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Mar 24, 2023

Beyond a Banker - Tamara Phillips

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

I did not attend college; I was married my senior year of high school.


How long have you been in banking? 

I started my banking career in 1982. I would go in weekly where I was banking and inquire about a position. After months of inquiring the HR Director said one day…"I am tired of you asking about a job, I am going to put you to work." The rest is history!


What is your official job title?

VP/Market Retail Manager


How/Why did you get into the banking industry?

 

I always noticed when I was provided with good customer service, and I wanted to able to be able to help others with their banking needs. My love for accounting in school was also a contributing factor.

 

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

That everything is always perfectly balanced. One of my struggles is finding the right balance between managing and my individual responsibilities.


What does Beyond A Banker mean to you? 

Beyond a Banker means to me that I am making a true impact on the customers I serve and the communities I am involved in.

 

tell us about yourself:

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I am very passionate about my love for God, my family, helping others and I care deeply about providing excellent customer service.

 

Where might we see you on the weekends?

Saturdays are usually spent at home catching up on things that didn’t get done during the week. Sunday mornings at church and Sunday afternoons playing either basketball, football, soccer, badminton, t-ball or golf with my grandson, Reagan. He also loves to pick up sticks in our yard😊


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

Jack of all Trades Master of Few


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

Heartland and Virgin River


When/Where are you the happiest?

When helping others achieve their goal.


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

Chipotle, Chicken Bowl


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

Mentoring, coaching, and caring for others.


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

I am sure everyone that works with me daily knows of the determination and persistence I have. I don’t like to let things get me down. I don’t know all the answers to every question asked, however I will enjoy learning new things and finding answers to questions asked.


What was your first job?

Working at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store


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

Tam’s Fam


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

I would not change anything in my journey, I have loved every minute of it, however I wish that I had kept a record of all my achievements and milestones reached in my years of banking. I also wished I had realized the importance to SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!! for my future and took advantage of the full 401K match that has always been provided.

 

for women's history month:

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

Helen Keller, when she was 19 months old an illness left her deaf, blind, and mute. She didn’t take anything for granted and was still able to see the beauty in the journey.


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

My sister! She was married the same year that I was born. The love and devotion she has shown me in my life is the true picture of unconditional love.


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

Celebrate your successes

Don’t lose hope, it is the anchor of your soul.

Be genuine.

Always be grateful for the opportunities given you.

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