Shor Yang
Retail Manager
108 N. Main Street, Verona
SYang@lakeridge.bank
(608) 835-1243
Q: What is your role at the bank? What are some things that you help bank customers with?
As the Retail Manager at Lake Ridge Bank’s Verona location, my job is to listen to clients identify their front-facing banking needs while also uncovering opportunities. Hearing financial goals and dreams allows me to understand which Lake Ridge products and services can assist in achieving these. As the first point of contact, I open accounts, originate loans, and more to help clients achieve financial stability and success. It’s all about making connections and forming relationships to build trust so they feel comfortable talking about what they need to create the life they want.
Q: How did you get into banking as a career and what do you like about your work?
I really had no idea I would like banking! In high school, I always liked numbers and was most interested in my accounting and personal finance classes. Much like many high schools these days, my high school had a youth apprenticeship program where a student can apply to work part of the day at a job in the industry you are considering. I was accepted into the program and have been in banking ever since! I really enjoy working with people and watching how excited everyone gets when they get approved for a car loan or get handed their first credit card or save up for a big purchase that brings them a step closer to their goals. It’s such a fun thing to witness the big life changes and different phases clients go through over the years. People will come in to tell me about retiring or becoming a grandparent or countless other bits of news that make me feel so honored to be part of their circle who they share their lives with.
Q: Do you have a philosophy of life?
I have always believed that there is no “right time” to do something. So many people say they’re not ready for certain things like buying a house or taking a class or having a baby. But when will you be ready? The truth is that nobody is ever ready. You just have to dive in and do it because so much of life is kind of hard and takes some trial and error. You just have to try it and make it work—or you learn something important about yourself and the next decision you make will fit you even better. There’s simply no such thing as perfect timing in life. You just have to take whatever is thrown at you and go from there…make the best of it! That philosophy has served me well both personally and professionally. When I started at the bank, I had absolutely no experience in management. But my own manager believed in me and pushed me to consider this retail management position when it became available. I didn’t think I was ready at the time, but I’m so thankful that I took the chance when the opportunity presented itself. Sometimes, the best way to gain the skills you need and get the experience you want is to learn by doing it. I have grown so much and enjoyed so many interesting experiences because I was willing to take a chance and step outside my comfort zone.
Q: Do you have any “heroes” or people you admire and model your career/lifestyle after?
I guess my hero is that supervisor (now retired) who took the time to mentor me and impact my career. I have modeled my management style after Sue’s example all those years ago. If I’m being honest, I’d be very proud to be just like her. She was empathetic and understanding and showed me how to be the kind of leader that I would want from my own supervisors. My goal is to make everyone I work with feel important and valuable. I want to understand their strengths and be patient as they learn and give them the confidence to take the next steps in their careers. If they need me, I will make myself available because their work is important…they are important.
