Welcome to Episode Two of Woman Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Natalie Bartholomew, Northwest Arkansas Community President for First Community Bank and founder of the Girl Banker Community. Natalie shares powerful stories, practical career advice, and her unique approach to building community in banking and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Natalie discovered her passion for banking growing up on her family’s farm and transitioned into a leadership role in a male‑dominated industry.
• Strategies for finding and nurturing honest mentors—both good and “bad” bosses—and leveraging those relationships for personal growth.
• What it really takes to cultivate a thriving company culture, from “walking the talk” to hiring a dedicated culture officer.
• The origin story and keys to explosive growth for the Girl Banker Facebook community, now over 11,000 members strong.
• Lessons from high‑pressure speaking engagements, including how Natalie balances self‑care, family priorities, and professional commitments.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Natalie’s surprising twin‑sister reveal: “I can’t be taken seriously without high heels—yet I love muck boots.”
• Why First Community Bank made culture a priority by empowering 600+ employees with dedicated mental‑health and career‑coaching support.
• How a simple Facebook group ballooned from 600 to 11,000 members overnight during the pandemic, providing real‑time peer support.
• Behind‑the‑scenes mishaps—altitude sickness in Colorado and a seven‑minute Vegas keynote—demonstrating the importance of preparation and hydration.
• Natalie’s final advice: give yourself grace, enjoy each phase of life, and surround yourself with people who genuinely lift you up.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• First Community Bank
• Girl Banker Community
• ABA Bank Marketing Conference

Quotes:

“Empowerment starts with trust—and letting your team do their job.” – Natalie Bartholomew “If you’re not happy outside the office, you won’t perform well inside it.” – Natalie Bartholomew

Enjoy this insightful conversation designed to inspire mentorship, culture‑building, and a balanced approach to career success.