In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, Antonio Neves and Jason Lindstrom sit down with Edward Budway, Vice President of Marketing at Evergreen Credit Union, to talk about one of the most powerful tools in credit union marketing: storytelling!

They cover everything from the evolution of media, word-of-mouth marketing, and social media strategy, to community partnerships and real-time marketing tactics. Ed shares how his team uses member stories, social content, and even local rivalries to build trust and grow Evergreen’s presence across Maine.

You will also hear practical ideas for low-budget marketing teams, how to measure ROI without obsessing over every number, and what it takes to stay creative, consistent, and connected in a crowded digital world!

What You'll Take Away:

• What makes a credit union story worth telling
• Why word-of-mouth still drives trust
• How real-time marketing can work if done right
• Why consistency beats constant change
• Low-budget moves credit unions can use today to build community and brand loyalty
• How CEOs and marketing teams can build trust and stay aligned

Links & Resources:

Antonio’s LinkedIn Page

Jason’s LinkedIn Page

Ed’s LinkedIn Page

Evergreen Credit Union - Website

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In this episode of Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, hosts Antonio Neves and Jason Lindstrom sit down with two deeply respected leaders: Robbie Young, VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsight.com, and Laura Briggs, VP of Training and Development at Evergreen Credit Union.

Together, they dive into a conversation we don’t have nearly enough, mental health in the workplace. What does it mean to lead when you’re not okay? How do you create a culture where people feel safe to speak up? And what does real emotional honesty look like between teammates, leaders, and friends?

With raw stories, personal reflection, and practical wisdom, this episode is a reminder that performance without presence is unsustainable and that grief, anxiety, and struggle don’t disappear just because we walk through the office doors.

This is not a clinical conversation. It’s a human one.

What You’ll Take Away

• Why “you don’t have to be okay to lead powerfully
• The ripple effects of grief, burnout, and emotional silence at work
• How vulnerability from leadership creates safety for others
• What it looks like to ask for help and respond with grace when someone else does
• Tactical ways to lead through hard seasons with empathy, transparency, and strength
• Why culture is built in small everyday conversations, not just company values

If you like our podcast, send us a text!

For the first time on Pilot 2 Co-Pilot, we have not just two people part of the conversation but three, as we are joined by special guest Susan Toalson McGinity, Chief Growth and Advocacy Officer at the University of Illinois “U of I” Community Credit Union. Tune in as we get into some of the "what-the-heck" moments that leaders often face - the unexpected challenges that force us to re-evaluate everything and shape who we become. Susan shares her experiences getting through these turbulent times and how she has become a leader who is both friendly and fierce.

Susan also describes how her career journey, starting at 40 after leaving a difficult marriage, instilled a strong sense of fierce determination and confidence which she has had to work through. She emphasizes the importance of "vulnerable trust" on teams, where leaders can openly own their mistakes, setting an example for others.

Meanwhile, Jason highlights the value of compartmentalizing work and personal life, using the workplace as a "blessing" and "solace" from daily challenges. He stresses the need for grace and transparency as a leader, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and the power of revisiting issues once emotions have settled down. Both share some incredible insights into developing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, where the exchange of advice and expertise is reciprocal. They encourage listeners, especially young leaders, to be proactive in seeking guidance rather than waiting to be approached.

Ultimately, our conversation highlights the true human side of leadership - the importance of empathy, compassion and self-awareness, even (or especially) when facing the unexpected. Along with Susan, we provide some practical tips for taking on those tough "what-the-heck" moments and emerging as a stronger, more authentic leader!

If you like our podcast, send us a text!