Cooperative Strategies was formed as a consultancy for credit unions in 1991. John Parsons and a diverse team of professionals help you, your business, and your team’s good work grow in enjoyable and useful ways. Clarity and performance result. Working together while you understand yourself and others better is a prescription for success. It’s a way to keep growing.
- Executive Coaching: Guiding you as you guide yourself with encouraging conversations and contemplation, resulting in interconnected personal
and professional growth plans and action - Strategic and Business Planning: Collaborating to develop simple, functional strategic and business plans that the entire company embraces and succeeds within
- Board Governance: Helping boards understand, embrace, and enjoy their noble role
- Execution and Performance: Getting the work done clearly, enjoyably, and efficiently
Meditation and Mindfulness are a centering place amid our Volatile Uncertain Complex and Ambiguous lives. Mindfulness is simply paying attention to the present. The gift of secular Meditation is just breathing and staying aware one breath at a time. Interconnecting Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience leads to more enjoyable life and work.
- Personalized Meditation Guidance and practice can link to executive coaching or be separate
- On-line Group Meditations are offered free, once a week, with participants from coast to coast
- Meditation – Conversation is offered to a small group, once a month or so, in Central Maine
- Euro Retreats: With experience leading retreats in France (Provence), Italy (Umbria), and Switzerland (Alps), John will be guiding mindful traveling parties (adventure, safety, and fun) to Portugal with ample time in Lisbon, the Azores, and beyond.
WORKING TOGETHER
STRATEGY & PERFORMANCE
“Financial Wellbeing: Interconnecting Startegy, Performance and Mindfulness.”
WELLBEING@WORK
Cooperative Strategies can help you, your team, and your credit union grow.
THE MINDFUL JOURNEY
A talk on mindfulness from the “Big Bright Minds” conference at Harvard.
TESTIMONIALS
I am pleased to offer my highest commendation for the “Wellbeing@Work” workshop led by John Parsons and Jessica Parsons for our leadership team. Their expertise in mindfulness and his ability to tailor the content to the specific needs of our executives made this workshop an invaluable and substantive experience.
From the outset, they captivated our leadership team with their insightful approach to mindfulness in the workplace. Their deep understanding of the challenges faced by leaders in our industry allowed him to deliver content that was not only relevant but immediately applicable to the demands of our roles.
One of the most notable aspects of “Wellbeing@Work” is the emphasis on the intersection of mindfulness and effective leadership. Through thought-provoking discussions and practical exercises, John and Jessica guided our leadership team in exploring how mindfulness can enhance decision-making, foster collaboration, and cultivate a positive organizational culture.
John and Jessica’s engaging presentation style and interactive sessions created a collaborative and open learning environment. Their ability to connect with our executives on a personal level fostered a sense of trust and openness among the team. The mindfulness techniques introduced by John have since become integral to our leaders’ daily routines, resulting in increased focus, resilience, and overall well-being.
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend John and Jessica Parsons and their “Wellbeing@Work” workshop for any organization looking to empower its leadership team with tools for success in today’s dynamic business landscape. Their expertise, combined with their personable approach, makes this workshop an investment in the growth and effectiveness of any leadership group.
Wade Painter
President/CEO
Monterra Credit Union
Jeff Goff and John.
I have had the pleasure of working with John for almost 10 years. During that time, he has guided our credit union’s strategic planning process and staff professional development efforts. He has lent his expertise in guiding our board on governance issues and his ear to me, as the CEO, on management matters. Given the size of our team, it has been wonderful knowing that I have access to someone as knowledgeable and committed as John. He is trusted and respected by everyone in our organization and has been an invaluable partner over the years.
Jeff Goff
President/CEO
WSSC Federal Credit Union
Vicki Johnston and Board Chair Charles Yancey.
John has guided our management team by helping us to understand ourselves better. This has resulted in our team successfully running our credit union for the past 5 years during very challenging times. He has had a tremendous impact on our team dynamics and our ability to be successful. He has been a mentor to both me and my team and I look forward to continuing our work.
Vicki Johnston
President/CEO
NYMEO Credit Union
Julie Marquis, Jessica and Teddy.
We at Five County Credit Union have had the pleasure of working with John and Jessica Parsons over the past two years on various initiatives, including strategic planning, employee wellness, and general counseling. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in our success.
John and team have a unique ability to understand our needs and tailor their approach to fit our specific goals. Their strategic planning sessions have provided us with clear, actionable steps that have significantly improved our operational efficiency and long-term vision.
In addition to their strategic insights, John and Jessica have been a tremendous asset in promoting employee wellness. Their workshop “Wellbeing@Work” have not only enhanced the well-being of our staff but also fostered a more positive and productive work environment.
Furthermore, their general counseling services have been invaluable. John Parsons offers compassionate and practical advice, helping our team navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
We highly recommend John and Jessica Parsons to any organization seeking a partner who is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely invested in their clients’ success.
Julie Marquis
President/CEO
Five County Credit Union
COOPERATIVE STRATEGIES
John Parsons
Founder / Senior Partner
- Army Brat, son of Maine, born in Japan, raised in France and all over US.
- Class President BA, Bowdoin College
- MS Communications, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Certified Teacher, Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, founded at Google
- Board Member and Supervisory Committee Chair, Maine Harvest Federal Credit Union
- Vice President, Technology Federal Credit Union (Silicon Valley and SoCal)
- Chief Operating Officer, Connecticut Credit Union League
- Executive Vice President, Mission Federal Credit Union (San Diego)
- Chief Executive Officer, First City Federal Credit Union (Los Angeles)
- Trusted advisor to over a hundred credit unions throughout the country.
Jessica Parsons
Partner {Also shown: Teddy the dog, trusted advisor)
- Born in San Francisco, raised there, in Connecticut, Maine and Encinitas, California
- BA (Political Science), University of Colorado
- Vice President, Operations and Client Services, Mladineo Ventures, Chicago, Illinois (current)
- Partner, Cooperative Strategies/Wellbeing@Work, Oakland, Maine (current)
- Pilates Teacher, Chicago and on-line (current)
- Intern Coordination and Research, Senator Diane Feinstein, San Diego, California
- Assistant Account Manager, Martha Stewart Living/Omni Media, Chicago, Illinois
- Certifications: Pilates, Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Nutrition (May, ’25)