CU Accelerate 2025 Presentations

Opening Keynote Session: Leadership Lessons Learned from the World Cup

Travis Thomas, Founder of Live Yes: Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Improv Master

There was no bigger sporting event than the World Cup. Every four years the world gathered to see who could claim the title of the best soccer nation in the world. As the Leadership and Team Dynamics Coach for the US Men’s National Soccer Team, Travis got a front-row seat from the locker room, to the training ground, to the sidelines to witness what it took to create a World Cup mindset and culture. In this interactive and experiential session, Travis shared three key leadership ideas learned from his three years with the team, and how they could be applied to your professional and personal life. Whether you were a professional athlete, a corporate professional, or working to be more professional in your personal life – these ideas in this session were applicable to everyone.

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Keynote Session: The Demand for Skilled Talent

Emily Neill, Senior Managing Director at Robert Half

Emily dove into the current hiring landscape and recruitment trends that shaped industries nationwide. She discovered the challenges employers faced in attracting top talent, strategies for effective succession planning, and approaches to building robust talent pipelines. This session also provided data-driven insights into the most in-demand roles and explored how managers navigated skilled labor shortages in critical areas, with a dedicated Q&A segment.

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Keynote Session: Generative AI Trends in 2025 & Applications for Credit Unions

Karan Kashyap, Co-founder & CEO of Posh AI

Karan discovered how generative AI reshaped the credit union industry, offering new ways to enhance member experiences, streamline operations, and empower employees with advanced tools. This session explored the latest AI trends for 2025, showcased real-world applications, and provided actionable strategies for credit unions to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Gained insights into leveraging AI as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and member satisfaction in the credit union landscape.

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Keynote Session: U.S. Economic Outlook & its Impact on Credit Unions

Steven Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage

This presentation reviewed the ongoing economic volatility driven by historic demand and supply shocks, resulting in the highest inflation levels in four decades. It examined the Federal Reserve’s rapid interest rate hikes—also the fastest in 40 years—and analyzed their potential effects on the economy in 2024 and beyond. The discussion also addressed structural changes in the labor market, including persistent labor shortages and rising wage pressures. Attendees explored possible economic trajectories and how these factors could shape credit union balance sheets and income statements over the next two years.

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Keynote Session: Changing Lives, One Decision at a Time

Amit & Angad Sahgal, Founders of LetMeDoIt

Angad and Amit discovered the inspiring journey of LetMeDoIt. From Angad's personal experiences and vision for a more inclusive world, LetMeDoIt was transforming lives by empowering individuals with disabilities to embrace independence and economic empowerment. This heartfelt session delved into the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering determination that shaped the platform’s mission to foster inclusion and open doors for millions.

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