At AllSouth, our employees make all the difference. Tosha, our featured AllSouth AllStar, is compassionate, empathetic, and amazing at her role of branch manager. She is hard-working and enjoys serving others and watching them succeed. These qualities allow Tosha to help our members on their financial journey.
Tosha started her career almost ten years ago and does an excellent job assisting our members with their accounts, loans, and educating them on the different products and services AllSouth offers. We recently had a chance to learn more about Tosha and what motivates her to want to make a difference for our members and team members. Here’s what we learned about our featured, AllSouth AllStar, Tosha.
How did you get into banking?
Tosha N: Honestly, I was ready for a change and wanted to do something different. I worked as a secretary at a local hospital on the night shift, and I was tired of working weekends and holidays. On top of that, I was newly engaged and didn't want to start my family working long shifts, nights, and holidays. I saw an ad for a teller position at AllSouth. After I read the job description, I thought it would be something that I would enjoy, and the schedule would allow me to spend more time with my family.
What do you do at AllSouth?
TN: Currently, I'm a branch manager. I've been with AllSouth for almost ten years. My primary responsibility is making sure that my branch is running efficiently from planning work schedules to audits. But most importantly, I work to ensure that we are successfully serving our members. As a manager, I help my team members obtain the knowledge and training they need to help them reach their career goals. It's a great feeling to watch your team members succeed in their careers.
What's a typical day like for you?
TN: Every day is different. Each day brings new challenges and excitement. I enjoy helping my team members with any issues, questions, or concerns they may have – being their everyday support. I like working in branch services because it allows me to help members at different stages of their life, through financial education and our products and services. Finding the products and services that best fit our members’ needs, saving them money, or helping them make big life purchases like buying their first car or home is enjoyable and fulfilling to me.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
TN: I genuinely enjoy helping our members; it’s the best part of my work at AllSouth. From helping a member get their first car loan to assisting a member with questions about the best way to manage their money, I enjoy serving and looking for ways to make our members feel successful at any stage.
Finances can be hard and confusing to many. There have been many times throughout my career where someone needed help with their financial situation. It has been rewarding to see a member work through their situation and being able to assist them during the process. There is nothing better than someone telling you how successful they were in creating and sticking to a new budget or achieving another financial goal.
Often, what I find most meaningful is taking the time to work with our members and provide financial education. If you take time to help someone, they'll remember how you made them feel. They know they can trust you with their family and friends' financial success.
I also have to brag that I am part of a great team. Having a great team makes my job that much easier and enjoyable when I come to work every day.
"Tosha is always upbeat and willing to take on any task. She’s passionate about serving our members and is always willing to go above and beyond to meet their needs,” said Brad, her supervisor.
What are some of the challenges you feel our members face today?
TN: During the pandemic, many suffered economically and financially. We saw many businesses close and members getting laid off. There were many instances where members had to take out loans just to keep their finances above water. Hopefully, though, this has started to improve some.
There have been multiple occasions where members will come in for an auto loan refinance. An auto loan refinance can help lower their monthly payment or overall interest on the loan, allowing them to save. It might also be possible for them to save by refinancing their boat and RV loans. Plus, we offer a variety of credit card options, including credit cards that work well for a balance transfer from another card, credit cards that earn rewards, and credit cards for someone trying to build or rebuild credit history. It's such a good feeling to watch them leave happy because we took the time to help them, and they are saving money each month.
Best financial advice you'd give someone?
TN: No matter what your income is, find a way to budget and save. If there is ever an emergency, having some savings to fall back on is so important and will be very helpful. Also, by budgeting, you’re holding yourself accountable for your spending.
Many people don't realize that by saving, they can also open a savings account to put away extra funds for “a rainy day”. If an emergency comes up, they can use a Share Secured Loan to borrow against the funds that they’ve been saving in their AllSouth Savings account or Certificate. As payments are made, funds on hold are released and made available in their Savings account or Certificate to use again. Plus, the funds that are on hold continue earning dividends. This loan is also a great way to build or rebuild credit.
What's a work-related accomplishment that you're proud of?
TN: I'm proud of my growth! I started as a teller who was scared and didn't know what to expect, and now I'm trusted with managing an entire branch. I've worked hard at every position leading me to where I am now. My journey also affords me the ability to be able to relate to my team and help them along their journey because I've done (and still do) just what they do every day.
What do you attribute your success to, and why?
TN: I would attribute my success to the empathy I have for people and my passion for my job. I try to relate and put myself in someone else’s shoes because you never know what people are going through. Whether I’m able to help a member find the best solution to their financial problem or help a team member at the teller line, that’s success to me.
What's your favorite quote or philosophy in life?
TN: My philosophy in life is to live by the golden rule of treating others the way I want to be treated. I have realized that the more you treat people with kindness and respect, the same is given back to you.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
TN: When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, kids, and I love traveling to Hilton Head. Also, my husband and I are big country music fans and love visiting Nashville. The history, music, establishments, and attractions never get old to us.
The next time you're in the area, stop in and visit Tosha at our Batesburg location.
