With thousands of credit union-related conversations under his belt, CU Broadcast host Mike Lawson has his finger on the pulse of the industry like few others.

So we asked him point blank: after everything you heard in 2025, what should be top of mind for credit union leaders heading into next year?

His answer? A wake-up call.

In this episode, Mike Lawson and host Joshua Barclay dissect the uncomfortable truths facing credit unions—from an aging membership base that threatens the movement's long-term survival, to mega-mergers that risk eroding the "people helping people" DNA that makes credit unions different.

We talk about what's actually working to attract younger members (hint: it's not just TikTok), why some credit unions are quietly dropping "credit union" from their names, and how AI is creating an arms race between fraudsters and the institutions trying to stop them.

This podcast episode is sponsored by BusinessNext, the all-in-one CRM made for credit unions and community banks.

If you want to see the BusinessNext CRM in action, you can watch a demo video by clicking this link.

Most financial institutions are swimming in risk right now: cyber threats, regulatory pressure, liquidity concerns, fast-moving competitors, and the accelerating impact of AI.

But as Ed Vincent, CEO of Lumio Solutions, explains, the biggest threat isn't any of those individually. It's the fragmented data sitting behind them.

In this episode, Ed breaks down why community banks and credit unions are essentially flying blind when their data lives in disconnected systems, spreadsheets, and legacy tools. He reveals why traditional, rear-view-mirror risk management leaves leaders reacting too late—and how unified, real-time data gives institutions the visibility to see what's coming before it hits.

Ed also shares why inertia is the most dangerous force in the industry right now, and why leaders can't afford to wait for "perfect information" before taking action. From practical steps for building a data foundation, to examples of how unified data transforms forecasting, credit decisions, fraud detection, and board-level reporting, this conversation offers a roadmap for modern, forward-looking risk management.

Want to see how BusinessNext actually works? Watch the demo right here.

Most credit unions talk about digital transformation as a tech problem. But the real differentiator is not software. It is a strategy that starts with your people and your teams.

According to McKinsey, about 70 percent of digital transformation initiatives fail to meet their goals, creating massive waste and stalled progress for financial institutions.

This episode cuts through the noise by featuring someone who has actually delivered meaningful transformation in a real credit union.

Jonah LaFollette, Chief Strategy Officer at Foothill Federal Credit Union, shares how his team transformed member experience by rethinking their entire approach.

Instead of leading with shiny tools, Foothill Federal Credit Union started with a clear strategic framework, rebuilt its processes, moved critical systems to the cloud, and invested deeply in internal talent. The result: a culture that understands the "why" behind every decision. And a team confident enough to use technology to its fullest potential.

You'll hear how Foothill Federal Credit Union:

• Went from on-prem systems and siloed data to real-time analytics.

• Built entirely new roles to own and champion critical systems like CRM and digital banking.

• Tripled consumer lending volume: from $3M to over $10M at peak.

• Opened 250+ digital memberships with 87% converting into loans or direct deposit.

• Used AI and cloud modernization to reduce reporting time from weeks to minutes.

If you are looking for a grounded, strategic approach to digital transformation, this conversation lays out the first steps.

Listen in and see how your teams can use technology to serve members more effectively.

To watch a demo video of the BusinessNext CRM platform, click this link.

Tired of hearing about costly, disruptive core conversions that sideline credit unions when they need to compete most? There's a better way forward.

In this episode, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Brynn Ammon, President of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, to explore how extending—not replacing—your core system could be the competitive advantage your credit union needs.

You'll discover:

• Jack Henry's revolutionary approach using cloud-native microservices that integrate seamlessly with existing systems

• The shocking truth about member data: most credit unions have access to less than 25% of their members' complete financial picture

• How to build a unified data strategy that actually powers meaningful AI implementation

• Why fintechs are winning the membership battle and what credit unions can do about it

The brutal reality: While credit unions debate AI strategies, they're losing market share to digital-first competitors who understand that great member experiences start with great data infrastructure.

If you're a credit union leader feeling pressure to modernize without disrupting operations, this episode offers practical advice for competing in today's digital landscape while building on the foundation you already have.

When it comes to your core banking system, stop thinking rip-and-replace. Start thinking extend and enhance.

What do 300 high schoolers, a treacherous dirt road, and an epic keg party have to do with your bank's data strategy? Everything, according to Joshua Barclay and Nick Del Francia from BusinessNext.

In this unique episode, Joshua shares a wild story from his Connecticut party-throwing days to illustrate banking's biggest challenge: it's not about your products (everyone sells the same checking accounts and credit cards), it's about the experience—the "road"—that leads customers to those products.

You'll discover:

• Why 66% of consumers want personalized experiences, but only 42% actually receive financial guidance from their bank

• How data silos are quietly sabotaging customer loyalty across all generations

• The uncomfortable truth about why your AI strategy is "dead on arrival" without unified data

• Real examples of how fragmented systems create frustrated customers (and employees)

• A practical roadmap for creating the "paved road" experience that keeps customers coming back

Based on a hit keynote speech at Future Branches Boston, this episode combines surprising statistics, practical insights, and some laughs about pink suit jackets and terrible Lifetime movies.

If you're tired of point solutions creating more problems than they solve, this episode reveals why unified data isn't just nice to have—it's the prerequisite for AI and everything else you're trying to accomplish.

Most credit unions are trapped in AI paralysis. It's not because they don't want the competitive advantage, but because they're terrified of what happens when regulators come knocking.

In this tactical episode of Banking on Experience, host Joshua Barclay sits down with Ray K. Ragan, Chief Information Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, to solve the AI compliance puzzle once and for all—so credit unions can tap into the transformative use cases waiting on the other side.

Ray isn't your typical credit union executive. As an Army Reserve officer who served on the Army AI Task Force and holds multiple AI patents, he's witnessed AI's evolution from military-grade applications to credit union boardrooms.

His unique perspective bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and regulatory reality.

Want the compliance roadmap? We cover it: risk assessments, board sign-offs, examiner questions. Plus, Ray reveals some powerful, unique AI use cases that are specific to credit unions.

If you've been waiting for a real-world answer to AI and compliance, this podcast episode is for you.

What if the secret to member retention isn't more data—but better use of it?

In this live episode of Banking on Experience, we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing credit unions today: keeping Members engaged in an era of limitless options and vanishing loyalty.

You'll learn:

• Why 44% of new accounts go inactive within a year—and how to reverse it
• The high cost of fake personalization
• Real-world tactics that combine human connection and AI-powered insights
• How a Detroit Lions-themed CD campaign turned into a member engagement machine
• Why you don't need a data warehouse to start making data-driven decisions

If you care about member relationships, operational efficiency, or turning data into action—this one's for you.

Our expert panel brings real-world strategies to the table:

• Brad Shafton, SVP of Digital & IT at Magnifi Financial, shares how his team creates hyper-personalized member experiences that actually drive retention.
• Emily Sutton, Director of Marketing at Community Financial CU, reveals how creativity, community, and data came together to power a wildly successful Lions-themed CD campaign.
• Mitch Rutledge, CEO & Co-founder of Vertice AI, breaks down how to ditch siloed data and start delivering smarter, faster member engagement—without waiting years to unify every system.

These aren't theorists—they're operators inside credit unions getting real results. Here's how they do it.

Tune in and take notes.

Bank of Idaho made headlines with its $245 million acquisition deal with Glacier Bancorp—a bold move at a time when community banks are battling rising regulatory pressure, digital disruption, and funding challenges.

In this episode, Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Newgard shares:

• The key factors that drove the decision to sell

• The toughest leadership challenges during the transition

• How he approached cultural integration between two institutions

• The hard truths every community bank leader must face in today's fast-changing market

Whether you're weighing an acquisition or simply trying to future-proof your financial institution, this episode offers real-world lessons you can't get from a playbook.

Listen now to hear Jeff's brutally honest insights about M&A, leadership, and the future of community banking.