Career development tips from a credit union CEO

Great article! We need to be intentional and focused on our careers like any other aspect of our lives. I am not a runner, but there are great principles in this short article. This article is focused on your career. My supplemental advice is to always remember that your career is only one aspect of your life, and probably not the most important aspect of your life although it may occupy the greater portion of your time and energy many days, but if properly aligned, your career can help you fulfill your other goals as well (e.g., commitments to love and serve your family and to love and serve others as well). The credit union philosophy of people helping people is one of the main reasons I chose to work at a credit union (Mazuma Credit Union), while also being a husband, dad, grandpa, deacon, and friend and mentor to others.

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to support Sean Conway on a couple of occasions as he tackled his ambitious goal of completing a world record setting 105 Iron distance triathlons in 105 days. Leadership often means being alongside your team, supporting them through challenges. And most importantly, sometimes putting your own goals aside. As I ran with Sean, it reminded me of the power of presence—simply being there can boost morale and drive individuals to push beyond their limits – even though he is a far superior athlete to me. Leadership is about action. It’s one thing to give verbal encouragement; it’s another to show up and participate in the struggle. This experience was a profound reminder that our actions can inspire and uplift those around us. Supporting Sean’s goal helped me appreciate our shared commitment to achieving seemingly impossible feats. It’s much more than personal achievement, it’s about helping others realise their dreams. But this weekend is about my dream and my goal. I am taking on a bucket-list physical challenge. As the day approaches, I'm of course both nervous and excited. Training has been more than just physical endurance, it's also about mental preparation, learning to push beyond perceived limits, and understanding the deep resilience we all have within. As I get ready to lace up my shoes and set my sights on the path ahead, I am reminded of the incredible support and encouragement from friends, family, my coach and colleagues. This journey would be a lot tougher without them all. I'm ready to run not just for the finish line, but for every mile and milestone that has brought me to the start line. Whether it's through endurance sports or professional endeavours, the principles remain the same: prepare, show up, do your best, and push beyond the expected. I will let you know how it goes next week. #Leadership #Support #Endurance #LeadershipLessons

Each April prior to the pandemic, I competed in a 200-mile relay race with 11 other (sweaty) people. Since on most days I'm a business strategist, I couldn't help but see the event and its logistical challenges as a metaphor for organizations in the race for success. Here's the first of three articles the relay inspired — a key aspect of People Strategy it's worth having 200 miles to think about :) #peoplestrategy #growthstrategy #businessplanning #capacitybuilding #leadership

This year I have returned to the realm of Varsity High School basketball at The Webb Schools taking over the girls team. I am overjoyed at the coming challenges and the opportunity to help guide these young women in not only basketball but as outstanding human beings. So I reworked our team handbook and I wanted to share my final statement of that I provide the students and parents in that book. "Embracing Failure as a Path to Success Our reaction to setbacks often determines whether we will ultimately reach our goals. As Henry Ford wisely said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” We must recognize that failure is an essential part of any process—it is crucial for our growth as individuals. Mistakes are inevitable. They occur in the classroom, on the court, and in life. Failure does not discriminate; it touches everyone. Because of this, we must first accept that failure will happen—and not just once, but repeatedly. However, these mistakes do not define us; they help to refine us. They provide opportunities to rebuild, challenge us to look deeper, and push us to focus more intently—if we choose to believe in our potential. We must believe that we are capable, resilient, and destined for success. As your coaching staff, we believe in this wholeheartedly. Even in the face of our own failures, we remain steadfast in our belief in ourselves, our philosophy, and most importantly, in you. This journey is not easy. But do not shy away from failure. Don’t retreat into the safety of your comfort zone. Instead, embrace risk. Take chances. Fall, and then rise again. When you feel you don’t have the strength to get back up, this team will be there to lift you. We will carry you until you find your strength again, and when you do, we will always be by your side. Remember, failure is not a permanent outcome—it’s just a rest stop on the road to success. "When we fail, we are given opportunities. I see them as chances to break free, to rebuild ourselves into something greater, to discover true freedom beyond the constraints of others’ expectations—like a phoenix rising from the ashes, renewed." — Coach Kays" #coaching #basketball #failure #team #leading

#Life is often compared to a race, and in many ways, it’s like #riding a #horse through a challenging course. Just as a rider sets their sights firmly on the finish line, we must set clear goals and remain focused on the path ahead. In the race of life, distractions and obstacles are inevitable, but true success comes from staying determined, adjusting when needed, and never losing sight of where you’re headed. Remember, it’s not about how fast you ride, but about the direction you choose and the resilience to stay on course. Set your goals. Stay focused. Keep moving forward. #LifeGoals #Perseverance #Focus #StayDetermined #Leadership #Motivation #CareerGrowth #OvercomeObstacles

LEADERSHIP SUCCESS IS TEAMWORK! "The success of a relay race team is real but the racers are realer. The race can only be successful if the racers understand the rudiments of the game and are working together to achieve it." #DrLennieEsomitoje The success of a relay race team is a testament to the power of teamwork and individual excellence. While the team's victory is the ultimate goal, the success lies in the collective effort of each individual racer. Each racer brings their unique strengths and skills to the team, contributing to the overall success. The first runner sets the pace, the second maintains momentum, the third builds on the lead, and the anchor brings it home. Each runner plays a crucial role, and a single misstep can derail the entire team's effort. To achieve success, the team must have a deep understanding of the relay race's fundamentals. This includes mastering the perfect baton exchange, maintaining a consistent pace, and running strategic legs. Additionally, the team must cultivate trust and communication among its members. A strong bond and effective communication are essential for seamless baton exchanges and synchronized efforts. In essence, the success of a relay race team is a reflection of the individual racers' commitment, skill, and teamwork. It's a beautiful display of how individual strengths can combine to achieve a common goal, inspiring us to apply these principles in our own lives and endeavors. . . #soca.ng #leadership #leadershipquotes #leadershipthatworks #DSLS #DSleadershipsummit #nextgen #asaba2018 #coach #coachingacademy #lifespiration #lifequotes #mindset #millionairemindset #mindshift #coachinginstitute #doctors #lawyers #successquotes #nurses

“Ohio State’s National Championship: The Blueprint for Greatness” “Success is never an accident. It’s the result of relentless preparation, unwavering belief, and an unshakable commitment to the team. Watching Ohio State win the national championship last night wasn’t just a celebration—it was a lesson in what it takes to rise to the top.” *“As a former Division 1 athlete, I’ve lived through the grind. I know the weight of expectations, the sacrifices made in silence, and the moments when doubt tries to creep in. Watching that game, I saw more than a team claiming a trophy—I saw the embodiment of every leadership principle I’ve carried into my career. Greatness starts long before the spotlight hits. It’s built during the 5 a.m. workouts when no one is watching. It’s the commitment to the film room when others are taking a break. And most importantly, it’s the belief that no matter the odds, you’ve prepared enough to deserve success. What Ohio State showed us last night was that championships are won not by talent alone, but by trust—trust in your team, your preparation, and your ability to adjust when the game demands it. In my own journey, whether on the field or leading in business, I’ve learned this: • Resilience beats talent when talent hesitates. • Discipline isn’t just a skill—it’s a habit. • And true leaders don’t just inspire—they empower others to rise with them. Ohio State didn’t just win—they executed a vision, proving that the formula for success remains universal.”* *“Here’s the question I’ll leave you with: Are you putting in the work to build a championship culture in your life, your team, or your business? Because greatness isn’t a gift—it’s a choice. And the good news? That choice is yours to make, every single day.”* “What’s your blueprint for success? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them below #Leadership #Teamwork #WinningCulture #Resilience #OhioState #Greatness #TransformativeLeadership

“The Myth of Natural Talent in Golf and Leadership: Lessons from Lee Trevino” Golf legend Lee Trevino once said, “There is no such thing as natural touch. Touch is something you create by hitting millions of golf balls.” This quote resonates far beyond the golf course, shedding light on a universal truth: success is earned through relentless practice and dedication, not innate talent. Whether you’re a golfer, a business leader, or someone striving to achieve personal growth, Trevino’s wisdom offers valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, skill-building, and resilience. 1. The Illusion of Talent: In golf, we often admire players who seem to have a “natural swing.” In reality, their success is the result of countless hours on the driving range, perfecting every detail of their game. Similarly, in leadership or any profession, the “natural” ability to lead, innovate, or inspire is cultivated through learning, reflection, and experience. 2. Consistency Is the Key: Trevino’s career exemplifies how consistency and discipline outweigh sporadic bursts of brilliance. In the corporate world, consistency in decision-making, communication, and personal growth builds trust and long-term success. 3. The Role of Mentorship: Even the greatest golfers have coaches who guide them. Similarly, in the professional world, finding a mentor or being one can accelerate skill-building and inspire continuous improvement. 4. Resilience Through Repetition: Hitting millions of golf balls, as Trevino describes, isn’t easy—it requires enduring frustration, setbacks, and plateaus. But each swing brings a player closer to mastery. In life and work, resilience is built by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Lee Trevino’s message is clear: success is not about being “born with it.” It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and committing to lifelong learning. Whether you’re on the golf course or in the boardroom, the key to success lies in practice, persistence, and passion. How are you creating your “touch”? Whether it’s in your career, your hobbies, or your personal life, I’d love to hear how you approach growth and mastery. Share your thoughts in the comments below! #Leadership #GrowthMindset #GolfAndLife #PracticeMakesPerfect #golf #golfswing #golfindustry #thoughts

Many of us have set lofty goals for the new year. The key to achieving them is to break them down elemnts you can focus on, prioritize, and execute on. That's why I think this is a great article to revisit. It’s easy to get fixated on the big prize—the promotion, the milestone, the “win.” Whether it’s in a race or the workplace, breaking things down into smaller chunks can help us stay focused, reduce stress, and keep us moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned. As 2025 gets fully underway, let’s start thinking less about outcomes and more about how we can enjoy and grow through the journey. #Leadership #GoalSetting #GrowthMindset

By committing to daily disciplines, adopting a long-term perspective, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, leaders at all levels can cultivate the slight edge that leads to significant achievements over time. Check out this article, "The Slight Edge," from Command Alkon CEO, Martin Willoughby: https://bddy.me/3JF1Y4Z