Mike Lawson is the Creator and Host of CUbroadcast, the credit union industry’s leading and longest-running video talk show. With over 9,000 interviews conducted since 2010, Mike has become a central voice in the industry, building a community of thousands of followers and helping CUbroadcast become a go-to resource for credit union leaders focused on technology, data, and member experience. A former editor and reporter in the San Diego area, he brings a journalist’s curiosity and storytelling skill to every interview, making complex topics like AI, data, and digital transformation accessible and actionable.
About the Episode
Conversation is more than an interview technique — it is a way to build trust, uncover insight, and inspire growth. This episode explores how authentic dialogue, curiosity, and storytelling shape stronger leadership and marketing in the credit union industry. Tyler Lane hosts Mike Lawson as they discuss Mike’s journey from journalism to founding CUbroadcast, the rise of AI and practical use cases, leadership authenticity, younger member engagement, fintech disruption, and lessons from more than 9,000 interviews.
Key Moments
Mike’s Background and CUbroadcast Journey
- How Mike moved from journalism into credit union marketing and eventually launched CUbroadcast [03:48].
- Why early video interviews were ahead of their time and how the show grew to more than 9,000 interviews [06:25].
The Art of Better Conversations
- The question Mike always asks at the end of an interview and why it unlocks better answers [07:26].
- How his style evolved from rigid interviews into more natural, trust-building conversations [08:41].
AI, Trust, and Human Connection
- Why practical AI use cases are becoming more important than broad AI theory [11:16].
- How AI can make teams more human by removing repetitive work and creating more time for member relationships [14:04].
What Resonates With Credit Union Audiences
- Why case studies, success stories, and clear before-and-after results are among CUbroadcast’s most powerful content formats [17:20].
Leadership and the Next Generation
- Why authenticity matters deeply for today’s credit union leaders [20:05].
- The challenge of helping younger consumers understand what credit unions are and why the name itself can be a hurdle [25:49].
Industry Trends and Lessons Learned
- Why payments, cybersecurity, fintech competition, and experimentation will shape the next chapter of credit unions [28:48], [34:44].
Top Insights
- Use conversation to build trust – Turning interviews, meetings, or member interactions into genuine conversations helps people feel more comfortable, open, and connected.
- Ask one more question at the end – Leaving space for “anything else” can uncover thoughtful insights that people may not share earlier in the discussion.
- Focus on practical AI use cases – Applying AI to repetitive or mundane tasks can free up teams to spend more time on deeper, more human work.
- Share clear case studies and success stories – Showing the problem, solution, and results helps audiences understand what worked and how they can apply it.
- Lead with authenticity – Being genuine, humble, and real helps leaders build stronger relationships and earn trust across teams and communities.
Notable Quotes
- “It’s an honor to be the mailman, so to speak, to deliver some really cool messages to the folks out there.”
- “I still got to do what I love to do, which is interview people.”
- “It goes from an interrogation to a conversation very, very quickly.”
- “I’m really enjoying right now the practical use case.”
- “I think just also just being authentic, you know, and just being who you are, I think people really appreciate that.”
Resources
Industry Experts
Companies & Organizations
- Session Interactive
- CUbroadcast
- Symitar
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- orsa credit union
- GoWest Credit Union Association
Related Episodes
- “Fintech23: Tyfone’s Josh DeTar Eats 4 Pounds of Cereal for the Kids — Almost…” on CUbroadcast
- ”#4042: Element FCU’s Linda Bodie Discusses How to Keep Innovation Momentum Rolling…” on CUbroadcast
- “#4177: How a Recent Fintech Innovation Executive Order Could Allow Fintechs to Become Banks…” on CUbroadcast
The Conversations That Build Trust and Drive Growth
If you’re trying to grow in a world shaped by AI, fintech disruption, and shifting customer expectations, authentic conversation still matters. In this episode, Mike Lawson reminds us that curiosity, trust, and practical storytelling can uncover the insights that move industries forward. At Session Interactive, we help growth-minded brands turn those insights into smarter strategy, better member experiences, and measurable momentum.
For more conversations on marketing, analytics, AI, and digital growth, subscribe to the Built to Convert podcast. Ready to build stronger connections and convert with more confidence? Contact Session Interactive to see how we can help you grow with clarity, creativity, and purpose.
