NWA Women in Business: Jaclyn Henderson
Residence: Rogers
Education: B.S.B.A., accounting with finance minor, 2008, University of Arkansas; Certified Treasury Professional, Association for Financial Professionals
Professional background: Henderson serves as commercial banking leader and market executive for Regions Bank in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Throughout her 18-year career with Regions, she has focused on supporting the banking needs of corporate, small business, government, and nonprofit clients across the region. Henderson is active in several community groups, serving as secretary for the NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation, treasurer for the Rogers Lowell Chamber Board, as a Walton Arts Center Foundation board member and part of the Civil Service Commission for the city of Rogers. She’s a graduate of Leadership Benton County.
What was your dream job as a kid, and why? As funny as it sounds, my dream job actually was to be a banker. We played bank teller as kids, and I was always the banker in Monopoly.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? What I really love about banking is the opportunity to be part of making people’s dreams come true, whether big or small. Helping a couple buy their first house. Helping a business grow and expand or successfully transition to the next generation of leaders. Helping someone build financial confidence in planning for retirement. It is truly special to watch someone’s idea and dream become a reality and know that you were a small part of it.
Who was a big mentor to you in the early part of your career? My former boss, Jerry Vest, was my biggest mentor. Jerry taught me the importance of not just doing the right kind of business, but it being equally or more important to do business with the right people. He showed me compassion in the job. He also showed me that by thoughtfully listening to clients and understanding their vision and purpose, you can help present a solution that can empower a company to grow and thrive.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Know yourself. Know your values and stay true to those values. Also, really know your strengths and weaknesses. This part sounds easy, but it can be difficult to have a truthful conversation with yourself and hold yourself accountable.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? When I first entered commercial banking — a male-dominated field — it was a bit intimidating. I was worried how I would be accepted. What I realized is this was only going to be a roadblock if I made it a roadblock. I wrote my value proposition of what made me unique. I then strived every day to prove that value and to be a leader. I focused on demonstrating consistency, persistence and compassion. A business owner wants to be heard and supported by their banker. They want to believe you are in the boat rowing with them. I think as women, this desire to support and help comes naturally.
You stay busy professionally. How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I love to walk and run. I solve more problems during this time when my brain can check out and there are no other distractions. I love spending time at the lake or in nature. Sometimes, just to sit in the quiet to give myself time to breathe and plan. You have to allow yourself quiet time for creativity and innovation.