On this week’s episode of ‘Speaking to Influence,’ Luke Billeri, president and CEO of Member’s Choice Credit Union tells Laura how he used ‘pre-suasion’ to gain key stakeholder buy-in before a critical decision.   In this episode you will learn: How Luke learned the importance of adapting communication style based on the audience's competencies by modifying communication to be relevant to the audience How in acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses, Luke’s team was able to create a solid group dynamic where they supported each other. How Luke asserted himself with his boss about a risk to the organization, and after a drip campaign of providing data and hints, his boss eventually agreed and Luke's concerns were validated. Luke and Laura discussed the importance of persuasion and inspiration in leadership. Luke shared his experience of using ‘pre-suasion’ persuasion to gain support before important meetings, while also inspiring others by explaining the benefits and end goals of organizational change. Why sincerity is key in expressing passion, regardless of one's personality type, and how it can make a candidate stand out   24 Hour Challenge: The art of pre-suasion: we all need support on something. Go in advance of a presentation / meeting and talk to an individual who you might need their support. Your passions might be able to come out easier and any questions they have may come out easier and help build your rapport in advance of the bigger meeting.   About Luke: Luke Billeri is the CEO of Members Choice Credit Union (MCCU), a full-service financial institution based in Houston, Texas. With over 20 years of experience in the credit union industry, he specializes in retail, lending, and strategic financial management. Committed to strengthening community initiatives, Luke spearheaded the creation of the Members Choice Credit Union “Helping Heroes” Savings Program for individuals working in heroic professions such as education, law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare. Having served the Credit Union Industry already for nearly two decades, he joined MCCU as chief lending officer in January 2020, was promoted to executive vice president in September 2022, and assumed the role of chief executive officer in January 2023. As a results-oriented and decisive leader, Luke ensures a member-centric focus and strategic sustainability for MCCU. Passionate about the supporting the various needs of members, he believes wholeheartedly in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Luke enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends in his spare time, such as fishing, boating, and anything on the water.   You can connect with Luke in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-billeri-313a589/ Web: http://www.mccu.com   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.