By Rachel Guyselman
Dear Fellow Career-Family-Environment-Socially Focused Emerging Leaders: Unite. Change. Charge.
How’s it going? We’ve seen a lot and we’ve experienced a so many things! Luckily, each of us has a few trophies to show for it all. (Too soon?)
We’ve been in the workforce for a while, we’ve had a few jobs in different industries, and we’re narrowing in on where we want to “be.”
I am finally feeling great about where I am in my career. I feel that I’ve narrowed down my general interest into a more focused profession. My friends and colleagues share similar sentiments. However, there’s still “time” for change and movement between fields or interests so that we can build a strong career before, (hopefully), retirement.
So, while many of us are feeling like we may have found our jam, for another subset of us, there is a lot of uncertainty within our chosen profession.
Sharing Concerns, Excitement
I cannot speak to what you might be experiencing in your profession, but I can share with you what I am seeing and what concerns me and what excites me. Perhaps, you can share your thoughts, encouragement, or general sentiments, too!
I’m a “banker,” or at least that’s what I put on all of the disclosures that ask for it. Really, I’m a credit union professional and believer. I began at my first credit union on Guam, Coast 360. I learned the difference between banks and credit unions and to call the clients “members.” I didn’t really pay attention, it was a job. I did love my co-workers though (Hafa Adai)!
Fast forward 12 years and I love serving members and promoting independence through financial wellbeing. I also love that credit unions are devoted to their communities and to serving people.
Some Apprehensions
Essentially, I’ve found where I belong; I’m challenged daily, I enjoy the work, and I feel good about the industry. As geeked out as I can get about this industry, I also have some deep-rooted apprehensions.
I am concerned about how quickly the number of credit unions is shrinking. I don’t like what I am hearing from many of you about your CEOs, executive leaders, and, in some cases, your boards. For those of you in the industry, you know what I’m referring to--the distance, the indifference, the unwillingness to change and the unwillingness to hear us, to hear you.
We know that often our age is used against us; we’re not the first generation to hear that. Forgetting age, why the indifference and unwillingness to change? Why are we seeing so many CEOs simply awaiting their retirement, when the credit union will likely merge due to the aforementioned indifference?
What can we do to combat those sentiments and reinvigorate this industry? Why should we?
About This Generation
We are a generation that statistically demonstrates a consistent message, we care about our communities and working for companies that are socially responsible. We also want to be involved, both in our communities and within the credit union. We like transparency. I am passionate about this industry, both the big and small credit unions, because we are absolutely better together. The big credit unions need the small credit unions and visa-versa. Our communities need us!
Today, more than ever, we need to provide financial education, to promote financial independence, and to provide consumers a safe place to build and repair credit and to learn to save and appropriately spend.
So, fellow credit union lovers, those of you on the fence, and those who are interested in keeping the not-for-profit, financial cooperative alive, let’s get out there and do it! We’ve seen taller mountains and overcome tougher challenges, and we have come out stronger and more knowledgeable for it. We can do this.
Reach out to your peers and begin the conversation there. We’ve got emerging leader and young professional groups all over the U.S. Start talking! Gather your thoughts, build a plan, and then, talk to your leaders. Get vulnerable. Be brave.
And Remember This
Remember to be tactful. I wholeheartedly believe that most of our leaders are simply tired. Think of all the challenges, innovations, and changes they’ve led our beautiful industry through. They’ve done a lot and they’ve loved credit unions too; they still do. However, the challenges and changes just keep coming. Let’s give them relief. We need to honor all that they have done and learn from them. Understand where they are coming from and their concerns for the future. Truly listen!
Sometimes, merging is the answer, but it isn’t always. If we take the time to come together, to empathize and relate to our leaders and gain their trust, we can learn to take the lead.
Take care fellow emerging leaders and credit union geeks. Let’s go take care of the industry that cares for all and ensure it has a bright, fruitful future for generations to come.
Rachel Guyselman is SVP-risk and compliance with Credit Union 1 in Anchorage, Alaska. She can be reached at rjguyselman@gmail.com.