“Man’s happiness really lies in contentment.” That quote stuck with me after attending the Future Leadership Division (FLD) Conference. A few team members and fellow interns from Springs Valley had the opportunity to attend—and we walked away inspired by powerful messages from three impactful speakers. Each session offered meaningful lessons that connected not only to our work at the bank, but to how we live, lead, and support others every day.
Be an Influential Leader – Joe Micallef
Joe Micallef kicked off the conference with an energizing talk on leadership, sharing his Leadership Excellence Model—a framework that fits perfectly with Springs Valley’s own core values. He broke down the “Why, What, and How” of the 4 Cs: Clarity, Culture, Confidence, and Consistency, encouraging all of us to take our leadership to the next level.
What stood out to me was how much his message reflected what I’ve experienced during my internship. Springs Valley has created an environment where leadership is present in every department. From day one, I’ve been supported both personally and professionally. The bank leads by example, and it’s our goal to pass that same leadership on to our customers—whether they’re opening a savings account, applying for a loan, or seeking financial guidance for the future.
From eMail to Emoji – Dr. Minju Witte
Dr. Minju Witte offered a fresh perspective on workplace communication in her session, “From eMail to Emoji.” Her message was clear: even in a digital world, etiquette still matters—and it’s rooted in honesty, respect, and thoughtfulness.
From how we respond to eMails, to the tone we use in texts, to knowing when (and how!) to use emojis, Dr. Witte reminded us that every interaction counts. At Springs Valley, we’re mindful of how we communicate—whether it's face-to-face or online. Our goal isn’t just to provide great service, but to make people feel seen, heard, and respected in every moment of contact.
Finding Happiness in a Busy World – CJ McClanahan
CJ McClanahan’s session, “Worry Much?” challenged us to rethink what happiness really means. Spoiler: it’s not tied to wealth, status, or hustle. Instead, CJ encouraged us to focus on five meaningful principles:
It was such a great reminder that money is a tool, not a destination. At Springs Valley, we believe in supporting financial wellness not just to build wealth, but to help people focus on what truly matters—family, community, peace of mind, and purpose. Yes, we’re bankers, but we’re also parents, coaches, volunteers, and neighbors—and in all those roles, we’re striving for the same thing: a life that feels good and meaningful.
Bringing It All Together
From leadership to communication to happiness, the FLD Conference was more than just a professional development event—it was a life lesson. These weren’t just things to use at work; they were takeaways we can apply everywhere: at the bank, at home, on teams, in our communities.
I feel so grateful to be part of a company that lives out these values every day. At Springs Valley, we lead with purpose, we treat people with respect, and we help our customers move forward with confidence—not just financially, but in life.
- Tori