Colette Campbell’s Journey to Inspire and Share Her Light at Bremer Bank

Colette Campbell is the EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer, for Bremer Bank in St. Paul. I talked to her about her diverse career path and how she seeks to be a light to others in her job.

From early on, one of my favorite songs was "I'm a Promise, I'm a Possibility. I'm a Promise.”? This belief that God has a calling for me has permeated different layers of my life, including my professional journey.?

I did not plan to be an Executive in Financial Services. Part of my faith is saying yes to the invitation and trusting that God will open what is supposed to be opened and close what is supposed to be closed. It is incredibly gratifying that God led me not only into this role but also into a company that focuses on giving and cultivating thriving communities.?

It hasn't been a linear path; it has looked different in different seasons.? Early on, when my husband and I were starting our family, I was in that whole debate of whether I should work outside of taking care of our three small kids. The kind of work I was doing then didn't even pay for daycare, and my husband was doing his PhD.? So, I felt my calling then was to support these other things happening in our family.? Then there was a definitive season where I was invited into new spaces and felt like, Okay, it's time for something else. As I struggled with whether to return to work and how others might view it, my Mom said, “Who's measure are you using for what is right for YOU? You are God's creation. You are his daughter, and if you are obedient to what he's calling you to, that is what is important. It's not about what these people will say if you're not at home or what they will say if you're not in the workplace.? What is God calling you to in this season?”? She reminded me not to make other people more important than who God is and what he's calling me to do. So, I’ve tried to stay open and obedient to doing what was before me. Our God is big, and he cares for and calls us each uniquely.??

One of the things I enjoy about my work now as a leader and as the head of the people function is that I can try to be a light for people. This world can feel pretty dark and complex and people are knotted up inside. I try to really listen to people at work and give them my attention. I want to give hope to people. I want to give the things that I know that Christ gives.? I also want to be clear with people and truthful. People can go further faster if they have clear feedback given with kindness. When people come to me, I often ask what their hope is for the conversation. Do they want direction? Do they want some options? Do they want feedback?? Asking people, “What are you hoping for in this conversation?” helps to direct how I respond.?

Christ loved those different from him.? He reached down and around and brought people in, especially caring for the least of these.? As a senior leader, I have the opportunity to recognize people who are contributing in the organization in less visible ways. So, how do I see people who aren't being seen and be the voice of those who aren't in the room? As believers, we get the opportunity to do what Jesus would be doing, and he would be looking for those people, letting them know that they are seen, loved, and worthy and that they have hope and a future. I have the opportunity to do it every day. It's not about showing up and being perfect or wearing a cross so people know we're Christians. It's about how we love and serve the people around us at work.?

To be there for others at work, I also have to find my own spaces of safety and truth. And so whether it's my therapist, my small group of friends, my husband, and of course, God, I have to have those spaces where I can be vulnerable, loved, and re-charged.? Life is hard. Leadership is tough right now; I have to have support to be that to others. I also have to rest. I try to have Sabbath. A day of less doing, more being., Prioritizing good rest at night and self-care, like, what are the little pampering things I can do for myself?? If I am resting and moving through my own stuff and feelings, then I can be a better leader.

I love the hope of the gospel and God's hope in me and in us to be light in darkness.? I want to reflect that in the world.

Thank you, Colette, for that insightful reflection! I particularly appreciate your thoughts on seeing everyone at work. A few years ago, a wise friend asked me if I knew the names of the people who cleaned my office. The answer was sadly no, and that gentle reminder has stayed with me as I now seek to be more aware of the value and the stories of all the people around me.

I am finishing a beautiful year-long cohort with Kimberly Alexander , built around Alicia Britt Cole’s work, The Sacred Slow. It was a transformative experience. If you long for the kind of faith and purpose in your calling that has exemplified Colette’s professional life, message me, and I can share information about the new cohort Kim will be starting shortly.