From John: Educating Emerging Leaders

At CUES, we believe that investing in the next generation of leaders is incredibly important to the credit union industry. 

This is why our mission includes educating and developing future leaders. This is why we celebrated the attendance of so many millennials at our recent Directors Conference—and why the event program included a session in which young board members gave pointers about recruiting millennials to serve on credit union boards. This is also why we’re evolving our very successful, decade-old CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec challenge into our new CUES Emerge program, which combines online learning, peer collaboration and an exciting competition component.

While many emerging leaders are young people, an important feature of the new CUES program is that emerging leaders of all ages are encouraged to participate. Another key component of CUES Emerge is that education is front and center for all participants, rather than the prize for the ultimate winner. I’m also really pleased that all participants in the new challenge who successfully complete the online classes, peer sessions and a business case will receive our new CCM (Certified Credit Union Manager) designation.

In addition to all the education emerging leaders will get from participating, being part of CUES Emerge in 2020 will be a great way for these budding leaders to learn about or deepen their use of their CUES membership benefits, as the educational components of the program will be delivered via CUES Elite Access courses, the CUESNet online forum and CUES Learning Portal.

How It Works

Here are more details on the path CUES Emerge participants will follow: 

First, they’ll need to apply. Up to 30 applicants will be accepted into a six-week, online course that includes live instruction and an opportunity to collaborate with other participants. Program participants will take three Elite Access classes held every other week. These interactive online sessions will build knowledge and understanding through connections with subject matter experts and peers. Three Mastermind sessions will take place between each Elite Access class. These cohort discussions and workgroups will support the application of learning and guide business case development. The course will culminate with each participant creating and delivering a business case.

At that point, a judging panel will review the submitted business cases and select five finalists to move forward in the competition. The five finalists will further refine and evolve their business cases with the help of professional coaches and credit union mentors, then present their polished business cases during a dynamic online pitch show.

Based on the business cases and participants’ presentations, a panel of judges will select the top three emerging leaders. All three of these individuals will receive an education and coaching package that includes registration to the CUES School of Applied Strategic Management™ in 2021. When they complete this school, they will earn the CSE (Certified Senior Executive) designation.

The judging panel will also select the ultimate winner. The 2020 CUES Emerging Leader will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to CEO/Executive Team Network™, slated for Nov. 2-4, in Austin, Texas, where they will be recognized for their accomplishment. The winner will also receive an ongoing leadership coaching package.

Would this program be just the thing for you? Or maybe for a member of your team? I hope you’ll check it out and apply—or encourage one of your colleagues to do so. The future of credit unions in 2020 and beyond depends on how well we choose—and prepare—our emerging leaders.  cues icon

John Pembroke is president/CEO of CUES.