MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
CRYSTAL WRIGHT
SVP, Communications
Merrick Bank
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
My mother has been my biggest source of inspiration and encouragement in both my career and personal life. Having experienced family tragedies in her life, she has always exhibited resilience and a belief that tomorrow will be better, that you can turn things around if you just believe.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
I would attribute the majority of my success to hard work, never giving up, and the ability to reimagine my strengths so I can adapt to new opportunities. When someone tells me no, I keep knocking until I get a yes. As a friend and colleague likes to say, “No one will outwork Crystal.” So, perhaps my sheer determination has helped me create some luck along the way, too.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
I thrive on growing through challenges and taking on opportunities that I may be a little scared of, knowing that I will learn along the way. Most importantly, I don’t allow preconceived notions others may have about my career potential to dictate my reality or ambitions.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
There are a few things I would have done differently when I first embarked on my career in communications. If I had one do-over, it would be to take bigger leaps of faith and accept opportunities that I felt were outside my comfort zone.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
That’s a difficult question to answer. Over the years, I’ve had several great jobs that offered unforgettable opportunities. Even when some roles weren’t so marvelous, I always took something positive from each experience, whether it was traveling to new countries or forming lasting friendships with colleagues.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
Excelsior! Onward and upward. Tomorrow is always an opportunity to strive even higher in both your professional and personal life. It’s a rallying cry for excellence, and it motivates me with a sense of excitement and fun.