If your mother gives you the same advice as your peers and colleagues, you know it must be good. That advice is likely why you will always find Noel Crichton pushing herself toward new challenges with passion and enthusiasm. Couple that with her kindness superpower, and you see why she has risen so far in a relatively short period of time. Read on to learn more about Noel, why you may never want to bother her while she’s driving, and where you are likely to catch her most nights during the spring and summer.
Name: Noel Crichton
Current Role/Job Title: Director of Compliance & Quality
Company: CKS Financial
Length of time at current company: Almost 6 years!
Length of time in industry: Almost 6 years as well.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started off working as a receptionist, gaining that frontline support experience when I first started working at 16. When looking for career growth in my early twenties, I knew compliance is where I wanted to be. CKS brought me on as a specialist, developing me with knowledge, relationships, and leadership skills that has allowed me to grow and build into the director-level role I’m at now!
What is your career highlight so far?
Being able to build and develop the relationships and connections that I have so far. Stepping out of my comfort zone at times to network, attend conferences, and work to build strong connections with like-minded leaders has been so rewarding. I’m always looking to industry leaders for their stories, their experiences, and their trial & error obstacles they’ve faced to help myself and others learn and grow.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m motivated by the pressure! Deadlines are peak productivity for me to exercise my skills in organizing. I also bring my best A-game first thing in the morning (after coffee & my favorite music of course 😉).
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Denise Sanders. She’s amazing at what she does and provides so much inspiration and motivation to so many leaders through her kindness, cohesive mindset, and steadfast dedication. She has been a shining light for me from the very start of my career growth! I definitely feel thankful to have her leadership and guidance.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I recruited some feedback from the team on this one! My kindness is my superpower. From extending a hand for help on a project, collaborating for an upcoming change, or even when reaching out for follow-ups on items, kindness is always shown.
What do you like most about this industry?
The teamwork. We are all very goal-driven, and I love to that we are always extending offers of assistance when it’s needed — from bouncing around new ideas, sharing past experiences/stories, providing helpful suggestions, and overall offering support when it is needed.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The perception of the industry from consumers/how consumers may perceive us. I would love it if we could increase the number of positive articles and useful information for consumers to help them better understand the credit and collections industry, their own financial knowledge, and to push for a more positive look for the industry.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
In college, I was interested in becoming an aesthetician — helping people look and feel their most confident selves.
Describe a typical work day
My days are ever-changing based on the projects. Most days start with checking in with my team members, extending any assistance or closing any gaps, checking in on and offering guidance on their outstanding items, checking my to-do list for any meetings, making progress on or finishing any outstanding projects, checking for any insightful updates coming our way and collaborating with other leaders.
What is your guilty pleasure?
You can catch me singing my heart out in the car any day of the week! Country music is my go-to.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Your comfort zone is the worst place you can be.” I’ve heard this a few times from industry leaders and even my mom has reiterated that motto and they are all spot on! Jumping out of your comfort zone may cause some apprehension in the beginning but overtime, you will be so grateful for the taken chances, new connections, and advancements made! The further away from your comfort zone you get, the easier it feels.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve recently joined a book club that keeps me on my toes every month with a new genre! Right now, we’ve started on a mystery called “The Wife Upstairs.” I will admit, I’ve have lost a few hours of sleep to read just “one more chapter” of this one.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
If there is live music/concert happening, especially those with country music, I will be there! I’m known to do a bit of traveling for some of my favorite artists but luckily for me, Virginia Beach has so many great events every spring and summer.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I would love to hear Bekah Luebcke from Crown Asset Management share her experience and details! I’m sure she would have some impressive feedback. 😊
