Episode #29: From Disney Magic to Credit Union Leadership with Mike Terzian
Leadership, Culture & the Power of Curiosity
What does it take to build a workplace culture that lasts?
In this Part 1 episode of Make Minutes Matter, I sit down with Mike Terzian, CEO of Foothill Credit Union, to explore leadership, storytelling, and the importance of creating a culture where people thrive.
Drawing on his experience at Disney-affiliated Partners Federal Credit Union and Foothill, Mike shares why the best leaders ask more questions than they answer, how authentic storytelling builds trust, and why individual differences make teams stronger.
We also discuss Foothill’s culture transformation, including identifying 139 cultural traits, establishing eight core pillars, and developing a leadership academy. They explore why hiring for cultural fit matters, how curiosity strengthens leadership, and why building a great workplace culture requires continuous attention.
The takeaway? Great culture doesn't happen by accident—and it certainly doesn't maintain itself.
Guest Bio
Mike Terzian is CEO of Foothill Credit Union, where he leads organizational strategy, culture, and growth. Previously, he held senior executive roles at Partners Federal Credit Union, serving Disney employees worldwide. With an MBA in marketing and a background in consulting, Mike brings a people-first approach to leadership, organizational development, and building high-performing teams.
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Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly's book, The Three Bucket Leader: https://a.co/d/08vuNA9
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This show is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. For sponsorship opportunities, email podcasts@rainbowcreative.co
