At Bits & Bytes GAC 2026, JT sits down with data strategist Anne Legg of Thrive to challenge one of the biggest myths in credit unions: that data problems are about access or technology. Instead, Anne argues the real issue is focus. From fixing broken member experiences to redefining how credit unions measure their true impact, this episode dives into how organizations can turn the data they already have into meaningful growth—and do it fast. 

Key Takeaways

1. Your data problem isn’t data—it’s direction
Most credit unions are drowning in data across dozens of systems, but the real challenge is identifying the one problem that actually matters and focusing on it first.

2. Speed beats perfection when driven by insight
With the right focus and existing resources, major operational improvements—like fixing call center inefficiencies—can happen in weeks, not months.

3. The real metric: financial confidence
The future isn’t just tracking transactions—it’s measuring impact. Credit unions must quantify how they improve members’ financial resilience, not just their balance sheets.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

From her experiences at World Council events to witnessing the grassroots impact of the network globally, Emma reflects on privilege, purpose, and why she remains deeply committed to this movement after 12+ years. A powerful conversation about unity, leadership, and making a monumental difference.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

 James shares how his credit union's dedicated financial inclusion team works one-on-one with members facing loan denials — turning adverse decisions into personalized pathways toward financial wellbeing.

 From budgeting conversations to credit migration, he breaks down how empathy, patience, and a people-first philosophy can move members from predatory loans all the way to homeownership. A powerful reminder that at a credit union, you're more than a number — you're a member.

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From battling predatory lending to launching micro-business loans for startups, Chad shares how his credit union is working to unite a community long divided by economic disparity — turning the "tale of two cities" into one Lake Charles. At the heart of it all? Empathy.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

With average HELOC rates of 7–8% versus the 24%+ charged by major banks, Pesto's credit card product is designed to break the cycle of high-interest debt and keep members away from predatory lenders. James shares his personal journey into the credit union space, the mission-first mindset behind Pesto, and why the "people helping people" philosophy of credit unions made them a natural — and powerful — partner. 

A must-watch for credit union leaders looking to deepen financial inclusion for underserved communities.

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AI Advantage uses member data to personalize every communication, making members feel truly known. Their affordable, easy-to-use marketing platform is already empowering small credit unions (some under $35M in assets) to run campaigns in 15 minutes — helping them compete, connect, and live out the "people helping people" mission in the digital age.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Alexey shares his raw founder journey: from running a 35-person mobile consulting firm in Silicon Valley to a pivotal moment when a credit union's app cratered to 1-star reviews—and how that crisis became the spark that launched a product company.

He opens up about the gut-wrenching decision to shut down a profitable consulting business, the hard work of shifting his team's mindset, and how replacing corporate buzzwords with a clear human mission—"eradicate the fear and stress of money"—unlocked creativity and momentum across his entire team.

Plus: why Boucoup's family banking product (think parent-to-child loans with real interest, due dates, and late fees) is the feature Alexey is most fired up about right now.

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Craig shares the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship—from being "dragged through glass on your stomach" to mastering the shift from doer to manager to leader. He breaks down how to hire for culture over credentials, inspire a team without micromanaging, and build a self-policing organization grounded in shared values. 

Whether you're one person in a booth or scaling a growing company, Craig's insights will sharpen your leadership and fuel your next move. 

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If you're a founder wondering what an exit really looks like from the inside, this one's for you. 

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PJ shares hard-won lessons on breaking into the credit union industry as an outsider—from his "marinated chicken" philosophy of relationship-building and showing up consistently at conferences to the strategic power of assembling a nine-person C-suite advisory board. 

He reveals how authenticity, trust, and long-term thinking helped Algebric AI earn credibility in a deeply relationship-driven industry—and how those same advisors are on track to become paying clients. A must-listen for any fintech founder looking to build in the credit union space.
 

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Saeid shares the deeply personal story behind Ribbon's founding—after losing his father to pancreatic cancer, he was shocked by the months-long, bureaucratic nightmare of the inheritance process across financial institutions. That experience became the spark for Ribbon: a mission-driven fintech solution helping credit unions streamline the inheritance and bereavement process for their members.

In this conversation, they dive into:

• The "aha moment" that led Saeid to build Ribbon
• The challenges of building a B2B2C product for credit unions
• Unexpected product pivots (Social Security notifications, loans, and protection products)
• Ribbon's vision to automate America's inheritance process

If your credit union cares about serving members during life's hardest moments — while also protecting deposit retention — then this episode is for you.

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Shine a light where it matters.

Gwyneth shares the deeply personal story behind founding Remynt, why she chose to focus on small credit unions, and what the data is telling us about rising delinquencies, paycheck-to-paycheck living, and the growing threat of predatory online lending. 

Plus: why credit unions are a safe harbor for immigrant communities, the untold story of ITIN banking, and what every credit union should be doing right now to support members before they fall behind. A must-listen for anyone in the credit union movement.

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From financing the town's fire engine to providing mortgages for a nonprofit housing aging-out foster youth, to becoming the first credit union to adopt Starlight — a FinTech connecting members to government benefits they didn't know they qualified for — Skyline Financial FCU is redefining what community banking looks like at any asset size.

If you've ever used "we're too small" as an excuse, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about what's possible. 

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

Shine a light where it matters.

This conversation goes deeper than inspiration. It breaks down the real barriers credit unions face—time, bandwidth, and uncertainty—and challenges leaders to rethink what’s already possible within their existing systems. It also introduces groundbreaking research studying how financial interventions directly impact physical and emotional health.  

 Key Takeaways 

1. The Biggest Barrier Isn’t Money—It’s Mindset 

Most credit unions aren’t resisting programs like this out of apathy—they’re overwhelmed. The real challenge is shifting thinking from “this is extra work” to “this is already within reach.”  

2. There’s a Hidden Crisis Members Aren’t Talking About 

Members facing cancer often avoid their financial institutions out of fear. That silence creates a dangerous gap—problems escalate because no one is asking the right questions early enough.  

3. This Work Is Creating an Entirely New Category 

Life Over Debt isn’t just a program—it’s becoming a measurable, research-backed model. For the first time, financial interventions are being studied for their impact on physical and emotional health, redefining what financial institutions can do. 

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Recorded live at the 1934 Event during GAC 2026, this episode of CU Spotlight features Ron Smith, CEO of Bright Credit Union, alongside co-host Shirley Senn. The conversation highlights Ron’s journey from teller to CEO and dives into the powerful Life Over Debt initiative—an empathetic program designed to support members facing cancer by pausing loan payments and removing financial stress during treatment. 

Through real stories and practical insights, the episode explores how credit unions—regardless of size—can lead with compassion, strengthen member loyalty, and live out the true mission of “people helping people.” It’s a compelling reminder that the real return on investment isn’t just financial—it’s human. 

 Key Takeaways 

1. Empathy Is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage 

Programs like Life Over Debt show that when credit unions prioritize people over profit, they create lifelong loyalty and meaningful impact.  

2. You Don’t Need to Be Big to Make a Big Difference 

Even smaller credit unions can implement powerful programs quickly, proving that purpose—not size—drives innovation and community impact.  

3. The Real ROI Is Long-Term Trust and Loyalty 

While the short-term financial return may be unclear, supporting members in their hardest moments leads to stronger relationships, retention, and powerful word-of-mouth growth. 

Shine a light where it matters.

The conversation explores how even small institutions can implement the program, the emotional and community impact it creates, and why the return on investment goes far beyond dollars. At its core, this episode highlights the true meaning of the credit union philosophy: people helping people.

 Three Key Takeaways

1. Impact Over Income: ROI Is Measured in Lives, Not Just Dollars

The financial cost of the program is minimal—even for small credit unions—but the emotional and community return is massive. Loyalty, trust, and word-of-mouth growth far outweigh traditional ROI metrics.

2. Small Credit Unions Can Drive Big Change

You don’t need massive assets to make a difference. Even a $19M credit union successfully implemented the program, proving that leadership and purpose matter more than size.

3. Storytelling Is the Missing Link

Credit unions often fail to promote the incredible work they do. Sharing these stories—through podcasts, community events, and member conversations—is essential to expanding impact and awareness.

Shine a light where it matters.