NextGen Leaders: Kris Wanner
Kris Wanner
Investment Specialist | $6 billion Conexus Credit Union Regina, Saskatchewan
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Watch Kris’s CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec video
Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator?):
We believe world class member experience starts with world class leadership, and Conexus Emerging Leaders is focused on the engagement and development of these types of leaders. Through mentorship, innovation, community and collaboration initiatives, we aim to make a meaningful difference in all we do.
What is your long-term career goal?
My long-term career goal is to continue to have an impact on my credit union colleagues and members. I like to take on new challenges and I believe there will be no shortage of value I can provide in any role that I take on. I am particularly engaged in innovation and collaboration initiatives and they will continue to be a focus for me.
Fill in the dots: The future of credit unions will be bright if ...
… we continue to evolve our collaborative cooperative principles. The more innovative and free flowing we are, the more it will allow CUs to provide value to members and have the nimbleness to adjust to changing market, political and technological environments.
Online voters and a panel of past finalists narrowed the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec field from 20 to the Top 15 applicants. The challenge, held in conjunction with DDJ Myers and administered by Currency, searches for emerging leaders age 35 and under from within the credit union industry.
The Top 15 will blog about their project. And to provide additional value to the competition experience, they’ll each receive an executive coaching session from DDJ Myers, a CUES Supplier member and strategic provider. A judging panel of two CUES members and Deedee Myers of DDJ Myers will then score the Top 15’s applications and blog posts, narrowing the competition to five finalists.
The five finalists will receive additional coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration to CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network™, Nov. 8-11 in Scottsdale, Ariz., where they will give their final presentations. The 2015 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec will receive further coaching, airfare, accommodation and registration for two CUES’ CEO Institutes, a total prize package valued at $20,000
What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …
… the element of the unexpected. Our ability to manage the unexpected allows us to transition through changes and adapt quickly. We also tend to thrive in situations where we are challenged and don't shrink in the spot light. You may find yourself having to take risks with our generation but you will not be disappointed in the unexpected results!
People consider me a leader because …
… of my heartfelt authenticity. This is a value I bring to every interaction and relationship. It fuels my passion to foster growth in others and bring them along with me in my development. I'm a dynamic personality who puts passion into all I do.
Who is your hero and why?
Jerry Rice is a personal hero of mine not because he is arguably the best football player of all time, but because he wasn't the most skilled player when you just look at measurables. He worked so much harder than the rest and reinvented himself so many times over. His passion was what drove him to become the man he is but understands his greatest strength can be his greatest weakness.
Who is a must-follow on Twitter?
Sandra McDowell, (@leadersthinkBIG) Adam Fraser (@AdamFraser24) and Brandon Carter (@Rangerbrando). All three are passionate leaders, insightful developers and even better people.
Does your credit union have Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram other social media accounts?
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CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec team
