A CU Seat at the Table: Conversations with Coach K and Carla Harris

The keynote speakers at this year's Governmental Affairs Conference inspired and imparted impactful lessons to more than 6,000 credit union leaders in attendance. In this special episode of America's Credit Union's podcast, A CU Seat at the Table, we hear a little more from two of those speakers.

Anthony Demangone sat down with Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) and Carla Harris to discuss success, leadership, and the power of engagement.

Here is what they had to say about success:

"You're not trying to coach a team; you're trying to develop a program." Coach K shared the value of the long game and why knowing it's not just about this quarter or this year but the long-term growth and success you are working towards. He explains how talent and character are blocks that help to build culture and a brand.

Reaching a younger audience

In looking at connecting with younger members, he shared insights from his legendary career working with young people. They are looking for the same thing as everyone else. Younger people are looking for people they can trust.

But the challenge is how you communicate with them. Your values don't change from demographic to demographic, but how you convey the message will. A critical part of his success here was that it wasn't just him doing the talking. It doesn't have to be the people in leadership but the different voices that make up your credit union.

What made his career so successful? The will to prepare to win and the will to win are the key ingredients to success and excellence.

For Carla Harris, success starts with knowing you have to go for it, give it your best, and leave it all on the floor. If you don't succeed, at least you know you tried and did your best.

Creating customer success

With all the advances in technology, AI, and the data we use in the financial industry, human engagement and service will be the differentiators. Innovation, trust, and collaboration are going to be at a premium, Harris explains. And that service will be what makes the difference with members.

"The future is going to be about the service you provide, the engagement. There is no replacement for human engagement."

When you are engaging with members, pay attention. People tell you what they value, and that will tell you how they see success.

However, she also insists, "Don't wait to be dictated to, design, and go get 'em." Listen to the full episode to get even more on impactful leadership and how to show up for success.