The Power of Authentic Leadership: A Conversation with Ali Migaki
Acumen Executive Search’s Hiring For Good Podcast continues its inspiring lineup of industry leaders and changemakers with a captivating conversation featuring Ali Migaki, SVP and Chief Experience Officer at IQ Credit Union. In this episode, we explore Ali’s unique approach to leadership, the invaluable lessons she’s learned throughout her career, and her strategies for building high-performing, engaged teams. Listeners will also gain insight into how Ali thoughtfully integrates her personal values into her professional leadership style.
As Chief Experience Officer at IQ Credit Union, Ali Migaki is at the forefront of fostering connection, culture, and growth across the organization. IQ Credit Union, a member-focused financial cooperative, has long been recognized for its dedication to serving communities and empowering individuals to achieve financial success. Ali plays a pivotal role in driving this mission by aligning organizational culture with a commitment to engagement and teamwork.
Throughout our conversation, Ali shares her personal leadership philosophy: one centered on authenticity, trust, and people-first practices. Drawing from years of experience, she unpacks the importance of cultivating a workplace culture where individuals are valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work. Her insights provide a blueprint for leaders seeking to inspire their teams while maintaining organizational excellence.
A key highlight of the conversation focuses on how Ali operationalizes her own values to drive success. For Ali, leadership is not just about strategy and results—it's about staying true to core principles such as integrity, transparency, and empathy. Defining these values through her own lived experience was hugely impactful on Ali’s growth as a leader and person. Through implementing them in her professional and personal life , Ali has been able to build trust, influence, and long-term relationships within her organization and beyond. This practical and personal approach to leadership has proven instrumental in creating cohesive teams and delivering tangible outcomes.
Throughout the episode, Ali offers actionable takeaways for leaders and aspiring changemakers alike. From understanding the power of listening to prioritizing employee engagement, Ali provides real-world advice on what it takes to navigate challenges, motivate teams, and nurture a positive organizational culture. Her perspective highlights that success in leadership is a balance between strategic vision and a deep commitment to people.
Whether you’re an executive looking to transform your team, a leader navigating your own growth journey, or someone passionate about organizational health, Ali Migaki’s interview is a must-listen. Her wisdom resonates far beyond the walls of IQ Credit Union, offering fresh insights for leaders across industries.
Tune in to this engaging episode to discover how Ali Migaki blends leadership, learning, and values-driven impact to create thriving teams and organizations.
Ali’s Bio
Ali Migaki is SVP and Chief Experience Officer at iQ Credit Union. She oversees retail services with more than $1.7 billion in deposits, member and lending center, 15 branches, and 180 employees serving 90 thousand members.
Ali has deep experience across iQ’s retail banking services. In many ways, she helped shape iQ into the company it is today. Her career and leadership started 25 years ago, and she has experienced the credit union’s growth from $200M to $1.7B. She is a member of iQ’s executive team and contributes to the short and long-term strategic objectives to maximize the member’s experience. Her strong relationships with other department leaders serve the common goal of providing a positive experience for members.
She has been a member of the Northwest Credit Union Association Value Creation Task Force since 2019 and is a member of the Digital and Data Council for Allied Solutions. She serves as a Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Council mentor in their Mentor Match Program. Recently, she was selected to serve on the board of Elevate Oregon, an organization for at-risk youth in school districts in Oregon. Passionate for the community and children, she regularly volunteers for community service activities, including serving seven years on the iQ for Kids Foundation committee. Also, she was an advocate for March of Dimes, raising over $50k in five years on behalf of iQ.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Ali’s grassroots are here, and she is passionate about paying it forward to a community where she grew up. Ali graduated from Western CUNA Management School in 2014. You can see Ali sporting her plaid while enjoying cheering on her daughter and son at their activities and spending time together as a family. They enjoy everything and anything outdoors and creating memories from new and old adventures.