Listen as Sue and Ben catch up with the keynote speakers at the Wisconsin Credit Union League Convention in LaCrosse in May, 2024. You'll hear five very short but very informative interviews in one packed episode!

Ben and Sue agree on a lot of things but they quickly came to the realization that they’re pretty far apart on the topic of purpose. They both make great points, just not the same point. Tune in to see how they get on the same page to finish writing the section of the book on purpose.

In this episode Ben and Sue welcome Dean DeCarlo, President at Mission Disrupt. They talk about his goal of helping credit unions to connect with the next generation through better user experience, paid social campaigns, and paid media. Dean also touches on how important data is and how influencer marketing isn’t only for global brands. You don’t w…

Ben and Sue share their honest thoughts of the obstacles they are facing while writing a book. Scheduling time away from all the other work they need to do can be challenging. Tune in to hear the steps they are taking to stay on top of the task to complete the book and to keep moving forward.

Ben and Sue interview Eric Coryell, founder of CORE Connections LLC., Accountable Teams Coach, and Author of the book Revolutionizing Teamwork. He shares insights on his journey to learn accountability, form functional teams, and the key piece that makes teams work.

Ben and Sue go through and start to answer some questions from Mark Manson’s article about finding your purpose.

Ben and Sue sit down with Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute, to discuss her career and how Filene helps credit unions think forward and change lives.

Ben and Sue discuss some new ideas for how the book we’re writing might look and sound and then dive into some thoughts about success that they think are worth exploring. We are so happy you’re on this journey with us! Our awesome recommendations: Have An Infinite Mindset Success That Lasts The Role of Visual Learning in Improving Students’ High-Or…

Ben and Sue talk to Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, and Solopreneur, Todd Kuckkahn. Todd tells us how he transitioned from working for an organization to becoming a full-time consultant, as well as his mission of revolutionizing company culture and leadership. You don’t want to miss this episode! We appreciate you coming on the show Todd. Our awe…

Ben and Sue talk about our book we are writing, updates on the barriers that have been experiencing, and how we are going to move past them as a team. We’re excited that you are on this journey with us! Our awesome recommendations: Jurassic Park, 8 years from initial idea to publication The Beatles - making quick work! The Boy in the Striped Pajama…

Ben and Sue talk to special guest, Professor John Neumann, on his awesome marketing journey. They dive into John’s purpose and how he is able to balance teaching, consulting, and running a small business. You don’t want to miss his inspiring story! We appreciate you coming on the show John. Our awesome recommendations: The Super Bowl Was 100% Solar…

Ben and Sue help us break down purpose by putting it into three main buckets: purpose as a human, in the organization you work for, and the purpose behind what you do in your job. Also more discussion about our upcoming book? Join us on this journey!

Ben and Sue talk to special guest/author, Denise Wymore, who has such wealth of knowledge and passion for what she does. They go over what GSD means and talk credit unions! You don’t want to miss this! We appreciate you so much Denise. Our awesome recommendations: Future Technology Beef - Netflix Echo on Disney+ – Alaqua Cox is a member of the Meno…

In this episode Ben and Sue share information on their new adventure! Their book project will unify all of the useful information under the broader theme of marketing with purpose. Will you join us on this journey?

Ben and Sue talk about their top three predictions for 2024! Tune in to see if you have the same predictions! Will ChatGPT become the new Myspace? Only time will tell… Once again, thank you clients and friends for a GREAT 2023! Our awesome recommendations: Apes remember friends Why re-watching your favorite TV show is good for you…

In this episode Ben and Sue share their top three moments from this series and begin to tie a bow on 2023!

Ben and Sue talk to special guest, Sedric Brinson, on his new role at CUNA. Ben and Sue are inspired by his advocacy for Credit Unions and how he helps others discover their value. You don’t want to miss his story! We appreciate you Sedric. Our awesome recommendations: The Secret Millionaire The Vibe Controller Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose…

In this episode Ben and Sue get real on navigating change when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It's important to remember that we are human! We sometimes feel overwhelmed, which doesn’t mean failure. Being overwhelmed is a normal part of the growth process. Ben and Sue discuss the importance of full transparency and tell us how to bounce back!…

Ben and Sue talk to special guest, Nanci Wilson, on how she became such a big Credit Union advocate! Sue was specifically inspired by an article Nanci contributed to CU Insight last year called “Did You Know Chunky People Buy Cars?”. In the article Nanci talks about a table discussion at a conference that inspired her. You don’t want to miss this i…

Ben and Sue discuss the meta... takeaways from their team's takeaways! They had their team come up with personal and team goals from the book "Revolutionize Teamwork." Main topics of discussion include: -Speaking for themselves (using I instead of We) -Making statements instead of asking questions -Refer back to the decision matix -Breaking social …

Ben and Sue are calling out all the very smart, very innovative people out there starting new business. How do solopreneurs connect to their audience and grow a business when it’s just them and maybe a friend who works in Marketing somewhere and giving them advice? Ben and Sue give you important details on steps to take to get you started. Also jus…

Ben and Sue decided on monthly updates, so they're keeping their word. In this episode they are honest about what the team is working on/working towards, interview talks, and owning up to issues made on the team. The best way to get through these issues? Recognize them and figure out a plan to move forward. You can't ignore your way through issues!…

Ben and Sue go live at the Wisconsin Credit Union League’s 2023 Marketing and Public Relations Workshop! What would make this podcast more electric? If it was done in front of a live audience? Join Ben, Sue, and special guest, Denise Wymore, as they talk about humanizing your brand in front of a live audience! Oh, and they also do a fun true/false …

Giving up control over something can be a very hard thing to do, but luckily for you there are a lot of variables that Ben and Sue cover in this episode. Ben and Sue talk about surrendering control and how it can help to build teams and move them closer toward their shared fate, grow as individuals for future roles, and to be able to see their visi…

Ben and Sue share their opinions on the new text-based social media platform Threads. They also discuss the business strategy of Threads and how it might help us understand the “Fediverse”. Also...What is the fediverse?! And don't worry, they will explain what that is too. They will finish off with explaining how joining a new social media platform…

Have you had an issue with one of your teammate's work? How do you handle the situation? In this episode Ben and Sue talk about the social contract that prevents us from helping each other grow and how to handle them in an appropriate way. Spoiler: Your boss doesn't need to fix everything.

Before we explain what it is, just know, it's for everyone! YAY! In this episode, Ben and Sue talk about their experience in DE (development education), why everyone should do it, and what to expect. Our awesome recommendations: The Radium Girls National Credit Union Foundation's DE program

In this episode, Sue shares her definition of an "all stop" and why it is important for a functional team. Ben and Sue also provide examples of what is going well (goal setting and incorporating the whole team in conversations) and maybe what isn't going as planned (having milestones in place and having shared fate for projects).…

Consumer Behavior can affect your marketing strategy. Consumers act, think, buy, and respond in certain ways. In this episode, Ben and Sue provide a list of things that can help drive/predict consumer behavior, things that can negatively affect consumer behavior, and they also talk about how it can affect what we do and how we can work with it. Our…

In this episode, Ben and Sue talk about the concept of pairing and how it prevents functional teams from being truly accountable. They give you examples of pairing in the workplace and also give you new ideas on how your team can curb it.

Have you ever had a marketing idea whether it's for your personal brand or business and you don't know where to start? Ben and Sue deep dive right into top tips to get you started as a new marketer. They cover six important tips to get you started on the right track. Our awesome recommendations: Changes in baseball Finch: Self care app…

In this episode, Ben and Sue dive into their best advice for how to incorporate healthy processes in an organization and if our creative and capable team is meeting expectations via our survey data. Three main points: -Setting tolerances for not achieving perfection -Can a team can succeed when a team members fails -How to fill gaps moving forward…

Do you know your business's strategic plan? What about your content plan? Do they need to be aligned? After touching on the bank failures in Silicon Valley, Ben and Sue talk about staying on track with goals by building the right habits and how a strategic plan can be different from a content plan, but both should align in a few ways. Our awesome r…

Ben and Sue discuss their best advice for how to move forward when gaps come up in the functionality of a team. Is your team accountable? Have you tried creating a survey to see where everyone is at? How do you measure if the team is striding toward your shared purpose? In this episode, you'll hear Ben and Sue discuss how they worked past those to …

How are you using social channels in your business? And how deep are you looking into it? Is it safe for your internal network? In this episode, you'll hear Rich explain why using TikTok in business can be very risky and gives us some things to look for as a marketer before jumping head first into a new social media channel. Our awesome recommendat…

What do you do when you face challenges? Are we being honest with ourselves? In this episode, you'll hear how they strive for total and radical accountability, what to do when barriers come up when moving forward with projects, and how transparency is key to growing past those mistakes and keeping the accountable team strong.…

How are you using AI in your own creative workspace? And how often are you using AI without even realizing it? In this episode, you'll hear how they use AI on the daily, what AI applications they want to try, and if they're scared of AI taking over the world? (Spoilers: They are.) Our awesome recommendations: The Endangered Species Act has saved at…

How much more successful would your team be if they were fully accountable to a shared vision, to each other, and to the success of your organization? Join Ben and Sue from the Exclamation Marketing Team on their journey toward building healthy and happy accountability. In this episode, you'll hear where they started, how it's going, and their plan…

From strategy to budgeting to who they'd play in a fantasy biopic, we covered a lot of ground to cap the year off right. What questions would you have asked if you had the chance? Extra Awesome for you to check out: Charlie sees his new Spiderman kicks for the first time Learn about this breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy Watch Wednesday on Netf…

Ben and Sue talk about why that happens, how you can prevent it, and how you can do more with less in 2023. Check out our recommendations: Some books we love by Neil Gaiman: Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, The Sandman Custom Kicks by Nick Malovrh (check out our blog to see Charlie's new Spiderman shoes.)…

Ben and Sue detail their team's planning process (that's what the heck Plantopia is..), reflect on how it has evolved, and give their advice for how it can work on your team. Some awesome (if a little bit heavy) recommendations: Revolutionize Teamwork by Eric Coryell All There Is (Podcast) With Anderson Cooper The Orphaned Adult by Alexander Levy…

Ben is flying solo this time, but that's okay because he's talking to two intrepid adventurers who are giving their all to help ACCOSCA and the Africa Cooperative Development Foundation invest in state-of-the-art training facilities to benefit the SACCOs (African credit unions) across the continent of Africa. Our guests talk about how they got invo…

In this episode of the podcast, Ben and Sue talk about creating an empathy map to reach the right people with the right message, at the right time, how you can use those insights to connect in a human way, and how they apply in your day-to-day. Check out our recommendations: A major shout out to Filene Research. You should check out their insights.…

In this episode, Jimmy shares his journey as we explore the advantages and roadblocks to starting a business based on a hobby he's loved since he was a kid. From the first steps to consider, through the building blocks of a successful online shop, and into the future of building and growing a loyal customer base for the long term, we cover it all, …

After consuming podcasts, articles, and think pieces (oh my), we decided to talk to more of our super-smart friends to help us fill in the blanks. In this episode, Ben and Sue are diving into the danger and disappointments of Rainbow Washing for the LGBTQIA+ community with the help of guests Angela Prestil (from CU Difference) and Lisa Koenecke (a …

From yoga enthusiast to traveling teacher, to full-time business owner Stacy takes us through her journey to bring health, love, and community into the Marshfield area through yoga practice. As a mom of five boys with a husband also running his own business, Stacy can tell us a lot about following your passions and carving out moments of relaxation…

Ben and Sue are tackling some of the mysteries of ideation, talking about their process, and bringing a little science along to make it all make sense. Check out some of the places we found good ideas: Adam Grant: The surprising habits of original thinkers Find a Little Free Library here

Rich, our VP of IT, joins Ben and Sue for an enlightening conversation about keeping your data secure and keeping the bad guys out of your business. For more info on what you can do to protect yourself and your organization check out our blog post here. How about some great resources to help people? Home Delivered Meals in Marshfield Meals on Wheel…

Whether you're a credit union professional or want to learn about how thousands of diverse credit union people are working together to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the movement, this episode is a great place to start. When you're done listening, check out more from these organizations: The African American Credit Union Coalition The …

In this episode, Ben and Sue take us all the way back to where it started, explain what's unique about Exclamation Services (spoilers: it's a CUSO), and highlight why it's so awesome that they get to help credit unions, small businesses, and non-profits on the regular. The links we shared: Ready to amp up your DEI journey? Check out these Inclusive…