Banking on Tomorrow: Rising Stars of Triad Business Bank
Q&A Series: Kristen Allen
Triad Business Bank is proud to introduce a dynamic team of young banking professionals, each with their own inspiring journey and unique perspectives. This Q&A series will highlight the stories of these young bankers as they share their industry experiences, professional insights, and future aspirations. This installment in our Young Bankers series features Kristen Allen, who provides background on her career as a talented young professional and her perspective on the past, present, and future of the banking industry.
Q: Where are you from originally?
Kristen: I am from Lexington, NC, and I have lived in the area most of my life. I moved to Charlotte for college but moved back home once I graduated.
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into the banking industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in finance?
Kristen: I attended college at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and obtained a bachelor’s degree in public health and a master’s degree in management. At first, I didn’t think I would qualify to work in banking since I did not have a background in finance. However, my mother who has worked in banking for 26 years inspired me to step outside my comfort zone and give banking a try. It has been a very rewarding journey to say the least.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working in the banking industry, especially as a young professional?
Kristen: I find it very rewarding to be able to assist our clients with meeting their financial goals, either for their business or personally. I have worked with individuals who are just starting their business and individuals who have owned their business for many years. Since I am a younger professional, I look forward to building relationships with clients that will last for many years to come.
Q: Can you share any memorable experiences or lessons learned during your time in the banking industry so far?
Kristen: One of my most memorable experiences was when I went on a client call with the Relationship Manager I support. This client buys and renovates homes in the area. We were able to see a home they had just purchased and a home they had just finished remodeling. It was really neat to essentially see the before and after of their project and see what our support does for one of our clients.
Q: Are there any individuals who have been influential during your career?
Kristen: Camyron Barker and Brittney Martin have been very influential as they have taken me under their wing. They are always quick to assist me with any questions I have.
Q: What role do you think community involvement plays in the success of a young banker, and how have you been involved in your local community?
Kristen: I think it is so important for anyone, but especially young people, to be involved in the community because we are the future of our community. We can bring new ideas to the table for community improvement. TBB is gracious enough to give us volunteer days that we can utilize to volunteer in our community. I have been able to participate in United Way of High Point events, as well as the A Day of Care event in Lexington.
Q: What are some challenges or obstacles you feel you have faced as a young person in the banking industry, and how did you overcome those?
Kristen: One obstacle I have faced as a young person is the lack of self confidence. It can be intimidating to work alongside others who have more experience and more knowledge than I do. But, I have to remind myself that everyone has to start somewhere. I try to ask questions and learn as much as I can, not only about my position but other roles and how they all work together to make the bank run.
Q: Where do you see the banking industry headed in the future? What are some trends you’ve noticed?
Kristen: I believe we will see more technological advances in the banking industry. We have come a long way, but there is always room for improvement. I have seen a lot of individuals and businesses utilize digital banking options such as online banking, via the website or app, mobile check depositing, and electronic fraud prevention programs.
Q: How can the industry as a whole better recruit and retain young talent?
Kristen: I think this can be done by showcasing young talent already in the banking industry. For example, I think this series is a fantastic way to do that. Another way the industry can recruit and retain more young talent is by sending young talent to participate in high school and college career panels and job fairs.
Q: What is your 5-year plan as a young banker in the Triad? What goals would you like to accomplish?
Kristen: I plan to master my current role and continue developing relationships with our clients and team members. Learning how our teams work together will set me up well to step into other roles as they come up and best serve our clients’ needs.