January 29, 2026
By Juli Lewis, CUDE, CMPFinCap, CCUFC, CCUE, VP,VP of Community Engagement, USF Credit Union
After 35 years in the credit union industry, you might think I’ve seen every type of conference there is. And honestly? About 95% of the conferences I attend are very credit-union-specific. That’s not a good or bad thing…it’s just reality when you love the movement you’re in. But attending the Sterling South Florida Summit (hosted in a truly unforgettable setting surrounded by some very wild characters) was a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always happen inside familiar walls. Sometimes, it happens when you intentionally step outside your industry bubble… and even your comfort zone.
One of the biggest values I get from Sterling events is the opportunity to connect with leaders outside of financial services…people from healthcare, government, education, and private enterprise who share the same leadership mindset: striving for excellence, ethical decision-making, and continuous improvement. When values align, industry lines blur. Who better to network with than like-minded people who bring different perspectives and help us see our work in new ways, especially when they represent audiences we may not currently be reaching?
And the conversations proved it. Several people openly shared that they weren’t quite sure what the real difference was between a bank and a credit union. But as we talked about people-first service, community impact and purpose-driven leadership, something clicked. By the end of those conversations, they got it. They were curious, engaged, and, in some cases, wanted to know more. That’s the magic of cross-industry connection…and apparently, it happens even faster when there’s a giraffe in the background. If you’ve been considering a Sterling Conference, take this as your sign. Join me at the big one in Orlando coming up in May. I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee ☕ and get your networking started.