Mason: Putting People First
Julia Mason is passionate about serving others and supporting her team in her role as AVP, operations manager at South Story Bank & Trust. After retiring from the military following 22 years of service, Mason was surprised by the many similarities between military service and banking, including the importance of teamwork, accountability, risk management and, most importantly, taking care of the people who depend on you. The best career advice she’s received is “Mission First, People Always,” recognizing when employees are taken care of, they are better able to invest in customers. Outside of work, Mason enjoys traveling, having visited 22 countries and nearly all 50 states, reading multiple books a week, and spending time outdoors with her husband and 15-year-old, including hiking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. She especially looks forward to summer trips to the Boundary Waters of Canada.
What’s something ABOUT YOUR ROLE PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?
While this isn’t necessarily specific to my role, it’s something I’ve discovered about banking in general. After retiring from the military following 22 years of service, I was surprised by how many similarities exist between the two professions. Both rely on teamwork, accountability, risk management, and most importantly, taking care of the people who depend on you. Also, both industries have a deep appreciation for acronyms, which feels wonderfully familiar!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is “Mission First, People Always.” Throughout my career, I’ve learned that taking care of your team and your clients is never at odds with accomplishing the mission, but instead it’s how the mission gets accomplished. When you invest in your people, they take care of your clients, when you take care of your clients, they take care of your organization. And when all of those pieces are in place, the mission takes care of itself.
If you could instantly become an expert in one thing, what would it be?
People and languages. I’ve always been fascinated by what motivates people, how they think, and how they connect with one another. Which is funny because I intentionally went into math and finance since they seemed much easier to understand than people! If I could instantly master every language, it would remove barriers and allow me to communicate with anyone, regardless of background or culture, building relationships and learning from people all over the world.
what’s an interesting or lesser-known fact about you?
One thing people are often surprised to learn about me is that I’m an introvert, but not a shy one. I love exploring the world and have traveled to 22 countries and nearly all 50 states. I’ve spent the last year learning Norwegian, read (or listen to) one-to-two books a week, and am completely obsessed with great danes. If you need a travel advisor, a book recommendation, or a picture of a giant dog, I’m your person.
What do you do outside of work to recharge?
Outside of work, my husband and I spend most of our time chasing our 15 year-old between hockey rinks and baseball fields. When I need to truly disconnect, you’ll find me outdoors. I love walking and hiking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. I look forward to spending time each summer in the Boundary Waters of Canada, where the beauty and quiet of nature help me reset and recharge.