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The CUInsight Experience podcast: Legacy with Ty Muse (#212)

“I can give you the blueprint, but you’ve got to own your own development” - Ty Muse

Ty Muse

Welcome to episode 212 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com, and Jill Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei.

This episode is sponsored by The Sheeter Group - a leading executive benefits firm that meets your retention and succession needs. This includes non-qualified benefit plans, short and long-term incentive plans, compensation studies, scorecard design, performance evaluation, and more. Learn more at sheetergroup.com.

In this season, Jill and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too.

In this episode, we are joined by repeat guest Ty Muse, President & CEO at Visions Federal Credit Union who joins us for an insightful conversation about building legacy in real-time. As leaders, we often get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but Ty shares a truly refreshing perspective—that legacy isn't some far-off concept but is about the people we develop along the way.

Ty passionately opens up about his Lead On and Lead In programs, which prepare future leaders within his organization—but his mentorship extends beyond his own walls, actively seeking out rising stars in the credit union industry and connecting them with opportunities, resources and seasoned veterans who can help them grow. This concept of "sponsorship" versus mentorship truly resonates with us!

Ty also challenges the idea of "big vs. small" credit unions, arguing that we're all part of the same cooperative movement. He believes that larger institutions have the responsibility to support and uplift the smaller ones because we are ultimately stronger together, and this collaborative mindset is so refreshing and inspiring in an industry that can sometimes feel divided.

Ultimately, Ty's overarching message is about making the most of the precious time that we have. He doesn't just find time for mentorship—he makes it a priority because he sees it as an investment that pays dividends, both for the mentor and the mentee. His insights on work-life balance, vulnerability as a leader, and empowering boards are equally thought-provoking, and this is a conversation that is sure to leave you feeling inspired to build our own legacies in real-time. Enjoy our conversation with Ty Muse!


Shout-out: Goldman Sachs
Shout-out: PwC
Shout-out: GAC
Shout-out: Mary Madden
Shout-out: Hudson Valley Credit Union
Shout-out: Tracie Kenyon
Shout-out: Harvard Business Review
Shout-out: Lori Herrick
Shout-out: America’s Credit Unions
Shout-out: Mark Meyer
Shout-out: Mike Castellano
Shout-out: World Council of Credit Unions
Shout-out: Angie Owens
Shout-out: American Airlines
Shout-out: Jim Cardwell
Shout-out: John Travolta
Shout-out: Filene
Shout-out: TruStage
Shout-out: AACUC Future Fund
Shout-out: Mother Teresa
Shout-out: Barack Obama
Shout-out: Oprah Winfrey
Previous guests mentioned: Ty Muse (#144), George Hofheimer (#33), Renée Sattiewhite (#52, #143, #197), Tracie Kenyon (#12, #209), Bob Trunzo (#32, #162), Brett Martinez (#13), Maurice Smith (#9, #143), Mike Valentine (#128, #204), Lauren Culp (#39, #115, #194)

[1:22] – Being honored with a doctorate was meaningful for Ty, even if he rarely uses the title himself.
[3:41] – Ty argues that legacy isn’t about the future but is about uplifting others and leading with purpose.
[6:49] – Strong leadership means mentoring, advocating behind closed doors, and preparing future leaders.
[10:21] – Jill emphasizes the importance of being able to trust your leader.
[13:08] – Jill asserts that helping others discover hidden opportunities empowers their growth and also benefits their communities in return.
​​[14:46] – By consistently showing up with authenticity and energy, Ty built a respected personal brand.
[18:09] – To ensure the future of the industry, we need to unite credit unions.
[21:05] – Jill feels that credit unions should grow with members, not abandon them once they achieve financial success.
[23:15] – Ty believes that true balance comes from prioritizing what matters and making time for meaningful connections.
[26:39] – Ty makes limited time with loved ones count by creating big, memorable, high-quality experiences.
[29:46] – Mentorship requires clear goals, active effort, and emotional intelligence.
[32:55] – Investing time in developing others helps ensure long-term success and effective leadership succession.
[35:25] – Leaders need to develop future talent via vulnerability, inclusion, and sharing lessons, not just wins.
[38:21] – Every credit union can support inclusion and mentorship by contributing creatively and collaboratively.
[40:11] – Ty admits that he doesn’t fully understand his impact but knows that he is doing good and staying consistent daily.
[42:44] – Saying no creates space for energizing opportunities, but clarity is essential before seeking guidance.
[43:50] – It’s important to treat time as a precious resource.