Jason F.

Interview

What has your career path looked like from military to banking?

After the military, I went into finance by becoming a Financial Advisor. After moving to the East Coast, I became a Branch Manager. A couple of years later, I moved back to the West Coast and stayed in retail banking as a Business Specialist and eventually went back into Branch Management. After over 20 years doing that (eight here at KeyBank), I moved into my Digital role at Key.

How well have the skills you developed in the military translated into corporate roles?

I was a Communications Specialist in the military. I worked with all levels of leadership, which allowed me to learn how to communicate effectively within the Chain of Command levels. In my current role, I must be able to have those effective conversations and present to every level of employee, all the way up to the Executive Leadership level.

At Key, we strive to offer employees a flexible work environment. Have you found that to be true? In what ways?

I have found (especially in my current role) that my work environment is very flexible. Due to time zones, I may be on calls at 6:00 a.m. with someone from the East Coast and have a 5:00 p.m. on the West Coast. I feel supported by my manager and colleagues to achieve our shared objectives, while maintaining a work-life balance through the tools and benefits that Key gives me – i.e., PTO, wellness programs, etc.

How has Key supported your career development?

Key has so many different opportunities and resources for growth if that is your goal. I have taken advantage of the formal mentoring programs – both as a mentee and a mentor. Grow At Key is another way to help you grow your career with the support of your leadership and your self-driven aspirations. I am an active member of our KBINGs; it has given me personal and professional growth opportunities. There are multiple Employee Engagement programs in the bank that I have been part of that focus specifically on Professional Development. Your career development is yours to create, and we have so many tools that provide us with guidance and direction.