Central Bank Leaders Share Their Journeys and Insights

In a rapidly evolving financial world, Central Bank's leaders are at the forefront of shaping the future. Central Bank’s Vice President and Director of Business Banking Mandy Anthes; Director of Human Resources for Talent, Professional Development and ProsperU Teri Cantwell; Executive Vice President and Market Executive for Central Trust Co. Diane Homan; and Senior Vice President and Retail Market Manager Amy Sharp are paving the way for women in the banking industry.

PRESENTED BY

Each of these trailblazers has carved a unique path to success, drawing valuable lessons from their experiences and from those who have guided them along the way. Biz 417 spoke with them about their journey, teamwork, role models and more. 

Biz 417: Are there any women in finance or business who have been role models to you? What have you learned from them?
Mandy Anthes: I have gained valuable insights from remarkable and respected women in the banking industry. Sometimes, it involved learning what not to do by observing their missteps, while other times, it was about being uplifted by their belief in me before I recognized my own potential. In every financial institution I’ve worked in, I made it a point to identify someone whose path I wanted to follow and learn from. Key takeaways that have stayed with me include keeping your “why” as your guiding purpose, recognizing when it’s time to move on and making room at the table for others. Most importantly, I’ve learned the importance of advocating for yourself to reach your goals and believing that you deserve to be in that space.  

Biz: Can you share your journey to leadership at the bank? What key moments or decisions helped shape your career?
Teri Cantwell: I started at Central Bank of Boone County as their recruiter. I loved finding the right talent for the right position in the bank. It was and still is a joy to see employees get hired and move through a cycle of individual growth in that respective position or promotion. Central Bank of the Ozarks had a position open for director of human resources, my former boss contacted me to apply, and my family decided to make the move! ... One of the highlights of my career is working with a committee to start a department called ProsperU. I get to assist our Director of ProsperU, who does it all to spread the word we have free financial literacy for all in our community. She is allowing our community to learn to lead healthy financial lives because we know when our communities do well, we do well. A key decision in my career was leaping to move from one Central Bank Market to another for career opportunities. Moving from Columbia to Springfield was the best career move I have made.    

Biz: How do you support or mentor other women in the bank or financial field? 
Diane Homan: I have served on several boards during my career, providing financial insight for successful organizational structure and mentorship. Specifically, I am a founding member of Suit YourSelf, a non-profit organization that provides a Boutique type shopping experience for ladies entering and or reentering the workforce. During this process, we provide mentorship for successful career advancement. In addition, Central is a strong supporter of career advancement and in my position, I am able to mentor individuals who have a strong desire and skill to move to the next level in their career. There isn’t anything more satisfying than to watch someone advance from entry level and be satisfied in their career.

Biz: How do you and your team work to align the bank’s goals with customer needs? 
Amy Sharp: Retail banking plays a crucial role in aligning the bank’s goals with customer needs due to its direct interaction with customers. We focus on understanding and meeting the diverse financial needs of individuals and small businesses. The emphasis on customer service fosters relationships that build trust, encouraging customer loyalty and long-term relationships. Our employees engage with customers on a one-on-one basis which allows them to gather insights into customer preferences and pain points. By leveraging this feedback, we can tailor our services and products to better meet customer expectations, enhancing satisfaction and driving growth.