EVP, President Associated Private Wealth - Associated Bank

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: Building belief while confidently designing effective futuristic strategies, agility coupled careful discernment of what is “core” to a business proposition / brand. Balancing the dichotomy of leadership – knowing what leadership approach varying situations require and helping others adapt for success…being kind and honoring my passion to unleash potential in every human being as a splendid mosaic / work of art!

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: Reimagining a national wealth management business that wound up being JD Powers worthy and doubling the compound annual growth rate. I was identified internally from our CEO because of being client centric, building a latticework of experience both deep and broad, and proving out test betas across the company in addition to leading my own business line at a national bank. While being considered for the role during final interview dinner with Vice Chairs, Peggy Williams Smith, Emily Phillips bolted in the private dining area and provided unsolicited advocacy that helped “seal the deal”! They along with Jen Dirks, Jennifer Bartolotta, Sharon DeGuzman, Linda Gorens-Levy, Phyllis King, Linda Mertz, Mary Ellen Stanek, supported me with a healthy dose of belief. This was a leap change, with high-risk stakes and it enabled me to achieve my career goal today to being a President of a 40B+Associated Private Wealth at Executive leadership team of a top 50 publicly traded bank!

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: Leadership is like a teeter totter on an every changing landscape in the playground of “work” and a career…if you only think about and ascend yourself, you will painfully drop to the ground as terrific leaders lack trust in the relationship. However, if you learn from the highs and lows…identify the art of the right balance of centralized / decentralized leadership, carefully discern what each unique situation requires, you will learn how to blend opposite dichotomies of leadership effectively more often than not! For example, is assertiveness or extra empathy best? Is detailed guidance or independent empowerment appropriate…Given the people involved, you will strike the right balance and enjoy long-term sustainability and success that honors the merits and ambitions of everyone involved! Now that’s leadership!

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: Coach in the moment – open doors, make connections – help them gain clarify with listening! Don’t miss helping them define the right “pivot” in the moment!

Most importantly, make time for people who have experienced a setback – everyone wants to be around a winner…but who shows up when the going gets really rough – Be the one that is ready to catch them when they fall, help them believe that the sacrifice and growth is worthwhile and the next goal they want to attain is within arms-reach now more than ever because of overcoming a setback.

Provide truth-talk and feedforward in a way that helps the leader grow, but honors them with respect – truly believe in possible with them…and help pave the path – don’t just give advice and walk away…tandem rock climb or skydive if you want to get the most out of supporting and doing the journey with next generation leaders!

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