Women in Business: Tamara Phillips

Residence: Fayetteville

Education: NA

Professional Background: Phillips has over four decades of experience in the banking industry and played a pivotal role in establishing two banks from their inception. In 2015, she joined Citizens Bank, where she has been a driving force in retail management. Starting as vice president/retail branch manager, she was promoted to vice president, retail market manager in November 2021. She’s responsible for the operation of all retail branches in Northwest Arkansas and provides support for branch managers companywide.

What do you think of the opportunities that exist for women in business compared with when you started? Women today have more opportunities in education, the workforce and almost every role compared to when I started in the 1980s. Women continue to break barriers and shape the future.

Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? I have been blessed to have many mentors in my life. The one that took the biggest chance on me was a city president of a local bank. I received a call from him one day to help open a branch bank that was new to the community. Fast forward five years, I got another call from him to start a second branch bank. Although we began with no depositors on the first day for both branches, the relationships we built have followed me the rest of my career.

How should women support other women in their organizations? I firmly believe that we can be most impactful by finding someone to mentor and allowing them to develop their skills and talents. Acknowledge and celebrate other women’s successes. Encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and take on new responsibilities. Lead by example; be the role model others need to see.

What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Surround yourself with people that believe in you. You can’t do the same thing and expect different results. Most people will forget what you say and what you do, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? Serving others. I have a passion for helping people manage, protect and grow their financial resources. Additionally, coaching others to reach their full potential.

What are some of the leadership skills that helped you move up in your organization? Adaptability: Navigating through the many challenges that arise. Embracing challenge: Stepping outside my comfort zone. Empathy: Understanding the customer needs, gaining their trust and building lifelong relationships. Integrity: Doing the right thing when no one is looking. Dependability: Doing what you say you will do.

Why do you think companies would benefit from having more women at the top? Women bring tremendous value, increase productivity and bring new ideas that could help organizations think outside the box. We are multitaskers, we have families to care for, kids to get to school activities or doctor’s appointments, groceries to buy all while keeping our personal and professional lives separate.

What is something distinctive that people would be surprised to know about you? To those who know me, I am an open book. To those who don’t, I have taken two week-long motorcycle trips, riding on the seat behind my husband. I am a caregiver of my daughter and finally a pastor’s wife.

What’s the most recent book you’ve read? “Facing Your Giants” by Max Lucado.

What do you do to relax when not working? I love spending time with my family and being Nana to my grands.