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Cassy Diercks
By Cassy Diercks, Retail Sales Supervisor, VP with Citizens First Bank, Sparta
As the Winter BOLT Leadership Summit in November approaches, I am looking forward to a strong turnout. It is always intriguing to see first-time attendees stand, and I am often pleasantly surprised by their numbers. I am particularly excited about the lineup of speakers, especially Michael Graham.
The dynamics of our industry are evolving daily, and navigating these changes with your team can present both challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the networking sessions offer significant value, providing a platform for peers to discuss their experiences, share challenges, and offer advice based on similar situations.
BOLT has provided me with opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and build new connections, which is something I look forward to every Summit. I hope to see some of your bank’s staff there as well.
By Chanel M. Schmidt, vice president – branch manager, Port Washington State Bank, BOLT Section Board Member
Chanel M. Schmidt
I have been a part of the banking community for almost 30 years, it has been a journey working at many different financial institutions, doing various roles. One thing I learned is that banking is my passion, and I am extremely proud of all that I have accomplished. Today, I would like to share my story of being a professional in the banking industry, and the role that Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) through the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), has played a part in my success.
When I started as a banker, my vision was unclear. I was only 16 after all. I had ideas of being a nurse and attending nursing school, or even a teacher. I did eventually attend tech school to complete the early childhood education program. This was useful when I started a family and ran an in home day care. It was rewarding to be home with my family, care for others children and even teach them a little something, seeing their growth and development was truly inspiring and motivated me to want more.
Banking was always easy for me, I was a quick learner and throughout my journey I could always pick right up where I left of. I have been back in banking for just over 10 years. I never imagined wanting to be a leader; that was too terrifying, title was not something that mattered to me and still does not today. My main purpose and goal was to work hard, take care of our customers, and make a difference. This still holds true to today, the only thing that has changed is that I want to make banking better, and I want to impact and inspire others to do the same.
Throughout all of my opportunities the consistent driver was a mentor that believed in me and saw my potential. As I became more confident my vision became clear that this could be more of a career than just a job. About 6 years ago, I was encouraged to train and develop our team members in our retail department, this also seemed terrifying (the word leader came to mind), but I remembered how much I loved to teach and see individual growth and development of an individual. Once I started our training program, I was able to attend my first BOLT summit. The idea was to get together with peers in our industry, and get insightful material to grow our program. I can tell you at first I felt like I was not valuable enough to be there, and boy was I wrong. When you step in a room at a BOLT summit you are meeting and networking with bankers in all roles of our industry. After that first summit, I wanted more. I wanted to be better, I wanted to make a difference to my financial institution. I needed to work hard, and set my goals for my next chapter. I needed to become a leader to help grow and develop others in our corporation.
BOLT has enabled me to build a growth mindset that intelligence can be developed and I had the potential to be a leader. With that mindset it has brought encouragement to take on more challenges and really put me outside of my comfort zone. BOLT has helped me to make an impact in other ways through volunteerism, leadership, training and development facilitating, and the scariest of all; public speaking.
Every experience has taken me past the limits I have set for myself, it has challenged me to grow. The opportunities my company has provided for me to continue my education, attend networking opportunities, attend BOLT summits and join a WBA section board has been career changing. I have learned that leadership isn’t as scary as it seems, everyone can be a leader because the title is not what makes you a leader, it’s how you show up and lead.
By Kelsey Hudson
In the heart of rural southwest Wisconsin, my journey into the world of banking began with humble origins. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this journey would take me through twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities that would ultimately shape my career into something I am immensely proud of. Today, I would like to share my story, my path from a small-town resident to a professional in the banking industry, and the role that the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA), specifically Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT), played in this inspiring transformation.
About eight years ago, my journey had an uncertain beginning. I attended college for three years but found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what I would do with my degree. Fueled by the desire to chart my own path, I made a bold decision to drop out of college. It was a leap of faith, one that led me into the unknown, but little did I know that it would eventually bring me to the world of banking.
My first job in banking was as a humble teller. This role taught me the basics of finance, customer service, and the importance of trust in the industry. As I developed my skills, I began to explore different positions within the bank. I discovered that my passion for banking extended far beyond counting money. I started in lending as an agricultural lender, working in niche communities of Amish and Mennonites. I found that every role had its unique challenges and opportunities, each contributing to my growth and understanding of the industry.
As my career in banking evolved and life changes arose, I made the decision to relocate myself and my two young daughters to a larger market in pursuit of my dream career as a commercial banker. It was a bold move, as a single mom moving hours from my family and friends. However, one that I knew was essential to continue my personal and professional growth and give my daughters the life they deserved. This transition was one of the most difficult I have faced but the most rewarding. My new home introduced me to a broader spectrum of clients, challenges, and opportunities, reaffirming my passion for the field.
In my journey, one of the pivotal turning points was my involvement in the WBA’s program, BOLT (Building our Leaders of Tomorrow). This remarkable initiative not only introduced me to a network of like-minded professionals but also fostered leadership qualities within me. My network has helped me grow in many ways, but the most impactful was forming meaningful relationships with other bankers. Talking with someone in the same field and being able to have collaborative conversations is priceless to me. Fostering my leadership skills has pushed me to have a greater understanding of people and has inspired me to become a leader. BOLT was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing me with the tools and support to excel in my career.
Today, over seven years into my banking career, I’m grateful to work for One Community Bank whose values mirror mine. OCB’s mission is to serve clients, support colleagues and invest in communities. OCB is also all about “Feel Good Banking,” and I aim to deliver that experience with all the wonderful clients I work with. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of everything I have accomplished. From a college dropout unsure of her future to a versatile banking professional, I’ve come a long way. The journey wasn’t a straight line, but that’s what made it so remarkable. It’s a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and seizing opportunities as they arise.
My unconventional journey into banking reflects the essence of growth and resilience. It’s a story which demonstrates that, regardless of where you start, with dedication, hard work, and the right support (BOLT), you can find your path to a successful career. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. In the ever-evolving world of banking, the opportunities are endless, and I’m ready to embrace them all.
Hudson is vice president –commercial banking officer at One Community Bank, Sun Prairie, and member of the 2023–2024 WBA BOLT Section
Member FDIC
By Landon Turner
Working in the banking industry brings me great joy because I get to wake up every day, knowing that I have a small part in helping businesses thrive in our community. Every business has different values and needs to continue expanding their mission into their community. It’s my job to figure out how we can partner together to live out that mission and continue reinvesting those dollars back into our community. It’s a beautiful cycle.
One of the best pieces of advice I received early on in my career was to get involved early.
As I look back over the last six years in banking, I am reminded how we have people who come into our lives at critical moments to support us in reaching our goals and believing in ourselves.
A critical moment in my life was taking a leap of faith switching majors halfway through my college career, from mechanical engineering to finance. To be honest, I felt like a failure for not finishing what I thought was my big dream, while wasting time and money. But with the help of my mentors, continuous prayer, and those closest to me, I realized something shocking — I was chasing a dream my dad had for my life, not my own.
This moment is when my faith and my community, helped create a path that was well beyond my own understanding.
Everything changed when I took that leap of faith into finance. It created a fire inside my heart to strive for excellence in the work I do, the relationships I build, and the unlimited opportunities I saw for myself.
However, when I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a career in banking was not in the forefront of my mind. While at Grand Canyon University in a Servant Leadership class, I met my wife. I was born and raised in Arizona; she was from a small town in Wisconsin. Their connections within their community are what helped me land my career in business banking at a community bank in Sheboygan.
Fast forward six years, I have been able to serve at some great organizations in Wisconsin, simply by showing up and getting involved early. Here is what getting involved early has done for my personal and professional development.
I just celebrated four years at Oostburg State Bank, currently serving as a business banking officer. Oostburg State Bank has been instrumental in my professional development through their support and recognition in our community. Our team has been recognized as the SBA Volume Lender of the Year for the past three years, based on our asset size.
My wife and I have been serving as Youth Group Leaders at our local church for the past four years. I have been blessed to see one of my first students now lead a new ministry at our church focused on young adults. I also currently serve as deacon treasurer, where my team and I track giving and forecast our annual budget for the year.
Another opportunity I have been given, is my involvement in BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow). I currently serve as vice chair of the board of directors for the BOLT section. The Wisconsin Banking Association’s (WBA) BOLT Section is focused on education, advocacy, and networking for the next generation of bank leaders. Through my involvement in this organization, I have found leadership to be another passion of mine. Our world is in desperate need of strong leaders that are willing to stand firm in their beliefs and guide their team to success.
Everyone has a different definition of success, for some that could mean providing a comfortable lifestyle for their family, for others it could mean building a business from the ground up. For me, if I can see daily improvements in my life; if I am better today than I was yesterday, that is success for me. Success is never complete; it is a continuous process that I work on every day with the decisions I choose to make. BOLT stands to practice muscles for leadership. I compare it to working out in the gym; if you are not routinely in the gym and putting in the work, you will never reach the results you intended to see. If you are not consistently practicing your leadership or learning new skills, you will not become the leader you or your team needs.
I also currently serve as chair for the Young Professionals Committee at the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Our team helps plan and coordinate events throughout the year for the goal of professional development, volunteerism, and social engagement with the members and businesses of Sheboygan County. I cannot thank the Sheboygan Chamber enough for the opportunities they have presented me to serve others and help me grow in my own professional career.
I am grateful for my past experiences and the people who supported me to take that leap of faith that forever changed my life. Make sure you are developing and learning something you are passionate about, not what others think you should be passionate about.
Turner is business banking officer at Oostburg State Bank and vice chair of the 2023–2024 WBA BOLT Section.
By Daryll J. Lund
With the Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) Winter Leadership Summit just days away on November 4, it’s a good time to share more about what WBA’s BOLT section has to offer. We now have 507 BOLT members from 137 banks out of 210 WBA-member banks. That works out to about 65% of the member banks having at least one BOLT member. There is no cost to the bank to join — in fact, many banks have multiple individuals from their organization as BOLT members. The section is popular in part because of the access to the biannual Leadership Summits, and because of the year-round connections and opportunities it provides.
As existing bank leaders approach retirement, BOLT can provide the networking and leadership skills to prepare your next leaders faster. Succession planning is key to the long-term success of any bank. Through BOLT, bankers are exposed to education that touches on every role in community banking and helps them to round out their skills. After events, attendees often speak of the spark that was ignited in them. They bring back new ideas and renewed motivation to their banks.
Networking opportunities are another big draw of the BOLT section. The ability to connect with peers and converse about important topics provides value that can’t be found in call reports. Being a part of the BOLT community is a unique benchmarking opportunity that enables bankers to better understand the market and where their peers are. Members are also able to support each other through shared successes and challenges.
Becoming a strong advocate is an important attribute for bank leaders, both in their communities and in their civic engagement. The BOLT section is integral in planning and promoting WBA’s annual Power of Community Week, during which all members are encouraged to engage in community service activities. BOLT members can also participate in the annual WBA Capitol Day and Washington Summits, which include training and materials to develop effective advocacy skills.
With all that BOLT members bring back to their banks, it’s easy to make the case for participation. Also, in today’s tight labor market, it is essential that banks invest in their people. Feeling valued and having a bright career path are key factors in employees’ decisions to join or stay with an employer. BOLT is a WBA program that stands ready to partner with our members on helping banks to develop their most important asset — their people.
Join us on Thursday, November 4 in Stevens Point for the WBA BOLT Winter Leadership Summit! BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow) is a great opportunity for current and emerging leaders to come together and learn from both peers and industry experts. The summit connects community bankers from around Wisconsin for one day full of education and networking. All WBA member banks are encouraged to identify their emerging leaders and register them to participate in WBA BOLT events as an investment in their future with your bank.
BOLT provides an environment where energized and motivated WBA-member bankers have an opportunity for peer networking, educational growth, and leadership development, helping to expand their leadership roles. Community bank leaders will interact with and learn from each other and discuss current industry challenges. Knowing how to respond quickly to changes in the industry is key for leaders when many of these issues are complex and here to stay.
Always rated highly by attendees, this winter summit will once again host small peer group discussions based on various roles and areas of interest within banking, allowing for bankers to share their experiences, ask questions, learn from others, and make lifelong banking connections. The summit will also feature interactive keynote sessions led by national speakers.
Look for more information about the other keynotes and breakout sessions at www.wisbank.com/BOLT.
WBA hosts BOLT summits twice a year, so watch for the next Summer Leadership Summit! This past June, over 115 current and future leaders of Wisconsin’s banking industry gathered for networking and education with sessions on building economic inclusion in our state, taking your career to the next level, thriving in challenging times, and re-engaging your team after and during a pandemic.
The Winter Leadership Summit is only one day out of the office with the low registration fee of $100 per attendee for your emerging leaders to make connections and grow their professional skills! Hotel accommodations with special BOLT rates are also available for attendees.
Visit www.wisbank.com/BOLT to register your emerging leaders today.
BOLT (Building Our Leaders of Tomorrow)
The WBA BOLT Board of Directors has been working diligently to obtain a goal of getting 100% of the WBA member banks to have at least one bank employee be a member of BOLT.
Why do we find that such an important goal?
BOLT is about leadership, education, networking, personal growth and advocacy within the banking industry. BOLT has two statewide summits a year; a one-day winter summit and a day and a half summer summit. Both events are a great opportunity to network with fellow community banking peers and share experiences in a non-competitive environment. BOLT members get to expand their leadership roles and learn to identify other emerging leaders with potential for growth.
A couple of commonly asked questions by fellow bankers are:
- Is there a fee to become a BOLT member? No, it’s free! Take advantage of the free membership. By becoming a member, a banker is added to our membership list to receive updated information on upcoming events, articles from your fellow BOLT bankers, and more!
- What are the commitments? Two summits a year are available at a very reasonable cost for those who can attend, but attendance is not required. We understand there will be times you can’t get away from the office, or you might have other personal commitments. However, once you’ve attended one summit, you won’t want to miss the next!
- Am I too old to be a BOLT member? Absolutely Not! BOLT members are bankers of all ages who have many different years of banking experience. Anyone interested in professional and personal growth, along with networking, advocacy and education, would be a great candidate for BOLT.
- "I'm already a leader, so BOLT must not be for me." Wrong! BOLT is for current and emerging leaders. Bankers who are already in leadership positions will get something out of BOLT, we promise! Fine-tune your skills, make industry connections, bring your colleagues with so you can bring new ideas for leadership back to your bank, and learn from other community bankers – whether they are new to leading or as experienced as you!
BOLT Summits give employers a chance to develop and retain talented bank employees who are new and upcoming leaders or for those experienced leaders, who still have room to move up the ranks within their organizations.
Out of all the events I attend each year, the BOLT summits are by far my favorite. I enjoy networking with peers and discussing challenges along with opportunities within the banking industry. I like to make connections to be able to reach out to other bankers when introducing new products or software at my bank. I am passionate about education and leadership development. I come from a banking environment where employees are encouraged to learn and prepare for future advancement. BOLT is a great venue for this.
Join BOLT now!
I hope to see you at our next summit, November 7 in Stevens Point. If you haven't experienced a BOLT Summit yet, please register to come and see what it is all about. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. For those returning bankers, see you there!
Penelope (PJ) Childers serves as vice president of business banking at Tomahawk Community Bank and also serves on the WBA BOLT Board of Directors.
By, Lori Kalscheuer
