News at St. Catherine's
Hope Holding Bryant ’81
As the first female Chair of the North Carolina Bankers Association and Executive VP of the nation’s largest family-controlled bank, Bryant is an example for all women who look to balance career and family.
Working summers in Raleigh, N.C., Hope Holding Bryant '81learned the ropes of banking at First Citizen’s Bank, founded and shaped by her grandfather, father and uncle. The financial industry was then, and is still somewhat today, “a man’s world,” but Bryant is an inspiration to women who might otherwise be daunted. Bryant worked her way up the ranks, stepping back along the way to raise her sons while working part-time, and eventually returning full time to the ever-evolving career she loved.
For Bryant, the first female Chair of the North Carolina Bankers Association and Executive VP of the nation’s largest family-controlled bank, passion for what you do is essential because of the sacrifice a demanding career requires, particularly of women. As young people move into today’s workforce, Bryant observes that women are more driven and focused than their male counterparts; but when they decide to have a family, those motivated women cede their drive and positions to men. Many are intimidated and reluctant to transition back into the workforce later. Bryant encourages young women to hone their passion and skills learned along the way while reinventing and adapting to the accelerating pace of change. Women who re-engage even part-time are to Bryant more valuable employees than are full-time employees who lack experience and passion for the job. Another absolute: knowing not just what you are doing, but the people with whom you are working. “In the banking industry, in particular, ethical behavior is at a premium, and you must be mindful of the entire company—are they doing things you would be proud of reading about in the paper?”
During the financial downturn in 2009, what kept First Citizen’s afloat was the unified response across the entire company. Transparent leadership shared the unvarnished truth of the crippling, almost overnight crisis companywide. Everyone shared the pain, earnings were decimated, raises eliminated top to bottom. As one, 5000 employees responded by stepping forward together, participating in problem-solving to get the company moving ahead as a team. When events whether personal and professional have proven difficult, Bryant says looking forward, and marching purposefully forward, always serve you well.
For Bryant, the first female Chair of the North Carolina Bankers Association and Executive VP of the nation’s largest family-controlled bank, passion for what you do is essential because of the sacrifice a demanding career requires, particularly of women. As young people move into today’s workforce, Bryant observes that women are more driven and focused than their male counterparts; but when they decide to have a family, those motivated women cede their drive and positions to men. Many are intimidated and reluctant to transition back into the workforce later. Bryant encourages young women to hone their passion and skills learned along the way while reinventing and adapting to the accelerating pace of change. Women who re-engage even part-time are to Bryant more valuable employees than are full-time employees who lack experience and passion for the job. Another absolute: knowing not just what you are doing, but the people with whom you are working. “In the banking industry, in particular, ethical behavior is at a premium, and you must be mindful of the entire company—are they doing things you would be proud of reading about in the paper?”
During the financial downturn in 2009, what kept First Citizen’s afloat was the unified response across the entire company. Transparent leadership shared the unvarnished truth of the crippling, almost overnight crisis companywide. Everyone shared the pain, earnings were decimated, raises eliminated top to bottom. As one, 5000 employees responded by stepping forward together, participating in problem-solving to get the company moving ahead as a team. When events whether personal and professional have proven difficult, Bryant says looking forward, and marching purposefully forward, always serve you well.
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
