BOULDER CITY, Nev.–A sixth-grade student and the CEO of CUNA Mutual Group participated in a give-and-take Q&A on everything from the fundamental role of credit unions to ice cream and mimosas.
James Rice, the sixth grader, led the discussion with Bob Trunzo of CUNA Mutual as part of an “Underground Collision: We are the World” virtual event hosted by Mitchell Stankovic Associates. Rice is the son of Dr. Brandi Stankovic, chief strategy officer with CU Solutions Group, and the grandson of Sue Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell Stankovic.
Here’s a look at how the discussion went:
Rice: When you were my age what did you want to do when you grew up”
Trunzo: I wanted to be a pro football player. I played in high school but wasn’t good enough to play in college. I went to the University of Kentucky, then I went to law school.
Rice: Do you know any good dad jokes?
Trunzo: I don’t. I may be a big shot CEO and have the responsibility for managing a large company, but when I am at home I am the lowest person on the totem pole.
If you were a CEO for a day, what would you have everyone do? Give me a new rule.
Rice: I would make people reach a certain goal by the end of the day or else they would be punished. I would also, to help the employees, I would probably make their kids and families give them hugs and kisses so they are always happy. I would give them ice cream and endless mimosas.
Trunzo: We will put that on our cafeteria menu.
Rice: What is your favorite part of being a CEO?
Trunzo: Leading 3,800 people in a company and helping credit union members achieve financial security, and then watching what kind of positive impact our company has on credit unions and credit unions members. I get a lot of joy out of that. We provide the kinds of products and solutions that make a difference in people’s lives and that makes me feel good (as does) seeing the company have a positive impact on your life and your parents’ lives and your grandparents’ lives. Credit unions are really great at doing that. In this time in our country as we are coming out of the pandemic credit unions are really, really important right now.
Rice: The world would be a better place if?
Trunzo: If everybody had the financial resources to be happy. I think that would be great. And I also think the world would be a better place if everyone was kind to each other. The other thing is there is so much pressure on our young people these days. I just want young people to have a little fun. I think for you, James, and your friends, you should work hard, but you can also have a little bit of fun.
Rice: What would the world be like without credit unions?
Trunzo: It would be a sad, dark place. I think credit unions are really, really important to our financial system. They provide great customer care to people who really, really need great customer care. They are not-for-profits and once they take care of business they work hard to give money back to members and communities. I also believe credit unions are becoming more and more the preferred financial solution, or the choice for people, because they care and do the right thing.
Trunzo: What do you think of credit unions?
Rice: I think they’re cool because everyone I know who is cool works for them.
Trunzo: I think the biggest thing is what your grandpa did and others is they are volunteers. They give their time and energy to make the credit union a better place, that is the ultimate cool.
Trunzo: What do you think credit unions need to do to be ready for you?
Rice: I think they need to create different programs to help people. My grandma has a program for helping women. I think they should have a program for helping young people.
Trunzo: I think the other thing we have to do is all of you are great at gaming and on your phones, and we have to be able to provide ways to let you do (financial services) on your phone, your iPad and your computer. We are doing that. We also have to teach you and your friends financial literacy. A lot of us in credit union industry support financial literacy so when you are ready you can take care of your mom and your dad in their old age.
I think credit unions have to be ready for you and all your friends.
Rice: Are you ready for me?
Trunzo: We have to be ready for you. We don’t have any choice.