Leadership Q&A: Phil Mason shares his passion for community and banking

Phil Mason, executive vice president, chief operating officer institutional banking and director healthcare services at UMB Bank, was recently named to Ingram’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2022 for his outstanding achievements at UMB Bank. We sat down with Phil to learn more about his leadership style, passion behind banking and how he gives back to Kansas City.

Tell us about your various roles at UMB.

I’m responsible for the healthcare services line of business within institutional banking as well as the management and oversight of the division’s financial performance, daily operations, compliance teams and several other groups within institutional banking. As an executive team member for the institutional banking line of business, I focus on executing strategic initiatives within the division. This can entail bringing new groups aboard through acquisitions or leading projects that support the overall growth of the business.

Sounds like you lead a lot of different people. How do you approach your various leadership roles?

I work to show my team that you can make an impact as a leader through humility, learning what is important to them and enabling them to do the best job possible. I’ve found that by approaching my role with humility, focusing on what I can do for my team and adapting my leadership style to their needs has had a positive impact on the various groups I’ve led. I strive to set the example on collaboration, teamwork and commitment.

I always make time to jump in and help the team, no matter the task. I also welcome the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and, in turn, discover new and better ways to collaborate. This approach, combined with my open-door policy, has created strong, cohesive and engaged teams throughout my career.

Where does your passion for banking stem from?

As someone who enjoys the finance world and is active in the community, banking is an intersection of my passions. I believe that as people we’re called to do good work that benefits the common good, and the connection between banking and the common good is closer than many realize.

Banking gives people financial safety, tools to improve their economic stability and improve the options they have for their families.

Banks that are doing the right things for the right reasons are vital to our communities. It is especially rewarding working at a bank where investing in the local communities and their residents is prioritized and celebrated.

How do you stay involved in the Kansas City community?

Over the past six years, I have volunteered for the American Corporate Partners (ACP)‡, a national nonprofit organization focused on helping returning veterans and active-duty spouses find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice. The ACP allows for a unique volunteer opportunity to provide career guidance to returning military as they transition back into civilian life.

My most recent mentee, Mike, was transitioning from owning a small business to having a job in a corporate setting. I shared my expertise, including the skills needed to be successful, advised on what he should expect, and provided strategic counsel on how to navigate the workplace and industry. Mike was able to put my advice to use to make his transition both smooth and successful. It was amazing to see him succeed in this way and further his career path along the way.