“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.”
– Claude Bissell, Canadian Author and educator
Leadership is a journey that starts with the realization that nothing worth achieving comes to those who are complacent or for those who give up too easily.
Throughout my 30-year career in banking, I have been fortunate to have received the guidance and mentorship of two outstanding individuals. Both professionals are immensely different in their approach, but both always committed to teaching me, guiding me and helping me open my eyes to my own true potential.
One of my mentors was my dear friend and colleague, Jeff Wright. He was my supervisor when I was beginning my career many years ago. He was very tough with me. He had very high expectations and standards for me. He didn’t accept anything less than perfection. Just the other day he said to me, “I saw so much potential in you that I had to push you harder and expect more from you than from anyone else. I always knew you had the desire to succeed.” For that I am thankful to him.
My other dear friend and mentor in my career is Lynn Pike, president at Capital One. During my two years of working with her, she was always kind, caring and nurturing. Because her approach was positive and supportive, I always felt a personal obligation to do my absolute best, to give more than 100 percent, to push my limits of what I knew I could accomplish simply because I did not want to let her down.
These two polar opposite approaches to mentoring shaped the person I have become. In my role at Union Bank, managing a team of nearly 800 people, I always apply the same level of care and concern for my team. I believe that every human being has endless potential, and it’s simply my responsibility to help them uncover it for themselves.
My hope is that I may somehow be a positive influence, in particular to young, Latina women who may see insurmountable challenges in their lives and who may believe that their role in life has already been defined for them. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible if you work harder than everyone else and you simply never – under any circumstance – give up. I hope that in some way I may help shape the lives of other women in a positive manner.
Leticia, you are amazing after reading this you have reaffirmed my drive and willingness to create change. As a young Latina woman I am so honored to have met you. Respectfully Jessica V