CUrious Minds Advisory Council

The CUrious Minds Advisory Council (CUrious MAC) is a small, engaged group of credit union professionals who come together to explore ideas early, before concepts become products, services, or broader initiatives.

This is an active working group designed to foster thoughtful dialogue, practical collaboration, and meaningful peer connection. Members will have the opportunity to share perspectives, challenge assumptions, and help influence innovation, education, and future direction at Corporate Central.

Strategic Purpose

The CUrious MAC is designed to:

• Bring real-world perspectives into product discovery and innovation conversations.
• Ground Corporate Central’s initiatives through direct member collaboration.
• Create a space where participants can openly share ideas, questions, and challenges.
• Help shape future offerings, educational content, and member-focused solutions.

Ideal Participant Criteria

We are looking for credit union professionals who:

• Bring a forward-looking perspective and emerging needs and opportunities.
• Are comfortable sharing candid, constructive input.
• Are curious about innovation, fintech partnerships, and evolving industry ideas.
• Value collaboration and thoughtful discussion with peers.

✔Open to participants across all member organizations.

✔Selection is based on alignment, perspective, and overall group balance — not title or asset size.

Engagement Framework

The CUrious MAC experience is designed to support meaningful discussion and ongoing connection through a mix of formats, including:

• Two to three in-person gatherings per year, aligned with Corporate Central’s Member Advisory Council events when possible.
• Occasional virtual sessions for timely topics and feedback opportunities.
• Ongoing conversations in a dedicated channel.

Meetings will be designed to encourage active participation and intentional peer connection, not just presentation-based content.

Time Commitment and Travel Requirements

• Travel-related expenses, including mileage and lodging when needed, are covered by Corporate Central.
• In-person participation is expected, with flexibility available as needed.
• Meeting dates will be shared well in advance.

Commitment and Participation Requirements

We ask selected participants to make a one-year commitment, with the possibility to extend.

This group works best when members are engaged and contribute consistently. Active participation is expected through meeting attendance, thoughtful discussion, and honest feedback.

Benefits of Participation

Participants can expect:

• Early visibility into ideas, concepts, and emerging opportunities.
• The opportunity to provide input that shapes, challenges, and improves what Corporate Central builds and delivers.
• Connection with a strong peer group focused on thoughtful, practical innovation.
• Exposure to relevant insights, discussion topics, and educational opportunities.
• Priority consideration for pilots or early feedback opportunities when appropriate, though participation in a pilot is never required.

Program Scope

CUrious MAC is:

• Not a sales forum.
• Not a requirement to pilot products or services.
• An active working group, not a passive listening forum.

How Selection Works

Applications are reviewed by the Product Development team at Corporate Central.

Because participation is intentionally limited to support meaningful discussion and group balance, not all applicants may be selected. Selections are based on overall fit, diversity of perspective, and the value each participant may bring to the group experience. A waitlist may be used as needed.

Participation Expectations

By applying to participate, you agree to:

• Respect the confidentiality of group discussions.
• Share honest, constructive feedback.
• Stay engaged and actively contribute to discussions.
• Follow any meeting conduct, confidentiality, or compliance reminders shared by Corporate Central.

Questions?

If you have questions before applying, please contact Shannon Cate at [email protected].