Podcast Summary

Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand

Episode: From Teller to AVP: Julia Bucci’s Rise in Banking & Nonprofit Impact
Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory
Guest: Julia Bucci, Assistant Vice President, Retail Banking, Hingham Institution for Savings
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the professional and personal journey of Julia Bucci, who rose from bank teller to Assistant Vice President at Hingham Institution for Savings. Host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory guides listeners through Julia’s path in banking, her impact in the nonprofit sector, her leadership mindset, and the human side of her success—including her story of coming out and personal growth. The conversation is practical, honest, and full of actionable advice for those interested in legacy-building, leadership, and authentic self-expression.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Julia’s Red Carpet Song Choice

• [02:24–02:41]
  Julia is asked what her “confidence” or red carpet entrance song would be:

  "Oh, it’s probably something Avicii... Maybe 'Hey Brother' and I don't know why. Probably because it annoys my girlfriend. She hates it. But it’s just so fun and like, mindless." – Julia Bucci

Julia’s Career Journey: From Teller to AVP

• [02:44–03:35]
  After attempting college and realizing it wasn’t for her, Julia took her father's advice to try banking:
  • Started as a teller right out of high school
  • Progressed through roles: Customer Service Representative, Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Manager
  • Now AVP, managing branch operations and business development

Day-to-Day Responsibilities & Community Engagement

• [03:38–03:57]
  • Split between managing the Cohasset branch team and community business development
  • Actively networks, strengthens client relationships, and raises Hingham’s brand visibility

Working With Nonprofits

• [04:02–04:29]
  Julia emphasizes how she and her team support nonprofits beyond traditional banking:

  "The relationships we form with them are outside, you know, their banking transactions. ...We support them, whether it’s attending their events, helping plan them, kind of whatever they need us to be. And I love that piece of it." – Julia Bucci

Advice for Starting Nonprofits

• [04:29–05:27]
  Julia’s practical advice:
  • Talk to people who have done it before; lean on partners and resources.
  • Step One: Apply for your EIN and get documents started.
  • Next: Find a banking partner early—as soon as donations are expected, secure a place to park funds.

Defining Vulnerable Moment: Coming Out

• [05:44–06:22]
  Julia shares her personal journey of coming out as a lesbian:

  "I came out later in life... and I hid that part of me for a long time. I was afraid of what people would think... I realized that people didn't care, and the ones who did, I don't need in my life. So now I’m open about it. I'll talk about it. I don’t hide it at work or anywhere I go. I just—I am me, and it took me a long time to get there." – Julia Bucci

Pursuing Further Education: The MBA

• [06:32–07:12]
  • Finished undergrad in 2020 with SNHU
  • MBA in Leadership before age 30 is her goal; timing felt right this year
  • Coursework strengthens her work in organizational leadership and change

Consultative Banking Approach

• [07:33–08:37]
  • Relationships start with research and human connection—not generic outreach
  • Focus is on mutual fit, understanding a client's day-to-day, mission, and goals before business decisions are made

Supporting Small Businesses & Startups

• [08:43–09:33]
  • Hingham guides new businesses in banking set-up and educates them on services (like online banking, cash management)
  • No pushy sales—products suggested only as truly needed; many services offered free

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On starting a nonprofit:

  "Do your research and then know what you want, that vision, and then just lean on the people around you to get there." – Julia Bucci [04:35]

• On personal growth:

  "You have to shed old parts of you to really step in." – Jaclyn Zukerman Delory [06:22]

• On career learning:

  "Always be open to learning... Things are always changing. So it’s important to kind of be nimble and be open to that and really have that gray area within reason." – Julia Bucci [11:20]

Rapid-Fire, Games, and Personal Insights

• [09:39–12:23]
  Jaclyn plays a “This or That” and quick-fire questions segment:
  • Night owl over early bird; South Shore over North Shore; beach day over city weekend
  • Vision board wins over spreadsheet; sneakers over heels; playlist over podcast
  • Loves “splurging with reason”; chooses logic over intuition; prefers mentoring others
  • Quote: “Find the good in every day” [10:57]
  • Surprising fact: Actually an introvert [11:06]
  • Best career advice: Stay open and flexible [11:20]
  • Power move before a big meeting: “Definitely music. Hype up. ...Try not to overthink it.” [11:39]
  • Leadership style, if a song: “Maybe like Noah Kahan. Something simple.” [12:18]

How to Connect with Julia

• [12:36–13:00]
  Find Julia on LinkedIn or at hinghamsavings.com (Cohasset location page)
  • Open to networking, business, and personal conversations
  • Hingham Savings has branches in Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, South End, Nantucket, D.C., and San Francisco; satellites and virtual availability for clients statewide and beyond

Conclusion

This episode is a blend of professional insight, actionable advice for start-ups and nonprofits, and authentic storytelling about overcoming adversity and building a visible, positive legacy. Julia’s resilience, consultative approach, and commitment to real human connection—both in banking and beyond—shine through as inspiration for listeners seeking to make an impact in their own fields.