Leighty: Banking Beyond the Numbers
Chad Leighty, community bank president for Bank Iowa, says banking is about more than just numbers – it’s about building relationships. He is proud of the several opportunities he’s gotten to mentor individuals at the start of their banking careers.
Leighty said involvement with the IBA provides professional growth and helps banks succeed in a constantly evolving industry. He said “banking is hard to beat” when it comes to a career that is challenging, rewarding and makes a daily difference. A guiding quote for Leighty is “A good leader doesn’t create followers, they create more leaders.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Over the years I have had the opportunity to mentor several individuals in the beginning of their banking careers. It has been great to see how they have grown and developed in their respective roles.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Be curious and build relationships, not just numbers. Banking is more than transactions. It’s about understanding people, businesses, and communities. If you take the time to learn your client’s goals, listen to their challenges, and connect the dots between financial tools and real life needs, you’ll stand out. Technical skills matter, but trust, curiosity, and relationships will take you much further.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because it combines financial expertise with real impact. You’re not just working with numbers – you are helping people buy their first home, guiding businesses as they grow and strengthening entire communities. It offers stability, constant learning, and endless opportunities. If you want a career that challenges you, rewards you, and makes a difference every day, banking is hard to beat.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Personally, for me IBA offers professional growth through trainings, conferences and certifications that are offered. Networking and leadership opportunities and industry insight. IBA helps my bank through advocacy at the state and federal level. They also offer education and resources that the bank can access to offer for staff training, compliance support and operational tools to improve performance and reduce risk. IBA helps you grow as a professional and helps your bank succeed in a constantly changing industry.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
A good leader doesn’t create followers, they create more leaders.