A Memphis native, Teri Thompson is a commercial real estate lender with EagleBank. She has worked in the financial services industry—primarily banking—for the entirety of her 25+ year career. Having lived and worked in several different regions across the country, she has experience working with people of varied backgrounds.

Q: What do you look forward to when you go to work every day?

A: Learning something new. As a CRE lender for an active financial institution with a robust client base, there is never a dull moment. Each day is full of opportunities to think creatively and strategically. No day is the same and that keeps me energized! More importantly, discussing commercial real estate projects, business plans and company histories with my clients allows me to understand things from their perspectives and to learn from their decades of experience.

Q: What would you say if you could go back in time and advise yourself as a young professional?

A: As a Black woman with a 25+ year career, long before discussions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, I would tell my younger self to stay open-minded, encouraged, motivated and determined. Your mentor relationships may look and feel different from your colleagues’, but they are nonetheless beneficial.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve received, and how has it helped you?

A: Early in my career, a female Caucasian banking executive told me that as a 4-foot-11 Black woman, I had three strikes against me. I could be successful, she said, but based on her life and professional experience, it would take longer and I would have to work harder. Her courageous conversation helped me understand that our challenges are not always apparent. Her counsel helped me embrace those simple words of wisdom we’ve all heard: Treat others with respect, maintain a positive attitude and outlook, and be the best person you can be.