Paul Thomas is a leading corporate blogger, accomplished public speaker and forward thinking CEO who has worked in the financial services sector for 40 years. His deep knowledge of contemporary issues coupled with his passion for communication finds expression in his weekly blog which has been read in over 25 countries. Paul has developed a reputation as a thought leader and commentator on the political, economic, social and technological issues facing business and society. An authentic and trusted communicator, he offers informed insights and opinions in an authoritative and engaging voice. His journey from bank teller to credit union CEO began in 1976. He followed an old-fashioned career path that saw him rise through the ranks. Along the way, he gained broad experience in retail banking across a range of financial institutions. Paul now considers himself a credit union “lifer.” Under his leadership, Gateway Credit Union was named Credit Union of the Year for 2012 and 2016. Notwithstanding his strong commercial focus, Paul is passionate about Gateway’s “people helping people” philosophy and believes that credit unions must constantly change while forever staying the same. He has taken Gateway Credit Union to the leading edge in the use of social media tools. Paul’s credentials include an MBA and a Diploma in Financial Services. Paul has six children. Four are from a previous marriage and two are stepchildren. He and his wife, Beverley, have seven grandchildren between them (and counting!). Paul is a keen swimmer and competes in ocean races around Sydney.

• Preface viiForeword  xIntroduction xi01 Political Influences 02 Economic Trends03 Social Changes 04 Technological Advances 05 Christmas Parodies Afterword Resource List

Paul Thomas is a leading corporate blogger, accomplished public speaker and forward thinking CEO who has worked in the financial services sector for 40 years. His deep knowledge of contemporary issues coupled with his passion for communication finds expression in his weekly blog which has been read in over 25 countries. Paul has developed a reputation as a thought leader and commentator on the political, economic, social and technological issues facing business and society. An authentic and trusted communicator, he offers informed insights and opinions in an authoritative and engaging voice. His journey from bank teller to credit union CEO began in 1976. He followed an old-fashioned career path that saw him rise through the ranks. Along the way, he gained broad experience in retail banking across a range of financial institutions. Paul now considers himself a credit union “lifer.” Under his leadership, Gateway Credit Union was named Credit Union of the Year for 2012 and 2016. Notwithstanding his strong commercial focus, Paul is passionate about Gateway’s “people helping people” philosophy and believes that credit unions must constantly change while forever staying the same. He has taken Gateway Credit Union to the leading edge in the use of social media tools. Paul’s credentials include an MBA and a Diploma in Financial Services. Paul has six children. Four are from a previous marriage and two are stepchildren. He and his wife, Beverley, have seven grandchildren between them (and counting!). Paul is a keen swimmer and competes in ocean races around Sydney.

• Preface viiForeword  xIntroduction xi01 Political Influences 02 Economic Trends03 Social Changes 04 Technological Advances 05 Christmas Parodies Afterword Resource List

Paul Thomas is a leading corporate blogger, accomplished public speaker and forward thinking CEO who has worked in the financial services sector for 40 years. His deep knowledge of contemporary issues coupled with his passion for communication finds expression in his weekly blog which has been read in over 25 countries. Paul has developed a reputation as a thought leader and commentator on the political, economic, social and technological issues facing business and society. An authentic and trusted communicator, he offers informed insights and opinions in an authoritative and engaging voice. His journey from bank teller to credit union CEO began in 1976. He followed an old-fashioned career path that saw him rise through the ranks. Along the way, he gained broad experience in retail banking across a range of financial institutions. Paul now considers himself a credit union “lifer.” Under his leadership, Gateway Credit Union was named Credit Union of the Year for 2012 and 2016. Notwithstanding his strong commercial focus, Paul is passionate about Gateway’s “people helping people” philosophy and believes that credit unions must constantly change while forever staying the same. He has taken Gateway Credit Union to the leading edge in the use of social media tools. Paul’s credentials include an MBA and a Diploma in Financial Services. Paul has six children. Four are from a previous marriage and two are stepchildren. He and his wife, Beverley, have seven grandchildren between them (and counting!). Paul is a keen swimmer and competes in ocean races around Sydney.

• Preface viiForeword  xIntroduction xi01 Political Influences 02 Economic Trends03 Social Changes 04 Technological Advances 05 Christmas Parodies Afterword Resource List