Dakota Sister Society Webinar Featuring Dr. Brandi Stankovic!

​A brief recap of the recent session focused on helping executives reach their greatest potential by creating a legacy of support for women.  

by Shawn Marie Brummer, Communications Specialist

The Dakota Sister Society, led by Nanci Wilson (Marketing & Community Engagement with University FCU) recently offered a free webinar featuring special guest speaker Dr. Brandi Stankovic, organizational change expert and motivational speaker. She inspires firms globally with her models of leadership, engagement and award-winning education; in fact, she has previously led our own MonDak Conference. Dr. Stankovic is chief strategy officer at CU Solutions Group. the coauthor of The Strategic MVP and the host of a podcast, “The Strategic Hotbox” – designed to help executives reach their greatest potential.

The session held on June 16th was titled “Being a Kickass Professional Woman” and was attended by more than 30 Dakota credit union professionals.

Some key takeaways:

“Put on your shoes ladies: There’s glass everywhere!” Since 2015, we have only seen modest signs of progress in the representation of women in the corporate pipeline. In addition, the rate of unemployment remains high among women – higher than for men.

“I can – I will – I am!” Check yourself by refusing gossip, refusing sexism, and refusing any double standards. Successful leadership has traditionally been defined by men; women have opportunities to change those patterns. We need to support and mentor each other!

“Be intentional with your time and expectations.” Post-covid work has added additional tasks, meetings, and other stressors whether working in office or working remotely. The more intentional we are in establishing norms and boundaries, the more success we will have as we establish new routines in the hybrid workplace.

“Be fiercely financially independent.” If you understand money, life is incredibly easy and if you don’t, it’s incredibly hard. Women tend to have less discretionary income. Women should have their own savings accounts that can cover expenses for 3 – 6 months that only they can access. Make sure titles are worded “and/or” and that all utilities include your name as the account holder.

Brandi also discussed the importance of self-care. Health gives you a freedom that you don’t appreciate until it is taken away, so don’t neglect it. The workplace should support good health.  

In closing, she encouraged the group to amplify other women. Rather than competing, create a legacy of supporting each other.
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Be sure to follow the Dakotas Sister Society Facebook Page where the next virtual session will be announced soon!
 
Dakota Sister Society is a sister organization to The Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), an initiative of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the fundraising and engagement arm of World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU). GWLN is one of the original diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established in 2009 by WOCCU to provide women in the industry the opportunity to network and make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of members, and within their communities.