Michael A. Roussel Jr.
VP of Marketing | Xplore Federal Credit Union
Fun Fact
My father had a lot of good quotes, and if he didn’t say this every day, he didn’t say it at all: “Work to live; don’t live to work.” This is the best piece of advice that I’ve ever received. Make sure that you enjoy what you’re doing. We only get one shot at life.
What have been some of your biggest challenges? Biggest successes?
One of my largest challenges in my marketing role for Xplore has been adjusting my skillset for banking. Because of the traditional ways that financial institutions promote their services, it was challenging to disrupt the old way of advertising and incorporate a fresh outlook on how we communicate with our clients. By integrating innovative technologies such as video banking, interactive online and mobile banking, and communications through every available digital channel, Xplore has been able to grow considerably. This successful upgrade in advertising and technology led to my earning the VP of Marketing and Digital Strategies designation, which I consider one of my biggest successes to date.
How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life?
Is that even possible? Once you’re in marketing, you are always at work! For me, it is quite simple—if you don’t love what you do, do something else. If I spend 10 hours a day outside of my home, 9.5 of those hours are spent marketing. Whether I’m at work or in a check-out line at a local grocery store, I am promoting. It’s in my DNA. I just make sure to keep a healthy lifestyle and incorporate the things that I love into everything that I do. It’s a win/win for me.
Which changes or innovations do you hope to see for your company or industry in the next five years?
I am happy to say that Xplore’s main focuses are technology and education—we want to ensure that our clients have everything they need for their financial success. While we continue to make constant improvements, I am always hopeful that the financial industry will continue innovating new banking processes for everyone. I would also like to see a larger shift to financial education. It is amazing that so many people know so little about their finances, and I am hopeful that our community will start incorporating financial education in our schools’ curriculum.
In your experience, what are the keys to maintaining a healthy and productive company culture?
The short answer is communication. The one constant for all successful companies is that they are great at communicating with their staff no matter the position. It may be a challenge to see “eye to eye” with everyone, but as long as all parties are willing to talk it out, the path forward is always available. I’ve seen several businesses fail from lack of communication. I pride myself on being able to communicate well and have been told that it’s one reason people enjoy working with me. If you’re unable to effectively communicate with your team, there is no way to create, let alone maintain, a healthy, productive work environment.
Who have been some of the greatest influences on your career or leadership style?
My hero is my late father. Mike Sr., “The Kid,” commanded respect and is still the driving force behind my leadership style. He taught me that there are several angles to solving any problem, and “thinking outside of the box” was always something he encouraged. He also pushed me and my siblings to do what we loved, which led me to marketing.
“You only have one life to live, so why waste it on something you hate? If you have a good heart and the passion to work, you will always land on your feet,” he said. I have lived by his words and I instill them into not only my staff but my co-workers as well. This outlook is one of the main reasons that I have been able to have a successful career.
Xplore Federal Credit Union
5500 Veterans Memorial Blvd.,
Metairie, LA 70003
504-526-2505
