WOMEN TO WATCH
2019

Tanya Carter James, MBA

Vice President & Private Banking Advisor
Arvest Bank

At a young age, I remember being told learning and growing are like twin sides of a coin. Both sides are tantamount to the coin’s potential. I earned my position by taking the initiative to learn and grow in previous management positions, while always saying “yes” to special projects. Each role has opened special project opportunities that augmented my growth. A people-centered banker, I work exclusively with physicians, dentists and high net worth individuals as their single point of contact providing a financial concierge service for mortgages, consumer loans and accounts.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

I am a people person. I love working with others to help them reach their potential. Mentoring others is second nature to me. Seeing others whose career paths I have positively influenced empowers me to attain my true purpose in life.

Biggest challenges in my career:

Much to my dismay, being a perfectionist is my greatest obstacle. I always strive to attain the “above and beyond” in all I do. Too often, I must admit, I am my worst critic.

Best advice I've ever received:

My mother Lillie Carter taught me to have strong faith and believe in God. She continuously encourages me in all aspects of my life. Whenever I say, "I can’t," she responds, "Can’t died yesterday!"

How I knew this was my passion:

Like some young people, I struggled to determine my exact career path. God directed my pathway and I started as a teller. Faith, an exceptional company and upward mobility gave me a platform to highlight my skill set.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

Arvest culture — the richly resourceful colleagues, family rooted environment, sincerely friendly ambiance and the open-door access to the senior leadership team for guidance. I can pick up the phone and call our CEO when I need guidance.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

The misconception about "banker’s hours." Bankers work evenings and weekends! As a private banker I am available to my clients when they need me, and often that is when they are not working, which means nights or early mornings.

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

I would choose to dine with Michelle Obama. The epitome of womanhood to me, she exemplifies excellence and exudes a holistic standard of a balanced woman.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. More than 70,000 people worldwide are living with cystic fibrosis.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

First thing I do at the office

Enthusiastically greet my colleagues and wish them a happy day

Best coffee in town

Shaken iced green tea at Starbucks (not a coffee drinker)

Binge watch

Any of the "Real Housewives"

Last good read

"Two Are Better Than One" by Julie and Greg Gorman

Podcast recommendation

"Not Wonder Woman"

Best recent local discovery

Sparklythangs jewelry by Ann Clements

Latest splurge

Christian Louboutin shoes

Dream vacation:

Dubai

Most-used app

Arvest Go

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