Discovering Leadership

from The Arkansas Banker Winter 2022

FIRST NATIONAL BANK AT PARIS ANNOUNCES STAFF ADDITIONS

Duncan Bellingrath | President | Emerging Leaders Section

Iam honored to be serving as the 2022-2023 President of the Emerging Leaders Section (ELS) of the ABA. I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a degree in finance with a dual concentration in banking and financial management and investments. I remember dreaming of being a banker when I was in elementary school, so I can honestly say that I am living my dream! I began my banking career with Simmons Bank as a commercial lender in Pine Bluff. I transitioned to Hot Springs in September of 2021 and now serve as the Community President for Simmons Bank for our Hot Springs market.

When I became involved in the Emerging Leaders Section following the ABA Fall Conference in 2018, I started thinking about what leadership means beyond its dictionary definition. I have learned that leadership can have many different meanings because it is a complex and multifaceted concept. Different people have different ideas about what leadership means and what it involves. Additionally, the meaning of leadership can vary depending on the context in which it is being discussed. For example, leadership in a business setting may have different connotations than leadership in a political or social context. All of these different perspectives and contexts contribute to the many different meanings of leadership.

To me, leadership means being a guiding force for others, whether that be within a team or organization, or within a community. It involves setting a clear vision and direction, and inspiring and motivating others to follow that vision. Leadership also involves being a good listener and communicator, and being able to work effectively with others to achieve shared goals. As a leader, I believe it is important to continually learn and grow, and to be open to new ideas and perspectives which is one of the great things that I have been able to do as a member of the ELS. new members, we can help to create a vibrant and engaged community of emerging leaders. This will not only benefit our members, but it will also benefit the banking industry as a whole. The three areas of focus in 2023 are: Promote banking

I have been able to develop new skills and learn with and from other bankers and leaders from around the state.

As President of ELS, my goals for 2023 are to get more bankers involved and get active membership above our pre-pandemic levels. By getting our members more involved and recruiting as a career with an emphasis on diversity and equity inclusion, education and political advocacy, and finally, promoting the Emerging Leaders Section.

We have a great group of diverse council members for the 2022-2023 year. I cannot wait to see what we will learn and accomplish together.