If you could sit down with your bank’s CEO and ask questions about their career journey, thoughts about the banking industry, or even what they do in their spare time, what would you ask? In this feature, New Jersey Banker will ask the questions for you!
We asked Fred Viaud, President/CEO, Ascendia Bank, some questions. Thanks for sitting down with us, Fred!
How did you get started in banking?
My banking career began in August 1980. I answered an ad for a teller position at Carteret Savings in North Bergen, NJ. I was hired as the night supervisor of the branch, and I have been in banking ever since.
What advice do you have for young bankers starting their career?
Try to start in a position that allows you to learn as many areas of the bank as possible. If this is not possible, take the initiative to learn on your own. Regardless of what you studied in college, or the particular job you were hired for, knowledge of how all areas of the bank function will have a positive effect on your career trajectory.
Why do you feel it’s important for banks like Ascendia to be associated with NJBankers?
NJBankers provides exceptional educational opportunities for all levels of bank staff! The benefits of a diversified portfolio of seminars, webinars, and conferences, taught by leading financial experts, cannot be measured.
What trait does the modern banker need to have to be successful?
The ability to sort through excessive amounts of data, coming from many sources, and decipher what will be helpful in making the bank meet its objectives.
What are you most proud of regarding your leadership at Ascendia Bank?
The effect of our 2021 rebranding project is by far the proudest moment of my career. After nearly 100 years of Glen Rock Savings Bank serving its community, the changing of our name to Ascendia Bank, developing modern banking products, and seeing the subsequent growth from these changes, was an incredibly rewarding experience.
What is the best advice you ever received?
After dealing with any situation that leaves you feeling angry or stressed, you will want to fire off an email or a memo to address it. Write it, but sleep on it before you send it. The next day, after calming down, read it again. You may decide to reword it, or not send it at all. Always keep in mind, once sent, it cannot be taken back. I have found this advice has helped keep me from making any number of unpleasant events worse.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I am a big fan of the rock group KISS.
I always start my day with…
Coffee!!!
What leadership traits are overrated?
Charisma.
What was the last book you read?
Squared Away by Jeff Marsico
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Any island in the South Pacific.
