Jackie Gearhart, vice president of treasury management in Wichita, KS, recently joined us to discuss her career at UMB Bank. Check out her experience and career story.
Tell us about a career challenge you’ve experienced and how you overcame it?
In 2017, we reorganized the region I covered for UMB, which forced me to step outside my comfort zone. Before, I focused on a single community where I was established and spent most of my career. After the reorganization, I was responsible for multiple markets and quickly had to learn how to work with many different teams and people across the organization.
Working with new people allowed me the chance to strengthen my teamwork skills and deepen my network. In addition, expanding my market made me a better team player and a better coworker, as I was given the opportunity to work with several teams and personalities as well as develop strategic plans for promoting business growth.
What are you most proud of in your career?
I am most proud of my ability to drive success by calling efforts, networking and creating strong business and personal relationships. Focusing on relationships has contributed to my success on many levels – personally, professionally and charitably.
I encourage everyone on my team to connect in as many different ways as possible and deepen their networks. Branching out makes us better at our jobs and, in my opinion, generally happier people.
How do you give back to the community?
I really enjoy dedicating my time to improving the quality of life in my community. Over the years, I have been involved in many organizations focused on accomplishing this, including United Way, Wichita Children’s Home, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wichita Grand Opera, Rainbows, American Heart Association and, most recently, Women’s Initiative Network.
Another passion of mine is advancing women in the workplace, so I have dedicated time to organizations specifically influenced by women, including Friends of Rainbows and Circle of Red.
How do you support women in the workplace?
I am fortunate to work for a company that feels strongly about supporting female leadership, providing family balance, and embracing diversity. In addition, my career at UMB has allowed me to support women in the workplace through leading by example.
I think it is important to lead through action and have accountability. I was once told by a coworker that I was, unbeknownst to me, a mentor to her. Hearing this really caused me to reflect on my actions. Now, I recognize there is always some way I can have an impact in a positive way.
What advice do you wish you had when you started your career?
Use every job as an opportunity to learn something new and keep an open mind.
Learn more about the Associate Experience at UMB and check out our current career opportunities.
