Courtney Ricci

I've been fortunate to have some really great leaders ahead of me that have offered great advice to me as well as kind of paved the way. I would say hard work and dedication, and not accepting failure as an option. I think focusing on, for lack of a better term, failing forward - learning from every aspect of your daily go-to, because there's lessons in everything. I would also encourage finding a mentor, finding a seasoned mentor that can kind of be your guide throughout any challenges and successes that you have.

Honestly, it was a very simple question that a previous leader asked me while I was debating whether I should go for a different role or a next-level role that I didn't feel I was maybe qualified for, and she asked me, 'Why not?' And I couldn't give her an answer. That advice honestly changed - that simple question changed my outlook, changed my whole world. And I've never really looked back from there, and I cascade that same question to many people that are debating whether or not am I qualified, should I go for it - why not? Truly, it's two simple words: Why not?

I would say take chances. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. And I think that would translate across every industry. Specifically with the finance world, I would encourage young women to ask questions, remain confident and put themselves out there. I would also encourage any young female just starting in their profession, or any female starting a new profession in a different industry, to find a mentor. Find a seasoned mentor that can kind of be your guide throughout any challenges and successes that you have.

Being in the front line part of banking, I would say some of the challenges are helping our members understand all of the technology changes and the constant fraud that exists. Our job is to provide that financial education, as well as support, leaning empathy for our members. Being in the credit union industry specifically, we're about people over profit, and so really, just ensuring that every member feels that they get that individualized attention is important, and I think it sometimes gets lost on people in the rush of today's world, that we're just always moving so fast. I think fraud is probably still going to be the number one challenge in Frontline Management. We have a lot of success with promotions from within, so keeping ourselves fully staffed can be a challenge here and there, just because I get to play a small part in my team members' journeys and pathing, so always making sure that we're actively looking for that new talent while also retaining the existing talent.

I think that's why I'm drawn to where I'm at within the credit union movement, and why I've gravitated towards my organization, is because the values that we have at work translate throughout my personal world. Our goal is to create positive impacts, and I think making a difference, and being caring, being friendly, nice, and respectful, and taking ownership - I think that that doesn't just stop at the work doors, I think that that has to be kind of the pivotal part of who we are as a person.