GSB Women Who Lead: From Teller to Leader

GSB believes anyone can make their dream a reality – these three female leaders went from tellers to leaders! Meet three more of our extraordinary women Anna, Kelly, and Prudence.

Anna Z., AVP Employee Development Manager, will be celebrating 14 years with GSB this June. Anna started as a teller, and it was her passion for helping others that inspired her to advance her career and get a degree in business, which combines her two passions for people and business.

 Her growth in leadership often came from simply being willing to step forward and help, while also embracing and learning about what you are most passionate, because passion is a large driver of leadership.

“Volunteer for experiences that help you grow, surround yourself with role models and mentors who inspire you, and listen attentively to the wisdom around you.”

Today in her role, Anna helps all employees at GSB build their skills and grow their career. As a female leader, she can also help be part of a collective of women who lift one another up and make spaces for more voices to be heard.

“Together, that shared strength and purpose can create real and lasting impact."

Kelly Stetson-Adams, AVP, Residential Process Controls Officer, has been with GSB for 27 years. It was an ad in the Greenfield Recorder for a teller position that led Kelly to GSB. The skills she learned as a teller, such as financial skills, cross-selling, accuracy, interpersonal skill, helped shape her career path.

Kelly moved into a role as a customer service representative and from there opportunities opened in the residential lending department.

Reflecting on women’s roles in the industry, it was two female leaders that mentored Kelly in her career.  Lori G. and Cassandra M. provided the skills and opportunities to help her get to her current role

“I value that that women have played a crucial role in creating a more inclusive environment, which has led to greater representation and opportunities for women in leadership roles.”

Prudence Blond, First Vice President & Trust Officer, will be celebrating 29 years with GSB in June. Prudence always liked finance and working with numbers, so she thought banking would make logical sense as a career.

She began her career as a teller and then moved into the trust department as an administrative assistant. Being curious and having a willingness to learn helped Prudence in her new role.

Facing the challenges of an unsupportive manager in her early years didn’t hold her back—it helped shape the leader she is today, one who’s committed to supporting others and helping them grow in their own careers. Later, when she began working with her current manager, Steve H., she finally received encouragement to take classes to become a trust officer. It was the first time someone had shown real interest in her professional growth, and Steve’s confidence in her helped her find confidence in herself.

“We should celebrate each other’s success stories.  And to be a part of it is an honor.” 

Prudence attributes her grandmother to being a strong influence in her life and where she learned her most important life lessons, which include “work hard, be kind and respectful, remain humble, and never stop learning. Also, understand that being told no isn’t always a bad thing.”

Her advice to others who are starting their careers as teller is…

 “Believe in yourself, work hard, take training opportunities, ask questions, and ask your manager what you need to do.  A good manager will always support you.”