The road to leadership leads to many exciting and fulfilling destinations. But what happens when a leader reaches his or her destination?
It’s simple: they keep going.
Southwest Credit Union Management School's Learning Never Stops program enables SCMS alumni, students, and credit union professionals to enhance their leadership development through continuing educational offerings.
The Knowledge Economy - Leveraging Knowledge, Reputation, & Identity
Join SCMS alum, third-year students, and Cornerstone member credit unions for a dynamic in-person, on-campus SCMS experience.
As financial services rapidly evolve, credit unions must adapt not only to new technologies but also to a new kind of economy—one powered by knowledge, innovation, and human capital. This course equips credit union leaders with the strategic tools and mindset to thrive in the knowledge economy. Participants will explore how shifts in work, value creation, and member expectations are reshaping competition in the financial services sector and beyond.
Through a blend of interactive discussion, real-world examples, and case-based learning, the course helps leaders understand how intangible assets—like talent, culture, data, and organizational learning—are central to success in today’s marketplace. Credit union leaders will leave with a clearer understanding of how to align strategy, workforce development, and member experience in ways that build long-term value and trust.
This session balances theory with practical insights tailored to credit unions' mission-driven nature. Whether navigating digital transformation, building a knowledge-sharing culture, or rethinking how to measure value beyond the balance sheet, this course provides a fresh lens for future-focused leadership.
Sponsored by the SCMS and SCMS Alumni Association
Date & Location
July 17, 2025
2 - 4:30 p.m. CT
Presenter: Sekou Bermiss, Ph.D.
Sekou Bermiss is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a recognized expert on the credit union model. His research focuses on strategic human capital—how talent drives firm performance—and has been published in top academic journals and featured by outlets like Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and NPR.
A former Deloitte consultant, Sekou earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He served as a research fellow at Filene’s Center for the War for Talent, where he led projects on talent strategy in credit unions. He has delivered invited talks at GAC, Visa, and Filene’s big.bright.minds conference.
Sekou has received numerous honors for his research, teaching, and service, including the Eyes of Texas Service Award, the Best Published Paper Award from Oxford’s Centre for Corporate Reputation, and recognition by Poets & Quants as one of the Top 50 Undergraduate Professors in the nation.
Benefits
- Refresh and recharge, engaging in professional networking
- Leadership development – from the aspiring to the seasoned
- Gain insights to grow your credit union or organization
- Provide non-alumni a glimpse into the SCMS experience
Who Should Attend?
SCMS alumni, current students, and Cornerstone credit union professionals
Cost
| SCMS Alumni who have paid lifetime dues | $0 |
| SCMS Alumni | $50 |
| Non-alumni – Credit union is a Cornerstone League or America's Credit Union member | $100 |
Questions?
For more information regarding administrative policies, such as attendance, complaint, or refund, please contact the SCMS Administration at 800-442-5672 ext. 6634 or email us.