Amber Farley
Partner, EVP Brand Development
Amber is a partner and our EVP of Brand Development. She speaks all over the country about the value and purpose of brand. She's on the faculty and the Graduates School of Banking, ... She strategizes ways to help our clients be purpose-driven, inspirational and more relevant to today’s customer—including both internal and external customers. When we develop a brand for our banks, Amber helps identify the digital strategies, technology and touch-points to communicate that brand efficiently and effectively. So it’s Amber’s job to stay on top of the latest trends affecting user behavior and best practices for communicating online. She also spearheads the agency's own business development, partnerships and marketing programs. Amber is a sought-out speaker and teacher, leading frequent conference keynotes and webinars and serving in many leadership capacities across the industry.
Random Stats About Amber
The average number of nights I spend in a hotel each year. 60
Is the highest amount you can love someone in our family. There's more to that story. 7
The number of times you will see me drinking cereal milk. Absolutely gross. 0
The number of days I wish I lived at the beach. Christmas Day would be the only exception. 364
A Few More Really Random Things
You Didn’t Know About Amber
What is your most treasured possession?
The handmade cherry cedar chest that my dad made me when I was 16. I have all kinds of memorabilia in there that I never want to forget.
What is the hardest part about your job?
One of the perks, travel. I love it, selfishly, but it is incredibly hard to balance the deadlines and frequent travel with everyday life. Like when am I supposed to do grocery shopping or laundry or help with my kids' school projects?
What is the most over-rated thing about your job?
Sometimes I want to unplug from social media and I don’t feel like I can because my job depends on it. So balancing mental health time is important. It isn’t always as fun as it seems.
Is there something FMS or clients don’t know about you?
I doubt it. I am an open book! I used to be a little bit of an adrenaline junkie. I even went sky-diving, the non-tandem version! My first public speaking event was when I was 7 years old and it was on the topic of whales. I still love whales! I grew up in a small town outside of Memphis with a few well-known celebrities like Al Green and Justin Timberlake. I learned how to clog at a young age, and still remember my routines. I was the flyer for our cheerleading squad, the setter for our varsity volleyball team and played fast-pitch softball. I was born 30 days early. That's about it. Now you know everything!
In your job, when are you happiest?
After I have successfully presented, whether speaking, teaching or pitching new business. I’m the happiest after that high. Also, our industry naturally allows for more collaboration with other people, and I love that part. I love listening to brilliant ideas and being allowed to have raw open-ended brainstorming sessions; that gets me excited and energized and invigorated.
Is there a color you don’t like?
Grey. Nothing about grey makes me happy. I’m not modern; all the new modern stuff is grey. I like warm, optimistic colors.
Is there a word you don’t like?
I don’t like the word no. No is so definitive. I’m not a fan.
What’s your greatest domestic hidden talent?
Cooking tacos.The secret is the fried corn tortilla - Frensley style!
How does your work life meld or balance with your home life?
There is not much separation; it is just my life, with a home, husband, kids, and work. I manage it all the best I can wherever I am. I am trying to be present and my kids, job and husband deserve the best of me. I try to be 100% there wherever I am. Soak up the moment. Be the best I can be in that moment. Easier said than done.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing what you’re doing?
I would live near the beach, and I would try and make a living by helping young kids somehow, like teaching them about how important the ocean is to our ecosystem, coordinating beach cleanups, helping marine life etc.