Her Story
About Randi
Randi Willard serves as Vice President and Retail Market Manager at MidwestOne Bank, overseeing three bank branches and supporting both her own customers and her teams in serving theirs. She has spent 15 years in the banking industry, progressing through positions at multiple banks before reaching her current role, which she has held for approximately eight years. Randi is deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of directors for a local chamber of commerce and having contributed to various chamber boards for about 10 years in total. Her educational background includes studies at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, followed by the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where she majored in theater and psychology. She also earned a certification in nonprofit excellence during her time at junior college, which sparked her interest in volunteer work that aligns with her chamber involvement. Randi attributes her success to a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, a willingness to say yes to opportunities, and the ability to rally support from others. She values honesty, work-life balance, and adaptability, especially amid ongoing changes in the banking sector such as mergers. In her advice to young women entering the field, she emphasizes speaking up respectfully, doing one's best work, stepping outside comfort zones, and embracing new chances while maintaining balance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Randi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to saying yes to opportunities even when I shouldn't have, working hard, having parents who instilled a strong work ethic, and knowing who to rally around me and speak up for me. I grew up with parents who instilled what work ethic looks like, and this is how you do your job, but then also speak up for yourself, be your cheerleader.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to speak up for yourself, do the work, do your best, but use your voice. Always use it respectfully but use it. Don't be afraid to step out of the box or say something for yourself. Don't be afraid to take chances, try new things, say yes to everything as long as your cup doesn't run over, and don't be afraid to mess up. I just took a class on the imposter syndrome.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is staying up to date because everything's always changing in the banking industry. I'm going through my second merger with another bank. Never getting too comfortable in any aspect because the next day things could change. You have to learn and be okay with being adaptable and pivoting.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty with myself, the people I work with, and the customers I serve. I value work-life balance and being honest about what that looks like. I try to be really big on once I leave the bank or a chamber event, then my work hat comes off and I do the things that really matter to me on a personal level. I push my team to do their best at work but remind them to value the time they're not here at work because this is not our life, it's just a part of our life.
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