In 2006, at just 22 years of age, Amy Gestal dove into the leasing industry. Twelve years later, she found her way to Huntington Technology Finance and has since become a powerhouse for the growth of the company’s vendor business. Five years later, Gestal now manages the technology vendor finance group, leading the sales team and overseeing the development of new technology relationships as well as structuring deals.

Gestal’s quick ascent to her leadership role has taught her that learning from senior members is an invaluable tool for gaining leadership qualities and values necessary for success. Through those mentors, Gestal’s leadership style has evolved to focus on collaboration, vulnerability and empathy.

Managing a proper work-life balance is often easier said than done, but for this mother of two four-year-old twins and a two-year-old, it is front and center. “I share my vulnerability and encourage personal relationships, to show my team their hard feelings are safe to experience and express” Gestal says. “I believe by showing up for it all, including our difficulties, we foster a work environment our colleagues want to be a part of and is also attractive to clients.”

Gestal says it’s a work in progress to keep everything in balance, but the key is to try and come back to what she loves and wants in the moment and then to prioritize making time for those activities.

When there’s space, Gestal also makes it a point to give back to the community. “I represent Huntington through volunteer activities serving as a member of the Bank Business Council Steering Committee for ELFA and as a board member for the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence,” Gestal says.