Leadership isn’t just about vision and strategy—it’s about doing the work within so we can show up for our teams and communities in a real, grounded way. That’s the heart of a recent episode of The CUInsight Experience, and a topic that feels especially timely as we all navigate complexity and change.
In Episode 209, Jill and I sat down with Tracie Kenyon from Humanidei to talk about what it really means to lead from the inside out. Tracie brings decades of experience and a whole lot of wisdom around how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal growth shape how we lead others.
Inner work isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership practice
If I’m being honest, I used to think inner work was something you did in a crisis or during a retreat. A one-time reset button. What I’ve learned over the years—often the hard way—is that this work is ongoing. Not sexy, but necessary. And if you skip it long enough, you’ll start to feel it—first in yourself, then in how you lead.
The stories we tell ourselves
As a founder and someone who’s been in the leadership seat for a while now, I’ve noticed how easy it can be to live in a bubble. Whether it’s comfort, ego, or just the pace of things, it’s tempting to believe the stories we tell ourselves. I’ve had to learn to pause and ask, “Is this true . . . or just convenient?”
That kind of check-in is uncomfortable—but it’s where growth starts.
Curiosity over certainty
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: the best leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers—they’re the ones who stay curious. If I walk into a room thinking I’ve got it all figured out, chances are I’m missing something important. Curiosity leaves room for people, for learning, and for change.
Grounding ourselves in the mission
When the noise gets loud—when things feel messy or uncertain—I try to come back to this: We’re here to serve. Credit unions exist to serve people, and that purpose isn’t just a mission statement on a wall. It’s a call to lead with empathy, intention, and yes, humility. The work we do on ourselves directly impacts the experience we create for others.
A quick takeaway
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this episode, it’s this: You don’t have to be perfect to be a great leader. But you do have to be present. The most powerful leaders I know are the ones who keep evolving—who make space for reflection, who admit when they don’t know, and who commit to leading themselves just as intentionally as they lead their teams.
We dive into all of this and more with Tracie in Episode 209. It’s a conversation that’s honest, insightful, and full of real talk about what leadership looks like behind the scenes.
As always, thanks for reading—and listening. Let’s keep doing the work, together.
