Tanya M. Duncan

My mother. She had a strong work ethic, a love for people, and was a very passionate individual. She instilled in us the values that I carry with me today - to treat people well, to treat yourself well, to walk into every room like you belong there, and to do my best.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to choose a path that directly impacts a company’s bottom line. There is far more security and opportunity for those who can demonstrably increase profitability for an organization.

If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, I’d encourage you to explore. Get into a training program where you can discover different opportunities and learn what paths are available to you. For Massachusetts residents specifically, there’s a fantastic resource already at your fingertips — a free AI certificate through the state’s partnership with Google. Take advantage of it. Staying current with technology and understanding how AI will affect your work isn’t optional anymore; it’s essential.

I’d also say: network. This is something younger people often underestimate. When you’ve been in a career as long as I have, you come to understand just how powerful those connections can be. You never know who will open a door for you down the road — but just as importantly, be willing to open doors for others. Build real relationships. Show up for people. Networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s about what you’re willing to give.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing financial services today is the pace of change. New market entrants, rapidly evolving technology, and the growing difficulty of attracting talent into the industry are all forces that institutions must contend with simultaneously. Yet within that challenge lies tremendous opportunity because most people aren’t aware of how many careers banking has to offer.

Consider golf. When most people picture that world, they think of golfers and caddies. Banking suffers from a similar perception problem. People think of tellers and CEOs, and little in between. But the reality is that between those two poles exist dozens of distinct roles touching virtually every discipline you might study in business including human resources, accounting, operations, community development, branch management, facilities, and more.

That is where the real opportunity lies. Banking offers the chance to work within your own community, build meaningful relationships, earn a livable wage, and maintain reasonable working hours. It is an industry that deserves a second look — and for those willing to take that look, the doors are wide open.

I am committed to helping others succeed by leading with empathy, compassion, and honesty. I strive for professionalism and excellence in all that I do, while embracing continuous growth and learning. As a servant leader, I seek to empower others, foster meaningful relationships, and create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.