Q&A: Cayce Reese on Intersection of Community Banking, Storytelling

Cayce Reese serves as the marketing and business development coordinator for Oconee State Bank. Sitting at the intersection of local finance and community storytelling, Reese offered a unique perspective on how community banks stay competitive in a digital age. She discussed the balance between profit and customer service, the importance of financial honesty for young professionals and the critical role integrity plays in the future of business.

Q: What did you learn about the bank’s mission while working at the executive level? How does that make you a better storyteller?

It honestly transforms the way you see things when you sit in those strategic meetings. You hear the executives explain the vision and not just the fun story elements. As a storyteller, I do not just focus on the feelings. It has to drive results. I think it is a beautiful combination to have the organizational skills and the strategic understanding.

Q: When you meet small business owners in Athens or UGA students, what would your advice be when managing money?

There is a really good book called “Unreasonable Hospitality.” It talks about how you have to prioritize what matters. Manage your operational costs well, but then find that 5 to 10 percent where you can have a little bit of pizzazz. It is preplanned spontaneity that allows for the wow moments that happen.

Q: What skills matter most to you looking into the future of business?

Integrity. When you sit in spaces where there is a high level of trust, people are trusting you with major decisions that impact every single day of their lives. It is not a small thing. Even with AI, if you cannot navigate AI with integrity then we are in trouble.