I was standing in a room with a number of our bankers recently, and it hit me: I’m completing my sixth year. And with that time has come a deeper understanding—not just of the business, but of the people inside the business. It’s a different feeling when you can walk into a room and, even if you don’t remember everyone’s name, you have context. You remember the last conversation. You have a sense of what motivates them. That nuance matters.
I found myself especially appreciative this year as I stood in that room watching colleagues I’ve journeyed with for the last seven years either retiring or nearing retirement. It reminded me that nuanced understanding isn’t just a leadership skill; it’s a leadership responsibility. It will take this level of care, memory, and attention for our emerging leaders to keep the momentum going and continue driving our business forward.