Young Professionals Share Vision of the Future on Main Stage

Wednesday morning’s general session also featured a panel of young credit union leaders sharing their insights on how to grow their ranks in the sector.

The young professionals said much of the problem of aging leadership in credit unions can be solved by those very leaders taking a more active role in mentoring the next generation.

Kemar Cumberbatch, President of the Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Ltd. Board of Directors, said his own mentors helped him grow and advance his career at a rapid pace.

“They gave me the space to grow; praised me when I did something good. If I failed or fell short, they supported me. They did not play politics, which a lot of people do when it comes to age, so there was no embarrassment. They were there to give you that room to fall, helping you to grow in a particular role,” said Cumberbatch.

But equally as important is for young credit union employees to be ready to grow and become leaders, according to Kefilwe Masalila, CEO of the Botswana Savings and Credit Cooperative Association (BOSCCA) Ltd.

“Don’t be afraid to step up. Let your age not be a limitation. Unless you believe it is a limitation yourself, nothing is there to limit you,” said Masalila.