Banking Proves to Be ‘Right Decision’ for Coleman
When Allison Coleman accepted a job at a bank, her mom was skeptical. Coleman says, “Her response was, ‘Allison, you are terrible at math! Are you sure this is the right decision for you?’” Turns out, her mom had no need to worry as Coleman has progressed through several roles at the bank. “It was absolutely the right decision, Mom,” she teased.
As fraudulent activity increased, Coleman was asked to be F&M Bank’s dedicated fraud specialist — a role she has found challenging and rewarding. “I’ve been involved in a lot of different areas of banking, but my role at F&M as assistant vice president, fraud specialist, has challenged me to grow and learn daily,” she said.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I will never forget when I called my mom to tell her I accepted a position with a community bank as a teller. Her response was, “Allison, you are terrible at math! Are you sure this is the right decision for you?” Since then, I’ve been involved in a lot of different areas of banking, but my role at F&M as assistant vice president, fraud specialist, has challenged me to grow and learn daily. Fraudulent activity continues to increase and so does F&M Bank’s approach to fraud. In response, F&M made the decision to have a dedicated fraud specialist that focuses primarily on protecting our clients.
As I reflect on the past few years, I am proud of the hard work I’ve put in and the clients I have helped along way. (It was absolutely the right decision, Mom.)
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
If you are new to banking, finding great mentors is key! I have been fortunate to have had a few over the years. Listen to what they have to say, ask questions, and soak up everything they have to offer.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
There are so many career opportunities within banking! You don’t even have to be great at math! The opportunities and benefits make banking an easy career choice. For me, the way F&M Bank supports and invests in their team, clients and community means a lot. F&M gives me the flexibility for a realistic work-life balance as well as encourages and allows me the time to give back to our community.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA and the level of support they offer is amazing — from peer email groups to more formal, organized learning and everywhere in between. I personally have attended several seminars and forums, most recently, the Women In Banking forum. It was a great event with a lineup of energizing speakers and time to collaborate and network with peers.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially the newest edition — my first grandchild! My husband and I enjoy taking road trips and exploring small towns around Iowa. Being a native southerner, there is still so much of the Midwest I have yet to explore.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“You have two choices in life: you can either like what you do or dislike what you do. I have chosen to like what I do.”
— Barbara Bush.
I am a firm believer that if you truly like what you do, it shows in your work. We are in the office 40-plus hours a week; it certainly helps to truly like what you do!