This is part of an ongoing series featuring members of North Shore Bank’s Emerging Leaders Group. 

Business Relationship Manager Jacob Verhaalen worked for North Shore Bank for less than a year before joining the Emerging Leaders Group, an employee-led volunteer group for individuals growing their careers with the bank, in the spring of 2023. The following is a lightly edited interview with Jacob about how the ELG has helped him build connections and grow his skills. 

What connections have you made through ELG that have contributed to your success and professional growth?

All the connections I’ve made through ELG have taught me something. Through ELG I’ve gotten to connect with co-workers and members of the community and hear about their stories, successes, and even mistakes. What works for some people may not work for everyone, but it’s all a learning experience. 

What skills do you feel that the group helped you to develop?

I really appreciate that ELG has a broad focus and that different topics and skills are discussed so that we can become well-rounded professionally and personally.

Which ELG programming or events have had the most significant impact on you?

I enjoy the volunteering opportunities. It feels good to help the community and represent the bank, and usually, something funny happens.

How has internal/external networking impacted you since joining the group?

Since joining the group and the Commercial Banking team, I have learned to network with a purpose. Instead of making small talk and passing out business cards at events, I challenge myself to see how many meaningful conversations I can have. If through that conversation I can connect with someone, help them with something, and potentially bring in a new banking relationship, it’s 100 times more worthwhile.

What else would you like to say about the ELG? Any moments with the group that stand out to you?

The moment that stands out the most to me was when we volunteered at the Urban Ecology Center. We were tasked with removing buckthorn, an invasive species, in the park. If memory serves, we realized there was a little rain in the forecast, but at one point, it began to pour and pour. We all got drenched, and there was nothing we could do except laugh about it and try to dry off.