Vander Waal Grows Alongside Clients
Cheyenne Vander Waal, commercial relationship manager at VisionBank, is a partner for her clients through every stage of growth. When reflecting on her career, she is most proud of the relationships she’s established with clients and within the industry. She encourages anyone considering a career in banking to say “yes” to opportunities that scare them, and to figure it out along the way.
Vander Waal said the IBA provides a shared voice for Iowa banks and opportunities for collaboration. When she’s not working, Vander Waal enjoys spending time with her daughters. She seeks to live with a balance of “grit and grace.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Looking back on my banking career, I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built – not only with clients but within the banking and commercial real estate industry. I realized early on that it’s not just about the numbers – it’s about the people, trust and creative problem solving. I’m always feet first with a small business scaling their operations but also love a good challenge navigating complex projects or working the extra mile for a deal. I can bring the most value when I have the opportunity to be a partner through every stage of growth, and growing with my clients is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson that you apply to your banking career.
Not to sound cliché, but my favorite title is “Mom.” It’s completely reshaped how I approach leadership and relationships. It has taught me patience, adaptability and how to just listen – skills that directly translate into banking. Every client, like every kiddo, has their own story, goals and way of communicating. Now, I just meet people where there are and not where you expect them to be. It’s built trust faster than any financial product ever could.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or anyone considering a career in banking?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Say yes to opportunities that scare you and figure it out along the way. The best bankers aren’t the ones who know everything …they’re the ones who stay curious, ask great questions, and care deeply about their clients. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and banking is full of those moments if you let it be.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is one of the few careers where we get to make a tangible impact on this community every day. I’m not just financing buildings or monitoring working capital lines of credit, I’m helping dreams take shape, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies. It’s a career that blends strategy, service, and purpose. If you like solving problems and connecting with people, you’ll never be bored in banking.
how does getting involved with the iowa bankers association help you and your bank?
The IBA is a powerful connector and educational resource. It gives bankers across the state a shared voice, deeper education, and a platform to collaborate instead of compete. Personally, I’ve gained phenomenal resources through IBA events and programs and made some great connections there. Most recently, I had the opportunity to complete the Advanced Commercial Lending School and brought those tools back to my team to apply to our processes. For VisionBank, it keeps us plugged into statewide initiatives that ultimately help us serve our clients better and strengthen Iowa’s banking ecosystem.
when you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
Outside of banking, you’ll find me spending time with my two daughters. During the summer, we’re usually at a softball field, scoping out a new park, or on some kind of outdoor adventure. I also love cooking new trendy dishes for us to try, working out, and exploring new local businesses and restaurants. Those are my reset moments where I can refocus and fill my own cup so I can show up as the best version of myself.
what is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
It’s nearly impossible for me to pick one guiding principle because the IBA has graciously given me a platform to potentially make a difference – I’d love to share one extra.
I wish someone told me this when I was growing up, but grace and grit should absolutely co-exist. Life and leadership require both toughness and gentleness. I’ve learned you can be kind without being passive, firm without being cold, and ambitious without losing your empathy. That balance is where real influence comes from.
The last one I’ll leave you with is courage > comfort. Growth seldomly comes from the easy path. Every defining moment in my career and personal life started with an intentional decision to lean into discomfort – it’s been worth it every single time.