In 1993, Krista Phillips graduated from Loyola with a vision of creating advertisements, proudly walking the stage with a degree in Communications, specializing in advertising and public relations. Today, Phillips serves as the Chief Customer Officer for M&T Bank, being a fierce female leader in the male-dominated banking industry.
In the spring of 2024, the Communication and Media Department put together their latest initiative: the Communication and Media Advisory Board. Dr. Masudul Biswas, the department chair, had been seeking a panel composed of Loyola Communication’s Alumni who are working in the field to provide feedback to both the communication and media department chair and the associate dean of the social sciences. Krista Phillips returned to Loyola three decades after graduating to chair this board.
“There was a while that I didn’t actively participate in Loyola at all,” Phillips said. “I got busy with my career and my family…[but] when this presented itself as an opportunity to get involved, I really did lean in and understand that this is a way that I can get back involved with Loyola,” she said. She also joked that the timing is nice as she could “maybe keep an eye on [her] son when [she is] here.
As for accepting the position of the board’s chair, Phillips said she told Dr. Biswas “absolutely” immediately because she wanted to “grow and go together.” She is genuinely invested in the well-being and success of those around her. Her hope for our generation’s success in the future was palpable from the moment we met, and she finds passion coaching young professionals. This new role fuses her expertise and passion into something that students will be the beneficiaries of.
“I like a challenge,” Phillips said.
Phillips is an authentic leader with compassion, perhaps because she needed an emotionally intelligent boss in the beginning years of her career; being a woman in the banking industry has not always proven to be easy.
“I was sometimes the only woman in a room full of men,” Phillips said. “I was often asked to be the one to take notes…I had to find my voice in uncomfortable ways.”
She recalled a pivotal moment in her career that ultimately defined who she would become both professionally and personally.
“I was told I was too emotional to ever be successful,” Phillips said.
At this point, she found herself at a crossroads.
“I could either shrink into this idea and conform to what that industry wanted me to be, or I could wear my emotion on my sleeve as a superpower.”
This mindset has since defined what became a highly successful career. As a leader, Phillips ensures that there is a seat for all at the table. She encourages her employees to use their voice and be curious, and attributes much of her success to embracing authenticity and confidence.
This topic reminded the ‘93 alum of something she and many people—primarily women— experience when they earn success. Imposter syndrome is a term describing the feeling of not deserving your success despite being qualified. Studies show that women are more likely to experience the feelings of imposter syndrome due to both societal forces and stereotypes. Female executives in particular experience imposter syndrome, as a KPMG study found that 75% of these women have felt it.
Phillips reflected on the role that imposter syndrome has played in her life, and how she sees it in our future careers.
“I’m really hopeful for you. There is a time and place to give some room for doubt… You can spend a little time in that space, but bookend it and then shift your mindset and spend more time in the space that tells you that you are good enough,” Phillips said.
This mantra guided her to the top, being appointed Chief Customer Officer by M&T Bank in January. She enters her office with her shoulders back, head held high, and exuding positivity; a lesson students could take to lead like Krista Phillips.
