BANKER Q&A
THE
MILLENNIAL MINUTE with Latrecia Branch SVP, Operations Stone Bank, Little Rock
WHAT CAN BANKS DO TO BETTER APPEAL TO MILLENNIALS – IN THE WORKFORCE AND AS CUSTOMERS?
Having that much interaction with so many people, you just never know what the day will bring.
Millennials would like to see a ‘change’ to the traditional workplace. Millennials want access to more remote work. They like the idea of being able to work from anywhere and not be bound by location. They want to be managed by people who care about them as a person and as an employee. Banks must be willing to offer a variety of opportunities, competitive pay and benefits, and promote career progression. Millennial customers are technologically savvy and value digital banking services and convenience. Their life is literally held in their hands. Banks must be prepared to reshape banking to leverage the opportunity.
WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE EMERGING LEADERS SECTION? I attended an Emerging Leaders conference a few years ago and had a great experience. I was surprised to see the absence of diversity. I’m hoping my involvement will inspire other minorities, especially women, to participate in leadership programs. Emerging Leaders offers countless networking opportunities and ways to channel your passions. It’s such a great way to level up your career and meet other great professionals.
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PART OF YOUR ROLE AT YOUR BANK?
WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO ON YOUR MORNING COMMUTE?
The most interesting part of my role is the variety of issues I get to deal with each day. You’re either mastering a routine task or plunging into a new one. Operations offers opportunities to learn new things with the rapidly changing technology. Although sometimes daunting, I find it rewarding to see how confidently we approach change. In bank operations we connect with other departments, vendors, customers, and sometimes other banks.
My go to is SiriusXM. I listen to a morning show called “Sway in the Morning”. My favorite day to listen is on Thursday for “Good News Thursday”. I listen to people from all walks of life tell their good news. The collection of news includes difficult obstacles they have overcome, goals they have met and other uplifting snippets. It just reminds me of how thankful and fortunate I am and even when times get hard, I too can have “Good News”.
“I’m hoping my involvement will inspire other minorities, especially women, to participate in leadership programs. Emerging Leaders offers countless networking opportunities and ways to channel your passions. It’s such a great way to level up your career and meet other great professionals.” 12
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SPRING 2022
