Nest Egg Narratives: Exploring the Future of Credit Unions
Nest Egg Narratives: Exploring the Future of Credit Unions
Podcast Description
Nest Egg Narratives brings you candid conversations with credit union leaders who are tackling challenges, seizing opportunities, and shaping the future of community finance. From small credit unions finding innovative ways to serve their members to large institutions driving industry-wide change, we uncover real stories of resilience, growth, and impact.
Join us as we explore how credit unions adapt to shifting regulations, embrace financial literacy initiatives, and develop new strategies to engage the next generation of members.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes such as innovation in financial services, community engagement, and leadership strategies within credit unions, with episodes highlighting unique success stories like Steve Swofford's journey from pig farming to leading Alabama Credit Union. Other specific topics include the importance of financial literacy programs, strategic partnerships, and the value of building relationships in the credit union sector.
Nest Egg Narratives brings you candid conversations with credit union leaders who are tackling challenges, seizing opportunities, and shaping the future of community finance. From small credit unions finding innovative ways to serve their members to large institutions driving industry-wide change, we uncover real stories of resilience, growth, and impact.
Join us as we explore how credit unions adapt to shifting regulations, embrace financial literacy initiatives, and develop new strategies to engage the next generation of members.
What does it take to lead a 3,000-member credit union in a world of billion-dollar players?
For Josh Hench, COO and CEO-in-waiting at Tuscaloosa VA Federal Credit Union, the answer lies in purpose, grit, and doubling down on human connection.
In this episode of Nest Egg Narratives, Josh shares how his upbringing shaped his approach to money, what he’s learned from building trust with every member who walks through the door, and why small credit unions are uniquely positioned to thrive — not just survive — in today’s financial landscape.
You’ll hear how TVACU navigated a core conversion on a tight budget, how they’ve shifted communication to stay closer to their members, and why Josh believes creating an energetic workplace culture is key to long-term success.
It’s a candid conversation about leadership, financial literacy, and the future of small credit unions from one of the movement’s rising young leaders.
📝 Topics Covered:
Josh’s earliest memory of turning a profit — with rocks and jewelry boxes
Lessons in grit from a construction-worker dad
Why smaller teams can lead to deeper staff alignment
How TVACU managed a core conversion with minimal disruption
A modern twist on credit building through pledge loans
The power of purpose in retaining members and staff
💬 Key Quotes:
“People don’t just want a loan — they want someone who listens.”
“We’re not trying to sell you something. We just want you to understand how the system works.”
“If you keep your members and your staff at the center of every decision, the rest takes care of itself.”
“Being small means I can talk to every employee every day — that’s our advantage.”
“Purpose is enduring. Innovation is exciting, but at the end of the day, this work is about people.”
🎧 Powered by Ostrich
Ostrich helps credit unions grow membership and drive financial wellness with digital tools, educational content, and turnkey programs. Learn more at GetOstrich.com.
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