#12 Todd Clark: The Future of Credit Unions & Banking (from a 30-Year Veteran)

Many entrepreneurs chase ideas, but true success lies in what happens after the initial spark. In this episode, I sit down with Todd Clark, former CEO of Co-Op for 3 decades in the financial services industry, who turned a failed startup into a $1.9 billion financial powerhouse. He shares the one quality that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest - curiosity. This conversation reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about the destination or the exit - it’s about the genuine curiosity that drives us to understand systems deeply. What’s the quality you believe is most essential for entrepreneurial success? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with Todd Clark: Website: https://bit.ly/40cMQFi X.com: https://bit.ly/4kmLn7c LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4ioCo3O Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:39 Todd Clark’s Back Story and Entrepreneurship Journey 05:52 Choosing the Right Business Partner 08:32 Transitioning to First Data 11:55 Being in Multiple Board of Directors 15:13 Leadership Styles in Big or Small Companies 17:37 Building a High-Performance Team 20:15 Co-op Operations 21:35 Credit Unions vs. Regional Banks 24:53 Threats to Smaller Banks and Credit Unions 29:45 Potential Trump Administration Impacts on Banks and Credit Unions 31:38 Views on Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Blockchain 39:35 Money as a Magnifier 41:52 Biggest Accomplishment in His Career 46:24 Biggest Mistake and Lessons Learned 47:18 Feeling the Imposter Syndrome 48:52 Health Practices 50:55 Purpose, Contentment, or Happiness? 52:33 Differences in Religious & Spiritual Beliefs 54:54 Mentoring Benefits 55:57 Recommended Books and Podcasts 1:00:23 What He Wants His Kids to Say to Him in the Future Watch the “David Guttman Podcast” every Tuesday at 8 AM EST on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ZGK2yv Connect with David Guttman: Instagram: https://bit.ly/4iARMe9 TikTok: https://bit.ly/3P19NVm Facebook: https://bit.ly/49CQjQx X.com: https://bit.ly/4gH28aR LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Bx7Tc2 SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialDavidGuttman Download the “David Guttman Podcast” on all your favorite podcast platforms: Spotify: ​​ https://spoti.fi/3VE3fzV Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3VLzm0v