Tag: Leadership

Credit professionals do more than manage risk and protect their companies’ bottom lines, they often serve as mentors, leaders and changemakers. Today, we celebrate those who not only excel in their own careers but also uplift others along the way. These credit professionals make a lasting impact on the people and organizations around them. We’re proud to recognize Michelle Riepe, CCE, credit support manager at Ben E. Keith Company (Fort Worth, TX), recipient of the GSCFM Student Leader Award from NACM’s National Honors and Awards Program.  

Tracy Mitchell, CBA, director of accounts receivable at Trinity Logistics (Seaford, DE) is this year’s recipient of the CBA Designation of Excellence Award, granted to credit professionals who have both attained the Credit Business Associate (CBA) and shown a commitment to excellence through continuous learning and sharing knowledge by speaking, teaching or mentoring.

The ability to lead exists in all of us. You don’t need a title to make an impact—it’s about how you show up. But what sets great leaders apart from average ones? Over the past year, we’ve navigated economic uncertainty, from supply chain disruptions to looming trade war threats. During times like these, teams are looking to their leaders for direction.

Being a leader is hard but leading during stressful periods where internal or external stressors seem to add pressure to your credit team can be even harder. Whether your company is undergoing a merger that throws everyone’s day-to-day work through a loop or economic instability brings added stress to everyone’s days, workplace challenges can pop up at any moment. But what can leaders do to ease tensions and calm their credit teams?

Designations earned through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program transform credit professionals of any level to outstanding leaders in their field.  

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping a professional’s career by providing the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. Beyond that, education also fosters personal growth, boosts confidence and builds a strong network that can support career advancement. By continuously learning, you not only improve your current role but also position yourself for long-term success.

The last few decades have seen large waves of women entering the credit profession. Women are entering into male-dominated offices and paving the way for other women to not only excel in credit positions but climb the ladder into leadership roles previously only allotted to men.   

On today’s episode of Extra Credit…There are moments throughout your career when you might be looking for guidance. Whether you are just getting acquainted at your very first job, you’ve made a career transition or you just need some advice, a mentor can make a world of difference in your confidence at work.