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Cathy Graham's avatarPerson

Cathy Graham

Executive Vice PresidentDesert Financial Credit Union

Phoenix, AZ

Skills

Coaching
Strategy
Public Speaking

About

I am an executive leader in the financial services industry. I came up through marketing and also have a strong background in developing corporate strategy. Today, my passion is coaching and developing leaders, with an emphasis on working parents and women. Whether it's at work, volunteering on a board or in my personal life, I have a 2-word job description - be helpful. I am passionate about causes that support mental health, domestic violence survivors and children in the community. My life goals include doing a TED Talk, writing a book and becoming a certified executive coach. I also enjoy spending time with my amazing daughter and two beautiful granddaughters. Superpowers include lip synching, 70s and 80s song lyrics, movie trivia and showing love through food.

Published content

Truth is a wolf

article

Truth is a wolf

Mar 17, 2025

The best way to deal with criticism that keeps following you around and won’t go away is to merge with it. Here's what you need to know.

Here's what executive coaching taught 15 business leaders

expert panel

Learn to lead with confidence and teach others to do the same. You don't need to have all the right answers to be an effective leader. It’s about fostering a work environment where your team can thrive and collaborate on discovering better solutions. Executive coaching can help leaders develop a more adaptive and insightful leadership style, enabling them to better support their team’s growth and navigate complex challenges. From refining the corporate decision-making process to improving their interpersonal skills, coaching can have a profound impact on any leader's journey.  Below, 15 thought leaders from Fast Company Executive Board each share their experiences with executive coaching, how it transformed their leadership style, and why they highly recommend it to other managers.

16 smarter ways to show employees your gratitude and support

expert panel

Plan better in 2025 with these gift-giving suggestions that your staff can appreciate beyond any seasonal occasion. Whether your company is thriving in its industry or going through tough times, it makes a big difference to the success of your establishment when the right team is on board. Putting your trust in reliable talent who will always have your back is essential to helping a business grow and remain relevant. However, even the most loyal talent may doubt their commitment to the organization if they are not getting a return on their investment. Although the holiday season is the perfect time of year to celebrate your staff's dedication and achievements, it's more meaningful to communicate with your staff members authentically and regularly about the huge impact they have on your company's ability to operate. It's the thoughtfulness behind gift-giving that truly stands out. As the new year begins, 16 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each share one idea that will help elevate team morale and purpose beyond the holidays.

My victim jacket

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My victim jacket

Nov 22, 2024

A victim jacket is a protective measure that prevents the wearer from feeling accountable for their situation in any way. 

Facing a roadblock? Here's how 20 execs overcome obstacles

expert panel

When the going gets tough, these leading experts have had the tenacity to keep it moving through each struggle. Taking on a leadership role in the workplace may seem like a daunting task if you don't have the right mindset. You'll need to address just as many challenges as the wins you celebrate—so it's not a position designed for the faint of heart. If you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or underappreciated, it's essential to prioritize what matters most, take a step back, and consider the bigger picture. There is usually a silver lining in most situations. Whether you decide to stay in the game for the long haul and find the best solution, or you're ready to take a risk and consider your next career move, the experts from Fast Company Executive Board describe how they've maintained their own positivity during a difficult time in their career. Below are 20 best practices to help other professionals do the same.

18 expert tips for mastering your next media interview

expert panel

Here's what it takes to ace your next press interview, according to experts. When preparing for an interview on a live or on-demand platform, it's important to focus on both content and delivery. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers careful planning or an extrovert who feeds off energy, preparing yourself for an upcoming interview can ensure that you're represented accurately and positively.  From refining your key messages to honing your body language, there are a few things you can do to get yourself interview-ready. To that end, Fast Company Executive Board members share tried-and-true tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time in the spotlight.

Company details

Desert Financial Credit Union

Company bio

Desert Financial is Arizona's largest credit union, serving over 450,000 consumers. With an emphasis on empowering financial well-being, Desert Financial aspires to help people to have a positive and hopeful outlook on their financial future.

Industry

Corporate leadership

Area of focus

Community Service
Marketing and Investing
Insurance and Financial Products

Company size

1,001 - 5,000