Ashley O’Neal
Senior Vice President, Retail Market Manager
Midwest BankCentre
St. Louis
Hazelwood Central High School
University of Missouri-Columbia, BS, Business Administration-Management
St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellow, Cohort 11
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omicron Eta Omega Chapter
In short, what do you do?
As the Retail Market Manager for Midwest BankCentre, I am responsible for ensuring achievement of the Bank’s retail sales, operational, service and financial goals. I am responsible for managing and developing an effective small business team within the retail leadership group whose focus is on deposits, lending and treasury management. I manage and oversee the retail customer experience and achievement of customer experience goals. I am committed to the personal growth and development of all retail associates.
You manage a sizeable team at Midwest Bank Centre. What’s your leadership style and philosophy?
I take a democratic approach when it comes to my leadership style. I am all about doing what’s best for the team. I keep my team in mind with every decision that is made. I value their input as I need them to ensure our line of business is successful. I will take charge and make executive decisions as needed but overall I want my employees input as it keeps them engaged and motivated. Because I have a sizeable team, I stress to my leaders, “don’t bring me a problem, bring me a solution.” I do this to challenge their thinking and to assist in the development of the leadership/problem solving skills. So far it has worked well in my favor!
You’ve remained very active with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Eta Omega Chapter and The Ivy Foundation of St. Louis. Tell us about your roles and work in those organizations.
I’ve been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® since 2005. I joined Omicron Eta Omega in 2009. I have served in several roles from Chairman of various committees, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, 1st Vice-President and now President. Serving as the President of Omicron Eta Omega has brought about success and challenges. The skills I have acquired in my professional career has assisted in my ability to lead a group of dynamic women whose goal and vision is to be of Service to All Mankind. I’ve even found myself using experiences learned from the Sorority in my role with Midwest BankCentre. Omicron Eta Omega is the same age as myself. The fact my Sorors saw something in me to lead our chapter, speaks volumes. It is truly a labor of love that I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve in. The Ivy Foundation of St Louis is the philanthropic arm of Omicron Eta Omega. My experience in serving on the board has been nothing short of amazing. To learn from those who serve in the non-profit sector, creating budgets for annual giving, and forming partnerships with other agencies has provided me with tools that I have added to my professional toolkit. When interacting with clients, I am able to apply the skills learned as a board member to assist them in enhancing their opportunities as a business owner, whether for profit or non-profit.
As an avid traveler, what are your top three dream destinations?
Jamaica, Australia and Paris. While I have my passport, I haven’t siked myself up enough to take a long flight. I love warm weather so any place tropical with a beach is a dream destination for me. Jamaica is on the list for 2020. I want to visit Australia so I can hold a koala bear. Paris is a dream destination as I want to visit the Eiffel Tower.
