Writers looking for a book deal or agent representation learn rather quickly that success hinges on two things: Name recognition and a marketable platform. Most bankers don’t have name recognition outside of their communities or institutions, but a platform is clearly within reach and building one can be good for business. Not only can a platform position you as a thought leader, it can raise the visibility of your institution. [Continue]
Suzi Kalsow, PhD., of Bank Midwest outlines her approach to difficult conversations and the benefits that come from being able to navigate them.
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Many aspects of industry consolidation are lamentable: Reduced access to services in sparsely populated areas and the diseconomies of scale (i.e., lack of personal service) are two that come to mind quickly. But what should we make of a changing landscape where there are fewer and fewer family-owned institutions? I sure hope family banks aren’t going the way of the family farm. [Continue]
We lost a giant in the business world when Herb Kelleher died on Jan. 3 at the age of 87. Long before innovation and disruption were industry buzzwords, Kelleher was revolutionizing air travel with the late-1960s launch of Southwest Airlines. He opened up air travel to penny-wise consumers who previously had to rely on ground transportation for long distance trips. We can learn a few things from Kelleher. [Continue]
For leaders, the ability to self start and execute to conclusion with thoroughness, accountability and adherence to a core set of values during good times and bad is key, says the senior vice president/senior business banker at Highland Bank, St. Michael, Minn. [Continue]
Erin Procko, president-Minneapolis, Twin Cities Banking Director for Bell Bank, Fargo, N.D., offers her insights into what it takes to be a leader and how others can nurture their leadership talents. [Continue]
Minnesota banker Aleesha Webb, vice chair of the board at Village Bank, St. Francis, Minn., shares how she’s nurtured her leadership talents and offers others advice on how they might someday lead too. [Continue]
Leading women in banking share how they nurture their own talents, what leadership characteristics are most valued at their banks, and what advice they would give their younger selves. [Continue]
Finding the right mentor for your specific circumstances can be the difference between a lofty career trajectory and a more mundane one, and mentors can give back through passing on their skills and wisdom. [Continue]
I believe in mentoring. It changes people’s lives. You want to make a difference? You want to impact someone’s life? You want to leave a legacy? Mentor someone. [Continue]