In competitive, high-stakes industries, distinguishing oneself requires more than skill and effort. It demands recognition, authenticity, and trust.
For financial professionals like Lars Eller and Miguel Alban, Banking+ has provided this essential validation through its impactful storytelling. By showcasing exceptional individuals, the publication elevates careers, enhances reputations, and in some cases, wins deals.
But what’s the psychological mechanism behind the transformative power of being in the spotlight —often referred to as implied endorsement content marketing—that Banking+ provides? Maggie Baker, Ph.D., a Wynnewood, Pa., psychologist, author, and a pioneer of the financial therapist movement, offers critical insights that explain how the real-world stories of Eller and Alban were amplified by Banking+.
“A spotlight on you in a good story has the power to leave your competitors in the dark. As social creatures, humans are wired to compare, and stories can create either envy or awe or both, especially in competitive environments. Recognition through a trusted platform elevates not just visibility but influence.” says Dr. Baker.
Lars Eller: The Rise of a Banking Leader
Lars Eller, President & CEO of F&M Bank, has journeyed from humble beginnings in Montreal to leading a $3.3 billion community bank rooted in the Midwest, a career path that Banking+ recently traced for its readers.
Raised by German immigrant parents and shaped by resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, Eller overcame childhood challenges, found his footing through sports, and excelled academically. Starting as a bank trainee after earning his MBA, he steadily rose through the ranks by building trust, embracing change, and championing collaboration. From delivering waterbeds to navigating leadership in banking, Eller emphasizes loyalty, empathy, and connection, encapsulated in his “water in the bucket” philosophy, fostering unity and sustainable growth across the rural communities F&M Bank serves.
The Power of Personal Branding and Storytelling
Of the experience of recounting his beginnings for publication, Eller says, “I was thrilled that Banking+ shared my story through one of their profiles. Their approach to storytelling is unlike any other in the banking industry. They are exceptional at what they do.
“After it was published, my board, customers, and employees read it, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People felt they had a deeper understanding of me as a leader and saw me as more approachable.”
Building Trust and Empathy Through Storytelling
Dr. Baker contextualizes this impact, stating, “The presence of a news story about you can make you seem more approachable because it humanizes you and reduces perceived barriers. People tend to feel more comfortable connecting with others who they perceive as relatable and authentic. When a personal story is shared publicly, it fosters a sense of vulnerability and transparency, which can trigger empathy in others. This creates a sense of shared experience, making you appear more approachable and open to interaction, as people often feel more drawn to those, they believe they can understand or relate to.”
Miguel Alban: Champion for Multicultural Banking
For Miguel Alban, the Banking+ coverage was more than an acknowledgment—it became a cornerstone of his professional rise. From stocking shelves at a drugstore to leading multicultural banking initiatives at Customers Bank, Phoenixville, Pa., Alban’s story is one of perseverance and purpose.
The Power of Professional Storytelling
“Being featured in Banking+ wasn’t just an honor—it was a game-changer,” Alban reflected. “The article helped solidify my reputation and played a significant role in receiving the Emerging Leaders Award from The American Bankers Association.
“It was kind of incredible to me to see the details of my personal and professional past chronicled by a talented writer and presented to an audience of my peers. It was my life. I’ve described my past numerous times. I lived it. And even I was surprised what a good story it made when placed in a different set of hands. It turned out to be more advantageous to have someone else tell my story than me telling it from my perspective over and over.”
Why Letting Others Tell Your Story Can Be Beneficial
Dr. Baker explains this phenomenon further: “Stories about success, as well as struggles, resonate deeply. They validate the profiled individual’s efforts and influence readers’ perceptions. In a materialistic and competitive society, a well-told story enhances not just the subject’s image but also bolsters readers’ trust and admiration for the individual being profiled.”
How Implicit Content Marketing Works
Dr. Baker emphasizes the psychological and emotional dynamics of repeatedly being profiled or cited in the media, noting:
1. Validation Through Recognition
“Humans crave validation, especially in uncertain domains like finances. A profile serves as an editorial endorsement that acts as a seal of approval, confirming the professional competency of the profiled individual and assuring the audience of his or her expertise and authenticity.”
2. Social Influence and Comparison
“Whether consciously or subconsciously, we are influenced by stories about others. Coverage in a trusted publication provides a sense of being upgraded, making the featured individual visible and thus influential.”
3. Impact of Narrative
“A well-crafted story engages both rational and emotional centers of the brain. It connects the audience to the subject and fosters an aspirational bond.”
How Media Coverage Can Accelerate Your Banking Career
The benefits of favorable exposure in media extend far beyond validation and visibility. For Eller and Alban, the spotlight led to expanded networks, new opportunities, deeper relationships and industry acclaim. As Dr. Baker succinctly puts it: “Being covered isn’t just a narrative milestone; it’s a professional upgrade.”
The Transformative Power of Stories
The Banking+ features on Eller and Alban underscore the immense value of personal brand boosting. The narratives it publishes not only validate professional achievements but also elevate careers and inspire others. As Dr. Baker observes, “Recognition through storytelling is a powerful catalyst for change, unlocking new opportunities and cementing reputations.”
For those in the financial services industry striving to stand out, the message is clear:
- Share your journey.
- Let Banking+, as a trusted source, amplify it.
- Benefit from the transformative power of your story being told skillfully and insightfully.
