Charette: The work happening within the credit union walls was genuine and authentic. There was a clear purpose to improve the lives of the members we serve.
 
CU Times: What unique skills, experience and attributes do you bring to your role?

Charette: I am conscientious, empathetic and focused. This serves me well whether working on individual projects, reaching team goals or addressing member concerns.
 
CU Times: Which person (or people) do you credit the most for helping and supporting you along your career journey?

Charette: Prior coworkers during my early journey in the credit union world come to mind; first a mortgage lender who demonstrated such professionalism and knowledge during member encounters, and second, a former CEO who placed trust in my abilities and decision-making skills.
 
CU Times: What are some of the biggest differences between working in your current executive level role and your previous, non-executive roles?

Charette: Although I’ve only been in my current role a few months, the biggest difference is in how I approach my day-to-day. Before, it was segmented, task-oriented and specific, whereas now, I view [things] as a whole and provide the support and direction needed to ensure overall quality.
 
CU Times: What’s a challenge you faced when you first joined your executive team, and how did you overcome it?

Charette: The challenge is in navigating my role and discovering how it intertwines with others within the executive team to achieve organizational success. This is a work in progress.
 
CU Times: How would you describe your current leadership style?

Charette: I don’t think I exhibit or utilize only one style of leadership. My lending and credit teams differ, so I adapt to differing styles as well to achieve desired outcomes. Scenarios encountered within team dynamics may call for an authoritative leadership style while others a democratic or coaching style.
 
CU Times: What are some lessons you've learned over your career concerning how to communicate well with others? And, do you approach communication differently depending on the generation of the recipient (boomer, Gen X, millennial and Gen Z)?

Charette: I consider myself to be direct and honest, and this is how I approach my communication with others in whichever form is used. Listening to the people you work with and understanding how they best learn and retain, no matter the generation, has served me well.

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

Charette: There is no single or simple answer to this question. Often, when I’m not in a work setting, I’m brainstorming, planning or thinking about how to solve a work problem or approach a new situation. It may only take a few minutes of my time, and I may jot down these ideas for future reference. But, when I need to do something for myself or my family, I am fully present and can disconnect.
 
CU Times: What’s next for you on your executive career journey? Do you have any specific career goals you’re working toward?

Charette: I am fully engaged in my current role and concentrating on improvements, efficiencies and growth.
 
CU Times: What big-picture impact do you hope to make within your credit union, as well as for your members and community?

Charette: I hope to make a difference, offering leadership and support to team members wanting to grow professionally, and offering meaningful financial products and services to our small business and individual members within the communities we serve in Aroostook County, Maine.
 
CU Times: What career advice would you give your younger self?

Charette: I have always been serious and focused and even if I told my younger self to have more fun or be less serious, I know she wouldn’t have listened. Instead, [I would tell her] maybe to enjoy the wins a bit more, and if others helped in achieving those wins, to celebrate the success with them and to be sure to let them know how much they were appreciated 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 [email protected]. 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.