As a first-time attendee to an ICBA event, it was even more exciting to have won a scholarship through the Virginia Association of Community Banks to attend this year’s Lead FWD Summit in Kansas City. Since graduating from George Mason in 2015 and starting my professional career, I knew I wanted to be involved with a company that was local and customer-focused. After eight years of working for community banks, I know I made the right decision. Personally, I’ve always been on the credit side of the banks I’ve worked for. I’ve been a credit analyst on teams as small as three to a large team in the teens. The teams that have succeeded the most have been led by someone who wants to get the job done but in the right way. Recently, I’ve begun to step into a team leader role and have had to navigate that position. In the process of learning how to lead my new team effectively, the Lead FWD Summit’s timing couldn’t have been better.
The event was refreshing for me because it brought together people who were just starting their journey — like I was eight years ago — and seasoned executives. We had plenty of time to pick each other’s brains and ask questions about what has or has not worked for them. Even though we work for different banks in different states, I found that our goal is still the same. We want to grow professionally and help others succeed in their goals, too. Hearing from others who have a great leader and hearing from those who are trying to be a great leader really put things into perspective. As the event’s main focus was leadership, we were able to discuss real-world case studies that everyone from credit, lenders, branch managers and executives could chime in on. It was helpful to learn what others have done in difficult times and what they’d do differently next time.
The event was also engaging because they had interesting guest speakers, for example, Sean Bott, who is a mind reader. Not only did he teach us some useful tips on interacting with people to get better outcomes, but he also helped lighten the mood with some laughs. We also played a game while listening to industry experts, which brought up some good conversations on how the banking industry will develop and evolve in the years to come. I don’t think I’ll forget the sight of seeing everyone running through the Marriott collecting clues as part of the game. I can definitely say I walked away with new skills, and I believe it will have a positive impact on my team, within my bank and hopefully our community.
