The CUInsight Experience podcast: Gerry Singleton – Build bridges (#164)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 164 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by PSCU, the nation’s premier payments CUSO and an integrated technology solutions provider. Visit PSCU.com to learn more and discover PSCUTV, a new thought leadership platform hosted by PSCU Chief Growth Officer, Brian Scott. Each episode explores top-of-mind insights in the credit union industry.

My guest on today’s show is Gerry Singleton, President & CEO of the Montana Credit Union Network (MCUN). Gerry shares the career journey that led him to credit unions 25 years ago. His journey began with TruStage, formerly known as CUNA Mutual Group and today he continues to foster his impact working with MCUN to support and serve credit unions and their members in Montana. He is excited for the future and believes credit unions can provide solutions for people and communities through collaboration.

During our conversation, Gerry and I talk about embracing collaboration to empower the credit union industry, globally. He talks about the power of mutual support and helping financial institutions across the industry become more relevant and effective. Gerry shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career and life, and how he pays it forward to the next generation. Listen as we discuss ways to connect dots within the credit union industry and continue driving forward.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Gerry talks about his word of the year and how he puts it to action, his book recommendations, and his love for 1920s musical artists. Enjoy my conversation with Gerry Singleton!

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Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Gerry:
Gerry Singleton, President & CEO of the Montana Credit Union Network
gerry@mcun.coop
mcun.coop
Gerry: LinkedIn
MCUN: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at PSCU, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Gerry? Click here.
Shout-out: Brian Scott
Shout-out: PSCUTV
Shout-out: TruStage
Shout-out: Bob Trunzo
Shout-out: Purdue University
Place mentioned: Yellowstone National Park
Shout-out: Gerry’s wife
Place mentioned: Oregon
Place mentioned: Indiana
Shout-out: Gerry’s son
Place mentioned: Georgia
Shout-out: Bill Clinton
Historic Act mentioned: Credit Union Membership Access Act (H.R. 1151)
Shout-out: CUNA
Shout-out: Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)
Shout-out: Mount Kilimanjaro
Place mentioned: Africa
Shout-out: Lois Kitsch
Shout-out: ACCOSCA
Shout-out: Caroline Willard
Shout-out: George Ombado
Shout-out: Mark Meyer
Shout-out: Filene Research Institute
Shout-out: The National Credit Union Foundation
Shout-out: Herb Wegner Memorial Awards
Shout-out: Cathie Mahon
Shout-out: Inclusiv
Shout-out: Gigi Hyland
Shout-out: Renée Sattiewhite
Shout-out: African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC)
Shout-out: Tracie Kenyon
Shout-out: Brett Thompson
Shout-out: Wisconsin Credit Union League
Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: Humanidei
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Education Program mentioned: Credit Union Development Education (DE Program)
Place mentioned: Connecticut
Shout-out: McDonald’s
Shout-out: Lauren Culp
Shout-out: Louis Armstrong
Shout-out: Ella Fitzgerald
Shout-out: Todd Harper
Shout-out: John Denver
Shout-out: Cornerstone League
Song mentioned: Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
Shout-out: Chad Helminak
Book mentioned: The CEO Tightrope: How to Master the Balancing Act of a Successful CEO by Joel Trammell
Book mentioned: The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier
Book mentioned: Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation by  Brian Emerson and Kelly Lewis
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Bob Trunzo (episodes 32, 162), Lois Kitsch, Caroline Willard (episodes 20, 147), Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, & 161), George Ombado, Cathie Mahon, Gigi Hyland (episodes 2 & 120), Reneé Sattiewhite (episodes 52 & 143), Tracie Kenyon, Lauren Culp (episodes 39 & 115), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[00:58] – Gerry Singleton shares why Yellowstone National Park is significant to his life and how he entered the credit union industry.
[03:56] – “Attitude, Ability, Impact.”
[06:56] – How did Gerry decide to take on his new role?
[09:48] – Gerry talks about credit unions building relevance regardless of the credit union’s size. PART 1
[11:55] – Gerry talks about credit unions building relevance regardless of the credit union’s size. PART 2
[12:28] – Collaboration could be the solution to many of our concerns.
[15:22] – Gerry talks about mentors that ignite inspiration in his life and what word describes their influence. PART 1
[18:10] – Gerry talks about mentors in his life that ignite inspiration and what word describes their influence. PART 2
[21:19] – Gerry explains the two professional programs he invested into that boosted his skills.
[23:09] – What does it take to build a cohesive team?
[25:09] – Remember who we’re serving and who we’re working with.
[28:06] – Gerry talks about leaders being open to feedback.
[30:23] – Did Gerry learn anything new about interacting with board members as a CEO?
[32:47] – How does Gerry plan to innovate?
[35:28] – Don’t let your ideas blind you.
[38:29] – Gerry’s first job was at this very well-known fast food restaurant.
[40:22] – What is Gerry’s Word or the Year?
[42:09] – Gerry shares his approach to balancing work and life.
[45:06] – Keep building bridges.
[46:39] – Thank you Gerry, and thank you for listening!