Taylor Ost-Ousley is River City Bank’s VP, Treasury Management Sales Officer in our Commercial Banking Division. She generates new revenue sources and manages commercial banking customers’ financial resources, including cash, assets, and liabilities. This Kansas City native and former track and field athlete talked to us about challenging herself, being an early riser, and how there is no place like home.
Hometown: I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Sacramento with my husband in 2019.
First Job: My first official job (if you don’t count babysitting) was working at the front desk of a gym and fitness center in high school.
First Car: My first car was an Acura Integra.
Favorite Quote(s): “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-- Maya Angelou
Favorite Movie: Pride & Prejudice (2005 version)
Favorite song: “Bad Sneakers” – Steely Dan
First concert: My first concert was Christina Aguilera. Destiny’s Child was the opener for that concert before they were a big deal, so I got to see Beyoncé before she was “Queen Bey.”
Favorite city to visit: Kansas City, Missouri. My family is still there, and there’s no place like home.
Favorite place in California: My favorite place in California is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. That forest feels magical.
First site or app you check in the morning: The first app I check in the morning is my work email. I like to be prepared for my day.
What are you reading right now? I am currently reading Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray.
Morning ritual: I am an early riser and like to start my day with a workout or a long walk. After my workout, I water my plants and herb garden under the supervision of my dog, Wellesley.
If you have an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it? Sleeping or cooking.
Radio or podcasts? Radio. Music is the key to my soul.
What is your coffee or tea order? In the winter, I like orange and cinnamon-spiced hot tea with honey. (Preferably in front of a blazing fire while snow falls outside.) In the summer, I like iced black tea.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I was a triple jumper on the middle and high school track team, even briefly holding the record. This is surprising since I am only 5’4”.
Which causes/nonprofits do you support? I am passionate about and support Gilda’s Club, and I dream of starting a nonprofit to help single mothers get back into the workforce. My dream for this nonprofit is to help women create resumes, learn interview skills, obtain appropriate work attire, and have access to childcare so they have the confidence to go after fulfilling jobs that will make a difference in their lives.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me is enjoying good food and laughs around a dinner table with my family.
What did you want to be when you were a child? An Architect. I have always marveled at the expression of creativity displayed through unique architecture. I used to design floor plans on graph paper in math class.
What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is not getting the most out of life. And spiders.
Which living person do you most admire? My mother is my hero. She had a successful career but never missed a single game or violin concert when I was growing up. She taught me the importance of family and what really matters in life. She is passionate, hardworking, selfless, and loving, and I’ve always admired her strength in her convictions and ability to overcome what life throws at her.
What is your greatest extravagance? My greatest extravagance is travel. My husband and I try to take two trips every year. We try to take one relaxing vacation and one trip that is an adventure to explore somewhere new.
What is your current state of mind? My current state of mine is grateful. I am grateful to be alive, grateful to have a wonderful family,
grateful to be employed, and grateful for the many blessings I have in my life.
What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out? Early in my career, I had a manager who consistently challenged me by encouraging me to do things outside my comfort zone. He taught me that taking on new challenges, even if that meant being uncomfortable, is the best way to excel and grow.
What do you like best about working at River City Bank? The people. It is refreshing to work for an organization where people are driven, passionate, and striving toward the same goal of providing the best experience for our clients.
