NWA Women in Business: Lisa Benson Ray

Age: 53

Residence: Springdale

Education: B.A., speech communication, California State University, Northridge; Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, Southern Methodist University

Professional background: Ray has been with Arvest Bank for 25 years. Before that she worked for Pepsi-Cola for five years in the ’80s, and was district sales manager when she departed in 1989.

What are the attributes of a good leader? “A strong work ethic, impeccable integrity, and excellent communication skills.”

What other female leaders do you admire and why? “Arvest’s first female executive, Karla Payne. She is our CFO and I respect her knowledge and her focus on helping others.”

What do you want Arvest to accomplish in the next year? “If Arvest helps more families to buy homes, save for children’s education, save for retirement, make financial dreams come true, provide friendly, convenient, affordable financial services and help our communities grow and prosper, we will be fulfilling our mission of ‘People Helping People Find Financial Solutions for Life.’”

Have you had to deal with gender bias in your career? If so, how did you handle it? “I can only think of one person in my life who said ‘Women need to stay home and cook and clean,’ and I chuckled and told him that he wouldn’t say that if he ever tried my cooking. We both got a good laugh and we always got along just fine after that.”

What advice would you give a younger version of yourself, just starting your career? Would you do anything differently? “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, so the highest priority is to build a trusting relationship with team members and customers. Leading is much easier when team members know that their leader cares about them personally.”

What drives you to succeed? “When I think about the root of my work ethic, it came from wanting to be self-reliant. I never wanted to feel trapped in an unhappy relationship, so I finished my education, sought and found a job I love, and worked hard so that I could support myself, if needed.”

What or who has been your greatest influence in your career and why? “My husband, David, has been my biggest influencer these past 27 years. David is a nurturer and he enjoys cooking, entertaining, gardening, and all of the things that I am not good at; so as a couple, we complete each other.”

What do you do to unwind for fun? “I love to read novels, ride bikes, watch old movies, volunteer in the community, and hang out at our pool. Or better yet, at the beach.”

What motivated you to choose the field you’re in? “That is an excellent question because I never planned to become a banker. I decided a long time ago that a person can be happy at work if they choose a company with similar principles, values and priorities, and if the managers are fair and ethical. Once I experienced the friendly and helpful atmosphere at Arvest, I knew I would be happy working there.”

Was there ever a time when you considered doing something else? “When I was in college, I thought I wanted to own my own business, but I much prefer working for others.”

Success oftentimes comes down to “satisfied customers.” How do you go about making sure your clients, subordinates and peers are satisfied with your work/leadership/vision? “Arvest seeks feedback from customers via online surveys. We ask our associates for feedback on Arvest’s work environment through an annual Associate Satisfaction survey. Our managers receive “reverse feedback” from associates annually, and our team members receive “peer feedback” from those who work around us annually. I have received a lot of constructive feedback over the years, and I have implemented a lot of changes as a result of honest, open feedback from others.”

How have attitudes changed about women in the workplace from the time you started out until now? Or, has there even been a change? “I have always felt that I was treated fairly in the workplace. I know that the women in my mom’s generation had challenges and paved the way for the women of my generation, and for that, I am extremely thankful.”

Best mentor? “Several years ago, an Arvest executive named Scott Grigsby encouraged me to apply for a president’s job. I was insecure about my abilities, and he helped me to overcome the obstacles that held me back.”

What’s one surprising or interesting fact about you? “My given name was Lisa Rae Benson. Now, I’m Lisa Benson Ray.”