SYL Spotlight – Sara Lainton – The Saskatchewan Young Leaders

Let us introduce you to our Communication Director, Sara Lainton! This is Sara’s first year with SYL, and we are so excited to have her as part of our committee for the next three years. Sara is with Affinity Credit Union in Estevan and is a Business Advisor. Let’s find out a bit more about Sara!

Tell us about you and your Credit Union journey. How did you get to where you are now?

My dad worked for the Credit Union for most of his professional life. So, the first chance I got, you better believe I was signing up for a Fat Cat account as soon as I could! I was also excited to volunteer to ride the Credit Union float during the Canada Day parade, and even wore the stinky Fat Cat costume once or twice. All this is to say I have been on my ‘Credit Union’ journey basically my whole life. I actually started in the maintenance department back when we were Spectra Credit Union. It was sort of a way to earn some money while I figured out what I wanted to do. Ultimately, I couldn’t ignore the fact that my values aligned so perfectly with those of the Credit Union and I simply never looked back from there. I moved into a member service role where I discovered my passion for helping people. Shortly after this, I moved into a role as a receptionist in our Business Banking department. Since then, I have continued to build a broad depth of knowledge and expertise in the area of Business Banking inclusive of my experience as a Senior Loan Processor, and in the role of Business Advisory Specialist. I am currently a Business Advisor, helping our Business and Ag members meet their financial goals – and it’s a perfect fit for me!

Why did you join SYL?

I joined Affinity Young Leaders last year, which is where I learned of SYL. I immediately researched the group and was so excited to read about their vision, initiatives, and direction. It was all solidified for me when I attended the SYL Retreat in Cypress Hills in the Fall of 2022. Being surrounded by so many like-minded, amazing people inspired me to discover my true potential as a leader. Most importantly, be a resource for young people to forge their path in the Credit Union (or anywhere in their lives really).

What are you most proud of so far in your SYL journey?

I have only just begun my SYL journey – so far I am just proud to be a part of such an amazing group of young leaders.

Now… for some fun!

If money, time, and other people’s opinions didn’t matter, what would you be doing?

I would be pursuing my hobbies. There are so many interesting things to learn in this world! I’d love to learn how to ride a unicycle, bake the perfect sourdough bread loaf, or glass blow.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

My dad gave me some advice as I was advancing in my career – specifically when it came to interviewing. He told me there is never a better time to brag about yourself than during an interview. For those of us who TRY and be humble, it’s difficult to speak to your strengths sometimes. It really applied to more than just interviews – but advocating for myself when I was trying to achieve a goal in general. It really helped me build the confidence in those key moments where I was fighting for something I really wanted!

Favorite book you ever read?

This is such a hard question! I think my favorite book ever would be Little Women.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would play you and why?

I would have to go with Leslie Mann – she is so funny, but also extremely relatable and fierce when she wants to be.

If you were a Star Wars character, which one would you be and why?

Ok don’t hate me, but I have never seen the Star Wars movies! I quite literally Googled ‘Star Wars Personality Types’ to answer this question – and based on the results, I relate most with Chewbacca (especially on my bad hair days).

What is the worst decision you made?

I think the correct answer to this question is that there are no wrong decisions in life because it’s lead to you to where you are today … right? No but seriously, I try not to dwell on past choices – I truly do think everything happens for a reason. I did once order chicken parmesan at a restaurant instead of the New York steak – and have regretted it ever since.

What does the word Leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, means being an inspiration for those who need direction to get to their destination – and – determining what the destination is. While at the same time, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone, as that is where true growth happens. Finding a balance between those two things is a challenge, and I think an effective leader can find that balance.

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