Keeta Raines’ Post

Started working officially at The Alternative Bank Sterling Bank exactly a year ago. In that one year I have laughed, been excited, learnt, questioned myself and grown. I am definitely so proud of who I have become. From working with customer experience :Quality assurance(auditing calls and social media interactions ), contact centre(making calls myself and answering customers first hand), to Projects , then to working with strategy and innovation (starting a branch from the scratch, organizing events and telling people first hand who we are as well as managing several projects). Working with diverse teams has helped me hone some of my skills and pick up new ones. Here are ten lessons I have learnt on this job that I would love to share: -Customers are king: They are the reason we do what we do and their needs and satisfaction is to be prioritized -Ask questions: Being inquisitive will do you a lot of good, it makes it easier for one to discharge their duties effectively -Never think of yourself as too small: You are enough and there is a reason you are currently where you are, so never think less of yourself -Continue to learn and develop yourself :The world is ever changing, read that book, take that course, and learn from your colleagues -Hold yourself accountable but never beat yourself up: You should take responsibility for your actions but while at that never dwell on your mistakes -The numbers matter: Use numbers to track your progress at work and to know where you are defaulting so you fix up -Always know when it is time to rest and recharge: You need to find balance and take regular breaks to avoid burnout -Be kind: Always ensure you leave people better than you met them and be empathetic. -Do your duties diligently: Always strive to do your duties diligently and respect everyone while at it -Collaborate: Team work makes the dream work, never isolate yourself from others I am extremely grateful for my bosses Khafil Animashaun Daphne Akatugba who have given me an avenue to discover more about myself while working on several projects. My incredible managers at work whose leading and directions have made work easy, my incredible colleagues Felicia Alamu Adedolapo Aderoju and so many others for being the best colleagues one could ask for. Indeed this has been a journey, one of several highs and lows. Let’s see what the second year holds!🚀

So, that’s a wrap! Last day at Rabobank! In April of this year, after 17yrs and four roles, I resigned from my role as GM for UK at Rabobank and today marks my last formal day with the Group. Joining as analyst in 2007 just as the financial crisis was unfolding, moving to corporate risk as European credits started to struggle before becoming the first European CRO and then the first British and permanent GM for the UK just as Brexit was made real - it has been quite a journey! At various points I have worked with, for and/or alongside some extraordinary people - there is genuine world class talent in the organisation, no question. I have also worked with a whole body of people who, without exception, are committed, dedicated and want to do well for themselves, their colleagues and the organisation as a whole. And I have yet to meet anyone, in any far flung part of the Group, who didn’t want our clients to succeed. Rabobank is not a ‘perfect’ organisation; such a thing does not exist. Like any human enterprise it has its own unique nuances but I have seen the Group change beyond recognition in my time here: it is a different organisation and a different bank. It has and is developing more leaders at every level. It has a singularity of purpose, identity and agenda. It continues to evolve, more consciously and deliberately than ever. I can honestly say that there will be no bigger cheerleader than me wishing it every success in the future for the simple reason that organisations like Rabobank, with their incredible pool of talent, knowledge and expertise, with their financial firepower and their global footprint have the tools to make a meaningful positive impact on the most pressing issues of the day and the future. I leave also, I hope, having contributed and given back at least as much as the organisation and it’s people have given me, and it has given me a lot. As you might imagine, I have a particular soft spot for the UK. It represents something special - our clients and stakeholders, the bankers, CITO, FEC, finance, HR, Risk (of course!), traders, legal, compliance, audit, everyone - the UK operation and the UK market brings a richness of talent, ability, mindset, diversity and energy that is truly unique. It was a real privilege to be a part of it and to represent them. Next steps? Well; I’m taking some proper time out! Time to reflect, to recharge, invest in ‘me’ a bit then decide where to focus the next chapter. There are still lots of things I want to do and I’m incredibly lucky in having a few very different opportunities to consider. First and foremost it’s time out with family, friends and probably sitting by a lake somewhere trying to catch ‘the big one’ whilst I think about the last few years and where all that hard earned experience can be best put to use. For now; a huge thank you to everyone I have worked with in whatever capacity over the years in my time at Rabo - you made it an incredible experience. 👏👏

Give me strength Caught an article on here (posted by Rachel Viger on the new the Lloyds bank rebrand (good post, have a read), and wanted to write something semi-literate in reply about if a rebrand is hardly noticed, does that make it a big win? That if the customers (users, whichever) just go ‘oh, yeah, fine’ and carry on, surely that’s good news. That thing, that spin doctors and PR’s always say, never becoming the news (or somesuch) means you’ve done the pitch-roll and unless you’re looking for a fight, spite or right bin-fire, all’s good. As you were. But I can’t (write about that), as this morning… …train (to work) arrives (late) on another platform. Up two flights of stairs away platform, announced as it arrives. I’ve a bicycle. Well, you can imagine and we all love waiting for the next train, eh? Then a (insert impolite word here for the driver in a stupid SUV) blasts past in a muddy lane, and I’m showered - completely - in muddy puddle water. Spluttering and recalling the reg number - because it’s small village, where the office is. I shall be calling - roll into work. And because things always come in three’s, a client’s site is down and they’re supposed to be presenting it. And, guess what! The support team is eight hours behind me! Yay! Yay!! The lesson here, if I was a grown-up who wouldn’t be tested not to go postal of the whole day, ought to recall all those excellent articles about resilience and patience and resolve to not try and control the things you can’t… but honesty, some days. Right, who wants some? Come on then. #friday #fightday #frightday #fateday #fday #andrelax

As part of a recent regional realignment at Rabobank it’s with mixed emotions that I have made the decision to pivot out of people management back into account management. I say mixed emotions as there are many things that I have really enjoyed as a people leader that I am genuinely proud of and know I will miss but in the same breath I am excited about the next chapter as I refocus my time and energy, consolidate closer to home and contribute to the growth of Rabobank and the wider rural industry in a different way. As with any change in direction or big decision I found myself spending a lot of time reflecting over the past couple of months. Both on my last few years as a people leader but also on my career as a rural professional over the last decade. The journey that has got me to where I am today and the individuals that have helped me navigate the twists and turns along the way. Not a prolific LinkedIn contributor I thought I might share some of my thoughts, insights and key learnings from these reflections in case someone out there following in a similar path finds it of use. As they say one persons trash is another persons treasure. First off a few reflections from the last decade as a rural banker where I have been lucky enough to be a part of a number of fantastic teams across a couple of different financial institutions: 1) Not every step in the career has to be upwards, with every new direction being an opportunity to learn and grow 2) Invest in your networks (including mentors) and surround yourself with good people that you enjoy working with and that enjoy working with you. 3) Being driven and ambitious will help you get ahead but there is a fine line between ambition and arrogance so take time to be humble and enjoy the journey 4) Showing a bit of appreciation goes a long way What the last three years as a people leader has taught me: 1) Leadership is more than just a title, and everyone is a leader in some shape or form  2) Sometimes good leadership is about listening to be heard and not jumping to solutions 3) It’s ok to be vulnerable, being a leader doesn’t mean you need to know everything or have all the answers. The answer is often in the room and empowering others to contribute can help build trust and cohesion. 4) Everyone see’s and hears things in different ways so take the time to understand others point of view and make sure yours is understood 5) Having good mentors who you trust and who trust you can save you learning some things the hard way and help get you out of trouble when you do learn things the hard way. There is plenty of other great stuff (and not so great stuff) that I have learned along the way which maybe one day I will write down. In the meantime if there are any budding leaders out there (or anyone to that matter) that has made it this far down the post and wants to chew the fat further, you know where I am. Don’t be a stranger.

Celebrating Lloyds Banking Group, nominated for Outstanding Employer! Lloyds Banking Group is committed to building a fully inclusive environment, reflective of the society it serves, where all colleagues can fulfil their potential. Getting this right is at the heart of its purpose to help Britain prosper – a more inclusive society is a more prosperous one, and a diverse business is a better business. It is proud to have been the first FTSE 100 company to set targets to increase ethnic diversity at senior levels and its ethnicity strategy is led from the top and supported by comprehensive plans to ensure the company makes sustainable progress. See the full Outstanding Employer shortlist and find out more about the shortlisted organisations here: https://lnkd.in/eDiDCfhf. See the full list of all public and business awards categories here: https://lnkd.in/ehw2Jhpt. #EthnicityAwards2024 #OutstandingEmployer #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #Recognition #EthnicityAwards

Exciting days ahead especially in unsecured lending business.

I reached out to the top 100 bankers to learn how they were achieving such great results. One thing became clear. They all had a structured process they followed with every client. At that time, I was struggling. I wanted to be a top banker but had no idea how to get there. Even after discovering the importance of a consistent process, my ego got in the way. “I don’t need a process,” I told myself. “I’m good with people—I can just wing it and win clients over with my charm and charisma.” It took me six more months of inconsistent results to admit I was wrong. I needed a reliable process I could trust. So, I got to work. I built my own process and followed it religiously. A year later, I was recognized as the top banker in my market and began coaching others. Here’s the lesson: if you want consistent results, you need a consistent process. You develop one through trial and error until you figure out what works - or you learn one that's already proven. And, most importantly, you have to silence your ego to let it work.

An absolute professional with a wealth of knowledge.

I had a great visit this past Thursday with a longtime friend and a retired credit guy from RBC. Steve M. took me under his wing when I came off the training program and was placed in Edson as my first placement. I was very green after 3- or 6-months on the job training, I can't remember exactly. I appreciated his directness, common sense and fair approach to credit. Plus, he was very good at teaching and letting you know where you could do better, so I soaked up that knowledge and guidance. Only once did I try to sneak a credit in without doing the full write up, due to being busy, the client being very solid and some laziness to be honest. Not long after submission, I got a phone call with some choice words asking what the hell I was doing and the comment this will be the only time I will flip to A status without comments. This is your only warning. My goal when I joined the Bank was to learn but never spend a career there as it didn't align with me. I truly credit him for the success I have had in this industry inside the Banks then to private sector and now running Equipment Capital Corp. I would not be where I am in life, without him. I have extreme gratitude for him. I always look forward to this monthly 1-hour visit. I love the insight, the laughs and just catching up about life in general. I always see these bankers full of life once they retire. No stress but just living life, on their own terms. We owe out to the young guns in the industry to pass on our knowledge to the ones willing to learn. Help guide them, the way we were guided. I always have time for the people starting out in the industry with any questions or as the advance the industry whether a competitor or not. Nothing would put a smile on my face like losing a deal to one of them or them taking over ECC. We all start somewhere so let's leave our mark by helping the younger generation with the industry. My Monday musings.

Absolutely agree with this! Building a consistent, reliable process is crucial for long-term success. It’s a journey of growth and learning, and sometimes the biggest challenge is getting past our own ego. This resonates deeply, as this was exactly the problem I faced not-too-long ago. What I learned is: no matter how well you get to know someone, it’s essential to approach every conversation with an open mind and avoid assuming you know how they'll answer. When we give clients the space to voice their preferences and consider their options, we not only builds trust but also ensure that the decisions we make together are aligned with their evolving needs and aspirations, ultimately fostering a more authentic, lasting partnership.