WOMEN TO WATCH

Stephanie Alderdice

SVP & Director of Marketing
Stone Bank

Creative communication that produces results has been the professional thread throughout my career. With a master’s in communication, I’ve coached national champions, ran a digital storefront, then joined — and purchased — an agency in Hot Springs. Now, as director of marketing at Stone Bank, I show how our community bank can help you reach your next financial milestone.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Agility and humility. Deadlines approach quickly, and sometimes your favorite idea isn’t the best idea at that time.

Best advice I ever received

Be curious, not judgmental.

Biggest challenges in my career

The “attention economy.” Our lives are shaped by competing forces for our attention (in-person and online). My job is to produce something that catches and merits your attention.

What I learned from my first job

Get comfortable hearing “no.” In creative fields, it can be difficult to separate your effort from your identity, but it teaches resilience and forces greater creativity.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Joy, support or growth. Mental energy is finite. If something isn't adding to one of the three, it's not worth my energy.

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Friends of Little Rock Public Radio and the Signal Society. At a time when algorithms influence and manipulate the information we’re served, supporting independent, local and nonpartisan journalism is critical.

How I knew this was my passion

Advocacy and communication are what drive me. Financial confidence and security are critical for women, regardless of their zip code.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Advocating for small business growth and individual financial confidence.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Your reviews and recommendations benefit a small business more than marketing dollars. Leave a five-star review on Google with genuine feedback. It costs nothing and is valuable to potential customers.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Just walk away. Stepping back and shifting focus allows me to reapproach the challenge with a fresh perspective.

Best career moment so far

During my agency days, I worked on ballot initiatives for Mid-America Science Museum and Majestic Park. Watching election results roll in was intense, but the impact is profound.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

I can't start my day until

The right song comes on

Hobbies

LEGO sets, audiobooks

Binge watch

“The Pitt”

Last good read

“You With the Sad Eyes” by Christina Applegate

Favorite meal in town

Acai bowl at The Buttered Biscuit

Best recent local discovery

Plaza Frida

Latest splurge

Adult Legos

Most-used app

Spotify

Dream vacation

All-inclusive anywhere paid for by anyone else

SPONSORS