“A new model is starting to take root and grow, one in which consumers have more choices, more tools, more information, and more power to guide these choices. I call this emerging model ‘The Mesh.’”

Uber. AirBnB. Zipcar. Venmo. These Mesh companies are part of the sharing economy we see sprouting everywhere. These startups create, share, and use social media, wireless networks, and data crunched from every available source to provide people with goods and services at the exact moment they need them, without the burden of ownership. The Mesh invites a tighter, more meaningful connection between human beings and brands. Lisa Gansky, entrepreneur, investor, speaker and author of the bestselling book, The Mesh, was one of the keynote speakers at THINK 15. She introduced the audience to a new consumer mindset and how credit unions can participate in The Mesh. She outlined how former competitors will find surprising advantages in joining together to share what was once proprietary data and in some case create new products and services together. With more value placed in the customer and partner relationship than in the one-time-transaction, what is valued will dramatically shift in the next 10 years. The Mesh is reshaping how we go to market, who we partner with and how we invite participation and engage new customers. This is the moment to seize the now and test, redefine, manage and expand as markets evolve and become part of The Mesh.