Her Story
About Stella
Stella Phillips is a banking leader, sales performance consultant, and leadership coach with a proven record of developing high-performing teams and strengthening client-focused banking operations. As Vice President and Sales & Performance Consultant at Bank of Oklahoma, she partners with financial center leaders across the Tulsa market to improve sales performance, enhance leadership capability, and elevate the customer experience. Her work centers on coaching leaders and bankers, analyzing performance trends, developing talent, and implementing strategies that drive sustainable growth while maintaining a strong culture of service and accountability.
Phillips' career reflects a remarkable journey of continuous growth within Bank of Oklahoma. Beginning as a teller, she steadily advanced through roles including Relationship Banker, Client Experience Team Lead, Financial Center Leader, and Assistant Vice President before assuming her current consulting role. Her experience leading financial centers, mentoring emerging professionals, and supporting large-scale onboarding and development initiatives has established her as a trusted advisor and coach. Earlier in her career, she also served as an English educator, bringing valuable communication, instructional, and mentoring skills that continue to shape her leadership approach.
A graduate of Northeastern State University with a bachelor's degree in English/Language Arts Teacher Education, Phillips combines her educational background with extensive banking leadership experience to empower individuals and teams to succeed. She is passionate about cultivating integrity, authenticity, and professional growth, believing that strong leadership begins with investing in people. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she actively supports community and workforce development through volunteer service, financial education initiatives, and mentoring students and future banking professionals, reflecting her commitment to creating lasting impact both within her organization and throughout the Tulsa community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and the values I was raised with. I’ve always believed in working hard, striving for excellence, and finding fulfillment not only in my own success but also in helping others achieve theirs.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be authentically yourself. Embrace your unique strengths, stay confident, and never feel the need to change who you are to succeed.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the financial industry right now is the rising cost of living, which has placed significant financial pressure on many people. This creates an opportunity to lead with empathy, build trust, and provide meaningful financial guidance that helps clients navigate difficult times.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are integrity and authenticity. I believe in being honest, trustworthy, and true to myself while valuing the unique experiences and perspectives that make each person who they are.
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