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The CUInsight Network

The CUInsight Network podcast: Personalized attention – MeridianLink

Featuring Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink

CUIN 122 (1320 x 830)

"Invest the time to find the purpose in what you do. Let that fuel and motivate you.” – Wes Zauner

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink, returning to the show from episode 96. Wes jumps right in with what he’s hearing across the industry—younger generations expect financial services to move at the pace of their everyday digital lives, and they won’t wait three days for an answer on a loan application. We also talk about the pressure that puts on credit unions that are still relying on paper-heavy workflows and why modernizing the “digital front door” is no longer optional.

In our conversation, Wes gives a clear picture of what instant decisioning, automation, and personalized offers look like when they’re done right and why they matter so much if you want younger members to stick around. He also talks about how MeridianLink is supporting more than 2,000 institutions and handling tens of millions of applications and account openings!

We dig into strategy and how credit unions can build a realistic technology roadmap without trying to be everything to everyone, as well as how understanding the specific people in your community beats a one-size-fits-all approach.

As we wrap up the episode, Wes shares who he thinks of when he hears the word “success,” he talks about his enjoyment of pressure washing, and gives insight to balancing work, parenting, and purpose. Enjoy my conversation with Wes Zauner!

Previous episode mentioned: #96
Shout-out: MeridianLink One
Shout-out: Wes’ parents

[1:13] – Wes discusses how a lot of credit unions prioritize fast and personalized digital onboarding.
[3:52] – Hear how MeridianLink supports credit union growth via its digital lending platform used for millions of applications.
[5:31] – Wes explains how Credit unions are aiming to modernize processes and offerings to stay relevant with younger, digital-first consumers.
[9:09] – Strong digital tools and automation help boost speed, compliance, staff satisfaction, and member support.
[11:22] – Wes argues that automation can help credit unions improve growth, retention, and personalized service.
[13:21] – Wes thinks of his parents when he thinks of success.
[15:03] – Wes discusses finding purpose in work, as it prevents stress overflow and reinforces the value of serving communities.