NWA C-Suite: Sam Sicard - Talk Business & Politics
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- St. Bernards Foundation distributes $4.8 million in grants
- University of Arkansas, D-Wave to partner on quantum computing project
- I-49 Arkansas River bridge about 50% complete, ahead of schedule
- Tighter data center rules on Fort Smith Board agenda
- Former UA System President B. Alan Sugg passes away at 88
- Walton maternal mortality group providing Arkansas with $10 million grant
- UAMS Chancellor Barnes honored, discusses efforts to keep rural hospitals open
- $54.6 million in rural health transformation funds awarded
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- Central Arkansas
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Video / Podcasts and Election 2026
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Class of 2026: C Suite - Sam Sicard
President & CEO, Board Chair, First National Bank of Fort Smith
Interview Excerpts
If you could trade places with any employee in your company for a day, which role would you pick and why?
I do miss spending most of my day with customers and learning about their business as a commercial lender. That is still part of my time, but now I spend more time supporting our team members.
What is your ultimate hidden superpower that isn’t listed on your LinkedIn profile?
Multitasking. I operate well when I have to “juggle several balls in the air.”
What is the most critical skill the next generation of leaders needs to develop?
As a leader, the most important skill is still the ability to attract, motivate, align and retain a great team.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from a mentor?
Don’t major in the minors … meaning focus on the most important things in life, in your job and as a leader. It’s easy to spend too much time on minor distractions when time is very finite.
What is your go-to cure for a bad case of decision fatigue?
Long outdoor walks or bike rides. Exercise and being outdoors rejuvenate my mental energy.
What legacy or footprint do you most want your organization to leave behind?
Our legacy as a community bank has to be to continuously improve the quality of place and the quality of life of the communities we serve.
What tech investment has given your organization the highest return on investment in? (The text does not provide an answer for this question.)