PALM DESERT, Calif.—Credit unions must confront the chronic stress plaguing the financial services sector, a meeting hosted by the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) was told.
The advice came from Rachel Sheerin, a certified professional behavioral analyst and keynote speaker, who opened the discussion by framing burnout not as a result of apathy, but as the “inevitable consequence of high-performers who push themselves to excel.”
Sheerin’s comments came during a GWLN event held in conjunction with the REACH Conference hosted by the California, Nevada and Utah leagues.
‘Unprecedented Pressure’
According to the leagues, she drew parallels between the industry’s external pressures, such as the accelerating pace of digital change and the “Silver Wave” of retirements creating leadership gaps, as well as the resulting internal strain on executives.
Sheerin told her audience that leaders are under unprecedented pressure, which can lead to being overwhelmed and reduced engagement among their teams, the leagues reported.
Shift in Mindset
According to the leagues, she emphasized the necessity of leaders shifting their mindset and strategies to take back control, explaining that burnout cannot be overcome simply by working harder or achieving more.
Investing in the holistic wellbeing of credit union leaders is a strategic imperative for taking on the complexities of 2025, she added.
Sherrin provided tangible strategies for resilience and renewal, according to the leagues, which said she guided attendees through exercises aimed at self-discovery, helping them identify personal drivers and core values that can be used as shields against stress.
A Central Theme
“A central theme was the need to establish and enforce clear boundaries, both personal and professional,” the leagues stated. “Sheerin articulated that success for a credit union leader in the age of digital disruption must be defined by sustainability, not just short-term quarterly results. The session empowered attendees to reignite their passion, happiness, and success through intentional self-leadership and proactive wellness.”
