Empathy in Action: Balancing Financial Success and Community Service with Shannon Stewart

Key Lessons and Predictions for Credit Unions in 2025 | Connect & Collect Season Finale

In the season 2 finale of Connect and Collect, host Michael Pupil is joined by Lexop's Sasha, Jordan, and Laura for an engaging discussion on the year’s key takeaways and what’s ahead for 2025. The team unpacks the biggest challenges in hiring and retaining collections staff, shares client success stories showcasing the power of technology, and highlights why financial literacy and texting will be critical for credit unions moving forward. Get actionable insights on leveraging technology, improving member communication, and helping smaller credit unions thrive in a competitive landscape. Don’t miss this insightful wrap-up to season 2!

Empathy in Action: Balancing Financial Success and Community Service with Shannon Stewart

In this episode of the Connect and Collect podcast, host Michael Pupil speaks with Shannon Stewart, Collections Manager at Southland Credit Union, about balancing financial success with a purpose-driven life. From his charitable work with Helping Hands Giving Hope to his insights on financial literacy and intentional communication, Shannon shares how collections can be a platform for helping others in tough times. Discover actionable takeaways on fostering human connection, supporting underserved communities, and aligning your work with a higher purpose. Related Links * Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/snstewart/] * Southland Credit Union [https://www.southlandcu.org/⁠] * Helping Hands Giving Hope [https://www.instagram.com/helpinghandsgivinghope] * The Car Chronicles [ ⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0w8dVA-jRpZAXXqou1sOdR76vsTWh2Ay&si=O_Xh7Aq0AjH9RewX⁠ ]

Championing Community, Advocacy, and the Credit Union Philosophy with Jennifer Audette

In this episode, Michael Pupil sits down with Jennifer Audette [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-audette-53645b219/], President/CEO of POLAM Federal Credit Union [https://polam.org/], to explore her inspiring journey within the credit union movement. Jennifer delves into her passion for community engagement and the philosophy of “people helping people,” sharing insights on transitioning to a new field of membership and connecting with the Polish community. She discusses the importance of member communication, advocacy, and financial literacy, emphasizing how these elements foster trust and loyalty. The conversation also covers collaboration among credit unions, aligning values with financial institutions, and the unique advantages credit unions offer over traditional banks. Jennifer concludes by recommending “It’s a Wonderful Life” as the ultimate credit union movie. For more information, visit: * POLAM FCU [https://polam.org/] Skip Ahead * 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest * 02:42 - Jennifer's Journey into Credit Unions * 07:20 - The Role of a CEO in a Credit Union * 10:59 - Advocacy and the Philosophy of 'People Helping People' * 12:42 - Building Community and Member Engagement * 17:29 - Strategies for Member Acquisition and Communication * 24:47 - The Future of Credit Unions and Member Education * 42:57 - The Ultimate Credit Union Movie

Adapting Collection Strategies to the Digital-First Environment with Chris Benson

In this episode of the Connect and Collect podcast, we sit down with Chris Benson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-benson-92928755/], Vice President of Collections at ORNL Federal Credit Union, to explore the evolving landscape of collections in a digital-first world. Chris shares his insights on the critical role of staff engagement and personalized communication in effective leadership. He discusses how adapting collection strategies to fit a digital-first approach and leveraging technology can enhance operational efficiency and minimize risk. Chris also underscores the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and giving back to the credit union community as keys to professional growth and organizational success. For more information, visit: ORNL Credit Union [https://www.ornlfcu.com/] United Creditors Connect [https://www.unitedcreditorsconnect.com/⁠]

Reviving Credit Unions: Denise Wymore’s Mission to Save Small CUs

In this episode of the Connect and Collect podcast, we're joined by Denise Wymore, a seasoned credit union professional with over 40 years of experience. Denise shares her journey from starting as a teller to becoming a consultant for credit unions across the U.S. They discuss the critical mission of credit unions, the challenges faced by small credit unions, and the efforts of the CU De Novo Collective to start and save credit unions. Denise passionately talks about the importance of financial inclusion, the predatory nature of payday lending, and innovative solutions to support underserved communities. For more information, visit: - CU De Novo Collective [https://www.cudenovocollective.org/] - CU Connection [https://www.thecreditunionconnection.com/blog/2-ways-to-look-at-3-credit-union-innovations] - QCash Financial [https://qcashfinancial.com/] - Point West Credit Union [https://www.pointwestcu.com/⁠]