What It Means to Lead with Heart

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to host a new event called Lead with Heart: A Gathering for Women Who Inspire. From the moment we began planning it, we knew this conference needed to be something different. It wasn’t meant to be another industry event, and that was intentional. While there are many valuable credit union conferences to choose from throughout the year, there are far fewer spaces dedicated to just plain surviving and thriving, at the human level, especially for women. Lead with Heart was designed to fill that gap. 

So, instead of being industry‑specific, we made an event that was female‑specific. It was about creating space to talk honestly about women in work, well‑being and what it really takes to show up for ourselves and for others. That felt especially important right now. There is a lot of heaviness in the world, and many of us are navigating personal and professional challenges simultaneously. We all need better tools to care for ourselves and opportunities to share and be vulnerable with one another to cement that we are not alone.

Sharing the stage with Jill Nowacki (Humanidei)

Those conversations we had about self-care at the event naturally opened the door to a broader reflection on workplace culture. We spent time talking about women leaving the workplace in meaningful numbers — a recent trend that’s often labeled a “staffing issue,” but I believe is more accurately a culture issue. When we rely on surface‑level explanations, we miss the deeper work required to create real change, including addressing persistent inequities like the very real wage gap between men and women. Equal pay for equal work remains a mantra worth repeating...and acting on. 

If there is one simple answer to how we create environments where women want to stay and grow, it is this: we need invest in them. That message came through clearly at Lead with Heart, where we talked about investment in its many forms, from equal pay to opportunities to network with peers, attend educational events and support ongoing growth. Our industry has an incredible advantage in that our mission is deeply meaningful and purpose‑driven. But we can’t stop at “feel‑good” opportunities alone. We also have to tune in to what our teams want from their work experience and respond with care and curiosity. 
 
But truly caring for our team members requires us to look inward first. Over and over at the event, the focus came back to the importance of self‑care and making time for friends. Because, quite simply, when we are depleted can’t show up fully for others. It was very much that “put your own oxygen mask on first” kind of guidance. I think we all experience moments of burnout without fully realizing how significant events and ongoing pressure can wear on us over time. I know I’ve been there, and with experience — and age — I’ve learned to be more proactive about downtime and intentionally creating space when I need it. A refreshed, nourished leader is in a much better place to support their team and their members!

Sati Smith (Diversified Members CU), on stage with Renee Sattiewhite (AACUC) and Ingrid Todt (Rainbow Connection)

I spent some time talking about how important my female friends are to me and how I prioritize time with them even with a busy schedule. That definitely became easier to do when Julia left home for college and I became an empty nester, but I also sought out my friends during the trying times of parenting as well. 

We also talked a bit about physical and mental health. We have a responsibility to normalize conversations around mental and physical health as part of our workplace culture. This is an area where I think we all have room to grow. While the data clearly shows the benefits of healthy teams (more ideas, fewer unexpected sick days and lower long‑term costs), this goes beyond numbers. When we show at work demonstrating that we genuinely care about people as individuals and want what is best for them, it builds loyalty...and ultimately, isn’t it just the right thing to do? 

I’m grateful that Lead with Heart the event was so well-attended. Not because of our goal to hit a certain number, but it tells me that we created something that really was needed. The feedback I’ve received, and continue to receive even though the event was a few weeks ago, confirms this. The turnout and feedback made it clear to me and our team that there is a real need for human‑centric events in a world where technology is increasingly front and center. I’m already looking forward to continuing this conversation again in 2027! 

Thanks for reading.