In Your Best Interest: An ALM First Podcast

Hosted by ALM First

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Our goal is to give you an insider's view of the latest market trends, explore common depository challenges and share success stories and insights from industry leaders. Join us to gain new perspectives as our experts dive into effective balance sheet management techniques and break down best practices. Visit our website at https://www.almfirst.com/.

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33 recent

May 18, 202623 min

Banking For Americans Abroad

We talk with Nate Robertson about what it takes to run a truly global credit union for State Department members and Americans living abroad, from shutdown uncertainty to the everyday friction of banking systems that were never built for foreign addresses. We dig into how a new leadership team uses liquidity planning, revamped lending, and smarter digital tools to return real value to members who are constantly on the move.• leadership turnover as a chance to reassess strategy and operations• communicating support during uncertainty through targeted member messaging• balance sheet flexibility to protect liquidity and seize opportunities• redesigned lending programs to win back member borrowing• remote mortgage closing for members stationed overseas• Wise integration for faster international transfers and simpler money movement• why Americans abroad are underserved and underbanked• hiring overseas employees to build products around lived experience• vendor and system limitations with foreign addresses and phone numbers• advice on deploying liquidity as spreads tighten

April 27, 202630 min

How Workers Credit Union Rebuilt Profitability With Culture And Governance

We share how Workers Credit Union rebuilds trust and profitability by running like a startup while tightening governance and bringing employees into the work. We break down how culture, AI policy, and disciplined asset liability management turn bold ideas into real execution for members. • adopting a startup operating style to move fast and fix fast • building a hybrid leadership culture with deep employee tenure • creating structured innovation with cross-functional ownership • improving profitability through balance sheet focus and ROE levers • setting board-approved AI governance and running intentional pilots • using AI to boost productivity and member service rather than cut jobs • strengthening HR as a culture and performance partner with employee NPS • WorkersPalooza as a full-day all-hands investment in culture • replacing ITMs with human service to differentiate the branch experience • upgrading tech stack with cloud phones plus mortgage and commercial LOS • expanding secondary market strategy through originate-to-sell and flow deals • grounding innovation in core ALM concepts like cost of funds and NIM Shoot me an email. Please, please reach out to me.

January 26, 202631 min

Navigating 2026: Advocacy, Partnership, and the Future of Credit Unions

We map a fast-moving year for credit unions with Defense Credit Union Council's President and CEO, Anthony Hernandez. From defending the tax exemption to tackling credit card legislation, launching CU Unplugged, and deepening partnerships that deliver real education and value, the focus stays on veterans, member outcomes, and moving faster than the narrative. In this episode, we explore:Early mobilization to protect the tax exemption, address risks of a 10% credit card rate cap and routing mandates, and pursue regulatory relief in coalition with community banks.Continued efforts on liquidity support, CDFI engagement, and extending longer loan terms.Strategic partnership with ALM First to scale education, expansion of webinars, and exploration of a potential DCUC rebrand.Launch of the "CU Unplugged Unconference" in San Francisco for the activation of DCUC Regional sub councils. Election-year onboarding of new lawmakers using localized credit union stories to build relationships.

August 25, 202523 min

The Five Practices of Impactful Financial Leaders

Financial leadership requires more than vision—it demands discipline, process, and clarity amid complexity, as Dr. Jamie Ledin explains through her framework of five leadership practices. She shares practical strategies for creating clarity in chaos, having hard conversations quickly, and preparing teams for uncertainty through disciplined leadership.• Perspective is crucial for financial leaders to cut through noise and focus on what matters most• Leadership discipline creates freedom, not limitation, by establishing clear processes and accountability• "Clarity is kindness"—having hard conversations quickly is essential in high-accountability environments• Leaders should create systems that reduce ambiguity by defining purpose and focused priorities• Excellence requires focus—teams can achieve 2-3 goals with excellence rather than 12 with mediocrity• Generational differences require leaders to adapt communication styles while maintaining clarity• Culture is defined by what the majority of people do most of the time, not what's on the walls

June 4, 202536 min

Beyond The Deal: Real Stories from Merger Integration

Merger integration represents the most challenging phase for credit unions pursuing strategic partnerships, requiring careful attention to people, processes, systems, and communication strategies to ensure success.• Credit union mergers require extensive planning beyond the initial agreement • Integration typically takes at least six months, even with similar core systems• Cultural integration proves more challenging than technical integration• Leaders often struggle to implement "best of both worlds" processes during transition• Communication needs exceed expectations—consistent, transparent messaging is essential• Members may complain about changes that didn't actually occur (resistance to change)• Contact centers face significant challenges during conversion periods• Project planning with clear phases and milestones is critical to success• Employee wellbeing must be prioritized to prevent burnout during integration• Contract management, especially for core processors, requires careful attention• Documenting the journey through photos helps preserve cultural continuityIf you're considering a merger or currently navigating integration challenges, visit our website for more resources, including our Education Hub, Resource Center, and upcoming webinars. Stay safe, stay healthy, and thank you for listening to In Your Best Interest, an ALM First podcast.

May 16, 2025Episode 2926 min

Core Competencies Hindering CEO Succession

Credit unions face a massive leadership transition as 40% of CEOs retire by 2030, yet only 54% of boards have succession plans in place, creating both challenges and opportunities for reimagining executive leadership.• Wave of retirements includes not just CEOs but also C-suite leaders and board members creating multi-level leadership turnover• Internal CEO candidates often lose to external ones because they haven't proactively developed strategic leadership skills• Responsibility for succession planning falls on boards, current CEOs, and candidates—but ultimately aspiring CEOs must take ownership of their development• Today's boards seek transformative leaders with clear vision rather than just operational excellence• Successful candidates demonstrate emotional intelligence, cross-enterprise experience, and strategic thinking• Assessments help quantify leadership potential while supporting successful onboarding• Boards should establish clear expectations with current CEOs about transition timelines• Aspiring CEO candidates should seek mentors, request rigorous feedback, and continuously learn• The best boards prepare themselves to work effectively with a new generation of credit union leadersIf you're a board member, start by examining your succession planning quarterly. If you're an aspiring CEO, don't wait for others to develop you—seek teachers, mentors, and challenging experiences to build your leadership capabilities.

February 18, 202531 min

The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) Future Fund Builds Pathways to Financial Inclusion

In celebration of Black History Month, we explore the AACUC Future Fund, a groundbreaking initiative transforming financial inclusion in the credit union movement. Since 1999, the African American Credit Union Coalition has been a pioneering force in fostering diversity and creating lasting positive impacts across communities. Through its four key pillars—internships and leadership development, small credit union sustainability, international cooperation with African financial cooperatives, and community wealth building—the Future Fund ensures sustainable funding for programs that expand access to financial services and create opportunities for future leaders.This episode features:AACUC's historical role in advancing diversity in credit unionsThe strategic vision behind the Future Fund's launchHow the four pillars drive meaningful change in communitiesInnovative approaches to developing diverse industry leadersStrategies for strengthening small credit unionsInternational partnerships empowering African cooperativesInitiatives for building generational wealthUnderstanding charitable donation accounts as investment vehiclesWays credit unions can participate and drive changeInsights from industry leaders on creating lasting impactJoin us for an inspiring discussion about building pathways to financial inclusion and honoring the legacy of cooperative finance in the Black community.

January 30, 202528 min

Building Stronger Credit Unions Through Strategic Mergers

This episode delves into the current trends and strategic considerations in the credit union merger landscape, highlighting the importance of preparation and adaptability in navigating the evolving M&A environment. The discussion emphasizes the significance of scale, proactive strategies, and understanding regulatory implications for successful future mergers.• Exploring the increasing trend of larger credit union mergers• The importance of geographic diversification in expansions• Understanding regulatory scrutiny and merger approval processes• The necessity for proactive preparation for merger discussions• Examining board dynamics and engagement strategies in mergers• Future projections for merger activity and market consolidation

October 2, 202432 min

Driving Results: Aligning Purpose, Strategy, and Culture for Organizational Success

How can aligning purpose, strategy, and culture propel your organization to new heights? Join us as we chat with Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, who shares her transformative journey from humble beginnings to the helm of leadership. Jessica reveals her mission to quantify culture through data and the stunning results of her collaboration with Stanford University—organizations that fully align on purpose, strategy, and culture see remarkable revenue growth. Together, we debunk popular myths about corporate culture and discuss practical steps to embed culture into daily actions, creating workplaces that truly win.Ever wondered how to navigate cultural transformation in a global and remote work environment? Drawing from a compelling case study of Redstone Federal Credit Union, Jessica illustrates how consistent cultural practices and leadership alignment can dismantle internal silos and build trust. Discover how evolving cultural strategies can sustain long-term success and drive significant growth, supported by insights from Stanford research. With real-world examples, Jessica outlines how creating consistent experiences and recognizing desired behaviors can lead to extraordinary organizational results.Looking ahead to the future of workplace culture, we explore the challenges and opportunities posed by remote work, pay equity, and shifting generational expectations. Understand why some companies are adamant about returning to the office and the growing impact of social media on corporate transparency. We also discuss potential future scenarios, including significant cultural improvements and labor strikes fueled by workforce frustrations. Alongside this, we highlight the resources available through ALM First for financial education, emphasizing the importance of personalized advice and informed decision-making. Tune in for a comprehensive look at driving results with an aligned culture and the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics.

August 20, 202427 min

Empowering Change: The AACUC Future Fund and the Future of CDA's

Ready to unlock the secret to impactful charitable giving within the credit union community? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Renée Sattiewhite from the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and Jason Haley from ALM First. Together, they reveal the innovative AACUC Charitable Donation Account Fund and how it promises to revolutionize support for vital initiatives. Learn firsthand how this fund is designed to sustain impactful programs like internships and leadership development while providing a flexible and efficient avenue for credit unions to contribute to meaningful causes.Our discussion takes a deep dive into the AACUC's Future Fund and its critical role in the growth and sustainability of small credit unions. Discover how ALM First has crafted a streamlined investment vehicle to facilitate contributions from multiple credit unions, maximizing the impact on the community. We dissect the fund's unique structure and the strategies in place to manage financial risks, ensuring a steady income stream for long-term initiatives. Hear Renée and Jason share their experiences and insights, giving you a personal connection to their mission and the greater credit union movement.In our final segment, we spotlight the newly launched fund aimed at supporting smaller credit unions, backed by substantial investments from industry giants. Understand the process and importance of contributing to this fund, and the critical role it plays in the future of the credit union industry. We wrap up with heartfelt gratitude and optimism, celebrating the dedication and leadership of Renee and Jason in driving this groundbreaking project forward. Tune in to be inspired and informed about the transformative power of credit union charitable giving!