ASSINIBOIA - Forty years ago Claire Seal almost left her job in the financial services industry having a desire to further her education.
“I started November 1980 as a frontline teller in a bank. I thought I would work a year or two and then possibly study psychology, but I enjoyed what banking had to offer and quickly developed a strong interest in it,” said Seal.
A few key people helped her navigate towards her current position as Retail Branch Manager of Conexus Credit Union in Assiniboia.
Claire continued working in the industry for a few years until she hit a roadblock. “I came to a place where I felt that I hadn’t accomplished what I wanted to. I wondered if I should I go back to school. My husband said he would support me but I could not imagine leaving my family behind to do so. I dug back in, decided this was where I wanted to be, and never looked back.”
A few years later Claire acquired a supervisory position. Leadership roles at that time were perceived to be more male-dominated. It was not something she thought of actively pursuing, but the opportunity presented itself. Several mentors both male and female encouraged her.
“I don’t know that I was always driven for leadership but several people said I should. I probably wouldn’t have myself. It’s interesting how people can see within. They pushed me and encouraged me to where I am today.”
As a retail branch manager, Claire’s focus is on leading her employees. “About 80 per cent of my time is spent coaching and mentoring other leaders and staff to assist members in achieving their financial goals, and providing the ultimate member experience. Claire’s journey towards and through leadership has been challenging.
“The support from my colleagues, friends, and family, enabled me to persevere through the difficulties of balancing work and family life and the long hours that sometimes come with my position.”
Being passionate about her job has also been a factor in her longevity. “I didn’t achieve what I have all on my own. Not only was I encouraged by other leaders, but each employee on my team past and present has been an integral part of my success. Leading an energetic and passionate group of employees that truly cares about the work they do keeps my interest, and motivates me.”
Claire has seen many changes in her field over the past four decades. “There is easier access to credit today. People have an ability to acquire things they want much sooner, if not immediately. That has changed how people look to us for support. The biggest, ever-changing experience, has been around the use of technology in the financial services industry. We want to accommodate the members who prefer face-to-face service, as well as those who prioritize independence while choosing to access our services electronically.”
In a way, Claire has come full-circle, back to her initial interest in studying psychology.
“Leadership requires a desire to delve into human behaviour. I’ve learned a lot of patience. I’ve developed an awareness around human nature and discovered a lot about myself. There have been hard lessons learned but also valued. I have learned that the only thing you can control in a situation is our own reaction.
You drive your own bus. Instead of trying to change others, I have learned to adapt to their individuality. I’ve learned that all of us can arrive at the same goal, but in our own ways. Most important is the necessity to keep honest and transparent relationships at the forefront. Many of these lessons have also been valuable in my personal life with my children and grandchildren.”
Claire has also come full-circle in how she’s pouring confidence and courage into her employees.
“That’s what my mentors did for me, and now it’s interesting how I can see into my employees and guide them in a similar way. When they say ‘I can’t’, I remember how I was encouraged. I say, “Yes, you can. If you are passionate and determined enough, anything is possible.”
Although Claire has no immediate plans to retire, she is beginning to look back over her shoulder. “I’m getting that sense of accomplishment where I’ve helped people overcome their challenges, and achieve success of their own. I define success in my career as having mentored my team so that they can continue without me. Ultimately my success is an independent team.”
“My desire to spend time with my grand-babies is gently tugging. I will be content to spend time with them and my family, rekindle my love for gardening, baking, and cooking, take a vacation, start a new hobby, or perhaps even lose myself in a good book. I started this career with the full support of family. They all stood beside me in my pursuits, and helped and supported whatever way they could, and now I want to do that for my children whatever that may look like. I want to pay it forward.”
As Claire approaches full-circle, she’s taking the courage, confidence, and kindness entrusted to her, and she’s paying it back; and paying it back is always good advice whether it comes from a front-line teller who’s just starting out, or a retail bank manager who has learned a few lessons along the way about encouragement, human nature, and finding just the right balance to succeed.
