The CUInsight Experience podcast: Jenny Vipperman – Write your story (#181)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 181 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.

My guest on today’s show is Jenny Vipperman, President & CEO at ORNL Federal Credit Union. Jenny shares the career journey that led her to nearly two decades in credit unions. As they continue to evolve, Jenny and her team collaborate with fintechs and create CUSOs to meet and exceed member needs. 

During our conversation, Jenny discusses the value in collaborating with other credit unions to collectively move the industry forward. We talk about the power of artificial intelligence and how leaders must learn and leverage AI to remain relevant and protect their organizations. Jenny shares the lasting impact mentors have had on her career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Listen as we discuss ways to drive our industry forward through collaboration, innovation, and transparent leadership.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Jenny talks about her son’s amazing talent, her first choice casting for her biopic, and her current book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Jenny Vipperman!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Jenny:
Jenny Vipperman, President & CEO at ORNL Federal Credit Union
jvipperman@ornlfcu.com
ornlfcu.com
Jenny: LinkedIn
ORNL: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at Humanidei, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Jenny? Click here.
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Place mentioned: Virginia
Shout-out: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Place mentioned: Michigan
Shout-out: 7, LLC
Place mentioned: Washington, D.C.
Shout-out: ChatGPT
Shout-out: Zest AI
Shout-out: NCUA
Shout-out: CFPB
Shout-out: John Flynn
Shout-out: Baby Boomers
Shout-out: Generation X
Shout-out: Millennials
Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: Jenny’s son
Shout-out: Jill’s son
Shout-out: Jessica Chastain
Shout-out: Jenny’s sister
Shout-out: Jenny’s husband
Book mentioned: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Album mentioned: Abbey Road by The Beatles
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, 161, & 177), Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[00:35] – Jenny Vipperman says she found her way to the credit union industry through car sales.
[02:22] – Integrating tech meant specifically for credit unions.
[05:11] – What is Jenny’s view of credit union partnerships?
[07:04] – Jenny talks about why she pursued the CEO role at ORNL and offers advice for aspiring CEOs. PART 1
[09:17] – Jenny talks about why she pursued the CEO role at ORNL and offers advice for aspiring CEOs. PART 2
[11:49] – Keeping up with the tech changes of the industry.
[13:18] – What challenges does Jenny notice in today’s industry?
[15:23] – Jenny talks about mentorship and the transition between generations. PART 1
[17:53] – Jenny talks about mentorship and the transition between generations. PART 2
[19:54] – Two traits that do well in any industry: trustworthiness and competence.
[21:51] – How can credit unions create an environment where teammates feel safe speaking their mind?
[23:28] – How can teams let go of ideas that aren’t working?
[26:06] – Jenny shares why investing in the careers of others became a positive feedback loop.
[28:58] – Jenny talks about leading with transparency. PART 1
[31:44] – Jenny talks about leading with transparency. PART 2
[33:48] – Jenny talks about preparing for future careers in the credit union industry.
[35:36] – Making sure everyone has a voice.
[37:08] – Jenny recalls being amazed by her son’s creative project.
[38:57] – How does Jenny balance work and life?
[41:15] – Who would Jenny cast in her biopic?
[42:59] – Let’s continue to strive in our industry and prepare the next generation.