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    Career Dreams

    This podcast provides career development strategies and resources to help you learn and grow professionally. Hosted by Michelle Baker and Chase Batt with FORUM Credit Union's award-winning Talent Development team.
    en-usMichelle Baker107 Episodes

    Episodes (107)

    087: People, Path, Purpose

    087: People, Path, Purpose

    Michelle and Chase reflect on FORUM's recent all-employee event, Day of Discovery, and discuss key messages from the "Find your adventure with FORUM" theme.

    Regardless of your role, experience level, or career dreams, it is important to discover your people, path, and purpose!


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    086: Rose, Bud, Thorn

    086: Rose, Bud, Thorn

    Michelle and Chase are inspired by one of their teammates who recently resurrected a design thinking activity called Rose, Thorn, Bud

    Rose, Thorn, Bud is an activity that provides self-reflection about a given topic, an event, or what's happening in your world at a particular moment in time. Here is what each element represents:

    • Rose: A success. What’s working well.
    • Thorn: A challenge. What’s not working.
    • Bud: Potential. What’s something to develop.

    Take a listen and hear how to put this exercise to use and the benefits you might see as a result. 

    Instructions: Rose, Thorn, Bud


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usOctober 10, 2023

    085: Michelle Talks Engagement When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    085: Michelle Talks Engagement When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    Michelle and Chase continue to explore the world of bringing big ideas to life. Their conversation in Episode 82 titled, “Bringing Big Ideas to Life”, was so engaging that the unedited version lasted almost an hour! There's just too much valuable content to leave on the cutting room floor so Michelle and Chase turned the rest of the conversation into a three-part series featuring highlights from their chat.

    In this episode, Michelle shares shares ideas for building engagement before an event and how to maintain connections once the event is over.

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usOctober 05, 2023

    084: Michelle Talks Three Tips When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    084: Michelle Talks Three Tips When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    Michelle and Chase continue to explore the world of bringing big ideas to life. Their conversation in Episode 82 titled, “Bringing Big Ideas to Life”, was so engaging that the unedited version lasted almost an hour! There's just too much valuable content to leave on the cutting room floor so Michelle and Chase turned the rest of the conversation into a three-part series featuring highlights from their chat.

    In this episode, Michelle shares three key strategies for you to consider when planning a big event. In the third and final episode of this series, Episode 85, Michelle will share ideas for building engagement before an event and how to maintain connections once the event is over.

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usOctober 04, 2023

    083: Michelle Talks Challenges & Obstacles When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    083: Michelle Talks Challenges & Obstacles When Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    Michelle and Chase continue to explore the world of bringing big ideas to life. Their conversation in Episode 82 titled, “Bringing Big Ideas to Life”, was so engaging that the unedited version lasted almost an hour! There's just too much valuable content to leave on the cutting room floor so Michelle and Chase turned the rest of the conversation into a three-part series featuring highlights from their chat.

    In this episode, Michelle reveals some fantastic tips for overcoming roadblocks and challenges when planning events and bringing big ideas to life. Then, in Episode 84, she'll share three key strategies for turning those big ideas into reality. Finally, in the third and final episode of this series, Episode 85, Michelle will share ideas for building engagement before an event and how to maintain connections once the event is over.

    Get ready for some great insights coming your way in this exciting three-part series!

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usOctober 03, 2023

    082: Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    082: Bringing Big Ideas to Life

    Chase takes the opportunity to interview Michelle about her experience managing and leading large events. Discover the secrets behind Michelle's innovative approach as she takes you on a journey through her event-planning expertise. From conception, execution, to measurement, she shares strategies and insights that turn events into unforgettable experiences. Michelle also shares how she believes taking the lead on an event, no matter how big or small, can positively impact our career dreams. Whether you're a successful event planner, an aspiring event planner, or simply curious about the magic that happens behind the scenes, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. 

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usSeptember 26, 2023

    081: Thrive or Drive

    081: Thrive or Drive

    Michelle and Chase share their thoughts about what leaders and teammates do that create thriving teams and those who, well… drive their team away. This episode is relatable for anyone, at any level or stage of their career because the goal for this conversation is to share tips that can help anyone thrive – even if they work with a leader or teammate whose behaviors and actions drive others away or hold people back from reaching their potential.

    Resources:

    Image: Leaders Who Deliver vs. Leaders Who Destroy

    Podcast: Career Dreams - Setting Intentions For a New Year

    Podcast: Career Dreams - SMARTER Goals

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usSeptember 19, 2023

    080: AuGUEST Recap

    080: AuGUEST Recap

    Michelle and Chase wrap up their AuGUESTravaganza with their reflections about the lessons they took away from their interviews during the month of August. Matt, Raine and Andrew were so generous with their time. It was great to hear each of these individuals share more about their leadership experiences at very different stages of their career journey. 

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    Career Dreams
    en-usSeptember 12, 2023

    079: Life Lessons From the C-Suite (Part 2)

    079: Life Lessons From the C-Suite (Part 2)

    Michelle and Chase's AuGUESTravaganza concludes in this episode with the rest of their conversation with Andrew Spirrison, FORUM's Chief Member Experience Officer. Andrew shares the valuable lessons he's learned by growing up in a family-owned business, and how those lessons have shaped his view on careers, relationships, service, and leadership. As always, Andrew was generous with his time and expertise as he shared his experiences with Career Dreams listeners; you will learn about Andrew, and be inspired to take your leadership, member/customer service, and collaboration with others to the next level!

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    078: Life Lessons From The C-Suite (Part 1)

    078: Life Lessons From The C-Suite (Part 1)

    Michelle and Chase's AuGUESTravaganza continues in this episode with a conversation with Andrew Spirrison, FORUM's Chief Member Experience Officer. Andrew shares the valuable lessons he's learned by growing up in a family-owned business, and how those lessons have shaped his view on careers, relationships, service, and leadership. As always, Andrew was generous with his time and expertise as he shared his experiences with Career Dreams listeners; you will learn about Andrew, and be inspired to take your leadership, member/customer service, and collaboration with others to the next level!

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Dream on!

    077: A Leader's Career Journey at FORUM

    077: A Leader's Career Journey at FORUM

    Michelle and Chase have a conversation with Raine, Assistant Branch Manager at FORUM's Lawrence Branch. Raine shares her experience as a relatively new leader and the journey that led her to where she is today. If you're an inspiring leader, an existing leader, or you're looking to make a greater impact as a teammate, you'll gain some valuable insight from this episode. 

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Career Dreams
    en-usAugust 22, 2023

    076: Career Lessons From An Intern

    076: Career Lessons From An Intern

    Michelle had a special guest join her for this episode...her son, Matt Baker. Matt is a senior at IUPUI - Kelley School of Business; he just wrapped up a summer internship with MWI Animal Health, a division of AmerisourceBergen. Matt reflects on the professional and personal lessons he learned throughout his first experience with people leadership. Whether you are early in your career like Matt or a seasoned professional - or perhaps you lead someone who is just starting their career journey, you will gain perspective and insight from an aspiring Gen Z leader. 

    Chase will be back next week, where another guest will join us on the podcast!

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

    075: Extending Trust

    075: Extending Trust

    Michelle and Chase have a conversation about the complex world of trust, specifically extending trust. There is no one size fits all path when it comes to extending, building, and maintaing trust.  

    They discuss three critical areas intertwined with trust: 

    • Self-Awareness
    • Brené Brown's BRAVING inventory
    • Delegation

    The cultivation and nurturing of trusting relationships demand dedication and attention. It's not merely about our individual or leadership trustworthiness; it's about the dance of reciprocity and extending trust to others.

     

    Resources: 

    Worksheet: Brené Brown's BRAVING Inventory

    Video: Brené Brown's BRAVING Inventory

    Article: The Problem with Saying "Don't Bring Me Problems, Bring Me Solutions" (Harvard Business Review)

    Article: How to Harness the Power of Delegation (fierce)

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

    Career Dreams
    en-usAugust 08, 2023

    074: Anniversary Reflections

    074: Anniversary Reflections

    Michelle puts Chase in the "hot seat" in this special episode of Career Dreams, taking the opportunity to interview him about his career at FORUM and to celebrate his recent two-year work anniversary at the Credit Union. Chase discusses the importance of credible, trustworthy relationships, his partnership with Michelle in reimagining leader development at FORUM, and shares some of his personal and professional growth experiences throughout his time as the Manager of Leader Development.

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

    Career Dreams
    en-usAugust 01, 2023

    073: It's Time to Get Real

    073: It's Time to Get Real

    Why do people struggle to have "real" conversations, when it's the "unreal" conversations that can be costly? While Chase is taking time off, Michelle reflects on a LinkedIn message she received from a colleague, and calls back to episode 47, "Improving Relationships One Conversation at a Time."

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews

    072: Are You Resting on Your Laurels?

    072: Are You Resting on Your Laurels?

    It can be so easy to get comfortable in our routines or leaning on our current level of expertise. But is this risking "resting on our laurels" - and will it set us back as we try to reach our Career Dreams? In this quick solo episode, Michelle looks to the origin of this old expression and shares some inspiration for moving forward each day.

    Resources:

    Podcast: Big Improvements Through Small Actions (Career Dreams)

    Podcast: SMARTER Goals (Career Dreams)

    Podcast: How to Begin (Career Dreams)

    Article: The Risk of Resting on your Laurels (Quiver Management)

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

    071: Positioning Questions Productively

    071: Positioning Questions Productively

    Have you ever been asked a question that was phrased in a way that made you feel like the person asking assumed you knew way more about something than you did? How we ask questions, even though it may seem insignificant, can have a significant impact on how a person feels and ultimately responds. In this episode, Chase shares a real-life example of being asked a presumptive question that put him into a bit of a panic. He also offers ideas on how to avoid asking these types of questions in order to elicit a more genuine answer. So, let's explore the power of our questioning techniques and strive to create a more trusting and comfortable environment for meaningful conversations. 

    Resources:

    Article: How to deal with people who pretend to be smarter than you (Fast Company)

    Article: Effective leadership isn’t about giving or taking responsibility—it’s about sharing it. (Stategy+Business)


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Career Dreams
    en-usJuly 11, 2023

    070: How To Self-Promote

    070: How To Self-Promote

    Self-promotion - sound cringy? What if we think about it as self-advocacy and taking ownership of and communicating our accomplishments? In this episode, Michelle and Chase take inspiration from the Independence Holiday in the United States to ask ourselves what we want to be... the firework with an impressive display or one that lingers in the background that goes unnoticed or unrecognized?

    Resources:

    Podcast: Everyone Makes Mistakes (Career Dreams)

    Article: How to self-promote when you don't like to self promote (Harvard Business Review)

    Article: Savvy self-promotion (Harvard Business Review)

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    Career Dreams
    en-usJuly 04, 2023

    069: Everyone Makes Mistakes

    069: Everyone Makes Mistakes

    Mistakes....we all make them from time to time, but how you handle and learn from them can set you apart as you pursue your career dreams. In this episode, Michelle and Chase take inspiration from the recent #DearIntern social media thread and discuss strategies for overcoming big and small mistakes.

    Resources:

    Podcast: Take Out the Head Trash (Career Dreams)

    Article: Had a Bad Day? Here's What to Do When You Mess Up at Work (BetterUp)

     


    Got a question? Ask us!

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

     

    068: The Skill Of Connecting

    068: The Skill Of Connecting

    Michelle and Chase talk through the importance of connecting to create high performing teams.  Relationships with coworkers, including leaders, can have a major impact on our health and well-being. Leveraging a personal connection among teams opens the door to more meaningful work and stronger relationships.

    Resources:

    Article: The Most Important Skill Leaders Should Master (NAFCU)

    Article: Every Leader Must Master This One Very Important Skill (Lolly Daskal)

    Article: Social Relationsips and Health (Science.org)

     


    Like it? Share it!

    If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think!

    You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com.

    To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers

    Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! 

    Career Dreams
    en-usJune 20, 2023