This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years. These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community. Our hope is that the fundamental leadership concepts we present and discuss will provide a foundation for the achievement of success in their personal and professional lives. I was impressed by the questions asked throughout the workshop and was inspired by their passion.

Our consulting firm continues to work with C-suite executives from global companies. In most assignments, we are retained to provide a disciplined approach to sharing and implementing best-practice strategies, governance and leadership fundamentals. The most effective leaders I have known understand the privilege of serving and express a commitment to continuous learning. They all base their actions and behaviors on leadership fundamentals.

With increasing pressure on CEOs and boards to ensure member security through effective strategies and board governance, it's important to remember these concepts of serving members and continuous learning. Focusing your mission on member needs and how those needs are changing is a reflection of continuous learning. Are you, as a CEO, board member or senior leadership team member, continuing to broaden your aperture, by understanding current trends in economics, demographics, marketing and risk management to ensure that the strategic decisions you make for your credit union are the best ones?