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The CUInsight Network podcast: The human touch – VisiFI

Featuring Robin Kolvek, CEO at VisiFI

_Robin Kolvek

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 Robin Kolvek, CEO of VisiFI. She joins me to share her compelling story of career pivots, personal values, and staying human in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Robin reflects on how she went from chasing dreams of being a teacher, coach, or even a detective to leading a major fintech company focused on credit unions—and how none of it was part of the plan.

In our conversation, we discuss the often overlooked but incredibly important role that credit unions play in community development and why they deserve more attention in conversations around innovation. Robin offers an insider look at how VisiFI supports small and midsize credit unions by delivering the kinds of digital tools and enhancements that help them not just keep up but also genuinely compete with bigger players. She stresses that their clients’ voices aren’t just “heard” but are integral.

Robin opens up about what it means to be a leader in the credit union space, especially when your organization is backed by a global tech powerhouse like Italy-based Dedagroup. We explore how that relationship gives VisiFI crucial access to next-level tools such as AI, cybersecurity, and analytics—while keeping them local enough to stay responsive to credit unions’ specific needs.

As we wrap up the episode, Robin also reflects on the impact her mother had on her as a child, her love of travel, and how she manages to maintain a work-life balance. She also offers a couple of great book recommendations. Enjoy my conversation with Robin Kolvek!

Place mentioned: Atlanta, GA
Place mentioned: Madison, WI
Place mentioned: Dallas, TX
Shout-out: Dedagroup
Shout-out: Share One
Shout-out: George Bernard Shaw
Place mentioned: New York , NY
Book mentioned: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton
Book mentioned: Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health by Dr. Livingood

[00:52] – Hear how Robin’s career path evolved from diverse ambitions to CEO of VisiFI, driven by a passion for helping people.
[03:40] – VisiFI empowers credit unions with tech that streamlines service and values member input.
[05:58] – VisiFI aims to help credit unions grow with AI, strategy, and personalized digital tools.
[07:57] – VisiFI partners with a global tech firm, gaining cybersecurity and AI resources to help support innovation.
[10:08] – VisiFI focuses on customer-centric digital banking.
[13:13] – Robin shares VisiFI’s plans for the future.
[14:53] – Robin reflects on the impact of having lost her mother at a young age.
[16:56] – Robin loves to travel and NYC feels like home to her.
[18:29] – Although she ultimately prefers podcasts, Robin offers a couple of book recommendations.
[20:50] – Robin thanks CUInsight for making a difference in the credit union space.