Leadership, growth, and technology can all bring change, but they don't have to change what an organization stands for. Neil Hayslett shares how relationships, community involvement, and a commitment to living your values can help a business move forward without losing the qualities that make it distinctive.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Intro - Neil Hayslett, CEO of Pendleton Community Bank

(02:37) From James Madison University Intern to Pendleton Community Bank

(08:14) Becoming CEO - The succession from Bill Loving, the surprise of being asked, and the small changes Neil is making, like handwritten birthday cards

(11:54) Leading through the transition and how Neil's leadership style has changed over the years

(19:32) Building the Leadership Team

(24:26) Staying close to the communities PCB serves, the growth through acquisition, and standing apart from bigger banks one relationship at a time

(33:46) Core values and culture and why culture is your brand

(36:54) PCB's role in local economies, and why being a community bank is about behavior rather than size

(43:18) Technology without losing the personal touch

(48:08) Neil's "second act" as CEO, and his advice not to worry about what you can't control