Connect & Collect
By Lexop
Connect & CollectApr 29, 2024
Leading the Charge: Expert Tips for Credit Union Collection Teams
In this episode of Connect and Collect, we welcome Alisha Blondel, Director of Collections at FSU Credit Union.
What we're talking about in this episode:
- Alisha's Career Journey: From starting as a Branch Teller in 2003 to becoming the Director of Collections, Alisha shares her professional growth story and the milestones along the way.
- Empathetic Collections Approach: Learn about the shift towards a more understanding and empathetic approach to collections, which has proven effective in dealing with members compassionately.
- Training and Performance Incentives: Alisha discusses innovative training techniques and performance incentives that motivate and empower collection teams.
- Career Advice for Collection Professionals: Gain valuable insights and tips for both aspiring and current collections professionals looking to advance in their careers.
- The CUCP Annual Conference: Hear about the impact of professional gatherings like the CUCP conference on community building and professional development within the credit union sector.
- FSU Credit Union’s Community Impact: Explore how FSU Credit Union is making a significant impact in the community through educational initiatives and dedicated member service.
Leading with Empathy and Empowerment: Celebrating Women in Credit Unions
In this episode of Connect & Collect, we're joined by Lilly Megia and Janie Soto, Senior Vice President and Lending Manager at South Texas Credit Union. We discuss their career growth and evolution, the perspective women bring to the credit union industry internally and externally with members, and the importance of having a supportive network to lean on.
The conversation also highlights their commitment to professional development, inspirational female figures that have shaped their life and careers, and the value of communication and support systems in fostering career growth and work-life balance.
What we're talking about in this episode:
- The impact of mentorship and support to uplift women in your network
- The unique strengths women bring to the industry
- How to become better allies for women in the workplace
- Advice for aspiring women leaders
Championing Member Interests Through Legislative Advocacy and Community Involvement
In this episode of Connect & Collect, Join Mark Avelar, Executive Vice President of Texas Bridge Credit Union and President of the Coastal Bend Chapter of Credit Unions, for a discussion on the importance of advocacy in legislative affairs, the power of community involvement and communication strategies to engage the younger generations. We discuss the changing landscape of the credit union industry, particularly noting the need for empathy in member relations and an adaptive mindset in the face of ongoing technological advances. Mark also emphasizes the importance of connectivity both within communities and between credit union professionals. What we’re talking about in this episode: - The impact of legislative advocacy and community involvement on credit unions - Overcoming the fear of change and the importance of internal adaptability - Engaging and attracting younger generations and the value of empathetic communication - How credit unions can help provide better financial literacy education Visit out blog for more information and the transcript:
https://www.lexop.com/blog/podcast-championing-member-interests-through-legislative-advocacy-and-community-involvement
2024 Trends & Predictions For Credit Union Collections
In this episode of Connect & Collect, we're joined by our very own, Sasha Bordonaro and Jordan Greenberg who have a chance to connect and speak with incredible credit unions (small and large) daily. We discuss the key trends and challenges faced by credit unions we're speaking with today.
They highlight the importance of adopting technology to meet the changing needs of consumers, and the need to find solutions to address staffing shortages in the collections departments.
What we’re talking about in this episode:
- Embracing technology to adapt to members' evolving communication preferences.
- The power of self-service payment options and analytics-driven decision-making.
- Ways to combat staffing shortages, hiring challenges and improve employee well-being.
Visit out blog for more information and the transcript: https://www.lexop.com/blog/podcast-2024-trends-and-predictions-for-credit-union-collections
How Fintech is evolving community banking with Robert Keil, Chief Fintech Officer at FinWise Bank
*Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of their employer.
In this episode, Robert Keil, Chief Fintech Officer at FinWise Bank, dives into the fintech ecosystem and his role in exploring banking-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions to future-proof their community bank. We discuss various topics, including regulatory compliance, sustainable growth and profitability, effective risk management for delinquency control, and providing positive customer service experiences.
Visit out blog for more information and the transcript: https://www.lexop.com/blog/how-fintech-is-evolving-community-banking
Learn more about FinWise Bank
Accelerating a Tech-Driven Transformation in Financial Services, with Alexandre Semenov, Customer Solutions Lead at SAS
*Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of their employer.
In this episode, Alexandre Semenov, Customer Solutions Lead at SAS Institute, dives into accelerating digital transformation within financial services. Alexandre shares his expertise around overcoming the challenges of decision paralysis in adopting new technologies and his best advice to fail fast, learn and adapt quickly. We explore the increasing importance of data security and user-friendly customer experiences at every stage of the loan lifecycle.
Learn more about SAS Institute
Speed, Scalability and Security in the Cloud, with Michael Thibodeau, Azure Segment Lead - SMB, Startups & Growth at Microsoft
*Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of their employer.
In this episode, Michael Thibodeau, Azure Segment Lead at Microsoft, breaks down the Azure Cloud ecosystem and the benefits of leveraging cloud-based technology - from increased speed to market, cost savings, scalability, and security. Michael shares insights on the differences between AI and machine learning and provides valuable best practices on where a business of any size can start navigating cloud services.
Learn more about Microsoft Azure
Browse the Azure Marketplace
Get more insights as Michael interviews Canada’s best startups on the Pitch Please Podcast
Building a Transformative End-to-End Collections Strategy, with Dan Redivo, Global Head of Collections
*Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of their employer.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Redivo, Global Head of Collections at a professional services firm. Dan has 30+ years of experience in collections and brings extensive knowledge and expertise in building end-to-end digital strategies. He shares his insights on trends within the collections industry, the early impact of transformative tools like conversational AI, the importance of delivering consumer-friendly experiences, and the power of analytics to measure your success.
Find Dan's podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/@danredivo/videos
Networking for Success in the Collections Industry, with Jackie Smith & Karen Stirling
*Please note that the views and opinions expressed by our guests are solely their own and do not represent the views or opinions of their employer or NEAMA.
In this episode, we chat with not one but two incredible collections professionals, Jackie Smith and Karen Stirling, who are also part of the Executive Board of the New England Adjustment Managers Association (NEAMA). Join us as they share the networking opportunities NEAMA provides and how they're filling the educational gap for collections professionals.
Transforming the Payment Experience, with Kevin Falk, Founder & CIO at Instant Financial
In this episode, we chat with Kevin Falk, Founder & CIO at Instant Financial, about shaking up the traditional payroll structure that we learned is not so traditional after all. We cover the dangers and beauty of Buy Now, Pay Later services and how detrimental payday loans and cash companies are to consumers. This fascinating episode explores the history of how we collect our paychecks, why the model was ripe for disruption, and how Instant Financial has been able to make a positive impact on families across the United States.
2023 Outlook and Innovations in Lending, with Michael Denham, Vice-Chairman at the National Bank of Canada
In this episode, we chat with Michael Denham, Vice-Chairman at the National Bank of Canada, about the economy's current state and the challenges and opportunities lenders will face in 2023, including those addressed in this Globe & Mail article. Michael shares how essential technology is for cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and delivering superior service levels to customers and employees.