Although women outnumber men in the finance and banking industry, they hold far fewer leadership positions. In 2021, women made up 52% of the industry, but accounted for 23% of executives, according to a report from McKinsey & Company‡.
UMB actively strives to upend this statistic and create opportunities for women to excel in the workplace. UMB’s executive leadership team is made up of 50% women and people of color. Additionally, in 2023, more than half of our new hires were women.
“As a company, UMB is truly invested in lifting women up in leadership positions—and in lifting leaders up no matter their background. From my personal experience, I have never felt a lack of opportunity, but rather always felt support.” – Hilary Dickson, executive vice president and director of bank product
Across the company, UMB’s female leaders empower others by offering mentorship, serving as role models, fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and more. Here, a few female leaders at UMB share their experiences working in the financial industry and offer advice on how to excel in the workplace.
Normalize a work-life balance for yourself and others
Early in her career before UMB, a manager told Amy Small, executive vice president and executive director of institutional custody and operations, she couldn’t leave work an hour early to attend her child’s kindergarten graduation because “he’ll never remember you were there.” Of course, she attended the graduation, and her work didn’t suffer.
Now, as a manager herself, she makes it a point to model a healthy work-life balance for her employees.
I don’t make it taboo to say, “I’m taking off early to go to my daughter’s game at 4. If you need anything, I have my phone. I’ll catch up tonight.” – Amy Small
Maureen Quill, executive vice president and executive director of registered funds, recommends holding managers accountable for encouraging flexibility — whether that’s the ability to be an active parent or for another priority. If managers aren’t really giving people the flexibility necessary for a person to be a parent or pursue an interest, then leaders need to hold managers accountable for that shortfall.
“I have seen women step out of our industry because managers weren’t making room for them to be mothers. If we want to keep women moving up in the ranks, we need to be flexible. The only way for senior management to look different in 20 years is to keep women engaged in the workforce.”- Maureen Quill
Sara Rock, executive vice president and director of bank operations, focuses on making intentional choices to spend time with her family, even though she works a 24/7 operations role.
“I communicate those moments of intentional focus, so I can step away while my team still feels supported.” – Sara Rock
Be a mentor to other women
As a woman at the executive level at UMB, Shannon Johnson, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, serves as mentor to other women at the bank. Her mentoring relationships are focused on career trajectory and paths, as well as fulfilling passions and interests. Having a mentor often offers female employees the opportunity to connect one-on-one with leaders like them who have had similar life and workplace experiences.
“I love that I get the opportunity to develop and positively impact others. I am humbled and grateful every day to teach people about our brand, help remind people about our values and allow them to be their best selves at work.” – Shannon Johnson
Amy Harris, executive vice president and chief legal officer, shares this passion for mentoring others.
“Without the support from the mentors I’ve had over the years, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I spend a lot of my time mentoring and giving back to others.” – Amy Harris
Amy Harris’ role at UMB and community involvement led her to be named to Ingram’s 40 under 40‡ class of 2021. She was also honored with a Women’s Justice Award‡ in 2021 from Missouri Lawyer’s Media.
Pursue leadership positions
Uma Wilson, executive vice president and chief information and product officer, encourages those on her team to have confidence and work toward their goals even when its uncomfortable.
“Don’t let your negative inner voice get to you, such as worrying that some person doesn’t like you or that you are going to be treated differently. Stay focused. Be fearless.” – Uma Wilson
Stay connected to your work and community
Since dedicating her career to communities through real estate financing, Christina Fenwick, vice president and relationship manager in the commercial real estate group, has found that diving into work that fulfills you both personally and professionally goes a long way in establishing and maintaining motivation. One of her most inspirational quotes is:
“Finally, I truly believe that each of us must find meaning in our work. The best work happens when you know that it’s not just work, but something that will improve other people’s lives.” – Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
Shanee Kimber, vice president and small business specialist, works to empower women not just at work but throughout the entire community. She holds seats on nine boards, five committees and a variety of organizations, including the Women’s Employment Network, Money Smart Kansas City, and Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. At UMB, she launched a series that brings community members together to acknowledge and address the different struggles of minority and women-owned businesses. The Undivided Attention series brings together diverse Kansas City small business owners in a variety of industries and gives them attention, insight and resources.
“My volunteer work is not just because of my job but rather is a part of who I am as a person. No matter my job title, I will always remain dedicated to the members of the Kansas City community.” – Shanee Kimber
Foster diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace
Riana Maus is senior vice president, director of talent inclusion, diversity and acquisition. In this role, she oversees UMB’s eight Business Resource Groups (BRGs). These groups are valuable resources to our business lines by enhancing associate engagement and professional development, providing insight to leaders, and embracing and building a more inclusive culture.
“We know our work is never done. Ensuring our associates can not only show up as their true selves every day, but also reach their goals, is a journey that requires constant learning.” – Riana Maus
Learn more about UMB’s culture by downloading the 2023 Corporate Citizenship and ESG Report.
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