The CUInsight Network podcast: Credit union evangelism - Tyfone

“The warm and fuzzy stuff actually creates a lot more value than a slight discount on a rate percentage.” - Josh DeTar

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 Josh DeTar, Executive Vice President of Evangelism at Tyfone, Inc., a digital banking provider for credit unions. Josh shares his personal journey of how a credit union saved him as a young adult, sparking his passion for the industry.

In our conversation, Josh highlights the importance of credit unions balancing digital self-service with meaningful human connections. His passion for the credit union industry is shaped by his own experience and the inspiring leadership of Tyfone's CEO, Siva G. Narendra. Josh advocates for credit unions to embrace their unique strengths - community ties, member-centric culture, and the "warm and fuzzy" aspects that larger banks can't usually replicate.

As wrap up, Josh talks about the great leaders in his life, recommends the book Hiring for Attitude, and shares that one big goal of his is to take his kids to Disneyland! Enjoy my conversation with Josh DeTar!

[00:54] – Josh initially pursued automotive design but pivoted to credit unions after a personal financial crisis.
[02:15] – Josh explains how joining Tyfone changed his life because of its culture valuing passion, creativity, and contributions over formal titles.
[05:02] – Josh and Siva are both genuinely passionate people whose drive is clearly authentic.
[06:27] – Tyfone’s value stems not from flashy features but from collaboration and heart.
[09:45] – Digital tools need to empower self-service while still preserving meaningful in-person relationships.
[13:54] – True digital personalization allows members to do major transactions independently.
[17:08] – People choose credit unions over big banks for a sense of community and shared local values.
[20:41] – Authenticity and community are core human needs, which credit unions and Tyfone both deeply prioritize.
[22:03] – Knowing members deeply allows credit unions to customize services that genuinely reflect community needs and identity.
[25:31] – It’s important for credit unions to amplify their impact stories, which may seem ordinary but can actually deeply change members’ lives.
[27:29] – Hear why Tyfone prioritizes secure digital identity and instant payments.
[31:54] – Credit unions need to reclaim youth banking from fintechs.
[33:33] – Tyfone integrates AI across operations to boost efficiency, insight, and member engagement.
[36:14] – Josh credits his wife and Siva for being very influential in his life.
[38:41] – Josh hopes to take his kids to Disneyland.
[40:27] – Josh recommends the book Hiring for Attitude.
[42:36] – Work/life isn’t a real thing, Josh argues. There is only life.
[45:12] – Josh encourages everyone to enjoy life, be grateful, and listen to authentic voices.