Sanders: Leading With Listening
Jacqlyn Sanders approaches her role as an ag/commercial lender with First Security Bank & Trust with the mindset that everyone in the room is an expert in their own way. In every interaction with customers, she seeks to truly listen, ask meaningful questions, and understand their perspective. She enjoys helping customers and projects of any size succeed, saying there’s no dollar amount “too small.” Outside of work, she recharges by spending time with family, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, enjoying the outdoors, and being in the field in the fall with her sons in the cab with her. 
What’s something about your role people might not expect?
Many people assume my role is limited to agricultural lending or large commercial deals, but it’s much more diverse than that. I work with customers of all sizes. One morning I might help someone take the first step toward starting their own business, and later that same day I could meet with a local bar and grill about an expansion they’re planning. Ag/Commercial lenders like me are here to support customers and projects of every size — there truly isn’t a dollar amount that’s “too small.” Helping customers succeed, regardless of the scope of the project, is what matters most.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
“Everyone is the smartest person in the room.” Everyone is an expert in their own way, and the sooner you recognize that, the better — especially when working with customers. They are the experts on their own businesses. Truly listening, asking meaningful questions, and understanding their perspective is essential. It ensures that any guidance you provide is relevant and welcomed, rather than offering advice or solutions that aren’t needed.
What’s an event or iowa tradition you look forward to every year?
Aside from the Cy-Hawk football game and the Iowa State Fair, which is a summer staple, I look forward to the Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake each winter. I grew up attending it every year with my family and now enjoy taking my kids. Unfortunately, it has been canceled in recent years, but it’s still one of my favorite Iowa traditions. Seeing hundreds of kites in all shapes and sizes fly in the air is breathtaking.
what’s an interesting or lesser-known fact about you?
I played six years of Division I college volleyball — four years at Kent State University during my undergraduate studies and two years at the University of Iowa while completing my master’s program.
What do you do outside of work to recharge?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. Some of my favorite ways to recharge include walks around town, days at the lake, bike rides, Iowa football games at Kinnick Stadium, golfing, operating the combine or grain cart in the fall (with my sons in the cab with me), hiking, reading, and kayaking. Any time I spend time with my family is time well spent.