Brian Milton’s Post

Talk about values in action! I love that generosity activities are a staple of internal senior leadership meetings. Last week, I had the privilege of gathering with executives and senior leaders to align on our business plan. It's a powerful force when leaders are truly centered on purpose first, and then build strategies from there. That’s one of the many reasons I'm looking forward to making advice more accessible to all through banking at Thrivent.

Financial literacy, especially for kids, is something that I’m very passionate about, and I love that part of Thrivent's purpose is to promote financial literacy and clarity. It’s one of many reasons that I remain so excited to expand our presence in banking. #teamThrivent

In my experience, client-centricity is something so many companies want to achieve but is rare to find authentically, and when you do see it in action, it’s incredibly inspiring. This story of our one millionth Thrivent Action Team is a great example. I’m proud to be part of an organization that keeps clients and communities at the heart of all we do, and excited to deliver that same client-centricity through banking at #Thrivent. Today, I’m celebrating the one million instances of client-inspired generosity we’ve empowered through the Thrivent Action Teams over the last 10 years.

I’ve had several conversations recently with friends and former colleagues who are thinking about their next career move. I feel fortunate to have started my adventure with #Thrivent nearly two years ago, and wanted to share a few thoughts in case helpful for anyone considering a new opportunity.   First, it is something special to find a company that deeply understands and lives out its purpose, and incredibly rewarding to know that you are working with others to make a difference. Consider how you can include mission and purpose in your search.   Second, there is the desire to be perceived as “client-centric,” and then there is genuine client-centricity. The latter can bring tremendous clarity and focus to every decision you make, and is worth looking for in an organization.    Third, advocate for yourself. I’ve been lucky to have worked with some incredibly talented individuals and leaders who still discount their own successes and capabilities. Humility is important, but don’t sell yourself short.   If I can help in any way, either by finding out more about or making a connection to an opportunity at Thrivent, providing a reference elsewhere, or simply offering a boost of confidence when needed, please let me know. 

To all of my colleagues in communications out there, I can tell you firsthand that working with Callie is a wonderful experience, and that this is a great chance to join a truly purpose-driven organization that is working on some remarkable things. Take a look, and please reach out to me if I can be at all helpful.

Extremely proud of my friends at Union Bank for the tireless effort that went into such a monumental undertaking. Congratulations to Greg Seibly, Ivan Seda, CFA, CPA, Jason Shapiro, CFA , Todd Hollander, Yuliya Kaminskaya, Diana Rodriguez, Lisa Roberts, Andrew Holland, CFA, CPA, Montinee June Pongsiri, Renuka Patel, Wesley Morgan, Brandi Hanover Wessel, Gary Walton, Frank Robinson, Rohit Khanna, George Tanaka, Sandy Walia, Isai Amaya, Robbin Preciado, Patrick Nygren, Steve Schaefer, CMA (he / him),Waleed Rahyab, CPA, Darin Louie, Dana Meir, Cary Rubinstein and so many more on the conclusion of an incredible adventure, and best wishes for the next chapter!

This is the second year in a row that I'm unintentionally celebrating Thanksgiving abroad, in a country where the holiday isn't observed, and it only magnifies the already overwhelming feeling of appreciation for all I have — including a meaningful job with people committed to doing important and impactful work. With everything going on around us, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to partner with some extraordinary leaders on work that really matters. Thank you Geoffrey Thomas, Dan Goldman, Ryan Hawkins, Tori Williams, Bryant Cottam, Peter Engebretson, Callie Briese, Karla Reyerson, Gretchen Agee, Stephen Friend, and David Royal for allowing me to be a part of the journey with you. Count me incredibly #thankful.

This weekend, I had a first. I spent the weekend away with my oldest daughter, for the first time just the two of us, and I’m back to work today with such a full heart. At Thrivent we talk a lot about clarity - helping people understand their purpose and connect their financial decisions to the things that matter most to them. That clarity couldn't have been stronger for me this weekend, and I'm back today with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to work at an organization and with a banking leadership team that is all about balancing the important things in life…meaningful relationships, impactful work, and making a difference in the lives of others. It inspires me to give my very best at work every day and makes me so thankful to work with such incredible people.