Mike Ches, Branch Manager at Peake FCU, says his experience Crashing the GAC deepened and reinvigorated his passion for the credit union movement. Selected to represent Maryland as a Crasher at last month’s Governmental Affairs Conference, Ches gained fresh insights, formed lasting bonds with colleagues, and expanded his professional network in meaningful ways. Now, with the momentum still strong, he’s already looking ahead to what comes next.

What surprised you most about the experience?

The closing Crasher experience, which is different from the closing ceremony from the conference overall. This happens the day after the conference at Credit Union House. While I don’t want to spoil the experience for any future GAC Crashers that may be reading this, what I will say is that the bond that is formed over 6 days together is incredibly strong and tangible. While it would be tempting to “skip out” after a full itinerary and come home, to miss that Thursday would be missing a foundational piece of the Crasher experience.

How has the Crasher experience impacted you both professionally and personally?

Professionally, my passion for the credit union movement is deepened and reinvigorated. This experience provided an opportunity to connect with and learn from key industry leaders who are doing the work in real time. Being afforded the change to glean from them, their paths and passions, and how they are leading the charge in changing people’s financial lives is a gift.

Personally, I am walking away with 54 news friends, references, and colleagues. I have participated in an exchange with three groups of crashers since coming back home in March. We have shared ideas, best practices, and cheered the other on as we have applied for other opportunities in the credit union movement. We have a “reunion” planned for next month where we can catch up via Teams. The support and encouragement my new friends offer each other is inspiring!

What were your key takeaways?

Crashers are there to be disruptors (that’s why we wear jeans and a t-shirt on Tuesday – to pay tribute to our roots). We are there to ask the questions, push the boundaries, and bring about the change our movement needs so that we can continue to serve our members. It is imperative to take that same energy and bring it back to our local credit union house. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked!

Leadership is about you, the leader. Your self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management. It is up to you to create an environment where people feel psychologically safe so that they tell you what is wrong/not working, creating space for people to give a voice to both the good and the bad (be willing to call a thing, a thing). You, as the leader, must be authentic and clear while also being willing to create other leaders, exposing them to new opportunities as well as your network.