Erin Shaw is a leader, lifelong learner and self-described fashion and interior design enthusiast who believes in showing up with purpose and making room for others to grow. She finds joy in family, friendship, fitness, reading, hiking and her five pets. Get to know Erin and discover what inspires her, how she approaches life’s challenges and what style means to her.
Fast Facts
- Interior design is a passion of mine. I have six different wallpapers on my main floor, including two on the ceilings. If I weren’t in finance, I’d love to own my own design firm.
- I have five pets—Millie, a chocolate lab; Bella and Butter, our cats; and Nibbles and Bun Bun, our bunnies.
- I met my husband at Outback Steakhouse. We were both waiting tables. He had just started, and I heard he was tall, so I asked him out that night. That was 27 years ago!
Q & A
“Elevate” is this year’s theme. What does elevate mean to you, and how are you living it out right now?
To me, elevate means raising the bar on how I show up every day. How I’m living it—focus on what matters instead of reacting to everything. Handle challenges with composure, accountability and respect for other people. And I’m really trying to choose clarity over noise.
Describe a moment when you stepped into a new level of confidence or growth?
My current role with the Private Bank. I was very content in my last leadership role with the firm. When I was asked to join the Private Bank, I did not want to do it because I was so fearful of moving to a new line of business. It has been the most challenging role of my career but the most rewarding. I have grown in so many ways, and I’m thankful to those that encouraged me to step out of my fear.
What empowerment advice would you give a woman who’s ready to take her next step?
Have your cabinet of people you can trust. So many times, I listen to the voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough or competent enough. You need truth-tellers who know you and who will encourage you to take the next step. And you will never know it all, or always feel “ready.” Do it anyway!!!
Explain what motivates or grounds you when life or work feels challenging?
I have to start my day with my devotional and spend time focused on gratitude. I journal so that I can look back on all my doubts and fears and see how the story played out. I also love to go for a walk with my husband and dog after work. He lets me vent, hears me out and brings me the right perspective.
Tell us about any unique skills, talents, or interesting hobbies.
Hiking national parks—Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountains. I hiked in the Rockies last year right after a freak tubing accident and fractured my ankle.
I am told I have an amazing sticker collection, specifically smelly stickers. I give them out to team members for a job well done. I love playing all Mario games and I recently “beat” Super Mario Galaxy 2.
How and why do you support the Dress for Success Indianapolis purpose?
My mom first told me about Dress for Success and their mission in my 20s. I would donate my clothes to Classic Cleaners instead of Goodwill because of the impact they made on women.
When my grandmother passed away in 2014, my mom and I went through her amazing closet and, again, donated her clothes to Dress for Success. I have volunteered to review resumes and do mock interviews as well, and organized these days when I was co-chair of Women on the Move through our firm’s Business Resource Group.
I have been so touched by the women’s stories at Stepping Out in Style. I remember when I visited the store and was blown away by the presentation and options available. I know that when I love what I’m wearing, I feel so much more confident. And fashion has always been a love of mine.
I regularly attend Stepping Out in Style as well as the Pearl Society Reception. I co-chair our Market Leadership team and ensure Dress for Success is part of our giving strategy each year.
