Credit Union Career Profile: Himani Rishi, Access Credit Union
Himani Rishi
Retail Lending Officer II, Access Credit Union
Career:
Start in the credit union system: 2022
Start in the financial services industry: 2017
In high school, it was Himani’s dream to work in a financial institution. She was fascinated by the banking industry and the important role financial institutions play in helping people achieve their goals. She was particularly interested in working with people, helping them make informed financial decisions and building relationships. That early interest inspired her to pursue opportunities in the financial services industry and ultimately led to her career in lending.
Himani started her career in India, where she worked in the banking industry for almost four years. During that time, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in customer service, financial products and relationship management.
As she progressed in her career, she felt the need to expand her knowledge and skills, so she took a break to pursue higher education. Upon competing her studies in Canada, she began her career path in the credit union system.
Since then, she has continued to grow professionally, building expertise in lending while helping members achieve their financial goals and demonstrating her commitment to the values of the credit union system.
A typical day:
A typical workday involves meeting with members, reviewing lending applications, answering questions, and helping people find solutions that meet their financial needs. She also works closely with colleagues and other professionals like realtors and lawyers to ensure applications are processed smoothly and members receive excellent service. Every day brings new opportunities to learn and help others achieve their goals.
Continuous learning and improvement:
Himani prioritizes continuous learning by seeking feedback, participating in training opportunities and staying current on industry trends. She learns from experienced colleagues and mentors, regularly reflects on her experiences and looks for ways to improve her skills. She believes that maintaining a growth mindset has helped her provide the best service to members and advance in her career.
Keys to success:
Himani credits her success to her adaptability and willingness to learn. Moving from India to Canada, pursuing higher education and building a career in a new country required dedication and, most importantly, a positive mindset. She has always been open to learning from others, embracing challenges and continuously improving herself.
Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:
Himani recommends Atomic Habits by James Clear because it provides practical strategies for building positive habits and creating lasting change through small but consistent actions. She also recommends leadership and personal development content by Brian Tracy and Simon Sinek, whose insights on leadership, communication, and personal growth are both practical and inspiring. Additionally, she suggests Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins – a powerful read that highlights the importance of resilience, mental toughness, and staying committed especially when facing challenges.
Guiding principles:
Kindness, accountability, and continuous growth are the principles that guide Himani. She believes in treating everyone with respect, doing the right thing even when no one is watching, taking ownership of her actions, and always looking for opportunities to learn and improve. She also believes strongly in helping others succeed and making a positive impact in her workplace and community at large.