The CUInsight Experience podcast: Greg Michlig – Prioritize people (#156)

“Demonstrate the credit union difference and put it at the center of all that we do.” - Greg Michlig


Thank you for tuning in to episode 156 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Allied Solutions. Allied Solutions is focused on helping clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition.

My guest on today’s show is Greg Michlig, EVP and Chief Engagement Officer at CUNA. CUNA is the only national association that advocates for all of America’s credit unions. They work together with the leagues to support, protect, unify and advance the credit union movement. Greg began his career in the credit union industry after college and has been a vital part of it ever since. The team at CUNA continues to advocate for credit unions by interacting with government officials and policymakers to keep members and their financial well-being at the forefront of each decision.  

During our conversation, Greg and I chat about creating operations to support financial well-being for all across the movement. He talks about collaboration across industry networks and among credit unions to promote their stories and protect their purpose. Greg speaks from his own experiences of networking, building teams, and testing ideas. Listen as we explore what a holistic industry approach to financial well-being could look like.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Greg talks about his very first job, his love for listening and playing music, and prioritizing family life. Enjoy my conversation with Greg Michlig!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Greg:
Greg Michlig, EVP and Chief Engagement Officer at CUNA
gmichlig@cuna.coop
cuna.org
Greg: LinkedIn | Twitter
CUNA: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook 

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at Allied Solutions, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Greg? Click here.
Shout-out: Don Draper
Shout-out: CUES
Shout-out: Jack Henry (JHA Payment Processing Solutions)
Shout-out: New Jersey Credit Union League
Shout-out: Jim Nussle
Shout-out: Credit Union Awareness
Shout-out: Chris Lorence
Shout-out: Paypal
Shout-out: Venmo
Shout-out: Amazon 
Shout-out: PSCU
Shout-out: Trellance
Shout-out: CUNA Mutual Group
Shout-out: CUNA Strategic Services
Shout-out: Jessica Hrubes
Shout-out: Karin Sand
Shout-out: Randy Schultz
Shout-out: Mike Bartoo
Shout-out: Scott Albraccio
Shout-out: Dawn Poker
Shout-out: Mark Weber
Shout-out: Caroline Willard
Shout-out: Brian Flynn
Shout-out: Steve Swanston
Shout-out: Teresa Freeborn
Shout-out: Leo Ardine
Place mentioned: Detroit, MI
Place mentioned: New Jersey
Shout-out: Greg’s dad
Shout-out: Marathon Cheese Corporation
Shout-out: CUNA GAC
Shout-out: Greg’s wife
Shout-out: Greg’s children
Artist Mentioned: Stout Jackson
Shout-out: Todd Harper
Shout-out: George Clooney
Shout-out: Ocean’s Eleven
Album mentioned: Purple Rain by Prince & the Revolution 
Album mentioned: Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet
Book mentioned: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jim Nussle (episodes 1 & 100), Randy Schultz, Mark Weber, Caroline Willard, Leo Ardine (episodes 21 & 150), Teresa Freeborn (episodes 30 & 155), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[00:46] – Greg Michlig says he originally planned to be a copywriter.
[03:17] – What is the perception of credit unions in the larger financial industry?
[05:46] – Greg talks about the challenge credit unions face in shifting consumer perception.
[08:08] – Greg values policies that keep consumers and financial wellbeing protected.
[10:49] – It takes collaboration to improve the industry.
[12:29] – Greg explores what a holistic industry approach to financial wellbeing could look like.
[14:00] – What are Greg’s top traits for leadership?
[15:48] – What happens when your peer becomes your boss, or vice versa? How do you stay grounded as a team?
[18:28] – Greg is proud of the team that’s developed over the years. PART 1
[20:56] – Greg is proud of the team that’s developed over the years. PART 2
[23:50] – A network you can depend on.
[26:09] – It’s nice to have colleagues you can exchange ideas with.
[28:30] – Failure is part of the journey.
[31:13] – South Detroit?
[33:41] – Greg says he wanted to be an architect in high school.
[36:22] – What is Greg prioritizing these days?
[39:08] – Greg chooses this studio album that is the soundtrack to this 80’s film as his favorite album.
[41:41] – Greg sees a bright future for the credit union movement.

Randall Smith

Randall Smith

Randall Smith is the co-founder of CUInsight.com, the host of The CUInsight Experience podcast, and a bit of a wanderlust. As one of the co-founders of CUInsight he looks ... Web: www.CUInsight.com Details