
2 minute read
THE MILLENNIAL MINUTE with Allison Williamson
Financial Center Manager III
Simmons Bank, Marshall
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m Allison Williamson, and I’m the Financial Center Manager in Marshall, Arkansas. I was born and raised in Marshall where I went to school in the Searcy County School District and I’m a proud Marshall Bobcat. After high school, I went to the University of Central Arkansas for a year and finished my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Arkansas Tech University. After graduation, I returned to my roots of Searcy County. I’m grateful to my parents Lynda and Jackie Hensley for providing for my sister and me and paving our future with opportunities and knowledge of what hard work can help you achieve. My mother was a banker for many years and her experience gave me the chance to see banking from a different outlook than most. As a result, I had an opportunity at 18 years old to work as a part-time teller while in college. After about three months in banking, I changed my college major to Business Administration knowing this was what I wanted to do as a career. I never looked back and am fully committed to banking as my career choice. I now have two children, Whitley and Walker, who I hope I can show the same qualities my parents showed me through my banking knowledge and career and the great core values Simmons helps me represent in this community.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT A BANK IN A SMALL TOWN?
My favorite thing about working at a bank in a small town is waking up every day knowing that I am going to make a difference for either the town I love or the residents that make this town what it is. Simmons is giving me the opportunity to invest in the town my children are being raised and helping the community continue to grow.
WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE EMERGING LEADERS SECTION?
I chose to be involved in Emerging Leaders because I believe providing young leaders with resources that help them advance the industry and themselves makes for a brighter future. This year, Simmons Bank celebrated 120 years of serving our customers. We’ve built a foundation on great customer service and giving back to the community.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A CHILD?
If you were to ask my peers and parents how they described me as a child, I believe you would likely hear the word “bossy.” They wouldn’t be wrong, but I like to think I have turned that trait into a strength and would now say “I’m a leader,” who is focused and passionate.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU REGRET NOT HAVING STARTED SOONER?
If I could start anything in my life sooner, it would be letting go of the need to be understood and liked by everyone. My character is who I am and it belongs to me and me alone. I spend my efforts towards becoming the best version of myself and letting my light shine authentically.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The greatest advice I have ever been given was by my great-grandfather, Bob Lamb. He told me, “The only thing you have control over in any room is your effort, so you need to make sure that you are working the hardest out of everyone in the room.” I make this a priority and strive to set an example for my team.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS A BANKER AND LEADER?
I try to take any opportunity to learn a new skill or job when the opportunity presents itself, even if it’s a job no one wants to do. I have learned throughout my career when you do the work no one wants to do, at some point you get the opportunities everyone wants. Growth comes through consistently following through on tasks that some people pass over. I have spent a lot of my career doing the work no one wants because consistency and being a lifelong learner helps you grow and hopefully provides a steppingstone to a greater opportunity in my career.

