Shine with Faye Nabhani (#233)
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In this episode of The CUInsight Experience, hosts Randy Smith and Jill Nowacki welcome Faye Nabhani, CEO of Safe Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and the art of developing others. Faye shares her philosophy that investing in people is not just a moral imperative but a strategic business advantage, emphasizing that true leadership means creating space for others to shine. She recounts pivotal moments in her career—from being sponsored to lead a major core system conversion to learning from both exemplary and flawed leaders—highlighting how observation and intentionality shape effective leadership. The discussion dives into the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, with Faye underscoring that sponsorship often happens quietly, behind the scenes, and can be transformative. She also addresses the emotional challenge of leaders letting go of control as they grow, and embraces the idea that when people leave, their success reflects well on the organization. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on legacy, where the true measure of leadership is not just who stays, but who thrives because of you.
Investing in people is a strategic business decision, not just a cultural one.
Sponsorship—giving people opportunities they don’t yet see for themselves—is more powerful than mentorship alone.
Leadership growth requires unlearning the need to control everything and learning to let go.
The best leaders create space for others to succeed, even when they leave the organization.
Look for people who 'look up from their dinner plate'—those curious, engaged, and interested in the bigger picture.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsorship & Leadership Transformation
The episode opens with a sponsor message from Trelance Cooperative Holdings and introduces the central theme: leadership as creating space for others to shine. Hosts Randy and Jill set the stage for a conversation with Faye Nabhani, CEO of Safe Credit Union, whose leadership is defined by culture and people development.
The Joy of Seeing Others Succeed
“Seeing the moment they recognize something that they didn't know they could do... and they gave me a chance and I've got it. And I'm doing good at it.”
Learning from Leadership Failures
“I just, to this day, that is not who I'm ever gonna be. And it's some of those things that it's the compilation of all of it, right? The goods and the bads that you've got to learn and pick from to find yourself in them.”
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: The Hidden Power of Advocacy
“Sponsors is more around the idea of giving people opportunity... giving them some of your trust and your own credibility to provide space for them to turn into and form something for themselves.”
Culture as a Strategic Business Advantage
Faye explains how Safe Credit Union treats people development as a core business strategy. From intentional learning programs to large-scale events like family picnics, the organization invests deeply in connection and culture, especially as it grows larger and more distributed.
“I want to invest in every person that works in my organization... and when my people leave, they're going to have what they've learned and what they've grown, the experiences they've had.”
“You've got to have people look up from their dinner plate and look at the restaurant.”
“Sponsors is more around the idea of giving people opportunity... giving them some of your trust and your own credibility to provide space for them to turn into and form something for themselves.”
Hosts
Guest
Safe Credit Union
organization
Faye Nabhani
person
Randy Smith
person
Jill Nowacki
person
Trelance Cooperative Holdings Incorporated
organization
Humanity
organization
Ning Duong
person
Tiffany
person
Mike Valentine
person
Credit Union West
organization
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