From Bank Teller To Exec VP At Key Bank And Proud Mom of Two Daughters: Meet Laurie Muller-Girard

What is your personal story?

Since an early age, I gravitated toward leadership roles. Whether on the playground, in the classroom, or in social circles, I always wanted to be at the center of the action and lead. I attribute that to having leaders that showed me the importance of being a leader. My father held powerful positions as the CEO and Chairman of the Board for high-profile companies. Although I never asked for favors, introductions, or jobs from my father, I learned valuable life skills from having a CEO as a dad.

Most importantly, I learned that high-ranking businesspeople are just like the rest of us, which gave me the confidence to speak up, speak out and thrive in a heavily male-dominated industry. So, I started to climb the ladder from a bank teller in a small community bank and continued to rise through the ranks where I have served in various leadership roles over my 30+ year career, 27 of those with? KeyBank . Today, I am the Executive Vice President and Commercial Sales Executive for KeyBank 's West Region, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Kansas. Additionally, I lead two other lines of business for KeyBank , including Key's Agribusiness and Dealer Finance which stretches across our national footprint.?

When I relocated to Colorado from the East Coast a few years ago, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the community as quickly as possible. As a result, I am currently on the Board of Directors for? The Colorado Health Foundation ?and? Mi Casa Resource Center . I am also the Treasurer of the Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church and actively involved as a cohort member of the? Colorado Inclusive Economy . At KeyBank , we believe that giving back to our community is a priority, and I am proud to work for a company that encourages employees to give their time and talent to help nonprofits they love.?

My greatest accomplishment is raising and nurturing two strong, independent women. They have excelled in their studies and are advancing quickly in their professional careers, which makes me proud. Like me, they do not ask for favors or expect handouts to move them along on their professional journey, but they always know they can lean on me for advice or as a sounding board.

What makes you a remarkable leader?

I am a very involved leader who trusts my leaders to do what is necessary to grow their businesses while holding them accountable to deliver and live in our culture. Overall, I am an approachable leader focused on ensuring an engaged workforce is equipped to succeed. To do so, I make sure that I spend time with all our new and high-performing middle market bankers in the West to understand what makes them "tick," how they define personal success, and their career aspirations. I am also actively involved with clients – sometimes in direct interactions and sometimes behind the scenes. I love finding solutions and providing unique ideas to help clients achieve their financial goals.

While some people choose to make their mark on the business community through a broad reach, I choose, instead, to go deep. My leadership is displayed throughout the business community daily in the people I meet, the influence I wield, and the lives I impact. I take this role very seriously. I am always looking for ways to pay forward the chances people have taken on me along the way. In some cases, this means using my contacts and influence to advocate for a junior person looking for a new career path. It also means inviting volunteers, donors, and leaders at local nonprofits into my home for fundraising and appreciation events.?

I also know the importance of engaging with employees outside my immediate team. I actively listen to employees, take suggestions, and learn what motivates them. Giving back to the community is one of them. I greatly support KeyBank 's Neighbors Make the Difference Day, an annual day of giving back to the community. Teams across the West get their "hands dirty" by volunteering for projects like home building, community garden clean up, and much more, and I am right there next to them. I know the value of leading by example, so I support all the employees at KeyBank in taking the time to support their community.

What advice do you have for other women who want to break through barriers?

Unfortunately, women continue to suffer from a lack of confidence or "imposter syndrome," which causes us to sell ourselves short and not seek opportunities that will advance our careers. Women must break through barriers, take risks and leave their comfort zone. Intelligent chances are worth taking as they can pay off in many ways. Women also need sponsors who recognize what they are capable of and advocate for them in positions. I have been lucky to have a couple of great sponsors who have supported me, and now it is my responsibility, and that of leaders across the professional landscape, to pay it forward. Surround yourself with smart people whom you can trust for advice and counsel.

How can GlobalMindED advance your goals as an inclusive leader?

Every opportunity we get to extend a helping hand to guide others to achieve their greatness is a gift. I take this role very seriously and hope to inspire generations that will follow me. GlobalMindED gives us an avenue to do just that. This organization connects students to leaders and resources they may need access to. So, I am learning daily how to become a better, inclusive leader and being inspired.

I look forward to serving as a resource and learning as much as possible from these future leaders.