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Scott Baranowski
FMS National Immediate Past Chairman
Principal | Wolf & Company, P.C.

It's common to make a few mistakes as we progress in our careers, but the key is to learn from them. If you ask any executive about their biggest professional mistake, they will likely laugh and share a story about how it made them a better leader.

Terry Bishop
FMS National Board Member
SVP & CFO | UNCLE Credit Union

Most of what I have learned about leadership has come from my time in the US Army. One of the key leadership principles in the Army is to always put your team first. I have followed this principle throughout my career and it has allowed me to earn the trust of those I work with.

Bryan Ridgway
FMS National Board Member
Director, Performance Management Solutions Empyrean Solutions

My dad re-iterated this advice to me at each milestone in my life - Give 100% attention, effort and commitment to everything you do regardless of the item, task, project or job! 100% does not mean perfection, but rather the pursuit of excellence.

Kelsey Marquis
FMS National Board Member
CFO & COO | cPort Credit Union

Always be humble. When you experience success, it’s important to share that success with your team but also to take ownership when things don’t go as planned. When you are truly humble, you can embrace change as a goal to be better tomorrow than you are today.

Dennis Zimmerman
FMS National Board Member
SVP | Commerce Bank

My adice is to pick a career that you are passionate about - it’ll be as if you’ve never worked a day in your life! Equally important, work at something that’s worthy of your time and talent, then surround yourself with the smartest people in the room to learn all you can!

Mark Haberland
FMS National Board Member
Managing Director | Darling Consulting Group

The best advice I have received was to make sure to pass along my experiences – both good and bad. True mentorship is important - it's having someone you can not only learn from but share successes and frustrations with as you grow in your career.

Shannon Croll
FMS National Board Member
SVP & CFO | Franklin Bank

Work smarter, not harder. This simple saying has driven me to find the most efficient way to complete my work. Creating a morning routine, making to-do lists, measuring results, focusing on one task at a time, setting short deadlines and asking questions early have all contributed to my ability to be more productive.

Fred Viaud
FMS National Chairman
President & CEO | Ascendia Bank

After dealing with a situation that leaves you feeling angry or stressed, compose an email to address it – but don’t send it. Instead, sleep on it, and the next day, after calming down, read it again. You may decide to reword it, or not send it at all. Always keep in mind, that once sent, it cannot be taken back.