In this episode of Create A Place podcast, Kristina York sits down with Rita Lowman—a 45-year banking veteran, author, and passionate advocate for mental health and leadership with heart. From decades of shaping institutions, mentoring top talent, and setting a new standard for human-centered leadership, Rita brings a legacy of influence that reaches far beyond banking. One of the few women in the boardroom early in her career, she not only earned her seat—she used it to elevate others. In this episode, she shares candid stories, life lessons, and the emotional realities of transitioning from high-stakes leadership into a slower—but still deeply meaningful—season. Together, they explore: The emotional side of retirement and the inevitable identity shift Grieving while leading—how Rita found strength after losing her son How to listen in leadership and why it matters more than ever Creating space for associates to thrive, not just function or perform How leaders grow by walking with—their teams, not ahead of them 🎧 This vulnerable, wise, and uplifting conversation speaks to the head and the heart. Whether you’re a rising leader, a seasoned executive, or navigating your next chapter—this one’s for you.   Connect with Rita :: - LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-lowman-a541a910/ - Auto-Biography : From the Farm to the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons : https://a.co/d/dh2datX - Contributing Author : Stronger than Stigma : https://a.co/d/j1ohLIT   Connect with KY :: 👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast   🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net   📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com   📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE 🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208 🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4 🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com