Tasha Neal
Commercial Account Manager
At CUA, we pride ourselves on knowing our customers and having customers get to know our staff, including those who look after our commercial clients. We recently sat down with one of our staff members to help you get to know them as well.Tasha has been a member of the CUA team for nearly two decades and has held various positions within the organization. Most recently, she joined the Commercial team and you can find her supporting our small business members.
What drew you to banking?
After graduating from Mount Saint Vincent University, I began working at CUA as a Financial Service Representative. I had a pretty good understanding of the impacts of personal finance at an early age and being able to help others naturally fit with my own values.
How long have you been at CUA?
18 Years – I started with CUA in 2002. Since then, I’ve held various branch positions including Financial Service Officer, Account Manager and Branch Manager. In 2018, I transitioned into the Manager Sales and Member Experience role. In early 2020, I moved into the Commercial Account Manager role, which I love.
What is the best part of your job?
Meeting with existing and prospective members and hearing their stories. I have a real appreciation for small businesses and for getting to know the people who run them. I also enjoy experiencing firsthand the innovations and the variety of businesses we have in this province.
Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
I joined the commercial team this year but throughout my entire tenure with CUA, one of the most important things I’ve learned and seen again and again is this: everyone has a story, and everyone deserves the chance to be heard with dignity. Getting to know our members and their goals is a privilege.
What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?
I believe that everyone should set financial goals no matter how big or small they may seem. It doesn’t need to be a large, elaborate goal. I have often told young couples it may be as simple as putting away enough money each payday so that they can get a babysitter and go out for dinner once a month. What’s most important is creating a plan to make it happen. Setting, working toward and achieving goals is a great feeling! A Financial Advisor is a great resource if you aren’t sure where to start.
Do you have any memorable client or member stories that you would like to share that have had an impression on your career?
At the beginning of my career when I was working as a Financial Services Representative, a member came into the branch to make a withdrawal from their RRSP in order to cover the cost of their spouse flying home for a funeral. The Financial Advisor that the member met with recognized how hard they had worked for those savings and was able to offer an alternative solution that kept their savings intact and didn’t have the same tax implications. It was that moment that reassured me I wanted to continue in the banking industry and recognized the ability we have to help others.
Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?
When I’m not meeting with clients, you can find me spending time with my family, cooking, gardening and horseback riding.
Do you have any secret talents or skills that people may not guess by looking at you? If so, how did you learn it?
While I was in university, I was the manager of a local deli, then called Chris Brother Meats. While I was there, I was taught how to cut meat … being a hands-on person, I couldn’t help but learn the skill!
What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?
Whether I’m eating at home or at a restaurant, pad thai is one of my favourite meals.
Do you have a favourite small business that you visit regularly and would like to recommend?
Walkers Livestock and Feed. They live and breathe community values and are amongst the hardest working group of people I have ever met. If you’re in the Cole Harbour area, be sure to stop in.
Email Tasha
