Pace: Leading by Example
Danielle Pace, vice president, director of retail banking and consumer lending at Clear Lake Bank and Trust Co., has built a nearly 20-year career by staying open to opportunity and leading with heart. What started as a teller position quickly turned into a fulfilling path that’s allowed her to shape new products, implement new technology, and mentor others to grow into leaders themselves. Watching team members thrive in their own careers is one of her proudest accomplishments.
Pace values the IBA as a partner in helping her team and bank continue to grow through education, advocacy and peer support. From legislative insights to professional development, the IBA has played a meaningful role in her journey and continues to be a trusted resource as she looks toward what’s next.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
From creating an entirely new suite of retail products to implementing new and innovative technology, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a lot of great projects. All of that aside, in my leadership roles throughout the years, my proudest moments have been mentoring and leading those on my team to set their own personal goals, work hard to achieve them and flourish in their own careers. In some cases, this has led good people to leave my department to pursue other areas, and while that stings a little, watching someone I mentored grow and thrive is one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive as a leader.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Keep an open mind and be willing to learn anything that’s thrown your way. There are so many facets to banking – there’s truly a job for every person, every skill set and every passion. I started as a teller with absolutely no intention other than earning a paycheck until I could find “the next best thing.” I’ve been able to use my strongest skills in different roles and have even fulfilled some of my personal passions along the way. If you had asked me at age 20 what I wanted to do with my life, banking wouldn’t have even made the list. But because I was willing to explore other areas of banking and was given the opportunity to learn the roles, what was once a “job” has turned into a career of nearly 20 years.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because you face a different challenge every single day. If you’re customer-facing, you meet new and extraordinary people every day and make connections you might not otherwise. If you’re behind the scenes, you see firsthand how quickly the banking world changes and have to be willing to pivot. Every person needs a bank at some point in their life. How cool it is to be part of something that everyone needs.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is such a helpful ally for Clear Lake Bank and Trust. Through continuing education, legislative support, peer-led support groups and many other services, the IBA has been a direct contributor to our employee development and continued success.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I’m not working, I’m following my kids, who are eight and 10 years old, to their next big adventure – whether it’s sports, theatre or band. We have a permanent campsite and spend most summer weekends lounging along the Shell Rock River, kayaking or hiking local trails. I tend to a small hobby flock of chickens and can often be found on my patio during the warmer months, reading a book to whichever chicken wants to join me.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
My long-time favorite quote is from a song by the late ’80s band Tesla: “It’s not what you got, it’s what you give.”