Melissa Baines

Risk Manager, Republic Business Credit, LLC

Biography:

Melissa is currently the head of the Risk Management Team for Republic Business Credit, LLC, a commercial finance company based in New Orleans, LA. With more than more than 18 years of operational, credit and risk experience in commercial finance, Melissa leads the team responsible for securing the solid performance and integrity of Republic’s portfolio.  In addition to serving as a member of the Senior Management Team of Republic Business Credit, LLC, Melissa serves on Republic’s Credit Committee.  Prior to joining Republic in 2011, Melissa oversaw the operations, underwriting and legal functions as head of the Midwest region for a global commercial finance company.  Many processes and standard operating procedures developed under Melissa’s leadership were shared as best practice and implemented across the North American locations.  Melissa’s expertise was also called upon, from time to time, to provide leadership and operational support to various affiliates. Prior to 2004, as head of the asset-based lending division of a regional bank in the Midwest, Melissa was responsible for the underwriting and operations functions of the ABL division. A Chicago native, having attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Melissa now resides with her family in New Orleans. 

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

To start, my advice is to be assertive as your own advocate.  Hold yourself accountable to your core values and take ownership of your path.  Engage with your team and those in other departments.

I highly recommend seeking out a mentor –someone you find to be knowledgeable and well-respected who will help you set short-term goals, and who will push you to reach them.  Mentors can be a good resource to recommend additional training material to broaden your knowledge.  Mentors may also assist in establishing important professional relationships you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to forge and will take pride in touting your successes to those needing to know. Be open to and welcome constructive criticism, even ask for it, and then use it! Once you have mastered your current role, ask for more –more learning opportunities, more responsibilities to master. This may lead you to another mentor, or it may lead you to become a mentor to someone else. It may change the path you thought you were taking, and that’s okay. Be flexible and adapt where necessary in order to seize the opportunities ahead of you. Allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone, be a little afraid, and continue to challenge yourself.  Your path may curve a bit, but one thing is for sure –you will be propelling yourself forward. People will notice!

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

I advise women to worry less about what people might think and, rather, show others how you want to be perceived.  There is no shame in being proud of an accomplishment or accolade that was earned.  And women should not shy away from relaying a strong sense of self-confidence.  The level of confidence a person projects is an important factor in the confidence level others will have in that person. As the confidence of others increases, so will future opportunities for recognition and success. It’s a cycle every woman should want to be on.

I implore those who struggle with self-promotion to honestly ask themselves, “If I won’t advocate for myself, why would someone else?” Then “Why should someone advocate for me?” Write down the answers. Carry it with you as a reminder. And get out there; tout away!

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

I wish I realized earlier that the people around me were my most valuable resource.  When I was young, I was focused and rigid.  I thought I could do it on my own until I found myself alone on a proverbial sinking ship, overwhelmed and underperforming.  I sought a mentor who taught me to better engage with teammates, train and support them, which resulted in them trusting and supporting me. She taught me the most important lesson for anyone looking to advance in their career –succession planning.  I couldn’t grow my role until there was someone trained to fill the seat I was leaving. Day 1 - identify your successor!

How can commercial finance organizations offer meaningful professional development and career advancement?

Commercial finance organizations are great sources for classes of all levels, roles and specialties.  Classes and events are great venues to meet and network with industry colleagues.  I am pleased to see more events popping up and geared towards women in commercial finance!