Eric Segal

Helping others grow is what puts a pep in Eric Segal’s step. But Eric, the Manager of Talent Development with First Merchants Bank, didn’t always know it would be his passion.

“I started at First Merchants as a part-time teller, just because I needed a job while I was in college,” he shared. “But when a role in our Talent, Development, and Engagement department came up a few years later, I thought, ‘Well, I’ve learned a few things. Maybe I can teach a few things.’"

From there, he fell headfirst into a love of teaching and helping his colleagues grow their careers.

“I love that lightbulb moment that happens when you’re training someone,” he shared. “Especially if they’re new to banking or are trying to learn a new system or process – and you see them go from being unsure to everything becoming second nature. Just watching that journey is incredibly rewarding for me.”

In his work, Eric and his team have a huge impact on the bank and help coach their colleagues on how to best make an impact – both professionally and in their communities.

“We have an influence on pretty much every team member who comes through the bank – helping them with some kind of training for some reason,” he shared.

As he moved up the ranks, Eric doesn’t facilitate employee training as much as he used to, but he still works to help his team learn and grow.

“What I try to do with my team is help them grow and develop in the same way they grow and develop others,” he explained.

Eric has also had a significant impact in making First Merchants a better place to work and a better partner for our diverse communities through his involvement within the bank.

“I raise my hand a lot for projects and committees – including the Employee Engagement Committee,” he shared. “I think for me it’s because it’s a people aspect – anything that’s going to involve people coming together or that will build our culture really makes me happy.”

For Eric, his passion isn’t just rooted in people but also in wanting others to find First Merchants as welcoming and fulfilling as he has.

“I have not had a day where I’ve not enjoyed coming to work,” he said. “I want to find ways to engage other team members so that they feel the same when they come to work at First Merchants Bank. I want them to enjoy what they do because they interact with great people and have opportunities to get involved in things they are passionate about, like our great Employee Resource Groups.”

Outside the bank, Eric has previously served as the Co-chair for the United Way and a local symphony. He recently moved to Indianapolis and is watching for new opportunities to volunteer.

“There’s definitely an opportunity for me in that space, and I’m looking forward to getting involved more in the local community,” he said.

In his spare time, Eric enjoys cooking, being a foodie, and traveling.

First Merchants Bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility compels us to invest in our communities by finding ways to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of our neighborhoods, and promote positive economic mobility though our five community pillars: Employee Empowerment; Community Investments and Charitable Giving; Financial Wellness; Community Home Lending; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This series features First Merchants teammates who embody the spirit and impact of the company’s Vision: “to enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”