Faust Strives to Help Others Succeed
Ashley Faust enjoys helping people grow and develop their careers. As an assistant vice president, training and compliance specialist at F&M Bank, she gets to do just that. “I always say that we should be helping our team get where they want to go,” she said. … “It is one of the most rewarding things to watch someone grow personally and professionally.”
Faust says banking is a career she never would have considered at age 16 but now, “I could never see myself doing anything else.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
For me, it is about being able to give back to my team. Giving team members the tools and opportunities to grow and develop their careers and leadership skills is the most rewarding part of what I do. I always say that we should be helping our team get where they want to go. If that means they want to be the trainer someday, then my goal is to help them meet their career goal. It is one of the most rewarding things to watch someone grow personally and professionally.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Never sell yourself short, be hungry, eager to learn and grow, find a great mentor, and soak up as much knowledge from them as you can. Banking is a world of opportunities. We will train you and coach you; just be open and coachable. I could never see myself doing anything else and if you would have asked me at 16 if I would be where I am today, I would have said no.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking can really fit any type of personality. If you enjoy working with people, your community, and being on a team, give banking a try. You will always be learning something new and will be challenged in different ways depending on your career path, but most importantly, you will have one of the best families you can get.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Working with the IBA helps me develop in my career to be able to stay up-to-date with regulation changes, our legislators, and additional training for me or our team. This is very helpful to our bank to make sure we have knowledgeable staff and to know we have a team of individuals working on our behalf at the capital for the betterment of all banks.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, my husband and I have two boys — 13 and 7.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Take a chance and get uncomfortable; if you are not uncomfortable, you are not growing.