What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
I was a cashier for Tractor Supply Company when I was in high school! I can remember starting that job thinking it was going to be so easy and I would finally be making my own money.
My second day on the job, it was closing time and the general manager told me he wanted to train me on the closing procedures. I proceeded to the back of the store with him, where the store office and restrooms were. The GM handed me a pair of plastic gloves and a toilet bowl cleaner and told me I was going to learn how to clean the restrooms for closing as he proceeded to show me what to do.
I don’t recall everything I said to him, probably something about “I’m a cashier, not the janitor,” but his response taught me one of the biggest life lessons I could have learned and still practice to this day: “It doesn’t matter what your role is. A great leader leads by example, rolls up their sleeves and contributes.”
What drew you to banking?
I always felt banking was personal and highly regarded. I can still remember growing up and my parents taking me to our hometown bank to open my first savings account, and then later, when I got that first job, opening a checking account. I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to work for an organization that helped make dreams a reality for individuals and families.
How do you stay innovative and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving industry?
In my profession, HR – specifically Total Rewards – I network with like-professionals. I seek out what other organizations are doing, do lots of reading and join as many different webinars/seminars as I can cram into my calendar, plus listen to podcasts during my commutes.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in banking?
Get connected, no matter what area of the bank you work in. Make connections and find mentors to help you understand the other areas and how each business unit makes money.
If you weren’t a banker, what would you do for a living?
I would love to have the opportunity to volunteer and give back more to my community. Specifically, I would love to help mentor young people who haven’t had the easiest path, being a positive reinforcement for them, helping them with education and ensuring they have an advocate for them while being their cheerleader on the sidelines.
Who or what inspires you?
I’ve been very blessed and fortunate to have many positive role models in my life who have shaped me and inspired me to work hard to become who I am today and to keep pushing. I would say my biggest motivator today is my own family, my husband Kevin, and our three young girls – Annabelle (6), Lillian (4) and Emma (2).
How do you define success?
Success for me is different each day, project, relationship, etc. In my eyes, I measure success when I’ve had the ability to learn and grow from something.
What are you reading or listening to?
This past month I’ve been in summer break mode with the kids, i.e., not as heavy on the educational side, so I’ve been catching up on the New Heights and The Light podcasts.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Oh goodness, I was raised on meat and potatoes, so I do love some good home-cooked meatloaf and mashed potatoes – even better when I don’t have to make it!
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
I mentioned my family earlier, and they are my world! When I’m not working, I’m soaking up the time with them. As a mother to young kids, I feel like I don’t have many hobbies of my own right now, but together we enjoy the outdoors, gardening, bike rides, going for walks, and I love watching my girls try new things. Their current hobbies include tap dance, swimming, basketball and tee-ball! One thing I do enjoy for myself is working out about three times a week.
“Mollie is a role model, mentor and community advocate who exemplifies the First Financial culture and values. She has been instrumental in the creation of our wellbeing program, and brings wellbeing to life by balancing her family and her commitment to her work.”
– Karen B. Woods, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, First Financial Bank, Cincinnati
