Pros
BECU is still immensely member focused. Majority of the executives care about the members and communities served. Legacy executive leadership is stellar. It feels and it is that BECU cares for its employees through benefits and employee voice is heard and valued. BECU rightfully recognizes that brand strength in itself will not carry interests of our members, but them where they are and how they want to be served is mission critical. All good here. The sad part is that BECU leadership has lost its way in terms of hiring senior leaders. This is apparent especially in technology and digital transformation. The whole transformation has been handed over to C-level executives who have not had any experience transforming. It is apparent from their short tenures at prior organizations. But they were hired, and there is mass confusion across the credit union. Hopefully, the new CEO recognizes and makes urgent changes.
Cons
Digital transformation is a mess. Leaders across technology, engineering, architecture, data have no experience leading and framing transformation. They themselves are confused and cannot articulate why things are the way they are. Senior leadership has resorted to serious politics and what is really being generated is beautiful PowerPoint decks. But that is how it has been for the past 3 years. A lot of decks and people who know how to present, but with little progress. Paying significant $ to tier-1 consulting firms who are happy to cash in on delivering PowerPoint messaging. BECU used to be an environment where folks would jump into any problem and make things happen on behalf of its members. Now it is all about looking good individually. Starting with the highest level of technology and engineering leadership, they have created an environment of distrust and favoritism.