April 30, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of Building Interest, Juliana Perez, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Leader Bank, shares her journey from Colombia to the U.S., highlighting her resilience and leadership skills. Born in a remote Colombian farm, Juliana moved to Boston at 11. At 17, she chose to stay in the U.S. while her family returned to Colombia. Juli credit's her career success to caring for others, leading by example, and trusting the process.
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Greg Farber (00:00):
Whether you're seeking inspiration, wisdom or a
(00:02):
fresh perspective on leadershipand entrepreneurship, the
Building Interest podcast hasyou covered. Together we explore
the successes of groundbreakingleaders, the triumphs, the
challenges and the invaluablelessons they learn along the
way. Our discussions go beyondstrategic decision making and
delve into the personal hobbiesand passions that keep these
leaders inspired and grounded intheir work. I'm your host. Greg
Farber, let's jump right intoday. We're joined by Juliana
(00:25):
Perez, Assistant Vice Presidentand Branch Manager of our
Belmont branch here at LeaderBank. Juli started here as a
teller 10 years ago, and hassince worked her way up to being
one of our most caring andinspiring leaders. Today, we
will dig into the challenges shehas overcome immigrating to the
United States, as well asunderstand how her selfless
nature has shaped her leadershipstyle and success. Welcome Juli.
Juliana Perez (00:46):
Thank you, Greg.
Greg Farber (00:47):
How are you today?
Juliana Perez (00:47):
Very good, very happy to be here. Thank you for
having me.
Greg Farber (00:50):
It is very exciting, and I'm really looking
forward to hearing your story.
Juliana Perez (00:54):
Thank you.
Greg Farber (00:55):
So as I said, let's jump right in. Let's, let's go
back to your roots a little bit.
I hinted at, obviously youhaving immigrated here. So tell
us a bit about where you wereborn and where you grew up.
Juliana Perez (01:05):
Okay, so I was born in Colombia, in a very
remote place. So Greg, when Itell you remote, think about the
most remote place. It's notthere a little bit further.
Greg Farber (01:16):
So beyond the last dirt road.
Juliana Perez (01:18):
Exactly.
Greg Farber (01:18):
On a little trail.
Juliana Perez (01:20):
So we were- I was born and raised there until I
was probably five, and it was afarm where we had all types of
animals. It was a Milk Farm, somilk was the source of income.
My dad will milk the cows, andmy mom will grow the veggies,
(01:41):
and I will help her grow theveggies.
Greg Farber (01:44):
you said on until you were about five you actually
remember being there?
Juliana Perez (01:46):
Yes, I do. And I remember everything was very
green and the mountains, and itwas very quiet and very calm,
the sound was the river that waspassing by. So it was very, very
nice memory of my childhoodthere.
Greg Farber (02:04):
And did you say it was in the mountains?
Juliana Perez (02:06):
Yes.
Greg Farber (02:08):
So I have to imagine you came away from that
with a love of nature. I don'tknow. Maybe you hated it and
just wanted something different.
I assume that you have that loveof nature, and then this
opportunity came for your familyto come here to the US.
Juliana Perez (02:24):
Yes. So for my mom, education was always very
important. So from that littleplace that I was talking about,
we moved to another place thatwas a little bit closer to the
nearest town, and I went toschool there.
Greg Farber (02:45):
Now, when you say, like, nearest, like, how far are
we talking from, like, an actualcity.
Juliana Perez (02:49):
Okay, from the actual- So the city is Medellín.
And from there, it's about threehours. And to that place, you
can even get to a in a car. Youhave to even walk, you know, you
get to a certain place, yeah,and then you either take a horse
or you walk.
Greg Farber (03:05):
Wow, okay, not even like a Jeep trail.
Juliana Perez (03:09):
Exactly. So we moved to that place, to another
farm, same thing. My dad was afarmer, and my mom, will take
care of the house and grow theveggies. And when I look back,
you know, at that time, wedidn't have the perks of the
(03:29):
city, but now that I look back,we were very fortunate, because
we had everything you know.
Greg Farber (03:35):
Well and it was the only world you knew.
Juliana Perez (03:36):
Exactly, but we did have, you know, we were
growing our own food. We hadmilk, we had the eggs, we had
the chickens.
Greg Farber (03:45):
You didn't have to rely on anyone else,
Juliana Perez (03:46):
Exactly,
Greg Farber (03:47):
That's cool in a way, but also kind of limiting,
right? So then there was thisimpetus to move, and you ended
up here in the US. How did thatcome about?
Juliana Perez (03:55):
Yes, so when I was 11, my mom says okay, guys,
we're going to to U.S. when wecame here. It was very hard as
an immigrant. My mom and my dadhad to work various jobs. My dad
washing dishes, my mom being ahousekeeper and cleaning at
(04:18):
nights sometimes and it was veryhard, because they had to come
from the little town to a bigcity, which is Boston, because
we came here. And the culture,you know, the challenge of the
culture and the language.
Greg Farber (04:37):
Were they looking for a place to start over, or
were they looking for a placefor you to go, like be enrolled
in school in a big city, ratherthan in the in the tiny town?
Juliana Perez (04:47):
My mom and my dad, working really hard, we
went my brother and I went toschool. We learned English and
it was, we found, you know, ourplace on Earth. Missing
Colombia. But we were happy tobe here and have the
opportunities to to go to schooland learn the language.
Greg Farber (05:07):
Now, in this story, we come to a point that I find
it seems kind of terrifying. Atsome point, your parents decided
to move back, but you decided tostay. Now, first of all, how old
were you when this happened?
Because that changes just howterrifying it is, but still now
all of a sudden, you're on yourown. So how did, how did that
all happen?
Juliana Perez (05:26):
Yeah, so I just finished high school, and
something happened, very sad. Mymom was diagnosed with clinical
depression.
Greg Farber (05:37):
I'm sorry.
Juliana Perez (05:38):
Yes, that was a very, very hard moment in our
family. And so my mom wasdiagnosed with clinical
depression, and she was, she wasvery sick, you know, the
strongest woman I knew, whichshe was a very hard worker, was
little by little shutting down.
Greg Farber (05:56):
Right, it's very debilitating.
Juliana Perez (05:58):
Exactly. So it was, it was very hard, and she
loved working, and because ofthe of the depression, she
wasn't able to even get up or goto work. And so my dad sat with
me and he said, Okay, I thinkit's time for us to go back. We
really need the support of thefamily and and we need to go
(06:18):
back to home,
Greg Farber (06:20):
And maybe being back in a place where she's
from, there's that comfort levelwhere you feel like you have
your warm blanket and your youcan be more yourself again.
Juliana Perez (06:28):
Exactly.
Greg Farber (06:28):
So did it work out for her?
Juliana Perez (06:30):
She's very good right now, yes.
Greg Farber (06:32):
I'm glad to hear that. Yeah, she is and but they
decided to stay
Juliana Perez (06:35):
Yes. So my dad, okay, guys, it's time to go.
Greg Farber (06:39):
How do you even have that conversation with your
family?
Juliana Perez (06:41):
It was really hard. My dad sat with me, and
said, "Okay, we're going back.
Say bye to your friends." Andsomething in me was, I, I can't
go back. This is, you know, bythat time I was here for nine
years, so most of my teenagerdays, years were all here, and
(07:04):
so I I didn't want to go back.
I, I, at that moment, Irealized, am I from there? Am I
from here? It was very, veryhard to make that decision, but
I told my dad, I don't think Iwant to go back. My mom was not
(07:25):
even part of the conversation.
She was extremely sick, but Itold him, I don't think I can go
back.
Greg Farber (07:36):
And this had become your comfort place where you
would feel lost if you wentback.
Juliana Perez (07:40):
Exactly. My dad told me I wasn't able to do it.
Greg Farber (07:45):
Because he didn't think you could, or because he
didn't want you?
Juliana Perez (07:47):
Because I was too young. And he was right. I was I
was just a little girl. So he,he said, "You're not gonna make
it" and I'm making it.
Greg Farber (07:57):
You are making it, which is an interesting thing,
right? Because maybe you wouldnot give someone the same
advice, because it is very earlyto be on your own at 17. On the
other hand, something tells meyou wouldn't change a thing.
Juliana Perez (08:13):
Yes, I was going to say that for a long time I
was talking the what if or theshould haves, I should have gone
back, because my mom, you knowat the time when we were going
to go back, my mom said I had, Ihave all the college like you
can go to college in Colombia,but I don't know, something
(08:37):
inside me was no, you can do it.
Do it on your your own. You cango with, with your life, without
your parents. And that strengthcame from within, and I and I,
and I stayed here, so after theyears, going back to your your
point. Yes, I don't. I wouldn'tchange a thing, the what ifs and
(08:58):
should haves will eat yourbrain.
Greg Farber (09:02):
Yeah, you can spend a lot of time worrying about
what should have been and cometo where you are, really, in a
way, by yourself, and that'sreally amazing and impressive.
Juliana Perez (09:11):
Yeah, no, but I always say, you know, when I say
by myself, there was a lot ofpeople that supported me, right?
And without them, I it wouldn'tbe possible, and it was the hard
decision of saying bye to myparents, you know, because they
went back to Columbia, and itwas me at 17, being, you know.
Now this is life.
Greg Farber (09:32):
And you had no other family here, or anyone
else. Just Juli only on her own.
Juliana Perez (09:36):
No, but I did have a friend, and she was the
one. Her name is Lina. She cameto me and say, stay, stay at my
house. And I don't even thinkthat she talked to her mom at
that time,
Greg Farber (09:48):
She said let's do this.
Juliana Perez (09:49):
Yes, you can stay at my home like very you know,
no problem. And she talked toher mom, the mom said, Yes, and
I can't thank them enough,because without them, I wouldn't
be able to stay. So that familytook me as one of theirs. They
had my friend and two youngerdaughters, and I became part of
(10:13):
the family.
Greg Farber (10:16):
That's amazing.
Juliana Perez (10:17):
Yes, I'm so grateful for them. Without them,
I wouldn't make it. That's it, Ihope my mom says she's proud of
me. I'm proud of myself. My dadstill hasn't said it, but I'm
sure he is haha. And I hope heis.
Greg Farber (10:33):
Maybe he's just not the type to say it out loud.
Juliana Perez (10:34):
Exactly, and that's fine.
Greg Farber (10:37):
I mean, in the end, it almost sounds like it worked
out the best in both ways,because your mom's doing better,
and you found your place, andyou found your way. But
obviously, now at the beginning,that's not not easy, and not
unlike a lot of other youngpeople starting out, you
obviously worked a lot ofdifferent jobs, kind of at the
beginning across differentindustries, to kind of find your
(10:57):
way in the workforce, as youwere exploring now, being a
young adult and having tohopefully finish school, you're
done with, you know, you'removing on to getting jobs and
things. Was there any particulardirection or job that stood out
to you that kind of shaped you,whether good or bad? Just as
you're exploring where you'regoing in life.
Juliana Perez (11:18):
So as soon as I left, I knew I had to work. I
mean, life said, let me see whatyou're made of. And I started
doing different types of jobs.
My first job I remember, was ata Mexican taqueria where I was a
helping clients with theirorders, a cashier. So that was
(11:42):
my first job, and that wascustomer service. So I feel like
customer service came from fromthat job. After that, I went to
work to a check cashing in placeand selling cell phones. So all
types of sales and customerservice which ultimately I ended
(12:05):
up in banking.
Greg Farber (12:15):
Where you started as a teller again, customer
service, direct up front line,helping with the clients. So you
really took a shine to this,helping, helping people out as
your as your strength and yourway to kind of move forward. Did
you have a goal in mind when youdecided to try a job as a
teller? Or did you just, youjust started and then realized
(12:37):
this is where I fit, becauseobviously you haven't bounced
around a lot since that day,
Juliana Perez (12:41):
I know.
Greg Farber (12:42):
Wait, were you a teller at anywhere else, or just
you became a teller at LeaderBank, and now you're still here?
Juliana Perez (12:46):
No no. So I was at a different financial
institution, and I was doing thesame thing as a teller, and
after one year, I wasn't happy.
Honestly. I felt, you know, thisinstitution was very sales and
pushy oriented, and I felt Ineeded a change.
Greg Farber (13:11):
It didn't speak to what you were best at.
Juliana Perez (13:12):
Exactly. It didn't match my you know, my
values or that. So I, I wanted achange. And then I started
searching. I found Leader Bank,and I applied, and this was 10
years ago, so I went to theinterview.
Greg Farber (13:33):
Congratulations by the way, that's a huge
milestone.
Juliana Perez (13:35):
Thank you. It's actually this month. This month
is my 10 year anniversary. Thankyou. And I went to the interview
at that time when I wasinterviewed, I didn't know that
a brand, a new branch was goingto be open, and happened to be
Seaport, and I was hired to bethe universal banker for the
Seaport Branch. So I am veryproud to be part of that. I was
(14:00):
part of that opening of the newbranch.
Greg Farber (14:03):
Really kind of came from nothing, no, nothing handed
to you. You're staying with afriend. You start doing odd jobs
around the place. You teller fora while, you realize customer
service is where you want to be,and all of a sudden you have
this opportunity, and you get tobe part of opening a brand new
branch at our company, and nowwe fast forward from there, and
(14:24):
all of a sudden, here you are,you're, you're developing teams,
you're, you're running your ownbranch. What is your approach to
all of this? So you've come onthis, you've obviously earned
your way along, and now you havethis opportunity to bring other
people along with you. And thisis kind of where we can start
talking a little bit aboutdifferent leadership styles and
(14:46):
things, right? So what is thatlike for you to- Well, first of
all, I guess let's talk a littlebit about opening a branch brand
new, right? Because that was,that was a whole new thing. This
place didn't exist. Where we'resitting today doing this
recording as part of you came onto be hired for this, and now,
what was that like, being partof a brand new team and then
(15:07):
sort of building that branch outwith that team?
Juliana Perez (15:10):
So when I came to Leader Bank, it felt so I
started to felt that sense offamily, sense of unity. It was
more as a we're a team, andthat's how I always have felt
here. Opening this branch was avery proud moment, because and
(15:37):
especially the area and Seaportat that time, there were no
buildings. So I saw everythinggrow, and as everything grew, I
saw myself growing, personallyand in my career.
Greg Farber (15:51):
It's almost metaphorically, this all used to
be parking lots, right? And nowit's fully grown buildings.
Juliana Perez (15:58):
Exactly it was.
The buildings weren't there. Itwas just a hole. So every day I
would come to work, I would seeit grow. And I started. I really
like this job. I like the peopleI work with. I was very
fortunate to work with Savy. Shewas the manager at the time.
From the beginning, she alwayssaw something in me that I
didn't see it. I unfortunately,sometimes the imposter syndrome
(16:23):
goes in and she always she was,she's a great, she still is a
great coach to me, mentor. Andher support and her coaching
always help me.
Greg Farber (16:42):
Sometimes that's the best way, right? Because you
can be your own worst critic, oryou can be blind to your own
abilities and to have someone tosee something in you and push
that a little bit further. Now,I've heard you described as an
over carer. You're alwaysthinking of others and putting
other people first and so forth.
How does that fit into sort ofthe role of, you're still a
(17:07):
leader at a financialinstitution, right? So you have
to have certain specificmetrics, but at the same time,
your biggest strength is caringabout people.
Juliana Perez (17:19):
Yes. So going back in five years ago, I was
promoted to be a branch manager.
I remember when I was told aboutthis, I was extremely scared,
because I again, I have to, itwas another change for me.
Greg Farber (17:43):
But you didn't apply for that. You were asked
to take this role on. So again,someone saw something in you and
said, This is the next step forJuli,
Juliana Perez (17:51):
Exactly. And I just remember I was excited but
scared, because now I'm thecaptain of the ship. And for me,
it was, it was again, it wasscary, but it was very
challenging. I went to managethe Burlington branch where I
(18:14):
had, now, I had my own team, andmy approach has always and
always in my mind, is, as longas the people that you work with
and your team is happy, theneverything else, it's gonna,
it's gonna, it's gonna work. Youhave happy team, you have happy
(18:35):
clients, and that's theultimate.
Greg Farber (18:36):
People who want to be there, want to do the work.
Juliana Perez (18:38):
Exactly, people that want to be there. And I
think at Leader Bank, we we dothat very well. I think the
interview process, it's meant tohire quality people, and you can
see that in the culture here atLeader Bank.
Greg Farber (18:57):
How do you balance that leadership with and now
we're going to go back,obviously, a little bit in time
too. You've had so manydifferent moments of sort of
struggle throughout your life,also finding time to overcare
for yourself?
Juliana Perez (19:11):
I know. Yes. The thing is that in order for you
to motivate others and have ahappy team and motivated team,
you have to motivate yourself.
You you can't pour from an emptyclass.
Greg Farber (19:31):
I like that.
Juliana Perez (19:33):
But that's true, right? You can't.
Greg Farber (19:35):
It's obvious once you say it, right, you don't
think it, but as soon as yousaid it's very obvious.
Juliana Perez (19:41):
Exactly. So I try to motivate myself. I stay very
positive.
Greg Farber (19:48):
Does it come naturally or do you have any
tips on how to motivateyourself? Sometimes I could use
a little extra motivation.
Juliana Perez (19:55):
Well, I have this thing that in the morning,
mornings for me are important.
Whenever I'm driving to work andI get traffic, you know, the
stress, the moment I go insidethe office, everything is out,
you know. We are here to have agreat day, and I do that for
(20:17):
myself and for my team.
Greg Farber (20:22):
So just a little reminder, I'm here now, this is
what I'm doing, focus yourselfback in. That's really cool. Now
we just obviously mentioned aminute ago that you've been here
for 10 years now. And I'd askyou what you're most proud of in
your journey, but I feel likethe whole journey might be the
answer, but I kind of want toknow what's what's next? What's
(20:44):
your next? Big, proud momentthat you want to see in the next
10 years?
Juliana Perez (20:47):
In the 10 years, I definitely want to grow within
the industry and continue to bemy best self. Stay positive and
give my best.
Greg Farber (21:00):
Now outside of work, you've got a lot of other
passions. You mentioned early onthat you obviously lived in this
very lush, green, peaceful,mountainous area, and you said
that you had a love of naturewith that. Do you still do, like
the fitness, the nature, thehiking, these kind of things?
Juliana Perez (21:19):
Yes, whenever I'm not in working, you will find me
going out for a walk. When theweather gets nicer, I always go
on hikes. I love again. Love themountains and nature, outdoors.
It inspires me. It does and itbrings me back to my roots and,
(21:45):
that's what I I really enjoy.
Greg Farber (21:47):
Any favorite hikes around here?
Juliana Perez (21:49):
I want to say, Mount Willard. Do you know it in
New Hampshire?
Greg Farber (21:53):
Yeah. Is it Crawford Notch?
Juliana Perez (21:57):
It's called Mount Willard.
Greg Farber (22:00):
It does sound familiar, for sure.
Juliana Perez (22:02):
It's very nice, it's not hard at all. It's very
easy. It's less than threemiles, and he has a very nice
view, because that's what Ilove. You know, once you go up,
you see the view, perfect,beautiful.
Greg Farber (22:13):
I also love hiking.
That's why I asked, because I'malways curious to hear where-
Juliana Perez (22:16):
What's your favorite one?
Greg Farber (22:18):
Oh God, I don't know that I could give you a
favorite.
Juliana Perez (22:20):
I know it's really hard, but if I think
about one, it's that one?
Greg Farber (22:24):
I mean, I think for me, the favorite thing. So
there's two things that drive mewith the hiking. One is just
that, that being in the woods,that smell you just walk in
there, you smell the earth, yousmell everything around. It's
just there's a calming aboutthat somehow. But then it is
the, definitely the destinationfor me. It's getting to the top
and having the view like youdescribed. I would much rather
(22:45):
hike up hill for eight hours tohave a great view than I can
circle for two hours and have noview.
Juliana Perez (22:51):
Exactly. Yeah, you do it for the view.
Greg Farber (22:58):
So then, with this love of nature, and we've
already established that youcare about a great many things.
You also love animals and plantsand things. Tell us a little bit
about that. And you think thisis all this all goes back to
your very early childhood andwhat you were surrounded?
Juliana Perez (23:15):
I believe. So yes. I love all living things.
Honestly, I right now my house,I have over 60 plants. I am a
plant lady, and also a cat lady,okay, I have a cat.
Greg Farber (23:32):
60 cats too? No, not that many?
Juliana Perez (23:34):
No, no, yet.
Greg Farber (23:35):
Or more?
Juliana Perez (23:35):
No, no, just one.
Just one. He's 11 years old.
He's big. He's 20 pounds. Yeah,it's a big cat. And you know,
the caring, again, inspires me.
Goes back to to nature.
Greg Farber (23:56):
And this may be a difficult question, but is there
any way you could describe whatabout the caring is inspiring to
you?
Juliana Perez (24:05):
Very good question. I think with plants, I
looked at them and I looked athow ourselves, right? If you
don't water a plant. You knowyou need to care for it, and by
(24:27):
caring for it you, you make itgrow.
Greg Farber (24:30):
I think I know exactly what you're trying to
say. Is it fair to say that thecaring, it's not necessary that
you're caring, because theresult is the end goal, but the
result of seeing it growing andwhatever is provides some
fulfillment that you've had ahand in making something else
get better.
Juliana Perez (24:49):
Correct and trusting the process
Greg Farber (24:53):
Sounds like exactly the same way that you approach
your work. So we're going to go.
To a segment now that we we callwhat would you choose? It's a
little bit of a rapid fireround. After talking to you for
a little bit here, I feel like Ihave some idea of how you're
going to answer, but maybeyou'll surprise us. Okay, so
(25:13):
let's see how you feel aboutthese. Okay, I'll give you this
or that, and you tell me whichone you would choose. Okay,
exciting. Okay, well, we'llstart with an easy one. Okay, I
think it's easy anywhere. Okay,mountains or beach.
Juliana Perez (25:28):
Come on, Greg.
Greg Farber (25:29):
I didn't write the question.
Juliana Perez (25:31):
Mountains.
Greg Farber (25:33):
I kind of figured, but you never know, right? I
like both. And so that's, that'sthe thing. If I've I do one
recently, I want to go to theother but I do think mountains.
Juliana Perez (25:43):
And that question has come like I heard that
question before. And whenever Ithink about a house, you know,
most people a beach house. Okay,good. I want a house that I can
see green the mountains.
Greg Farber (25:59):
I'm with you with that, and the little com stream
running through the back.
Absolutely, I'm there with you.
Well, maybe not next question,okay, solo adventure or group
outing?
Juliana Perez (26:13):
Um, group, okay, the team oriented orientation
comes there.
Greg Farber (26:18):
Okay, so you like, you like the group you like to
experience these things withothers?
Juliana Perez (26:23):
Yes, together.
Yes, however, I do would likeonce to do a solo trip, but I
don't know. I'll figure it out.
Greg Farber (26:34):
Into the mountains or a solo trip, just in general?
Juliana Perez (26:36):
A trip, a trip, I love traveling too. So maybe
I'll do one that's on my my wishlist.
Greg Farber (26:42):
You should, yeah, never know what you might learn
about yourself, right?
Juliana Perez (26:46):
Exactly,
Greg Farber (26:49):
Okay, structure or flexibility?
Juliana Perez (26:55):
Flexibility.
Greg Farber (26:56):
Good, because you didn't need it to go on that
solo trip. You can't be toostructured if you go on a trip
by yourself.
Juliana Perez (27:03):
Yeah, I want to be flexible, you know,
Greg Farber (27:07):
Learn and explore.
Juliana Perez (27:08):
Learning and explore, yes.
Greg Farber (27:13):
Would you say that you would prefer to lead by
example or guide from behind?
Juliana Perez (27:24):
Lead by example, yes.
Greg Farber (27:27):
You want to be the strong voice at the front. And
show the right way forward.
Juliana Perez (27:32):
Yeah. And I, because I think I admire that
from whoever I, I look at as asmy my leader like I, I want to
follow that. And I think thathappened, you know, going back
to my story, to my mom, my mombeing a strong person, hard
(27:55):
worker, like you, I saw that, soI follow it.
Greg Farber (28:01):
And it's interesting, right? Because you
mentioned just a second ago, youhad a leader that you follow,
and that's where you're not inthe front, but then to have that
same impact on someone else, youmaybe have to be in the front,
Juliana Perez (28:14):
Correct.
Greg Farber (28:16):
All right? Last one, well, this is interesting,
right? Because, again, we workin an industry that's very
metrics driven. Heart firstleadership, or results driven
leadership?
Juliana Perez (28:29):
What's the first one?
Greg Farber (28:29):
Heart first.
Juliana Perez (28:31):
Hard?
Greg Farber (28:32):
Yeah, you lead with your heart, your passion,
Juliana Perez (28:33):
Oh heart.
Greg Farber (28:34):
Or do you lead with the results in mind?
Juliana Perez (28:37):
Passion, always, always with the passion, always
with the passion. Yes.
Greg Farber (28:40):
Like you said earlier, if you have enough
passion, the results will come.
Juliana Perez (28:42):
Yes. I strongly believe in that when you give
passion on anything that you do,you're gonna see results.
Greg Farber (28:54):
And I think that's a message, regardless of whether
it's personal or business,regardless of whether you're in
banking or any other industry.
If you put the effort into itbecause you feel it, not because
someone told you to, but becauseyou feel it, it makes a
difference. All right, now it'syour turn to inspire if you
(29:14):
haven't already inspired usenough. This was the segment
where we asked you to do alittle homework and think of
something, a person, a memory,an object, something that you
wanted to share with us thatbrings you special inspiration
and tell us a little bit aboutit.
Juliana Perez (29:37):
Um, I, here's my object.
Greg Farber (29:43):
Shocking a plant.
Let me get very do you care forit?
Juliana Perez (29:46):
Very predictable.
So again, plants, it symbolizesnature, it symbolizes caring,
and also trust in the process.
So this is my plant. I actuallygot it from. I have the mother.
This one was a little baby fromit, and I planted. And as a
(30:10):
token of appreciation, I wantedto bring it to you.
Greg Farber (30:13):
Me?
Juliana Perez (30:14):
Yes, for hosting me!
Greg Farber (30:15):
I get a little piece of Juli?
Juliana Perez (30:16):
Yes, correct.
Greg Farber (30:17):
Oh my God.
Juliana Perez (30:18):
And the compromise is that when this one
it starts popping babies, yougive that to people. Yes, pass
it along.
Greg Farber (30:26):
I love what you said a second ago. Trusting the
process. Can you elaborate alittle bit on what you mean by
Juliana Perez (30:32):
Trusting the process. Things might not happen
that?
at the moment for you, butagain, going back to the passion
and caring, and if you reallywant to, the universe has an
amazing way to help you achieveyour things if you really want
to. So it's put your thoughts,your energy, and things will
(30:55):
happen if you really want it.
Greg Farber (30:59):
You're gonna think it's just because you gave me
something. But this is perhapsone of the most inspiring things
that we've gotten. Because Ilove the inspiration angle of
not just that you thought ofthis and nurtured this and are
passing it on, but that implicitexpectation that I also nurture
it and that I pass it on. Ithink that's really cool,
because that keeps thatinspiration going. I think
(31:20):
that's very unique. I love thatanything else you want to share
with us today, or any specificthoughts or comments you might
have to any any of our listenersor anything, we should know
about Juli. Something that Ididn't ask that's really
important?
Juliana Perez (31:35):
No, I I just wanted to say thank you for this
space. I think you guys, thepodcast has been doing an
amazing job of you. And no, I amhonored and very happy to be
Greg Farber (31:53):
I think we're honored to have someone of your
here.
caliber and your personality.
It's awesome, like youmentioned, you know, just our
culture in general, but to havethis kind of humility and
passion and excitementsurrounding us on a daily basis
at work, it's a great place tobe. Don't forget to subscribe
and rate our show the BuildingInterest Podcast is live on all
podcast platforms and YouTube,we want to hear what you think
(32:15):
of each episode and encourageyou to submit any questions that
you want us to cover. So pleasefind us on YouTube or Tiktok and
comment your thoughts. Allopinions expressed by Juli Perez
are her own and not the opinionsof Leader Bank NA. For more
information on today's subject,visit leaderbank.com in addition
to past episodes, you can alsofind our Learning Center blog
for more insights, this podcastis a production of Leader Bank,
(32:36):
an equal housing lender memberFDIC, NMLS number 449250.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, wisdom or a
(00:02):
fresh perspective on leadershipand entrepreneurship, the
Building Interest podcast hasyou covered. Together we explore
the successes of groundbreakingleaders, the triumphs, the
challenges and the invaluablelessons they learn along the
way. Our discussions go beyondstrategic decision making and
delve into the personal hobbiesand passions that keep these
leaders inspired and grounded intheir work. I'm your host. Greg
Farber, let's jump right intoday. We're joined by Juliana
(00:25):
Perez, Assistant Vice Presidentand Branch Manager of our
Belmont branch here at LeaderBank. Juli started here as a
teller 10 years ago, and hassince worked her way up to being
one of our most caring andinspiring leaders. Today, we
will dig into the challenges shehas overcome immigrating to the
United States, as well asunderstand how her selfless
nature has shaped her leadershipstyle and success. Welcome Juli.
Juliana Perez (00:46):
Thank you, Greg.
Greg Farber (00:47):
How are you today?
Juliana Perez (00:47):
Very good, very happy to be here. Thank you for
having me.
Greg Farber (00:50):
It is very exciting, and I'm really looking
forward to hearing your story.
Juliana Perez (00:54):
Thank you.
Greg Farber (00:55):
So as I said, let's jump right in. Let's, let's go
back to your roots a little bit.
I hinted at, obviously youhaving immigrated here. So tell
us a bit about where you wereborn and where you grew up.
Juliana Perez (01:05):
Okay, so I was born in Colombia, in a very
remote place. So Greg, when Itell you remote, think about the
most remote place. It's notthere a little bit further.
Greg Farber (01:16):
So beyond the last dirt road.
Juliana Perez (01:18):
Exactly.
Greg Farber (01:18):
On a little trail.
Juliana Perez (01:20):
So we were- I was born and raised there until I
was probably five, and it was afarm where we had all types of
animals. It was a Milk Farm, somilk was the source of income.
My dad will milk the cows, andmy mom will grow the veggies,
(01:41):
and I will help her grow theveggies.
Greg Farber (01:44):
you said on until you were about five you actually
remember being there?
Juliana Perez (01:46):
Yes, I do. And I remember everything was very
green and the mountains, and itwas very quiet and very calm,
the sound was the river that waspassing by. So it was very, very
nice memory of my childhoodthere.
Greg Farber (02:04):
And did you say it was in the mountains?
Juliana Perez (02:06):
Yes.
Greg Farber (02:08):
So I have to imagine you came away from that
with a love of nature. I don'tknow. Maybe you hated it and
just wanted something different.
I assume that you have that loveof nature, and then this
opportunity came for your familyto come here to the US.
Juliana Perez (02:24):
Yes. So for my mom, education was always very
important. So from that littleplace that I was talking about,
we moved to another place thatwas a little bit closer to the
nearest town, and I went toschool there.
Greg Farber (02:45):
Now, when you say, like, nearest, like, how far are
we talking from, like, an actualcity.
Juliana Perez (02:49):
Okay, from the actual- So the city is Medellín.
And from there, it's about threehours. And to that place, you
can even get to a in a car. Youhave to even walk, you know, you
get to a certain place, yeah,and then you either take a horse
or you walk.
Greg Farber (03:05):
Wow, okay, not even like a Jeep trail.
Juliana Perez (03:09):
Exactly. So we moved to that place, to another
farm, same thing. My dad was afarmer, and my mom, will take
care of the house and grow theveggies. And when I look back,
you know, at that time, wedidn't have the perks of the
(03:29):
city, but now that I look back,we were very fortunate, because
we had everything you know.
Greg Farber (03:35):
Well and it was the only world you knew.
Juliana Perez (03:36):
Exactly, but we did have, you know, we were
growing our own food. We hadmilk, we had the eggs, we had
the chickens.
Greg Farber (03:45):
You didn't have to rely on anyone else,
Juliana Perez (03:46):
Exactly,
Greg Farber (03:47):
That's cool in a way, but also kind of limiting,
right? So then there was thisimpetus to move, and you ended
up here in the US. How did thatcome about?
Juliana Perez (03:55):
Yes, so when I was 11, my mom says okay, guys,
we're going to to U.S. when wecame here. It was very hard as
an immigrant. My mom and my dadhad to work various jobs. My dad
washing dishes, my mom being ahousekeeper and cleaning at
(04:18):
nights sometimes and it was veryhard, because they had to come
from the little town to a bigcity, which is Boston, because
we came here. And the culture,you know, the challenge of the
culture and the language.
Greg Farber (04:37):
Were they looking for a place to start over, or
were they looking for a placefor you to go, like be enrolled
in school in a big city, ratherthan in the in the tiny town?
Juliana Perez (04:47):
My mom and my dad, working really hard, we
went my brother and I went toschool. We learned English and
it was, we found, you know, ourplace on Earth. Missing
Colombia. But we were happy tobe here and have the
opportunities to to go to schooland learn the language.
Greg Farber (05:07):
Now, in this story, we come to a point that I find
it seems kind of terrifying. Atsome point, your parents decided
to move back, but you decided tostay. Now, first of all, how old
were you when this happened?
Because that changes just howterrifying it is, but still now
all of a sudden, you're on yourown. So how did, how did that
all happen?
Juliana Perez (05:26):
Yeah, so I just finished high school, and
something happened, very sad. Mymom was diagnosed with clinical
depression.
Greg Farber (05:37):
I'm sorry.
Juliana Perez (05:38):
Yes, that was a very, very hard moment in our
family. And so my mom wasdiagnosed with clinical
depression, and she was, she wasvery sick, you know, the
strongest woman I knew, whichshe was a very hard worker, was
little by little shutting down.
Greg Farber (05:56):
Right, it's very debilitating.
Juliana Perez (05:58):
Exactly. So it was, it was very hard, and she
loved working, and because ofthe of the depression, she
wasn't able to even get up or goto work. And so my dad sat with
me and he said, Okay, I thinkit's time for us to go back. We
really need the support of thefamily and and we need to go
(06:18):
back to home,
Greg Farber (06:20):
And maybe being back in a place where she's
from, there's that comfort levelwhere you feel like you have
your warm blanket and your youcan be more yourself again.
Juliana Perez (06:28):
Exactly.
Greg Farber (06:28):
So did it work out for her?
Juliana Perez (06:30):
She's very good right now, yes.
Greg Farber (06:32):
I'm glad to hear that. Yeah, she is and but they
decided to stay
Juliana Perez (06:35):
Yes. So my dad, okay, guys, it's time to go.
Greg Farber (06:39):
How do you even have that conversation with your
family?
Juliana Perez (06:41):
It was really hard. My dad sat with me, and
said, "Okay, we're going back.
Say bye to your friends." Andsomething in me was, I, I can't
go back. This is, you know, bythat time I was here for nine
years, so most of my teenagerdays, years were all here, and
(07:04):
so I I didn't want to go back.
I, I, at that moment, Irealized, am I from there? Am I
from here? It was very, veryhard to make that decision, but
I told my dad, I don't think Iwant to go back. My mom was not
(07:25):
even part of the conversation.
She was extremely sick, but Itold him, I don't think I can go
back.
Greg Farber (07:36):
And this had become your comfort place where you
would feel lost if you wentback.
Juliana Perez (07:40):
Exactly. My dad told me I wasn't able to do it.
Greg Farber (07:45):
Because he didn't think you could, or because he
didn't want you?
Juliana Perez (07:47):
Because I was too young. And he was right. I was I
was just a little girl. So he,he said, "You're not gonna make
it" and I'm making it.
Greg Farber (07:57):
You are making it, which is an interesting thing,
right? Because maybe you wouldnot give someone the same
advice, because it is very earlyto be on your own at 17. On the
other hand, something tells meyou wouldn't change a thing.
Juliana Perez (08:13):
Yes, I was going to say that for a long time I
was talking the what if or theshould haves, I should have gone
back, because my mom, you knowat the time when we were going
to go back, my mom said I had, Ihave all the college like you
can go to college in Colombia,but I don't know, something
(08:37):
inside me was no, you can do it.
Do it on your your own. You cango with, with your life, without
your parents. And that strengthcame from within, and I and I,
and I stayed here, so after theyears, going back to your your
point. Yes, I don't. I wouldn'tchange a thing, the what ifs and
(08:58):
should haves will eat yourbrain.
Greg Farber (09:02):
Yeah, you can spend a lot of time worrying about
what should have been and cometo where you are, really, in a
way, by yourself, and that'sreally amazing and impressive.
Juliana Perez (09:11):
Yeah, no, but I always say, you know, when I say
by myself, there was a lot ofpeople that supported me, right?
And without them, I it wouldn'tbe possible, and it was the hard
decision of saying bye to myparents, you know, because they
went back to Columbia, and itwas me at 17, being, you know.
Now this is life.
Greg Farber (09:32):
And you had no other family here, or anyone
else. Just Juli only on her own.
Juliana Perez (09:36):
No, but I did have a friend, and she was the
one. Her name is Lina. She cameto me and say, stay, stay at my
house. And I don't even thinkthat she talked to her mom at
that time,
Greg Farber (09:48):
She said let's do this.
Juliana Perez (09:49):
Yes, you can stay at my home like very you know,
no problem. And she talked toher mom, the mom said, Yes, and
I can't thank them enough,because without them, I wouldn't
be able to stay. So that familytook me as one of theirs. They
had my friend and two youngerdaughters, and I became part of
(10:13):
the family.
Greg Farber (10:16):
That's amazing.
Juliana Perez (10:17):
Yes, I'm so grateful for them. Without them,
I wouldn't make it. That's it, Ihope my mom says she's proud of
me. I'm proud of myself. My dadstill hasn't said it, but I'm
sure he is haha. And I hope heis.
Greg Farber (10:33):
Maybe he's just not the type to say it out loud.
Juliana Perez (10:34):
Exactly, and that's fine.
Greg Farber (10:37):
I mean, in the end, it almost sounds like it worked
out the best in both ways,because your mom's doing better,
and you found your place, andyou found your way. But
obviously, now at the beginning,that's not not easy, and not
unlike a lot of other youngpeople starting out, you
obviously worked a lot ofdifferent jobs, kind of at the
beginning across differentindustries, to kind of find your
(10:57):
way in the workforce, as youwere exploring now, being a
young adult and having tohopefully finish school, you're
done with, you know, you'removing on to getting jobs and
things. Was there any particulardirection or job that stood out
to you that kind of shaped you,whether good or bad? Just as
you're exploring where you'regoing in life.
Juliana Perez (11:18):
So as soon as I left, I knew I had to work. I
mean, life said, let me see whatyou're made of. And I started
doing different types of jobs.
My first job I remember, was ata Mexican taqueria where I was a
helping clients with theirorders, a cashier. So that was
(11:42):
my first job, and that wascustomer service. So I feel like
customer service came from fromthat job. After that, I went to
work to a check cashing in placeand selling cell phones. So all
types of sales and customerservice which ultimately I ended
(12:05):
up in banking.
Greg Farber (12:15):
Where you started as a teller again, customer
service, direct up front line,helping with the clients. So you
really took a shine to this,helping, helping people out as
your as your strength and yourway to kind of move forward. Did
you have a goal in mind when youdecided to try a job as a
teller? Or did you just, youjust started and then realized
(12:37):
this is where I fit, becauseobviously you haven't bounced
around a lot since that day,
Juliana Perez (12:41):
I know.
Greg Farber (12:42):
Wait, were you a teller at anywhere else, or just
you became a teller at LeaderBank, and now you're still here?
Juliana Perez (12:46):
No no. So I was at a different financial
institution, and I was doing thesame thing as a teller, and
after one year, I wasn't happy.
Honestly. I felt, you know, thisinstitution was very sales and
pushy oriented, and I felt Ineeded a change.
Greg Farber (13:11):
It didn't speak to what you were best at.
Juliana Perez (13:12):
Exactly. It didn't match my you know, my
values or that. So I, I wanted achange. And then I started
searching. I found Leader Bank,and I applied, and this was 10
years ago, so I went to theinterview.
Greg Farber (13:33):
Congratulations by the way, that's a huge
milestone.
Juliana Perez (13:35):
Thank you. It's actually this month. This month
is my 10 year anniversary. Thankyou. And I went to the interview
at that time when I wasinterviewed, I didn't know that
a brand, a new branch was goingto be open, and happened to be
Seaport, and I was hired to bethe universal banker for the
Seaport Branch. So I am veryproud to be part of that. I was
(14:00):
part of that opening of the newbranch.
Greg Farber (14:03):
Really kind of came from nothing, no, nothing handed
to you. You're staying with afriend. You start doing odd jobs
around the place. You teller fora while, you realize customer
service is where you want to be,and all of a sudden you have
this opportunity, and you get tobe part of opening a brand new
branch at our company, and nowwe fast forward from there, and
(14:24):
all of a sudden, here you are,you're, you're developing teams,
you're, you're running your ownbranch. What is your approach to
all of this? So you've come onthis, you've obviously earned
your way along, and now you havethis opportunity to bring other
people along with you. And thisis kind of where we can start
talking a little bit aboutdifferent leadership styles and
(14:46):
things, right? So what is thatlike for you to- Well, first of
all, I guess let's talk a littlebit about opening a branch brand
new, right? Because that was,that was a whole new thing. This
place didn't exist. Where we'resitting today doing this
recording as part of you came onto be hired for this, and now,
what was that like, being partof a brand new team and then
(15:07):
sort of building that branch outwith that team?
Juliana Perez (15:10):
So when I came to Leader Bank, it felt so I
started to felt that sense offamily, sense of unity. It was
more as a we're a team, andthat's how I always have felt
here. Opening this branch was avery proud moment, because and
(15:37):
especially the area and Seaportat that time, there were no
buildings. So I saw everythinggrow, and as everything grew, I
saw myself growing, personallyand in my career.
Greg Farber (15:51):
It's almost metaphorically, this all used to
be parking lots, right? And nowit's fully grown buildings.
Juliana Perez (15:58):
Exactly it was.
The buildings weren't there. Itwas just a hole. So every day I
would come to work, I would seeit grow. And I started. I really
like this job. I like the peopleI work with. I was very
fortunate to work with Savy. Shewas the manager at the time.
From the beginning, she alwayssaw something in me that I
didn't see it. I unfortunately,sometimes the imposter syndrome
(16:23):
goes in and she always she was,she's a great, she still is a
great coach to me, mentor. Andher support and her coaching
always help me.
Greg Farber (16:42):
Sometimes that's the best way, right? Because you
can be your own worst critic, oryou can be blind to your own
abilities and to have someone tosee something in you and push
that a little bit further. Now,I've heard you described as an
over carer. You're alwaysthinking of others and putting
other people first and so forth.
How does that fit into sort ofthe role of, you're still a
(17:07):
leader at a financialinstitution, right? So you have
to have certain specificmetrics, but at the same time,
your biggest strength is caringabout people.
Juliana Perez (17:19):
Yes. So going back in five years ago, I was
promoted to be a branch manager.
I remember when I was told aboutthis, I was extremely scared,
because I again, I have to, itwas another change for me.
Greg Farber (17:43):
But you didn't apply for that. You were asked
to take this role on. So again,someone saw something in you and
said, This is the next step forJuli,
Juliana Perez (17:51):
Exactly. And I just remember I was excited but
scared, because now I'm thecaptain of the ship. And for me,
it was, it was again, it wasscary, but it was very
challenging. I went to managethe Burlington branch where I
(18:14):
had, now, I had my own team, andmy approach has always and
always in my mind, is, as longas the people that you work with
and your team is happy, theneverything else, it's gonna,
it's gonna, it's gonna work. Youhave happy team, you have happy
(18:35):
clients, and that's theultimate.
Greg Farber (18:36):
People who want to be there, want to do the work.
Juliana Perez (18:38):
Exactly, people that want to be there. And I
think at Leader Bank, we we dothat very well. I think the
interview process, it's meant tohire quality people, and you can
see that in the culture here atLeader Bank.
Greg Farber (18:57):
How do you balance that leadership with and now
we're going to go back,obviously, a little bit in time
too. You've had so manydifferent moments of sort of
struggle throughout your life,also finding time to overcare
for yourself?
Juliana Perez (19:11):
I know. Yes. The thing is that in order for you
to motivate others and have ahappy team and motivated team,
you have to motivate yourself.
You you can't pour from an emptyclass.
Greg Farber (19:31):
I like that.
Juliana Perez (19:33):
But that's true, right? You can't.
Greg Farber (19:35):
It's obvious once you say it, right, you don't
think it, but as soon as yousaid it's very obvious.
Juliana Perez (19:41):
Exactly. So I try to motivate myself. I stay very
positive.
Greg Farber (19:48):
Does it come naturally or do you have any
tips on how to motivateyourself? Sometimes I could use
a little extra motivation.
Juliana Perez (19:55):
Well, I have this thing that in the morning,
mornings for me are important.
Whenever I'm driving to work andI get traffic, you know, the
stress, the moment I go insidethe office, everything is out,
you know. We are here to have agreat day, and I do that for
(20:17):
myself and for my team.
Greg Farber (20:22):
So just a little reminder, I'm here now, this is
what I'm doing, focus yourselfback in. That's really cool. Now
we just obviously mentioned aminute ago that you've been here
for 10 years now. And I'd askyou what you're most proud of in
your journey, but I feel likethe whole journey might be the
answer, but I kind of want toknow what's what's next? What's
(20:44):
your next? Big, proud momentthat you want to see in the next
10 years?
Juliana Perez (20:47):
In the 10 years, I definitely want to grow within
the industry and continue to bemy best self. Stay positive and
give my best.
Greg Farber (21:00):
Now outside of work, you've got a lot of other
passions. You mentioned early onthat you obviously lived in this
very lush, green, peaceful,mountainous area, and you said
that you had a love of naturewith that. Do you still do, like
the fitness, the nature, thehiking, these kind of things?
Juliana Perez (21:19):
Yes, whenever I'm not in working, you will find me
going out for a walk. When theweather gets nicer, I always go
on hikes. I love again. Love themountains and nature, outdoors.
It inspires me. It does and itbrings me back to my roots and,
(21:45):
that's what I I really enjoy.
Greg Farber (21:47):
Any favorite hikes around here?
Juliana Perez (21:49):
I want to say, Mount Willard. Do you know it in
New Hampshire?
Greg Farber (21:53):
Yeah. Is it Crawford Notch?
Juliana Perez (21:57):
It's called Mount Willard.
Greg Farber (22:00):
It does sound familiar, for sure.
Juliana Perez (22:02):
It's very nice, it's not hard at all. It's very
easy. It's less than threemiles, and he has a very nice
view, because that's what Ilove. You know, once you go up,
you see the view, perfect,beautiful.
Greg Farber (22:13):
I also love hiking.
That's why I asked, because I'malways curious to hear where-
Juliana Perez (22:16):
What's your favorite one?
Greg Farber (22:18):
Oh God, I don't know that I could give you a
favorite.
Juliana Perez (22:20):
I know it's really hard, but if I think
about one, it's that one?
Greg Farber (22:24):
I mean, I think for me, the favorite thing. So
there's two things that drive mewith the hiking. One is just
that, that being in the woods,that smell you just walk in
there, you smell the earth, yousmell everything around. It's
just there's a calming aboutthat somehow. But then it is
the, definitely the destinationfor me. It's getting to the top
and having the view like youdescribed. I would much rather
(22:45):
hike up hill for eight hours tohave a great view than I can
circle for two hours and have noview.
Juliana Perez (22:51):
Exactly. Yeah, you do it for the view.
Greg Farber (22:58):
So then, with this love of nature, and we've
already established that youcare about a great many things.
You also love animals and plantsand things. Tell us a little bit
about that. And you think thisis all this all goes back to
your very early childhood andwhat you were surrounded?
Juliana Perez (23:15):
I believe. So yes. I love all living things.
Honestly, I right now my house,I have over 60 plants. I am a
plant lady, and also a cat lady,okay, I have a cat.
Greg Farber (23:32):
60 cats too? No, not that many?
Juliana Perez (23:34):
No, no, yet.
Greg Farber (23:35):
Or more?
Juliana Perez (23:35):
No, no, just one.
Just one. He's 11 years old.
He's big. He's 20 pounds. Yeah,it's a big cat. And you know,
the caring, again, inspires me.
Goes back to to nature.
Greg Farber (23:56):
And this may be a difficult question, but is there
any way you could describe whatabout the caring is inspiring to
you?
Juliana Perez (24:05):
Very good question. I think with plants, I
looked at them and I looked athow ourselves, right? If you
don't water a plant. You knowyou need to care for it, and by
(24:27):
caring for it you, you make itgrow.
Greg Farber (24:30):
I think I know exactly what you're trying to
say. Is it fair to say that thecaring, it's not necessary that
you're caring, because theresult is the end goal, but the
result of seeing it growing andwhatever is provides some
fulfillment that you've had ahand in making something else
get better.
Juliana Perez (24:49):
Correct and trusting the process
Greg Farber (24:53):
Sounds like exactly the same way that you approach
your work. So we're going to go.
To a segment now that we we callwhat would you choose? It's a
little bit of a rapid fireround. After talking to you for
a little bit here, I feel like Ihave some idea of how you're
going to answer, but maybeyou'll surprise us. Okay, so
(25:13):
let's see how you feel aboutthese. Okay, I'll give you this
or that, and you tell me whichone you would choose. Okay,
exciting. Okay, well, we'llstart with an easy one. Okay, I
think it's easy anywhere. Okay,mountains or beach.
Juliana Perez (25:28):
Come on, Greg.
Greg Farber (25:29):
I didn't write the question.
Juliana Perez (25:31):
Mountains.
Greg Farber (25:33):
I kind of figured, but you never know, right? I
like both. And so that's, that'sthe thing. If I've I do one
recently, I want to go to theother but I do think mountains.
Juliana Perez (25:43):
And that question has come like I heard that
question before. And whenever Ithink about a house, you know,
most people a beach house. Okay,good. I want a house that I can
see green the mountains.
Greg Farber (25:59):
I'm with you with that, and the little com stream
running through the back.
Absolutely, I'm there with you.
Well, maybe not next question,okay, solo adventure or group
outing?
Juliana Perez (26:13):
Um, group, okay, the team oriented orientation
comes there.
Greg Farber (26:18):
Okay, so you like, you like the group you like to
experience these things withothers?
Juliana Perez (26:23):
Yes, together.
Yes, however, I do would likeonce to do a solo trip, but I
don't know. I'll figure it out.
Greg Farber (26:34):
Into the mountains or a solo trip, just in general?
Juliana Perez (26:36):
A trip, a trip, I love traveling too. So maybe
I'll do one that's on my my wishlist.
Greg Farber (26:42):
You should, yeah, never know what you might learn
about yourself, right?
Juliana Perez (26:46):
Exactly,
Greg Farber (26:49):
Okay, structure or flexibility?
Juliana Perez (26:55):
Flexibility.
Greg Farber (26:56):
Good, because you didn't need it to go on that
solo trip. You can't be toostructured if you go on a trip
by yourself.
Juliana Perez (27:03):
Yeah, I want to be flexible, you know,
Greg Farber (27:07):
Learn and explore.
Juliana Perez (27:08):
Learning and explore, yes.
Greg Farber (27:13):
Would you say that you would prefer to lead by
example or guide from behind?
Juliana Perez (27:24):
Lead by example, yes.
Greg Farber (27:27):
You want to be the strong voice at the front. And
show the right way forward.
Juliana Perez (27:32):
Yeah. And I, because I think I admire that
from whoever I, I look at as asmy my leader like I, I want to
follow that. And I think thathappened, you know, going back
to my story, to my mom, my mombeing a strong person, hard
(27:55):
worker, like you, I saw that, soI follow it.
Greg Farber (28:01):
And it's interesting, right? Because you
mentioned just a second ago, youhad a leader that you follow,
and that's where you're not inthe front, but then to have that
same impact on someone else, youmaybe have to be in the front,
Juliana Perez (28:14):
Correct.
Greg Farber (28:16):
All right? Last one, well, this is interesting,
right? Because, again, we workin an industry that's very
metrics driven. Heart firstleadership, or results driven
leadership?
Juliana Perez (28:29):
What's the first one?
Greg Farber (28:29):
Heart first.
Juliana Perez (28:31):
Hard?
Greg Farber (28:32):
Yeah, you lead with your heart, your passion,
Juliana Perez (28:33):
Oh heart.
Greg Farber (28:34):
Or do you lead with the results in mind?
Juliana Perez (28:37):
Passion, always, always with the passion, always
with the passion. Yes.
Greg Farber (28:40):
Like you said earlier, if you have enough
passion, the results will come.
Juliana Perez (28:42):
Yes. I strongly believe in that when you give
passion on anything that you do,you're gonna see results.
Greg Farber (28:54):
And I think that's a message, regardless of whether
it's personal or business,regardless of whether you're in
banking or any other industry.
If you put the effort into itbecause you feel it, not because
someone told you to, but becauseyou feel it, it makes a
difference. All right, now it'syour turn to inspire if you
(29:14):
haven't already inspired usenough. This was the segment
where we asked you to do alittle homework and think of
something, a person, a memory,an object, something that you
wanted to share with us thatbrings you special inspiration
and tell us a little bit aboutit.
Juliana Perez (29:37):
Um, I, here's my object.
Greg Farber (29:43):
Shocking a plant.
Let me get very do you care forit?
Juliana Perez (29:46):
Very predictable.
So again, plants, it symbolizesnature, it symbolizes caring,
and also trust in the process.
So this is my plant. I actuallygot it from. I have the mother.
This one was a little baby fromit, and I planted. And as a
(30:10):
token of appreciation, I wantedto bring it to you.
Greg Farber (30:13):
Me?
Juliana Perez (30:14):
Yes, for hosting me!
Greg Farber (30:15):
I get a little piece of Juli?
Juliana Perez (30:16):
Yes, correct.
Greg Farber (30:17):
Oh my God.
Juliana Perez (30:18):
And the compromise is that when this one
it starts popping babies, yougive that to people. Yes, pass
it along.
Greg Farber (30:26):
I love what you said a second ago. Trusting the
process. Can you elaborate alittle bit on what you mean by
Juliana Perez (30:32):
Trusting the process. Things might not happen
that?
at the moment for you, butagain, going back to the passion
and caring, and if you reallywant to, the universe has an
amazing way to help you achieveyour things if you really want
to. So it's put your thoughts,your energy, and things will
(30:55):
happen if you really want it.
Greg Farber (30:59):
You're gonna think it's just because you gave me
something. But this is perhapsone of the most inspiring things
that we've gotten. Because Ilove the inspiration angle of
not just that you thought ofthis and nurtured this and are
passing it on, but that implicitexpectation that I also nurture
it and that I pass it on. Ithink that's really cool,
because that keeps thatinspiration going. I think
(31:20):
that's very unique. I love thatanything else you want to share
with us today, or any specificthoughts or comments you might
have to any any of our listenersor anything, we should know
about Juli. Something that Ididn't ask that's really
important?
Juliana Perez (31:35):
No, I I just wanted to say thank you for this
space. I think you guys, thepodcast has been doing an
amazing job of you. And no, I amhonored and very happy to be
Greg Farber (31:53):
I think we're honored to have someone of your
here.
caliber and your personality.
It's awesome, like youmentioned, you know, just our
culture in general, but to havethis kind of humility and
passion and excitementsurrounding us on a daily basis
at work, it's a great place tobe. Don't forget to subscribe
and rate our show the BuildingInterest Podcast is live on all
podcast platforms and YouTube,we want to hear what you think
(32:15):
of each episode and encourageyou to submit any questions that
you want us to cover. So pleasefind us on YouTube or Tiktok and
comment your thoughts. Allopinions expressed by Juli Perez
are her own and not the opinionsof Leader Bank NA. For more
information on today's subject,visit leaderbank.com in addition
to past episodes, you can alsofind our Learning Center blog
for more insights, this podcastis a production of Leader Bank,
(32:36):
an equal housing lender memberFDIC, NMLS number 449250.
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