Schedule

The Banking on Women Conference begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, and concludes at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16.

Thursday, Aug. 15

10 a.m.	Registration

11 a.m.	Call to Order & Welcome

11:15 a.m.	Now or Never — Unleashing Your Power in the Present Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Co-Founder \| The Zeal of the Heel, LLC Ambitious, professional women often prioritize investing in others over their own professional growth. Feeling restless throughout mid-career leads to turnover, burnout and compounding pay inequity. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer focuses on the importance of intentional career planning to achieve full actualization and fulfillment in mid-career. By setting boundaries, clarifying purpose and understanding one’s natural talents, women can accelerate their career journeys and realize their full potential.

12:15 p.m.	Lunch sponsored by

1:15 p.m.	Imposter Syndrome: The Paradox of Success Jenifer Snook, Senior Vice President of Consulting Services \| Haberfeld Impostor syndrome is a pervasive phenomenon that is often underestimated in its prevalence. It affects individuals across all levels of experience, and it tends to intensify as one ascends the ranks and shoulders greater responsibilities. This underscores the critical need to develop strategies for both recognizing and combatting it effectively. Highlighting key issues affecting the banking industry, this fast-paced session explores key strategies to finding and owning your greatness.

2:15 p.m.	Networking and Refreshment Break candy station sponsored by

2:45 p.m.	The Journey of Women’s Careers \| Beginnings, Barriers and Persistence Meredith Covington \| Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis How would you describe today’s working environment for women? How does history, both overall and personal, influence your view? Meredith Covington explores the systemic, structural and cultural changes that have shaped the current career landscape for women in banking and financial services. Discover how persistence played a crucial role in women’s career progression and the opportunities and challenges women face in moving forward in their banking careers.

3:45 p.m.	Networking and Refreshment Break

4 p.m.	Personal Safety for Women Tim Keck, Consultant \| Safe Haven Security Group Every woman needs this course that equips you to avoid danger and to survive when you can’t. In this comprehensive session, Tim Keck details handling unwanted contact, realistic self-protection and using a weapon like pepper spray. Participants will learn about targeting and victimology in developing a mindset to manage fear.

6:30-9 p.m.	Reception, Dinner and Networking Activity sponsored by

Friday, Aug. 16

7:30 a.m.	Buffet Breakfast

8:15 a.m.	Why Being a Banking Advocate is Important Panel Discussion Moderator: MBA President and CEO Jackson Hataway Panelists: Sen. Sandy Crawford, Missouri Senate Luanne Cundiff, President and CEO, First State Bank of St. Charles Jennifer Lawton, Compliance Officer/Vice President, Peoples Savings Bank, Hermann Sara Richardson, Executive Vice President, Heritage Bank of the Ozarks, Lebanon MBA’s primary purpose is to advocate for our member banks at the state and federal levels. Issues and office holders regularly change, but MBA’s reputation has remained constant as a credible, trustworthy participant in the legislative and regulatory processes. In this panel discussion, bankers share their experiences in discussing issues affecting their customers and communities with elected officials and regulators in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. Their insights showcase the power of telling your bank’s story and the vital importance of ensuring that your voice is heard.

9:15 a.m.	Refreshment Break and Vendor Prize Drawings

9:30 a.m.	Become More Resilient in a High-Stress Environment April Lewis, President and CEO \| A. Lewis Academy Inc. Professionals are dealing with stressors today that are multifaceted. Currently, everyone is experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest and high levels of workplace stress, all while managing the everyday affairs of home and family. A continuous high-stress work environment can lead to staff experiencing burnout. Resiliency is the ability to recover from difficult and tough situations. April Lewis shares actionable solutions to effectively respond to organizational and personal changes, as well as well-being routines that increase employment performance and engagement.

10:30 a.m.	Adjournment