In this insightful episode of the "Women of Community Banking" podcast, join host Anurag Mukherjee as he sits down with Caroline Willard, the dynamic CEO of Cornerstone League. With nearly 30 years in financial services, including over two decades dedicated to credit unions, Caroline shares her remarkable journey from banking and CUSOs to leading one of the most prominent credit union leagues.Discover what truly fuels Caroline's passion for the credit union movement, her "Ikigai" – the inner reason that keeps her going. She opens up about the unique challenges she faced as a woman navigating the financial services industry and offers invaluable advice for aspiring female leaders, including the power of asking good questions, embracing diligence, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership.Caroline provides a candid look at the current landscape of the credit union movement, discussing the significant threat of losing the federal income tax exemption, the ever-increasing regulatory burden, and the evolving competitive landscape driven by consumer demands for seamless digital experiences. She emphasizes the crucial role of advocacy and strategic partnerships in ensuring credit unions remain the best choice for communities.TakeawaysCaroline's passion for credit unions drives her leadership.The credit union movement focuses on community support.Women in leadership should embrace curiosity and ask questions.Advocacy is crucial for the survival of credit unions.Regulatory burdens are a significant challenge for credit unions.Technology adoption is essential for credit unions to remain relevant.Self-awareness in leadership styles is important for women.Common sense regulations are needed in the financial sector.Collaboration among credit unions enhances their effectiveness.The future of credit unions depends on adapting to consumer expectations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Caroline and Her Journey03:03 The Passion for Credit Unions05:49 Career Path and Leadership Insights08:50 The Role of Advocacy in Credit Unions11:57 Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership15:04 Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders17:53 Current State of the Credit Union Movement21:00 Future Challenges and Opportunities23:53 Looking Ahead to 2025 Caroline Willard : https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-willard-cce-cude-cae-659a385/