YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Amber Wallace says her leadership style is “to lift people up.”
And so, she honors how she was lifted up, first – straight out of Youngstown State University with a degree in communications – through the mentorship of a physician who guided her in launching the American Cancer Society’s first Relay for Life in Ohio.
Eleven years later came her appointment as assistant vice president of marketing and physician relations at the former Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
Today, Wallace is executive vice president, chief retail and marketing officer, at Farmers National Bank in Canfield.
“I was fortunate to be around energized people as I was starting my career. I really work hard to re-create that energy. I want to feel a sense of urgency. People want to be around that. You want it to be fast-paced and high-performing.”
Wallace was interviewed by Jeff Herrmann, CEO of the Youngstown Publishing Co., as part of the Brain Gain Leadership Podcast Series.
New episodes are posted Wednesdays at BusinessJournalDaily.com and are available through podcast providers.
“I’ve been in executive roles since my mid-30s. You have to stay laser focused,” Wallace advises.
“You’re there for two reasons. No. 1 for results; No. 2, to provide strategy. If you can elevate your thought process to be a little bit ahead of the game, thinking the next step ahead for everybody, that’s how you lead.”
Wallace says Farmers Bank “celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit.”
She credits Kevin Helmick, CEO of the bank and the Farmers Bancorp holding company, with leading the organization to develop “a strong culture” with a “mantra to live by.”
What is that mantra? “We’re in it to win-win it,” Wallace says.
How is it carried out by Farmers’ more than 500 employees?
Watch or download the podcast to learn more.
As Wallace says, “In It to win-win it isn’t just the project of the week” that goes away.
“It positions you for growth.”
Pictured: Amber Wallace shares leadership lessons in the Brain Gain Podcast series.