As I make my way home, I’m reflecting on the incredible experience I had at the CUES Symposium. This flagship event brought together over 200 credit union CEOs and board chairs for a transformative gathering aimed at strengthening leadership partnerships. There was palpable energy, as attendees engaged in meaningful collaboration, shared valuable insights, and will no doubt leave inspired to drive positive change within their organizations.
A dynamic and collaborative atmosphere
The CUES Symposium is a highly interactive event, crafted specifically for CEOs and board chairs to dive deep into discussions, tackle problem-solving exercises, and gather strategic takeaways for their organizations. The emphasis on teamwork and shared learning is designed to foster a spirit of collaboration that will resonate long after the event concludes.
Simon T. Bailey set the tone as emcee, offering perspectives on how organizations can prioritize employee well-being in the face of talent retention challenges, burnout, and the ongoing impact of remote work. He introduced the concept of "plussing"—a term he learned while at the Disney Institute—explaining how animators always seek that little extra element that turns something good into something phenomenal. Bailey encouraged leaders to apply this approach within their own cultures to create resilient and thriving teams. His practical and actionable advice struck a chord with many attendees.
CUES CEO, Heather McKissick, further emphasized the power of collaboration in her address on the distinctions and interplay between cooperation and collaboration. She highlighted the necessity of both within the credit union space, noting that both credit unions and industry support organizations play a role in the collective strength of the movement. Using the phrase "a rising tide lifts all boats," McKissick encouraged leaders to seek opportunities for shared success, urging collaboration over competition for the benefit of the entire industry.
Engaging keynotes and thought leadership
One of the event's highlights came from Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter and professor at Kellogg School of Management. His keynote, Becoming the Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership, provided attendees with a compelling framework for leading with authenticity and purpose. Kraemer outlined four core principles of values-based leadership: self-reflection, balance, true self-confidence, and genuine humility. He shared insightful and humorous anecdotes from his tenure at Baxter, showing how these principles anchored both personal and organizational success. His engaging storytelling and real-world applications resonated deeply with the audience, and many attendees I spoke with had high praise for his session.
Additional sessions and activities
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to dive into specialized breakout sessions on key industry topics:
- Navigating digital disruption: Saikat Chaudhuri (UC Berkeley) discussed strategies for managing digital transformation and fostering innovation. He emphasized the importance of adaptability in leadership, highlighting how organizations that embrace change are better positioned for long-term success.
- Strategic agility: Kathy Pearson (Enterprise Learning Solutions) provided tools for dynamic strategic planning in an ever-evolving market. She shared examples of organizations that have successfully implemented agile strategies, showing how even established companies can remain nimble.
- AI adoption for credit unions: Lamont Black (DePaul University) outlined a framework for integrating AI in a way that aligns with the core mission of credit unions. He shared case studies of financial institutions that have leveraged AI effectively, providing attendees with actionable insights on responsible AI implementation.
In addition to these sessions, CUES offered bonus content from subject matter experts at partnering organizations.
Beyond the formal sessions, the event featured unique excursions and networking activities designed to strengthen CEO-board chair relationships. Sponsors also hosted their own activities, creating additional networking opportunities. A special screening of THE WATCH: America’s Nuclear Mission Revealed provided a poignant look at the sacrifices made by those protecting national security. The Defense Credit Union Council and Earnest Consulting Group highlighted opportunities to support this television series as a way to further align credit unions with military and veteran support initiatives.
A resounding success
It was a privilege to represent CUInsight at the CUES Symposium. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and reinforce CUInsight's role as a leading provider of thought leadership content in the credit union space. I also had the chance to discuss how CUInsight helps industry providers and partners engage in vital conversations about the operational and strategic success of credit unions. Existing relationships were strengthened, and new ones were established, further reinforcing our intent to be a collaborative hub for all things credit union. While I had to leave before the final day, I’m confident that attendees will leave energized and equipped with new perspectives and strategies to drive success in their credit unions. CUES delivered an exceptional experience, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.