Credit Unions, Coffee & Conversations

This episode, Patty sits down with 2026 MCUL Young Professional of the Year Josh Buck of Members First Credit Union. Josh shares his journey from bank teller to network administrator, how he helped shape Michigan’s FUEL network and Hype the Hill and why advocacy and storytelling matter to him.

In this episode, Patty Corkery sits down with Drema Isaac, CEO of FreeStar Financial Credit Union and the newly elected Chair of the Michigan Credit Union League Board. Drema shares her journey from a coal-mining family in West Virginia to credit union leadership in Michigan.

This episode, Patty Corkery is joined by Mark Weber, CEO of Strum, and Kaye Chervenak, Chief Marketing Officer of Navari, to discuss the strategy, research and people-first mindset behind Navari’s recent rebrand. The conversation explores what makes a strong brand, why culture and brand go hand in hand and how organizations can use transformation as an opportunity to better serve their clients.

This episode, Patty Corkery talks with Kim Becking, founder of Unstoppable Momentum, about leading through uncertainty and building resilience with both grit and grace. Drawing from her personal experiences and leadership work, Becking shares practical strategies for adapting to change and focusing on what matters most.

In this episode, Patty Corkery sits down with Matt Dicou, co-founder and CEO of Reset, to talk fintech innovation and explore how earned wage access is reshaping financial flexibility for credit union members.

In this episode, Patty Corkery sits down with Julie Leonard, President and CEO of Lake Michigan Credit Union, to talk about leadership, authenticity and purpose.

In this special episode, Patty Corkery welcomes Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for a conversation on leadership, advice for young professionals, financial literacy and the role policy plays in supporting Michigan’s workforce and communities.

In this episode, Patty Corkery is joined by Humanidei President & CEO Jill Nowacki to talk about leadership, career transitions and why curiosity is a leadership advantage.

In this episode, Patty Corkery is joined by America’s Credit Unions President & CEO Scott Simpson for a conversation on leadership, a preview of the 2026 GAC and the responsibility credit unions have to show up and tell their story in Washington.

In this special holiday episode of Credit Unions, Coffee & Conversation, we’re revisiting some of the most thoughtful reflections on leadership from across the podcast. These voices — both seasoned executives and rising young professionals — share unique perspectives on what it means to lead with purpose, vision and authenticity.

Featured voices (in order):

• Deleanna Allen
• Mike Reuter
• John Ballantyne
• Kate Hall
• Lamont Black
• Dylan Bloniarz
• Cathie Mahon
• Josh Herman
• Jeff Rendel
• Julia (Patty's daughter)
• Tiffany Ford
• Sati Smith

Whether you're revisiting familiar voices or hearing these insights for the first time, we hope they inspire and energize your leadership journey heading into the new year.

This episode, Patty Corkery sits down with Karen Browne, CEO of TBA Credit Union, to talk about leadership, the success of TBA's student-run credit unions and why staying grounded in purpose is key to long-term success.

This episode, Patty Corkery chats with Dr. Lamont Black — finance professor and founder of Wide Open Ventures — about how emerging technologies like AI and the stablecoin are shaping the future of finance, and how credit unions fit in.

This episode, Patty Corkery talks with Pankaj “PK” Kulshreshtha, CEO of Scienaptic, about how AI is transforming credit union lending. PK shares insights on responsible AI, empowering lenders with better data and how credit unions can use technology to expand access to credit while protecting members.

This episode, Patty Corkery sits down with John Ballantyne, Founder and CEO of Tru Treasury, to unpack what treasury management really means and how credit unions are stepping up to serve the business community. From Tru Treasury’s origin story to its recognition as 2025 CUSO of the Year, John shares how collaboration and clarity are reshaping the way credit unions support their business members.

This episode, Patty Corkery welcomes Jeff Rendel, President of Rising Above Enterprises, and Paul Marston, COO of Performance Solutions. The conversation centers on what makes credit union leadership effective in today’s environment, as well as a preview of CUSG's upcoming Leadership Forum.

This episode, Patty Corkery chats with Dylan Bloniarz, AVP, Director of Marketing at Embers Credit Union. A lifelong credit union professional, Dylan shares his journey through the movement and how he’s helping Embers stand out with bold, creative marketing that speaks to Gen Z and stays true to the credit union mission.

This episode, Inclusiv CEO Cathie Mahon joins Patty Corkery to talk about why inclusion needs to be more than just a buzzword and how credit unions rooted in their communities are uniquely positioned to close financial access gaps and deliver impact where it’s needed most.

The latest episode of MCUL’s podcast series, Credit Unions, Coffee and Conversation, features guest Jeffrey Kusler, CEO, Journey Federal Credit Union. Kusler talks about what drew him to the credit union mission, the importance of member service and why it’s vital to develop and empower staff — especially in a time of rapid change and increasing demands on credit unions.

The latest episode of MCUL’s podcast series, Credit Unions, Coffee and Conversation, features Julia, Patty's daughter! Patty talks with Julia about her generation's perspective on finances and banking, why and how she loves to travel and much more.

The latest episode of MCUL’s podcast series, Credit Unions, Coffee and Conversation, features guest John Kutchey, Eastern Regional Director, NCUA. Kutchey talks with MCUL CEO Patty Corkery about following his passion over money, what he’s seeing with mergers recently and how the NCUA is supporting credit unions amidst an evolving landscape.