Asked what she’s learned is crucial for a leader to understand, Natalie says: “One, people enjoy choices, flexibility, and the ability to customize their day. Two, give people the opportunity to share feedback. And foster a collaborative environment and regularly ask your team, ‘How can I help you?’”

When we checked in with Natalie Canadeo in 2017, she had only positive things to say. The trend continues as the deposit services manager marks 25 years with North Shore Bank.

“Over the last eight years, Natalie has led the charge on many continuous improvement initiatives in her department,” says her boss, VP customer support Jude Lengell, improving efficiency and cutting down on paper being used. “It’s been my pleasure to have worked with her for over 20 years!”

Natalie talked to Shorelines about how the last five years have been.

What big changes or developments have taken place in your professional life since your 20th anniversary?
From an operations standpoint, documents are moving so quickly now. We’ve been used to a paperless environment for a while, but our workflows are becoming more sophisticated. I really like RightSignature and e-signed documents. We’re capturing a lot of signatures where people can sign right from their device. And of course, there’s been more camera “face time” during meetings, thanks to the pandemic.

How about life outside of work?
I’ve jumped the pond a couple of times, specifically to Tuttlingen, Germany, and Ennis, in County Clare in Ireland. I’m writing for a Beatles magazine, published out of Liverpool, England. I’ve been helping our homeowners association develop a bike storage solution for 144 condo units. And I regularly get “attacked” by puppies at the Elmbrook Humane Society, as a volunteer.

What lessons have been driven home for you in the last five years?
It’s easy to not participate in something. But showing up is 80 percent of success.

It’s important to relax and let go. Hold on to tasks and projects like sand on a beach — not too tight and not too loosely.

Be patient with yourself and others. Ask for help when needed.

Many hacks from co-workers, from filing systems to keyboard shortcuts.

Oh, and I just learned about the Oxford comma! Game changer!