Kristen Burke
Market President, Commercial Banking – Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn
Valley Bank

As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp, Valley National Bank is a regional bank with over $62 billion in assets. Valley operates 12 branches and commercial banking offices across LI in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens as well as branches and commercial banking offices in New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois. Valley has more than 3800 employees throughout its footprint across real estate, commercial & industrial, business banking, healthcare, nonprofit, government contracting and more.

What leadership traits have served you well? And on the flip side, what have you learned that tends to hold women leaders back?

I learned early in my career not to be afraid to ask questions and to acknowledge what I don’t know.  It is much worse to pretend you understand something than to admit that you need additional information.  It’s important to be open to learning new things. Too many women think either they aren’t ready or need to check every box before they raise their hand for a new position or promotion. They believe it’s a stretch when it’s truly not and this holds us back. We totally deserve to be at the table and need to unapologetically believe it.

What are some key strategies to help others achieve a more prominent role in their organizations or career?

While mentoring other women is very important, I am a big believer in being mentored by someone – whether it is a man or another woman – who you respect and has traits and skills you want to develop. Especially in the early and mid-stages of careers, it is very helpful to have someone looking out for you. I also encourage women to be open to new opportunities, to network within your organization and to raise your hand to work on a project outside of your core job responsibility. You want to be part of the team deciding on new strategies as it serves to be aligned and committed when you are part of the conversation. Look for opportunities to have experiences away from your day-to-day job as it will help you grow your skillset and potentially introduce you to others within your organization.

What valuable career lesson or lessons would you like to share with others?

Being open to trying new things and do more than the job entails is something that I wish I learned earlier in my career. Take on new challenges and understand the power of yes. Be approachable to new opportunities even if they are outside of your comfort zone and your job description. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice and also don’t be afraid of failure as we learn from our mistakes.  And, give others the space to fail and learn.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

You deserve to be at the table and to have a voice. Your thoughts are as relevant as anyone’s.  If you are prepared, you will be confident in sharing your views. Don’t self-impose limitations on knowing when you are ready to take on more responsibility.