Patience, Persistence Drives CLO's Integration Into Executive Team

Name: Reva Rao

Credit union: Travis Credit Union ($4.9 billion, Vacaville, Calif.)

Title: Chief Lending Officer

Number of years at current credit union: One

Educational background: Bachelor of Arts, MBA

CU Times: What are your key responsibilities in your current role?

Rao: The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) is responsible for overseeing the lending activities of the organization. Primary responsibilities include strategic planning, risk management, and pricing and loan portfolio management for consumer, real estate and commercial lending.

CU Times: What drew you to the credit union industry?

Rao: In general, credit unions have a strong emphasis on serving local communities and helping make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. In addition, credit unions are owned by members and not profit-driven. The structure allows you to create member-centric, personalized products and services. These values are near and dear to me and my transition has been extremely rewarding.

CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Rao: With my background in banking and fintech, I bring a deep understanding of financial lending products, services and technology trends. This expertise allows me to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the credit union, ensuring that we remain competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Rao: As I reflect on my career journey, several individuals have played pivotal roles in helping and supporting me along the way. Among them, I credit the following individuals the most: My mentors, who have been invaluable in their guidance and support. Their insights and encouragement have helped me develop professionally, overcome challenges and seize opportunities for growth. I have also had some wonderful managers and supervisors who have recognized my potential and provided me with opportunities to learn and grow. And finally, the relationships I have built with colleagues and peers have been a source of inspiration, collaboration and camaraderie throughout my career journey. Whether collaborating on projects, sharing best practices or providing moral support during challenging times, my colleagues have been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive work environment. I am grateful for the friendships and professional connections I have formed, as they have enriched my career experience and contributed to my success.

CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Rao: The biggest difference between an executive role and a non-executive role is that you are tasked with setting the vision and aligning it with the long-term goals for the organization. At this level, you have greater responsibility to make decisions that take the financial risk, health and well-being of the organization into account when investing in new initiatives and directions.

CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Rao: When I first joined the executive team, I ran into a unique challenge of integrating into a leadership team that was mostly newly formed, while many members of the rest of the organization had established tenure. It became apparent that some team members were initially cautious about embracing new ideas or contributions, possibly due to a preference for familiar practices or a lack of familiarity with my background and abilities.

To address these challenges, I’ve approached the situation with patience and persistence. I’ve focused on building relationships with the team, taking the time to understand their perspectives, goals and concerns. Additionally, I’ve remained committed to delivering results to demonstrate my value to the team. At 12 months in, I feel I’ve made gradual progress in overcoming the initial obstacles. I continue to collaborate with the team, recognizing that trust and acceptance require time to develop fully.

CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Rao: My leadership style is primarily transformational. I believe in inspiring and motivating my team members to reach their full potential by setting a compelling vision and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating authenticity, passion and a commitment to our shared goals at the credit union. I encourage open communication, empower my team members to take ownership of their work, and provide support and mentorship to facilitate their growth and development. By creating a positive and empowering work environment, I aim to not only achieve our organizational objectives but also to nurture the personal and professional growth of each team member.

CU Times: Do you approach your job any differently now compared to how you did pre-pandemic? If yes, how so?

Rao: One of the most notable changes since the pandemic is the adaptation to remote work, which has become increasingly prevalent across industries. In lending, where much of the process can be facilitated remotely, our lending teams have leveraged technology to streamline operations and maintain high productivity. Many aspects of lending, including application submissions, underwriting, processing and approvals, can now be facilitated online, reducing the need for in-person interactions.

However, despite the overwhelming convenience of remote work, the lending teams recognize the importance of meaningful in-person connections. To facilitate this, our teams organize weekly in-person meetings and events where colleagues can come together to network, share insights and learn from each other’s experiences. These in-person gatherings provide valuable opportunities for our leaders to strengthen bonds, exchange knowledge and collaborate on projects more effectively. Additionally, they serve as a platform for team members to reconnect on a personal level, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the organization.

CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? And, what big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?

Rao: In my role as the CLO, my primary focus is on driving the growth of lending initiatives, particularly as we enter a new phase of leveraging efficiency and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to expand lending opportunities. I am dedicated to exploring innovative ways to streamline processes, enhance decision-making capabilities and improve the overall efficiency of our lending operations.

Additionally, I am deeply committed to our mission of making lending more accessible to underserved communities. By leveraging technology and data-driven insights, we aim to design and implement lending solutions that meet the unique needs of these communities.

Moving forward, my specific career goals revolve around driving meaningful impact in both our lending practices and our efforts to support underserved communities. I am committed to leading our organization through this transformative period, fostering innovation, driving positive change and ultimately making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Rao: I have young daughters and here is the advice I give them:

• Never stop learning and seeking new knowledge. The world is constantly evolving, and staying updated on industry trends, technological advancements and emerging skills is crucial for long-term success.
• Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone. Cultivate resilience to bounce back from setbacks.
• Listen to your intuition and trust your instincts when making decisions. While it’s essential to gather information and seek advice, ultimately, you know yourself and your goals best.
• Invest time in building meaningful relationships with peers, mentors and industry professionals.
• Finally, avoid comparing your journey to others’. Everyone has their own path and timeline for success. Focus on your goals, strengths and progress, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Would you or someone you know like to share your journey to credit union leadership? Please reach out to Natasha Chilingerian at nchilingerian@cutimes.com. To qualify, the individual must be a part of a credit union’s leadership team or C-suite, and have a compelling story to share about their rise to their current leadership role.