What Others are Saying

"Susan and Kerri are very inspirational and motivating women. I really enjoyed the program. It was refreshing and had a different approach."

CEO
Greater Abbeville FCU

"A slightly different approach to dealing with leadership traits that relate to everyday experiences, that women need to understand."

CEO
Cryovac FCU

High (Heel) Performance Leadership

What's it About?

Susan Luke, in partnership with Kerri Smith, is the co-creator and facilitator of this program, designed specifically for women in (credit union) leadership positions, who aspire to become more dynamic leaders. The High (Heel) Performance Leadership program provides a forum for education, coaching, networking, and inspiration to ensure that women have a seat at the executive table.

Who Should Experience It?

Women CEOs and others in senior leadership positions from credit unions that are experiencing rapid growth or other significant change are the primary audience.

Where Did This Come From?

The majority of US credit unions are managed by women; however, as assets increase, the number of women CEOs declines dramatically. Of credit unions with assets over $300 million, less than 1% are run by women.

Why the disparity, since studies show that women intuitively demonstrate leadership qualities conducive to today’s business environment? The movement is seeing women that run smaller credit unions retire, move on to middle management positions with larger credit unions, or watch their institutions merge with those led by male CEOs.

This presents the movement with some genuine concerns and potential negative consequences. Where do all the new, larger credit union, CEOs come from? Often, larger CUs turn to the banking industry for CEO searches. With more bankers filling our ranks, the demutualization of credit unions may gain momentum. Women already in CU leadership positions could and should be filling these positions.

If the industry is having difficulty generating appropriate leadership ability internally, it will inevitably have long term consequences for the integrity and the future positioning of the movement. Since a majority of credit union CEOs are currently women who are not moving to similar positions in larger CUs, there is clearly a professional development gap to be filled.

The timing for providing an intensive, hands-on leadership program, designed specifically for women, is of critical importance NOW. As our movement becomes more focused as an industry, it is essential that we provide opportunities for professional development to this major segment of credit union leadership.

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"Our credit union was going through a time of transition. Susan helped us to focus on helping each other so that the credit union could continue providing excellent member service. It was truly a Day of Miracles! "

CEO
Sonepco FCU

What Does It Cover?

Leadership Basics

Management vs. Leadership

Personal Branding

Attitude

Work-Life Balance Issues

Communication

Style Analysis

Communication

Leadership

Relationship Arenas

Staff

Board

Clients/Customers

Vendors/Supplier

Community

Using Narrative Story

Governance

Understanding the Dynamocs of the Senoir Leadership Team (including the Board)

Creating a Path Forward

Creating a workable and practical development plan