and insights from their Symposium session on "The Future-Ready Board: Strategies to Strengthen Credit Union Board Leadership."

Specifically, Anthony and Andrea talked about how effective board leadership is crucial for credit unions to adapt and thrive, engaging board members and evolving board effectiveness being key themes of their presentation.

They discussed succession planning and introducing term limits as necessary steps for refreshing board membership, encouraging boards to challenge themselves and embrace change, ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to check out our Studio Lounge sponsors supporting our coverage of the 2026 CUES Symposium:
CUES
PARC Street Partners
Velera
Despite Impossible podcast
Backbone coalition

Click here to watch other Studio Lounge episodes from CUES Symposium, too.