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Nadine Givens comes from a small town and a big family. The oldest of 10 kids, Givens grew up in a Florida town of about 27,000 where she first dipped her toe into banking. Today, Givens serves as the Indiana Director for PNC Private Bank, where she has worked for more than 12 years. After a few years of working at the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago, where she met her husband in the training program, Givens chose to move to Indianapolis. After one more stint back in Chicago, Givens finally settled in Indiana. With their two children grown, Givens and her husband now live in downtown Carmel, but she’s incredibly passionate about a particular downtown institution. Read on to find out, plus, her best career advice and the local dish she can’t stop ordering.
My Maven Superpower is …
I’m a people person. I want to know what’s important to someone, what he or she cares the most about, what makes them tick. I ask a lot of questions. And oftentimes, especially in my line of work, where we are talking to clients about a very sensitive and personal topic – money – I poke and prod, ask things they don’t expect a banker to ask, because I really want to get to know them and help solve for their situation, to build their legacy.
There’s a quote that I used to have in my office by Teddy Roosevelt. “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” That is definitely my motto.
Best book I’ve read lately is …
“The Exiles” by Christina Baker Kline. It’s a historical fiction about a time in history when women—men too—often wrongfully jailed, were exiled from Great Britain to Australia. It sounds like very heavy subject matter, but it’s a lovely story about women and friendships and unbreakable bonds that they forged during those tough times that helped them through.
Self-care habit I swear by …
Walking. It’s good for your bones—something the doctor says I need to pay attention to—but also brain health. I really like walking, especially when I get to do it with a very good friend of mine or colleague at work. And I love the conversation, too, while you’re getting some exercise in.
My first job was …
Barnett Bank in Sanford, Florida. I started in the bookkeeping department, and then they figured out that I’m a people person, so they sent me downstairs to the teller line which I loved. I would go back and be a teller today.
The best advice I can offer is …
We pride ourselves on mentorship at PNC, and I really enjoy spending time with the up-and-comers. My advice is to strive to do your current role very well and excel at it. When you do, doors will open for you.
My life advice is never to underestimate the power of friendship. We can get very busy in this life, especially working moms, and sometimes what can go by the wayside is staying connected to friends.
A purchase I’ve been loving lately is …
I got a plug-in hybrid Volvo. I love this thing. It rides so smoothly. It has such great pickup, and I go to and from work every day without using a drop of gas.
I feel most confident when …
I’m collaborating with people. Whether it’s working together with my team, a board that I’m on, or planning a fun event—just coming together, a meeting of the minds to tap into the different strengths that we all bring.
My favorite local restaurant dish is …
Romagnola from the Italian restaurant Capri. It’s a veal scallopini dish with sage, cremini mushrooms, and mozzarella. I eat it every Christmas Eve, and every year I swear I’m going to get something different. But I don’t.
The thing I’ve been binging lately is…
Watching The Bear on Hulu. Great writing and acting. It’s set in Chicago and shines a light on family and friendships along with a dose of dysfunction and a lot of heart.
A fun fact about me is …
I really enjoy scuba diving. The ocean is my happy place. As rough as it may seem on the top when you dive down, it’s just the most peaceful and beautiful sight.
The skill I most want to learn is …
Maybe when I retire someday, I’ll have the time to become a master gardener. Purdue could probably help me.
A Maven you should know is … *
Taylor Schaffer, the CEO of Downtown Indy. I admire her from afar. Her enthusiasm, her incredible energy. But at the same time, she’s got an ease and grace about her. She is steadfast in challenging times.
My favorite nonprofit to support is …
The IRT with five exclamation points behind it. I was on the board for a very long time and just rolled off last year. We should not underestimate the value of having a professional theatre company in our town. It makes our lives richer and our community richer.
What’s next for you? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I look forward to joining IU Momentum, Indy Divas, and riding my bike once a week from April-September with other women of all ages from different backgrounds/careers. Exercise, networking, and making new friends.
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