Kristin Diiorio doesn’t shy away from leadership.

“I have found that being involved in my community is my best weapon,” she says. “When I began taking leadership roles in organizations is when I felt a real shift. Professionally and personally, I felt a much greater sense of investment in the community I serve.”

The 2009 Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Leadership program graduate has been an active member of the downtown Fort Myers community more than 15 years. Diiorio has served on the River District Alliance board since 2017 and allocations committees for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades & Okeechobee since 2012, among other volunteer projects.

Professionally, Diiorio has led Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s downtown Fort Myers branch to acquire nearly $30 million in deposits since 2017, with an average growth of 31% annually.

The mother of two has learned to balance all aspects of her life with quality interactions with others versus quantity.

“Through experience, I learned my business relationships could still flourish and grow without compromising my home life,” Diiorio says. I am now able to maintain strong professional relationships with customers and colleagues using a different, more focused approach by being present and responsive.”

How does she make her relationships with those in work, home, and the community matter?

“Interpersonal skills are crucial,” Diiorio says. Just follow her few simple steps: “Master the art of conversation. Learn how to ask open-ended questions because it shows you’re interested. Become a good listener. Doing business is all about relationships and relationships are built on positive interpersonal interactions.”

Raised in Southwest Florida, Diiorio lives in the Gateway community with her husband, Christian, and her two sons, Chase, 8, and Aiden, 6. She is an avid runner who has completed two marathons and continues to run several races a year.