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Mar 17, 2023

Beyond a Banker - Houston Castle

Beyond a Banker - Houston Castle
If you went to college, where did you graduate? In what did you receive your degree?

University of Central Arkansas, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Major: printmaking/graphic design, minor: general writing


How long have you been in banking? 

A year and a half, so far!


What is your official job title?

Personal Banker


How/Why did you get into the banking industry?

I actually went in on an interview for an art gallery position and a member of the board really thought I would thrive at Citizens. I was very skeptical of myself in a banking position because I still had that old school mentality of who they were and how the bank operates. Imagine my surprise when I picked up on the technical skills and how welcomed, strong and confident I felt in this environment!

 

What do people assume about your role that isn’t true?

We are not machines. We are very hard workers. We are multi-faceted. When we have down-time it's not just a slow, lazy day for us, we're playing catch-up and making major moves behind the scenes! We are human! We love other humans and we love to serve them, but we are more than our work!


What does Beyond A Banker mean to you? 

Banking is truly about the person standing in front of you. We see the past, present and the future. We're there for every milestone. Your very first account turns into your very first joint account after getting married, turns into your child's first savings account and your retirement funds. We're a family that's made up of families and individuals for families and individuals. Everyone matters. :)

 

tell us about yourself:

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Spending time with my family, watching my new step-daughter grow, reading, and hiking.

 

Where might we see you on the weekends?

Reading, chasing waterfalls, or playing Scrabble.


What should your job title be (if it was hilariously accurate to what you do every day)?

Fortune Teller


What show(s) are you currently binge-watching?

Big Little Lies


When/Where are you the happiest?

I’m a huge morning person, so when my family wakes up and we have our breakfast and coffee.


Where is your favorite (local) place to eat? What is your go-to order?

Fred’s Fish House (peace, love & fish grease) - fish and hushpuppies!


What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

My daughter, Jessy, I’m new to the game but I strive to be a positive role model and showing her that working hard and doing right and living life to the fullest matters.


What special/interesting skill do you have that many might not know about?

My mom had us grow up in a VERY clean household, now I can spot a crumb a mile away.


What was your first job?

Waitressing!


If you had a reality TV show of your life, what would it be called? 

“I’m Houston and we definitely have a problem.”


What is something you wish you would have known earlier in your career?

Chill out.

 

for women's history month:

If you could chat with one woman from history, who would it be and why?

Dead- Amelia Earhart, obviously.

Alive- Taylor Swift, she has made history, she has redefined the music industry. She’s a killer role model.


What woman in your own life has been an inspiration to you?

My daughter Jessy. She just turned 9. I might not be her biological mom but she has taught me so, so, so much. She has the biggest heart and I don’t know what I’d do without her. She is mine and I am hers!


What piece of advice would you give to other women in banking?

Watch and listen to everything. Learn from those who came before you. My favorite mentor has been Khaki Minick (Retail Manager of Mountain View Branch) and Tammy Bowman (Asst. Retail Manager of Eagle). My best and brightest peer Joanna Estrada took me (a wild card) under her wing and helped me grow and shine just like her. Also, know your worth. Don’t bark if you can’t bite.

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