Culture Shock By Luminate

Episode 17 - Rolling Out The Internal Red Carpet - Brandi Cummins & Niya Buckles

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312760/fan_mail/new] We’re joined by Brandi Cummins [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-cummins-a0128a38/] and Niya Guidry Buckles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/niya-guidry-buckles-b00519131/] from Neighbors Federal Credit Union [https://www.linkedin.com/company/neighborsfcu/posts/?feedView=all]for a conversation all about rolling out the red carpet for your team.  These two powerhouses break down how intentional recognition, meaningful connection, and a culture committee done right can bring your workplace to life.  If you’re looking for real ideas, real energy, and real inspiration to elevate your employee experience, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode 16 - Taylor Murray - OG Credit Union Vibes: WHY History Matters!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312760/fan_mail/new] On this episode, I’m hanging out with Taylor Murray, CEO of ServiStar, to talk about why credit union history isn’t just old news, it’s the secret sauce for today’s success. We’ll be serving up golden nuggets on courses and classes that can level up you and your team, plus give you a backstage pass to the Credit Union Museum. It’s time to call in the OGs and turn them into the next wave of credit union rockstars! 🎸💡 ServiStar [https://www.servistarconsulting.com/] America's Credit Union Museum [https://www.acumuseum.org/] Credit Union PHD [https://members.servistarconsulting.com/events/credit-union-phd-2/] CUDE [https://www.ncuf.coop/development-education/program/] Umbrella Man Store [https://umbrellaman.org/] Brent Rempe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentrempe/] Stephanie Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-smith-cude-061665159/] About Taylor: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormurray81/] Motivated by purpose and driven by impact, I bring over 25 years of progressive leadership in the credit union movement. I’m passionate about building strong, member-focused teams and creating cultures that rally around service, innovation and collaboration. With a natural communication style and energetic presence, I quickly earn the trust of teams—whether leading large groups or small. I’m known for identifying risks early, navigating change with intention and turning challenges into strategic opportunities. At my core, I’m a curious and compassionate leader who’s always striving to grow—and to lift others up along the way.

Episode 15 - Juan Fernandez - Trust Falls & Take Offs

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312760/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Trust Falls and Take Offs, we explore how true leadership is built on moments of both vulnerability and lift.  Just like a trust fall, great leaders create environments where their team feels safe to lean back, knowing they’ll be supported. And just like a takeoff, leaders provide the vision, energy, and momentum that help the team rise to new heights. We unpack the balance between letting go of control and offering direction, sharing stories and strategies for building authentic trust, cultivating confidence, and inspiring sustainable success that grows naturally from within the team rather than being forced from the top down. Juan Fernadez Bio: As CEO, I’ve had the honor of leading a transformational journey—reimagining what a modern credit union association can be. When we became Luminate, it wasn’t just a name change; it was a commitment to shine a light on relevant, future-forward solutions for credit unions of all sizes. Whether it’s policy, innovation, or people—everything we do at Luminate is in service of a brighter, more inclusive financial future. I’m proud of our team, our mission, and the movement we’re helping to build. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about the future of credit unions, advocacy, or building purpose-driven leadership ecosystems. I have served the credit union movement for over twenty years in four states - New York, New Mexico, Washington and Louisiana - tackling opportunities in communities of all sizes and complexity. I started as a teller and have grown a career in credit unions because of the amazing power we have to change people's lives. I am passionate about our movement and am honored to be part of it.

Special Episode - Armand Parvazi, MBA, CUDE live from the 2025 Luminate Convention!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312760/fan_mail/new] Armand Parvazi is a passionate credit union leader, former C-suite executive, and accomplished strategist with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation. With experience spanning political campaigns, small businesses, and financial institutions, Armand brings a unique perspective to digital transformation, marketing, financial institution management, and corporate strategy. A second-generation credit union professional, Armand is a lifelong advocate for the movement both in local communities and on Capitol Hill. He has led impactful initiatives, including the implementation of a data-driven marketing strategy that delivered a 2,100% ROI, a 61% increase in assets, and a rise in products-per-new-member by 39%. He also pioneered the first cancer care debt relief program in the nation, helping members facing medical hardship. Armand was named the 2021 NAFCU Professional of the Year and a 2024 CU Times Luminaries Rising Star, recognizing his leadership and commitment to the credit union mission. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, including the World Council of Credit Unions, CUNA/America’s Credit Unions, and various state league conferences. Certifications: CUDE, CCUE, NCCO, CCUFC, CUCME, Certified CDFI Practitioner

Special Episode - A Podcast from the Luminate 2025 Convention

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312760/fan_mail/new] A heartfelt thank you to JT and Valiify for hosting a podcast at our 2025 Luminate Convention! The mic's have turned and I was interviewed! I was truly honored to share my love for Luminate, our incredible team, our amazing members, and of course, the great state of Louisiana.