Trailblazer Executive Readiness Applications Closing this Friday; 2023 Participants Highlighted

MnCUN’s Trailblazers  Executive Readiness Training program is a 12-month program is designed to accelerate executive level leadership skills and build credit union specific knowledge needed to succeed in our industry. Upon completion, participants will receive a Minnesota Credit Union Executive Leadership Certification. The cohort meets the second Thursday of the month for 12 months –virtually and in person – providing participants the opportunity to build a close network of colleagues. The program runs September - September. The deadline to apply for the 2023/2024 Cohort is Friday, July 28, 2023.
 
For more information and to apply, visit Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training - Minnesota Credit Union Network (mncun.org). With questions, contact MnCUN Director of Engagement Xiong Lee or Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.
 
2022-2023 Trailblazers
​Ahead of the graduation of this year's cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the second year of the program. 
 
Lisa Jacobson, SPIRE Credit Union, Director of Digital Innovation & Strategy
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
People helping people is powerful and uplifting. Whether that means helping our members, community, internal service or networking with other credit unions.
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How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I found it very valuable to learn more about different business areas within the credit union that I don't have as much day to day exposure to.  This will empower me to feel more knowledgeable and comfortable as I grow in my career.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Getting to know my fellow Trailblazers. Learning, growing and sharing together.
 
 
Susan Shold, Members Cooperative Credit Union, Vice President of Human Resources
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
The credit union industry's values align perfectly with my own. Being not-for-profit and member-focused, means we care more about people than profits. I believe the work we do to help our members and communities improve their financial well-being is crucial, now and for future generations.
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How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I believe the Trailblazers program will have a significant impact on my career.  The program has helped me develop essential leadership skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and communication.  Also, learning alongside fellow credit union leaders has exposed me to new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Having a broader perspective will help me approach challenges and opportunities from a more informed and strategic standpoint.  It has also allowed me to build a strong network of individuals and industry experts who I can collaborate with now and into the future.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Building connections with fellow credit union leaders has been extremely valuable. I am confident the relationships that have been built will remain long after the program sessions have ended.
 
Josh Villa, Magnifi Financial, VP of SBA Lending
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
Coming from banking, I have seen first hand the power that the collaboration in the credit union space brings to the industry.
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How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The program does a good job sharing different perspectives on issues that many credit unions face.  The program itself gives good exposure to different concepts and also a network of other credit union professionals that can help support you as you grow.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Networking
 
Patti Gagnon, TopLine Financial Credit Union, AVP Operations
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I believe in People helping People.  I spent years working on the bank side of the financial industry and see such a large difference between credit unions and banks.  Putting our members and local communities first is much more important than just the bottom line.  At TopLine I get to live and breathe that belief.
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How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The program has provided me an opportunity to experience different areas of business within my organization that I might not have had otherwise.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Meeting the other participants and developing connections and a network of support for the future.

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