The CUInsight Experience podcast: Nathan Cox – Lateral movements (#170)

Thank you for tuning in to episode 170 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Amazon Business. With the value and convenience of Amazon, plus innovative tools and features, purchasing leaders in credit unions can reduce costs, save time, maintain control, and efficiently scale operations. Amazon Business is the most comprehensive one-stop shop for business purchasing.

My guest on today’s show is Nathan Cox, President and CEO at InRoads Credit Union. Nathan shares his career journey in financial services that led him to where he is today. He empowers his team and community with servant leadership and empathy. Nathan and the InRoads team continue to focus on their community and expand their services, talent, and contributions to the credit union industry.

During our conversation, Nathan and I talk about career building and the importance of relationships, opportunities, and self-awareness. He shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career, and gives advice to those working towards a leadership role. Nathan uses an escalator analogy to talk about promotions and lateral moves when pursuing a career. Listen as we discuss skill acquisition, community engagement, and leadership lessons.

As we wrap up the show, listen in as Nathan talks about his first job, his view on balancing work and personal life, and his inspiring family. Enjoy my conversation with Nathan Cox!

Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher 

Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List 

How to find Nathan:
Nathan Cox, President and CEO at InRoads Credit Union
nathan.cox@inroadscu.org
inroadscu.org
Nathan: LinkedIn
InRoads: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Show notes from this episode:
A big shout-out to our friends at Amazon Business, an amazing sponsor of The CUInsight Experience podcast. Thank you!
Want to hear more from Nathan? Click here.
Place mentioned: Oregon
Place mentioned: California
Shout-out: U.S. Bank
Shout-out: Wells Fargo
Shout-out: Barry Nelson
Shout-out: Nav Khanna
Place mentioned: Pasadena, CA
Shout-out: Jill Nowacki
Shout-out: Warren Buffet
Shout-out: Dale Carnegie
Shout-out: Loyola Marymount University
Place mentioned: Los Angeles, CA
Shout-out: Brooke Van Vleet-Pearson
Shout-out: Nathan’s fiancé
Shout-out: Nathan’s parents
Shout-out: Nathan’s son and his son’s wife
Shout-out: Gallo Winery
Place mentioned: Detroit, MI
Shout-out: Motown
Shout-out: Stevie Wonder
Shout-out: Earth, Wind & Fire
Shout-out: Lil Wayne
Shout-out: Jay-Z
Shout-out: Boney James
Shout-out: Todd Harper
Shout-out: Denzel Washington
Shout-out: Will Smith
Shout-out: Mount Kilimanjaro
Historic event mentioned: Korean War
Place mentioned: St. Louis, MO
Shout-out: Pasadena City College
Shout-out: Drake University
Place mentioned: Des Moines, IA
Album mentioned: Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Blog post mentioned: 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly
Book mentioned: Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
Previous guests mentioned in this episode: Jill Nowacki (episodes 4, 18, 37, 64, 82, 101, 113, 126, 138, 148, & 161),  Todd Harper

In This Episode:
[00:55] – Nathan Cox talks about where he started his career and why he decided on pursuing a CEO role.
[03:12] – Nathan gives his top tips for when to take on a lateral move in your career. 
[06:01] – What does Nathan think of the current industry?
[08:20] – Nathan makes it a priority to empower his executive team.
[09:51] – How did Nathan build trust with his leadership team?
[12:46] – Nathan recalls the two investments that played a major role in his success.
[15:21] – Nathan seeks team members who are self-aware, collaborative, and passionate.
[17:11] – What does Nathan think makes great leadership?
[19:00] – Nathan shares a lesson he learned about perseverance from his athlete days.
[21:24] – Ask questions to understand, not to criticize.
[24:02] – Communication is key.
[26:06] – Nathan shares his predictions about credit union professions.
[28:26] – What is Nathan’s approach for connecting to a new community? PART 1
[31:16] – What is Nathan’s approach for connecting to a new community? PART 2
[34:13] – Nathan recalls his first job with a winery company.
[36:58] – Sometimes life really is that simple.
[39:42] – Which book does Nathan recommend?
[42:11] – Nathan talks about why his dad and son are inspirations in his life.
[44:08] – Thank you Nathan, and thank you for listening!