loader from loading.io

Shared Ownership, Shared Accountability

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Release Date: 09/05/2025

Shared Ownership, Shared Accountability show art Shared Ownership, Shared Accountability

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

In today’s dynamic lending environment, meeting client needs requires more than individual excellence; it demands shared ownership and accountability across every level of the organization. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Mike Evans, author and speaker on leadership, and speaker at the upcoming Sales Leaders Conference. He shares insights into building resilient, accountable and high-performing teams in an increasingly complex and demanding landscape, and what leaders can do to increase accountability on...

info_outline
Tom Truitt's Leadership Journey show art Tom Truitt's Leadership Journey

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Forward thinking leaders know that fostering innovation, developing company culture and effective communication always starts at the top. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit and winner of the FCCS 2024 Accelerator of the Year Award. Together, they define acceleration in the face of organizational change, consider what it takes to foster innovation from the top down, and discuss some of the valuable leadership lessons that Tom has learned over the years. He shares the...

info_outline
Tech Myths Blocking Digital Collaboration show art Tech Myths Blocking Digital Collaboration

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

From cloud confusion to AI overload, tech myths can hold teams back from working smarter, faster and more securely. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Egnyte Banking and Credit Practice Lead Charlotte Li. Together they dive into the world of digital transformation and unpack some of the most common – and costly – misconceptions. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to keep up with the myriad of changing tools, this conversation conquers the myths and offers the facts you need to make clear and...

info_outline
Expanding Capacity with AI: A Conversation with Tom Morrison show art Expanding Capacity with AI: A Conversation with Tom Morrison

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 FCCS Learning Conference, host Stephanie Barton, SVP of Marketing and Communications for FCCS sits down with keynote speaker Tom Morrison to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern organizations—and how leaders can harness it to expand capacity, not replace people.  “As leaders, we need to focus on sharpening the uniquely human skills that matter most—strategic thinking, relationship building, and emotional intelligence. Let AI handle the tactical, repetitive tasks so we can devote more time and energy to the...

info_outline
Attacking Life's Storms: Overcoming Adversity show art Attacking Life's Storms: Overcoming Adversity

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Obstacles and challenges are inevitable, but what if they are a catalyst for growth, opportunities, and transformation? This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and speaker, coach and thought leader Rousawn Dozier. Together, they consider the possibilities of navigating adversity with courage and confidence. They explore what happens when you face adversity head on, the power of shifting your perspective, and the opportunities that appear when you choose to embrace obstacles.   Episode Insights Include:   ...

info_outline
Building Courageous Cultures: Unlocking Ideas and Innovation in Your Organization show art Building Courageous Cultures: Unlocking Ideas and Innovation in Your Organization

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Where are all the good ideas? And why don’t the good ideas ever seem to get implemented? The disconnect between leaders and employees is holding back innovation and an environment of psychological safety is key to cultivating a courageous culture that fosters innovation. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Karin Hurt, Founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders and instructor in the FCCS Leading Leaders program. Together, they explore ways leaders can build courageous cultures that encourage innovation, create...

info_outline
Generative AI in Financial Institutions: Balancing Innovation show art Generative AI in Financial Institutions: Balancing Innovation

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Generative AI is developing at an exciting pace, transforming compliance, risk management, and the customer experience. It’s potential also requires financial institutions to navigate ethical dilemmas, security risks, and implementation challenges. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Kris Stewart, a certified regulatory compliance manager, product manager, attorney and business leader for Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions for a conversation about the power and possibilities of generative AI in financial...

info_outline
Understanding Burnout in Our Workforce show art Understanding Burnout in Our Workforce

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Burnout is affecting everyone in farm credit, from individual contributors and managers to senior leaders. The recent FCCS Employee Engagement survey revealed that while everyone is feeling burnout, the why behind burnout varies based on each individual association This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and FCCS Organizational Development Consultant Angie Coleman unpack the data from this survey, define what burnout looks like across different roles, and explore what organizations can do to combat burnout, improve...

info_outline
From Setbacks to Strength: The Antifragile Leader’s Playbook show art From Setbacks to Strength: The Antifragile Leader’s Playbook

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Engaging in deliberate practice, continuous learning, and fostering open communication are critical for building antifragile leadership. Antifragility challenges the way leaders think about resilience, adaptability, and growth. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nicole Brusewitz, VP of Leadership Development, Learning and Consulting Services at FCCS. Together they discuss a superior approach to resilience – one that doesn’t just withstand uncertainty but thrives in it.   Episode Insights Include:...

info_outline
Compassionate Accountability show art Compassionate Accountability

The Forward Thinking Podcast, Powered by FCCS

Accountability without compassion creates negative cultures that can’t retain talent, while compassion without accountability creates avoidant cultures that can’t perform. The need for both compassion and accountability is greater than ever before. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nathan Regier, CEO of Next Element and author of Compassionate Accountability.  Together they consider the importance of combining human connection and accountability in performance in ways that benefit all involved...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In today’s dynamic lending environment, meeting client needs requires more than individual excellence; it demands shared ownership and accountability across every level of the organization. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton and Mike Evans, author and speaker on leadership, and speaker at the upcoming Sales Leaders Conference. He shares insights into building resilient, accountable and high-performing teams in an increasingly complex and demanding landscape, and what leaders can do to increase accountability on their teams.  

 

Episode Insights Include:

 

Drivers behind the demand for increased agility

  • Peak-performing organizations know that accountability and leadership are essential. 

  • Excelling in ‘future work’ requires the fast, flexible and agile will succeed. 

  • Those who are unwilling to adapt will find themselves increasingly vulnerable. 

 

Common obstacles that impede accountability

  • Are you an accountable person? Do you need to see more accountability in your team or organization?

  • If we consider ourselves accountable, why do we still demand more accountability from others?

  • 100 people will give you 100 different definitions of accountability. How can it be standardized? 

  • Many organizations have a generally negative definition of accountability. 

  • If accountability is viewed as a negative, people will resist embracing it. 

 

Redefining accountability

  • What percentage of leaders believe that they communicate well?

  • What percentage of teams believe that their leaders communicate?

  • How can the gap between these two numbers be decreased in effective ways?

  • Define meaningful, measurable, and memorable goals to improve results. 

 

Nurturing a culture of accountability

  • The 20 best practices will help employees clearly understand where they need improvement. 

  • Leaders need to model best practices first. 

  • Teams need to see a behavior in their leaders before they will take it on themselves. 

  • Best practices must be integrated into daily routines. 

  • Accountability, collaboration and mindsets are essential to thriving in today’s competitive landscape. 

 

The impact of AI in today’s competitive landscape

  • A variety of futurists and global leaders weigh in on the change that AI will bring.

  • How will your company stand out when competing with all-knowing machines? 

  • Curiosity is an essential key to standing out.  

 

First steps for leaders to encourage accountability

  • What your team sees you do is what they will do. 

  • Does your team have the resources necessary to keep learning?

  • If you’re not listening to your team, don’t expect commitment from them. 

  • Leaders need to develop these skills in themselves first. 

  • You can’t make anyone else more accountable. 

  • Watch for warning signs that accountability is not taking place. 

  • Create a culture that is more focused on results than activity. 

  • Remain open to the perspectives of others. 

 

This podcast is powered by FCCS.

 

Resources

 

Connect with Mike Evans Mike Evans 

 

Get in touch

 

[email protected]

 

“Those who are unwilling to adapt will find themselves vulnerable and at the mercy of the competition.” — Mike Evans

 

“We may think that we see ourselves as doing things really well when it comes to accountability, but we don’t see where we’re dropping the ball.” Mike Evans

 

“When leader communication is crystal clear, people will surprise you with their ingenuity.” Mike Evans

 

“When people can see the why, they will astound you with their ability to become engaged, collaborative, innovative and creative.” Mike Evans

 

“Leaders can’t expect anyone else to change their behavior unless they demonstrate it first.” Mike Evans

 

“The white waters of change are not going to calm anytime soon. If anything, they are going to become more turbulent.” — Mike Evans

 

“What we’ve done in the past cannot be relied upon to get us where we need to be in the future.” — Mike Evans