'Better Decisions Come From Great Group Dynamics': CU Chief Growth Officer

Name: Mitch Kime

Credit union: Verve, a Credit Union ($1.5 billion, Oshkosh, Wis.)

Title: Chief Growth Officer

Number of years at current credit union: Six months

Educational background: BA in business administration from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich.; graduate studies at Western Michigan University; degree from CBA Graduate School of Retail Bank Management

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

Kime: I drive the planning, development and execution of Verve’s growth strategy for increasing brand awareness, value and adoption of our products and services. In short, my key responsibilities are sustainable, profitable growth.

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

Kime: I worked in banking for 30 years, and the key difference between that and a credit union, I think, is a level of intimacy. A certain level of impact and connection. That’s what drew me here.

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

Kime: There are many. One of my first leaders took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew. Another saw my potential and put me in roles that challenged me to the point of discomfort. Another told me, ‘You’re a natural athlete. We can put you in any position, and you’ll learn it quickly, make it better, and put your own stamp on it. So when you’re done with that, just when you get comfortable, we’re going to yank you out of there and put you in another area that’s not performing and make you do the same thing. That’s your future.’ And I really wore that as a badge of honor, a sort of personal credo. It was like, yeah, that’s me. That’s what I can hang my hat on.

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

Kime: Transparent. Open-minded. Inclusive. Sincere. I believe better decisions come from great group dynamics. I probably invite more people than necessary to meetings, but I value diverse perspectives, experiences and biases, and tapping into those helps us get to the right answer quicker. I should add that there’s a healthy dose of ‘I’m happy to be here, I’m happy you’re here, and I will do what I can to help you become successful’ to my leadership style.

CU Times: What are some lessons you’ve learned over your career in regard to how to communicate well with others?

Kime: When I was in my 20s, I would try to have all the answers. I’d prepare like crazy and come into a meeting saying, ‘Don’t worry, team. I’ve got it covered.’ I didn’t know it drove people nuts. At one point, an influential leader pulled me aside and said, ‘Look, you’re a smart guy, and you usually know what needs to be done. But people aren’t going to follow you if you don’t allow them to be part of the decision making. You can’t just tell them the answer and then expect them to do it.’ That advice has impacted my approach ever since. You must be inclusive. You must bring people along on the decision for them to want to follow you. Now I come to a meeting and say, ‘Hey, here’s the problem. Here’s what we’re trying to solve. Here are the complications. What do you think we should do about this?’

CU Times: What are some ways in which you achieve work/life balance, set boundaries, and/or avoid burnout at work?

Kime: During typical hours, I’ll block off time to socialize. That fills my bucket and keeps me energized. When I forget to do that and work through my lunch, I feel it and my work suffers. The key is to prioritize energy, which really is the most valuable quantity in work and life. When I work extra hours, I do so at times that my family doesn’t notice. I’m a morning person, and no one else in my family is, so I can usually squeeze in some hours in the morning before they get up.

I also think it’s important — and I subscribe to this — to block off one day a week to ignore everything work related. If you can’t spare the day, then block off the morning or afternoon. Go enjoy some stress-reducing activities. Know what works for you. I like to run and play guitar, read a bit, and play with the kids, grandkids and pets. That kind of stuff is mentally invigorating and absolutely necessary.

CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?

Kime: I hope to drive significant growth for our organization — not just for the sake of growing, but for the sake of creating efficiency that we can turn back to our members, teams and communities in the form of better rates, lower fees, more benefits, more perks, more pay and more philanthropy. I would love to be a key contributor to that legacy.

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

Kime: First, be kind to yourself. Extend some grace, OK? Do the best you can, but don’t kill yourself doing it, and don’t sweat the small stuff. (My hairline wishes I learned that lesson earlier. I used to have hair like Fabio.) And make sure you spend the appropriate amount of time with your family and friends.

Second, look for every opportunity you can to improve yourself. Every role, every interaction, every person — there’s something to be learned there. Stay humble and stay hungry because if you do it right, someday you’ll be able to call on those experiences when you really need them.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to make lateral moves in your career. Your career progression doesn’t have to be a 45-degree angle straight to the top. Embrace the jungle gym. Go toward what most excites you. Worthy challenges and energizing pursuits are more valuable than boredom and a higher paycheck.

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.