Associate Spotlight – Dan Nelson

What’s your “superpower” at work? I’d say it’s my ability to look at things through a risk management lens while also spotting ways to make processes more efficient for our teams, which helps us serve customers better. I’ve worked across a lot of areas in community banking including tech, financial analysis, and operations, which makes it easier to connect with different teams and bring people together to solve problems.

If you could teach every new professional one thing, what would it be? Be flexible. Instead of jumping to “no,” try to explore alternative solutions that could turn it into a “yes”, even if it comes with a few conditions. In risk management, it’s all about finding ways to say yes while still protecting the bank and our stakeholders.

What helps you stay calm and focused during a hectic day? Lists! I’m a big fan of making lists to stay on track, and there’s something satisfying about checking things off. I also remind myself that most things are fixable, and mistakes aren’t the end of the world, in fact they’re often great learning opportunities.

What’s something new you’re hoping to learn or try at work? Lately, I’ve been diving into how AI can be used in everyday work and life. It’s a fast-moving space, and I think it’s important to learn how to use it safely and effectively, while still keeping a human in the loop. I see AI evolving a lot in the coming years, kind of like how the internet or smartphones changed the way we do things.

What’s something you love doing on weekends that most people wouldn’t guess about you? As a true Minnesotan I love spending time with family while making the most of the four seasons. In the summer, you’ll find me on the lake or out for long walks. In the winter, I’m downhill skiing or curling.