By Rose Oswald Poels
As I’ve shared in previous e-publications, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is a partner in the newly created Society of Bank Executives. The initiative aims to provide bank leaders with opportunities to network and further develop the skills necessary for staying ahead of our ever-changing industry. With the new year quickly approaching and official membership beginning this spring, now’s the time for bank leaders across the state to make a resolution to continue developing their own personal key leadership skills.
This past fall, bankers around the U.S. were invited to join a pre-launch session focused on the challenges related to “Trust and Team Building.” Ultimately, over 120 bankers from across 13 states, including several from Wisconsin, were provided with the opportunity to get a head start with the Society and gain invaluable connections with banking peers while also focusing on their own professional development.
Officially, the Society is set to launch in January 2023, so now’s the time to take full advantage of accelerated leadership programming uniquely targeted at executive–level bankers.
In the new year, Society members can expect two four-month programs focusing specifically on issues developing professional and personal skills. The spring 2023 session will assist bank leaders in developing, enhancing, and nurturing the culture of their bank. With talent attraction and retention becoming a key priority for business leaders across the state, this session is sure to provide the knowledge and action items WBA members can put into practice within their bank.
The second development session, to be hosted in the fall of 2023, will focus on strategy and helping bank executives build internal processes and structures for future success.
I encourage all WBA-member banks to take this unique opportunity to register an individual or team from your bank to access the unique resources offered by the Society. The WBA’s commitment remains firm in ensuring every WBA member has access to the education and training to prosper, the Society’s distinctive ability to cross markets and connect bankers throughout the country is unlike any other leadership seminar.
Between the three 60–90-minute self-paced seminars that are available on demand and one in-person networking retreat per session, bankers are sure to find value in every event. To learn more about the Society and to join, please visit executives.bank/home. Please also note that a discount of 25% for the first two years is available through December 31, 2022.