This profile of Michelle Arthur, Senior Vice President and Sales Market Manager, Premier Valley Bank, was published in the “How She Leads” supplement from September 2021.

When thinking about how I would best describe my management style, it occurred to me that how I view myself is not nearly as important as how my team perceives me. I decided to take a different approach and asked my employees about how I lead my team. Here’s what they had to say: 

One employee said, “Michelle is direct and leads by example. She treats her employees as equals, holds everyone accountable, is not a micromanager, and is willing to go to bat for us.” Another employee said “Michelle motivated me to strive for more. She thinks highly of her employees, maybe more than we think of ourselves.” 

The best way to lead a team is to be their biggest cheerleader. Walk alongside your staff, help show them the way, and if one falls – pick them up so they can try again. My father taught me these traits and more with leading by example. He owned his own insurance business for over 55 years, worked hard every day, and demonstrated what it means to take care of employees and clients. Learning from him elevated my passion for customer service and instilled the importance of a positive client interaction. Additionally, a great boss gave me advice that has stuck with me: “There are some things in life we have control over and some things we don’t. Don’t sweat the small things. Focus on how you can make a positive influence on your team and customers, and have fun while doing it.” I live by this guidance to this day.

My mentors did an amazing job teaching me how to be a successful leader, and it’s been an honor putting my skills to use here at Premier Valley Bank. As I’ve grown in my role, I’ve had the opportunity to pay forward what I’ve learned over the years by hiring and promoting numerous women into leadership roles within our organization. Pushing them outside of their comfort zone to grow their skills and instilling a “willing learner” mindset has been instrumental to their success. I look forward to continuing to shape their careers as exceptional female leaders for years to come.