The latest from John Pembroke

Nov 1, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

Chase perfection to catch excellence in talent development

In a recent episode of the CUES Podcast, host James Lenz asked me if there might be a quote I try to live by professionally. James, our manager of professional ...

Oct 1, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

Chance and choice in talent development

In Ali: A Life, author Jonathan Eig tells an interesting story about world-class boxer Muhammad Ali as an adolescent. One day Ali and his friends were out bicycling when it ...

Sep 6, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

More learning, even though you’re busy

We all live busy lives, so we leverage the best tools we can find to learn while we sit on airplanes, in a doctor’s waiting room, or at our ...

Aug 6, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

More talent development

At CUES, we’re devoted to walking the walk of developing talent. That means looking at our resources and time and figuring out ways for each member of the CUES ...

Jul 10, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

A CEO’s guide to talent development

Talent development today is no longer solely about providing the best pay and opportunities to the top 2 percent of your staff. Instead, it’s about developing and feeding a ...

Jun 7, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

3 ways partnership is the new leadership

“Is Partnership the New Leadership?” will be the focus of a session at CUES’ Execu/Net in August in Sedona, Ariz. When I reflected on this interesting question, I immediately ...

May 1, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

Machetes and maps = training must-haves

A CUES staffer recently talked with a member who had been focused on technical training for employees at his credit union. But now the member was letting the pendulum swing ...

Apr 4, 2018 - by John Pembroke, CUES

Something needs to change on Monday

When CUES plans a learning event, we choose the date. We reserve a great space or employ the best available education technology. We hire the speaker. We provide opportunities for ...

John Pembroke

CUES

Web: www.cues.org

As president/CEO of CUES, John Pembroke came full circle in his career. His first exposure to business was a high school internship working in his father’s church credit union. He developed a deep connection to the impact credit unions make on their members’ lives. That experience and being raised by parents with advanced degrees taught him to value education, faith, relationships, and personal growth.

These values, combined with a progressive mindset, a desire to innovate, and an entrepreneurial spirit, were central to John’s success, allowing him to build a unique brand. Known for driving organizational growth and profitability, he leveraged his diverse business skills, relationship-building expertise, and leadership ability at PSCU, Cox Enterprises, Kellogg, Kraft Foods, and Procter & Gamble.

Under John’s leadership, CUES membership tripled, member loyalty increased, new and innovative talent development offerings were developed and launched, and the financial condition of the organization was improved. Also, CUES came to be viewed as an industry thought leader in talent development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In addition, he worked with his board to evolve its governance efforts and make DEI a priority throughout the entire organization.

One of John’s favorite quotes is by Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “Change is the only constant in life.” He lived by this maxim, consistently embracing opportunities to improve himself, his life, and the lives of others. For more than 25 years, he led companies with the same enthusiasm and was a trailblazer in the financial services, technology, consumer products, media, and non-profit industries.

John held a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in Marketing and Policy Studies from the Booth School of Business of the University of Chicago.

Whether watching sports, traveling, spending time with friends and family or enjoying listening to new music—which was something he did every Friday—John considered having fun vital to a full life. He will be missed.