Empowering Growth: Brady Martz’s Professional Development and Excellence Academy

At Brady Martz, we are deeply committed to the professional growth of our financial institutions’ clients. As part of this commitment, we’ve launched The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy, a formal mentorship program designed to help financial institution employees thrive in their current roles and build the skills necessary to take on new challenges and responsibilities.  

We recently had a chance to sit down with our own Kelly Hoeven, a key figure in creating the academy. Kelly is a Financial Institutions Consultant at Brady Martz, who has a passion for mentoring and building connections among professionals in the field. With a background in banking and regulatory, Kelly has spent time at various financial institutions, and she has also worked as an FDIC examiner. With her strong experience and skillset, Kelly helped create The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy with a goal of fostering professional development and setting financial institution employees up for success in their current and future roles. 

Why We Created the Academy 

The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy was created with one goal in mind: to foster a culture of mentorship that empowers employees within the financial institution community to reach their full potential. We recognized the immense value mentorship brings in developing both technical and soft skills, and we wanted to create an opportunity for financial institutions to offer structured guidance to their employees. Through this program, we aim to help develop stronger, more effective leaders—individuals who are equipped to drive their organizations forward while advancing their careers. 

How the Academy Works 

The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy offers both one-on-one and group mentorship options, providing flexibility to meet the unique needs of each FI employee. In one-on-one mentorship, mentees are paired with experienced mentors who can provide personalized guidance and advice. Group mentorship, on the other hand, brings together FI employees with similar roles or aspirations, creating a collaborative environment where learning and growth happen through shared experiences. 

The program is designed to be flexible, typically lasting 12 to 18 months. Each mentee works closely with their mentor to establish specific career goals, and the mentorship relationship is centered on achieving those objectives through regular feedback, support, and actionable steps. 

Who Participates in the Academy? 

The program is open to all financial Institution employees looking to advance their careers. Whether an individual is aiming to refine their technical skills, develop leadership qualities, or transition into a new role, the academy offers the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. 

The involvement of supervisors and management is key to the program’s success. Supervisors work alongside mentors to ensure that the developmental goals align with both the employee’s aspirations and the firm’s long-term goals. This collaborative approach ensures that both the individual and the organization benefit from the mentorship experience. 

Why Mentorship Matters 

Mentorship goes beyond career development. It’s about building meaningful relationships and supporting one another’s growth. At Brady Martz, we believe that mentorship creates an environment where both the mentor and mentee can learn from each other and grow together. Mentors offer more than just professional advice; they provide the perspective, encouragement, and insight that are essential for overcoming obstacles and building confidence in one’s career path. 

Mentorship also fosters a sense of community within your company. By investing in one another’s growth, you create a stronger, more cohesive team that is united by a shared commitment to excellence. 

The Benefits of Mentorship 

For mentees, the benefits of participating in a mentorship program are immense. Not only do they gain technical expertise and valuable career insights, but they also develop crucial soft skills such as communication, leadership, and time management. Additionally, mentorship often opens doors to networking opportunities, allowing mentees to connect with other professionals in the financial sector. 

For the mentors, the rewards are equally valuable. Serving as a mentor provides an opportunity to give back, share knowledge, and help shape the next generation of leaders within the financial industry. Mentors also gain fresh perspectives from their mentees, making the relationship mutually beneficial. 

The Organizational Impact of Mentorship 

The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy isn’t just about developing individual professionals—it’s about strengthening entire financial institutions. By investing in the growth of their employees, community banks and credit unions can enhance retention, improve job satisfaction, and cultivate a more engaged workforce. These benefits contribute to long-term organizational success and reinforce a strong leadership pipeline within the financial sector. 

Are You Interested in Learning More? 

If you’d like to learn more about The Brady Martz Professional Development and Excellence Academy and how it can support the growth of your employees, Kelly Hoeven, who leads the program, would be happy to connect with you! Kelly can provide more details about how the program works and how it helps individuals develop both professionally and personally. Reach out to Kelly to find out how you can get involved or learn more about the academy’s impact on your financial institution.