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The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

By: FCCS
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 The Forward Thinking podcast, powered by FCCS is to inform and inspire in the areas of leadership, employee engagement, governance, risk management & insurance, training, and strategic talent management. We feature industry experts and thought leaders with forward-thinking interviews and discussions.FCCS Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Cooperative Principles & Leadership Mindset

    Cooperative Principles & Leadership Mindset
    Dec 4 2025
    In a time when organizations are navigating generational change, evolving leadership expectations, and shifting workforce dynamics, cooperative boards have a unique opportunity to lead differently, anchored in values, purpose, and shared ownership. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton, Vice President of Organizational Development for FCCS Jay Lux, and Angie Coleman, Organizational Development Consultant with FCCS. Their conversation centers around director strategies for connecting with the spirit of cooperative identity so that every choice made in the boardroom strengthens both the organization and the people it serves. Episode Insights Include: What makes cooperative governance distinct? The cooperative structure is made up of the members, for the members. Decisions made by the board directly impact those whom it serves. Boards include member-owners of the organization. Cooperative governance starts with member benefits, not shareholder return. Decisions are made with and for the people that the board serves. Cooperatives exist to create value with their people. The future of cooperative boards As businesses grow in complexity, cooperative boards offer insights into how to best serve their members. Shifting workforce and generational shifts are aligned with what cooperatives value. Board focus is shifting toward what really matters to employees today. The collaborative nature of how organizations are structured and governed is revealing. Key differentiators between corporate and collaborative structures benefit the patrons of the cooperative, rather than the owners. Cooperatives exist to create value with their people. These principles matter in today's current landscape more than ever before. Three leadership challenges that cooperatives address Employees are distrustful of organizations that value profit over people. The triple bottom line affects consumer and employee decision making. Workforce expectations have shifted toward what the cooperative structure offers. The cooperative model is uniquely positioned toward employee expectations. Performance and purpose are effectively addressed by the cooperative model. Board decision-making principles in the cooperative model All seven cooperative model principles may show up in the boardroom at any given time Cooperative boards are focused on long-term viability of the business, and ultimately, the member-owner. Annual returns are positively impacted by the cooperative model. These principles are the foundation for the structure and purpose of the institution. Employee engagement and good governance Employees today expect transparency, participation, and purpose. Employees want to know the why behind decision making. High-performing teams have clear expectations, visibility, and effective feedback loops. When people understand the why, the don't just buy-in, they believe-in. Board decisions need to reflect employee needs. Respectful dissent in the boardroom is addressing conflict done well. Healthy conflict requires getting curious and asking clarifying questions. Shifting governance expectations in the face of leadership transitions and increased complexity Demographic changes for management transitions with the new generation. Growing organization size creates new complexities. Technology advancements are regular conversations in today's boardroom Businesses are run of people, by people. Regulatory landscape requirements have made business operations increasingly challenging. Individual expertise must be balanced with collective decision making at the board level. Effective board and management collaboration and education Preliminary preparation is essential for effective conversations. Engage in robust debate about ideas, not individuals. The executive session is a powerful tool for meaningful board discussions. When in doubt, bring in a subject matter expert. Directors have a responsibility to build regular learning into the boardroom. Annual board performance reviews are essential. Succession planning should be embedded throughout the boardroom culture. This podcast is powered by FCCS. Resources Connect with Jay Lux — Jay Lux Connect with Angie Coleman — Angie Coleman Get in touch info@fccsconsulting.com
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    39 mins
  • Cybersecurity in Focus

    Cybersecurity in Focus
    Nov 13 2025
    Cyberthreats are everywhere, and while they may be inevitable, their impact can be manageable. Institutions who are prepared for cybersecurity disruptions are proactive and collaborative about their response. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton, Lisa Parrinello, FCCS VP of Risk Management & Insurance Services and Naomi Baumann, FCCS VP of Claims & Insurance Services. Together they discuss how Farm Credit's Captive Insurance Company is helping institutions strengthen their cyberdefenses and what boards of directors need to know to stay ahead of the cybersecurity game. Episode Insights Include: The bigger picture of cyberthreats Cyberthreats used to be considered an IT-only problem, but that isn't the case anymore. These enterprise-wide issues demand board-level attention. Ransomware, extortion, targeted financial systems and AI deep-fake impersonations are some of today's biggest cyberthreats. The goal today isn't just protection, it's resilience. A prepared institution can respond and recover from cyberthreats no matter where they hit. The role of Farm Credit's Captive Insurance Company As the captive, they provide institutions cyber insurance and management services that go beyond what commercial insurance markets can offer. They offer tailored protection designed specifically for the unique cooperative structure of Farm Credit. Collaborative claims management proactively responds to any incident or threat of incident. Their strategic access to commercial markets allows them to purchase insurance as well. Over the years, Captive has saved an average of $50 million in insurance coverage. Consistent system-wide learning whenever instances occur. Resilience tools and strategies Resilience requires a multi-layered approach based on assents and security needs. Threat detection and response pinpoint vulnerability, endpoint detection, and tabletop exercises. Human-centric risk management and ongoing employee training are critical for cyber risk management. Employees and people are always going to be the weakest link in cybersecurity. Data protection and resilience in communications in sensitive information need to be encrypted and backup tested. Cybersecurity is not an impenetrable armor, it is an anatomy with multiple systems working together to respond and continue operating in a culture of proactive risk management. The pivotal role of the board Directors need to prioritize an approved annual cyber risk manual. Ongoing development and maintenance of a robust program is essential. Boards should receive quarterly reports on threats, vulnerabilities and mitigation actions. Cyber oversight needs to be integrated into business technology planning. FCA should be notified within 36 hours of any cyber incident. The culture of cybersecurity Institutions build resilience when everyone is involved. Third party oversight and engagement with cyber-focused legal counsel is crucial. Most breeches don't happen in bad systems, they happen when good people let down their guard. Muscle memory kicks in when crisis hits, but only when preparation has occurred. Ultimately, cybersecurity is everyone's business. This podcast is powered by FCCS. Resources Connect with Lisa Parrinello — Lisa Parrinello Connect with Naomi Baumann — Naomi Baumann Get in touch info@fccsconsulting.com "The goal isn't just protection – it's resilience." — Naomi Baumann "The Captive provides consistent system-wide learning whenever instances occur." — Lisa Parrinello "Human-centric risk management and ongoing employee training are critical for cyber risk management." — Naomi Baumann "Employees and people are always going to be the weakest link in cybersecurity." — Naomi Baumann "Even without a deep technical knowledge, boards can strengthen resilience by asking the right questions and staying engaged." — Lisa Parrinello "Institutions build resilience when everyone is involved." — Naomi Baumann Resilience is just as much about people as it is about systems." — Naomi Baumann
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    23 mins
  • Confident Conversations

    Confident Conversations
    Oct 17 2025

    How strong are your conversation skills? Whether you are stepping into a boardroom, attending a networking event, or connecting with coworkers over coffee, the way you show up in conversations matters. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Tracy Hooper, founder of the Confidence Project and author of The NOW Hello. Their conversation is filled with practical tips, personal stories, and the small language shifts that make a big difference in how we connect with others.

    Episode Insights Include:

    Why do conversations feel so hard?

    • Anxiety around conversations is common and natural.

    • When we focus too much on ourselves, we are unable to focus on the other person.

    • Conversations should not be about you, but about the other person.

    • Shift into curiosity mode – what can you learn? How can you make them comfortable?

    Techniques to start a conversation

    • Before you enter any room, strike a power pose.

    • "I'm going to meet some interesting people today, and this is going to be fun."

    • Start with a compliment or a connection you have.

    • State something that you know about them or their company.

    • Compliment a person's character or trait rather than their looks.

    • Use the magic words – what, how, and tell me more.

    • The Golden Rule – treat everyone as if they are the most important thing in the room.

    Tips for Introverts

    • If you're not energized by meeting people, prepare your mind in advance.

    • Don't try to meet every person in the room, select just 2 or 3 to focus on.

    • It will take energy to talk to people, so be kind to yourself in the process.

    • If you are exhausted after an event, take a nap!

    Entering an existing conversation

    • Wait for a slight pause in the conversation, then say, "May I join you?"

    • Highlight what you heard them talking about.

    • Toe-to-toe means no – a conversation between two people is not appropriate to enter.

    • Read body language to determine if the conversation is open to others.

    Help! I forgot their name

    • Don't run in the opposite direction.

    • Preempt the awkward – offer your name first.

    • Mention that they look familiar or that you do recognize them.

    • If necessary, simply say, "Help me with your name".

    • Make introductions when welcoming others into your conversation.

    • "Come join us, we were just talking about ___" and "Do you all know each other?"

    • "I'll let you all introduce yourselves."

    Politely exiting a conversation

    • The graceful dismount is a 4-step art that must be practiced.

    • 1- Say thank you for the conversation.

    • 2- Acknowledge the stories they told.

    • 3- Use a farewell phrase about the future.

    • 4- Offer a goodbye gesture.

    First impressions and body language

    • Body language is the unsung hero of successful conversations.

    • Pull your shoulders down and away from your ears.

    • Good posture speaks confidence for you before you open your mouth.

    • Practice good grooming in your appearance.

    • Dress for success – don't touch your hair or your face.

    • Check your tone of voice and slow down your words.

    • Say three sentences and a period. Then it's their turn to talk.

    • Consider what you actually want to say, and eliminate the filler words.

    This podcast is powered by FCCS.

    Resources

    Connect with Tracy Hooper — Tracy Hooper

    Get in touch

    info@fccsconsulting.com

    "Everyone's favorite thing to talk about is themselves, so let them!" — Tracy Hooper

    "Rehearse! Everyone has to practice in order to get good at anything, including conversations." — Tracy Hooper

    "If you keep curious, conversations are easier than you think." — Tracy Hooper

    "Be the person that welcomes people into a conversation." — Tracy Hooper


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    41 mins
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