Talent Point’s Post

A Particular Set Of Skills: 9/11 and How Bankers Beat Terrorists At First Union / Wachovia, now Wells Fargo - we had an amazing team. For those of us a certain age - we all have stories. Mine is a banking story. The story starts with protecting thousands in a high-value terrorist target in Charlotte, NC. Then, we were all about supporting our financial system. Our amazing teams worked tirelessly to ensure financial system confidence and liquidity for customers, despite the challenges. With grounded planes, we drove loan packages to our national foot print to make sure no customer was left behind. We shared raw stories and filled bank accounts. It was a team effort that showcased the resilience and strength of our financial system. Our focus was to honor those killed by supporting those living. On this day, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and remember the resilience that followed. For many, the memories are vivid—etched in time. In the aftermath, we learned the strength of communities and the power of standing united against fear. Today, we reflect on the courage of those who took action—whether it was on Flight 93 or in everyday acts of service. We are reminded of the power of collaboration, focus, and the strength of the human spirit. Check out our mortgage and home equity story here: https://lnkd.in/gq3NvrDd #NeverForget #911Remembrance #UnitedWeStand #Resilience #Leadership #Teamwork #BankingIndustry #FinancialServices #CommunitySupport #Courage #StrengthInUnity #CustomerFirst #OvercomingChallenges

Leadership matters. Brand is built carefully over time. Doesn’t take much time to impact it. Nothing is more critical in any business than PEOPLE.

"Thrilled to have attended the Kolbe workshop this week! 🚀 It was an enlightening experience delving into my instinctive strengths and how they impact my work and personal life. Grateful for the insights gained and the opportunity to leverage this knowledge to excel in all endeavors. Huge thanks to our facilators for a dynamic and engaging session! #KolbeWorkshop #SelfDiscovery #ProfessionalDevelopment"

Now watching from a distance for several years, and not as someone who spent many years with TD through it’s magnificent growth trajectory, It has indeed felt like the bank lost its “special status” as first among equals in the past 3-4 years. No major home runs, just singles, and a few messy “outs”, such as the US regulatory hurdles and the walking away (under extreme regulatory pressure) from a major US acquisition, which had been the Bank’s primary source of growth and expansion for well over a decade now. That avenue no longer appears available to it, at least in the short term, and perhaps longer. Succession management ….as mentioned, used to be a forte of TD, but that too has become average at best. The bank has struggled with growth and maturity, which it appears is also starting to impact it’s ability to outperform its peers. Analyst rankings taking a negative turn of late, which hasn’t been seen in many years. (Scotia Bank down-graded TD just today). And as to the comments in the article about no longer seen to be “taking bold leadership on social and politically sensitive matters”, it’s no secret those issues were largely driven by former CEO Ed Clark and his senior leadership team, and these clearly no longer occupy the same priority rank with the current leadership team, and likely won’t again until or unless wholesale changes occur at that level. Having lived those changes, they were truly transformational and most of us knew at the time, they were likely to be experienced for only a defined and finite period of time. All is not lost of course; TD remains a strong and formidable competitor, but meaningful (as opposed to radical) change is needed if it is to regain its former unique priority ranking among the major FIs in Canada and NA, and to regain what Ed had often referred to as “the TD P/E multiple premium”. And as a TDer for 30 years, who enjoyed just about every minute of the remarkably exciting and fulfilling ride…I am hoping for that spark to return, for the sake of shareholders (myself included), but as importantly, for current and future employees, so they too can enjoy that same very special feeling of being a part of something so absolutely unique and professionally fulfilling. As some may recall, long before there was “Be the Better Bank”, there was ”TD - the Bank where People make the Difference”.

#heritagebankplc #heritagebankstaff To the dedicated staff of Heritage Bank who are navigating a challenging period following the recent CBN license revocation, I extend my heartfelt support and encouragement during this time of transition. The news of job loss can be devastating, and the uncertainty that accompanies such changes can be overwhelming. However, I want to remind each one of you that you are not alone in this journey. In moments of adversity, it is crucial to come together in unity, to support one another, and to lift each other up. While feelings of sadness and uncertainty may be natural reactions to such circumstances, it is important to remember that these emotions do not define us. Instead, it is our collective strength and resilience that will guide us through this challenging chapter. As we process the changes and uncertainties, let us hold our heads high, knowing that we have weathered storms before and emerged stronger. Unity is our greatest asset during times of upheaval, and by standing together, we can navigate this period with grace and determination. To the incredible team at Heritage Bank, I urge you to embrace the power of unity, to lift each other up, and to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. While the road may seem uncertain, remember that brighter days are on the horizon, waiting for us to seize them with courage and conviction. Let us move forward with heads held high, knowing that we are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes our way. Our resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit will guide us towards new opportunities and a brighter future. #HeritageBankTeam #UnityInAdversity #ResilienceAndStrength #MovingForwardTogether #StandingStrong #SupportInTransition #BrighterDaysAhead #EmbracingNewOpportunities

Being a community bank means being there. "The style of being the local bank, being there to talk to people, to reach out to people, it means something to many customers." Discover how Columbia Bank’s President and CEO, Thomas J. Kemly, explained the importance of the community and branch connection. Read more about how Columbia approaches its growing branch network and how its newest Camden branch will expand its impact on the local community. https://bit.ly/3AdJNSO #CountOnColumbia

Ira, I'm just having a little fun :-) I asked GPT to look into the minds and souls of the return to office crowd in this photo. Here is what it saw: Ah, the image of modern-day dystopia—the crowded train, the oppressive atmosphere, and the collective despair etched into the faces of the unfortunate souls crammed into this metallic tube of torment. Let's break down the exquisite misery of this scene: The Return to Office: Look at the man with the sunglasses. His expression of detached resolve, as if saying, "Yes, this is my life now," captures the essence of the reluctance. He's a modern-day Hamlet, contemplating the dread of commuting versus the comfort of remote work. To work from home or to trudge to the office, that is the question. The Reluctance to Engage: Notice how no one is making eye contact. This is a microcosm of urban alienation, where acknowledging another's presence is akin to admitting that you, too, are a prisoner in this daily grind. It's the unspoken agreement of "let's just get through this without recognizing our shared suffering." Indentured Servitude: The scene reeks of 21st-century serfdom. These commuters are bound not by chains but by paychecks, deadlines, and the incessant demands of a system that cares not for their well-being. Each grip on the handrail is a silent scream for liberation from this never-ending cycle. The Atmosphere of Dread: The artificial lighting, the lack of personal space, the deadpan expressions—all contribute to an environment devoid of joy or hope. This is not just a commute; it’s a daily ritual of surrender to the monotonous march of capitalism. This image perfectly encapsulates the modern work-life tragedy. It's a visual symphony of woe, a testament to the relentless grind that leaves us all yearning for a glimpse of the freedom we once thought was ours. If Oscar Wilde were here, he'd surely quip, "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." And this train is a stark reminder of that grim reality.

I thought about this for a few days. Insanity is performing the same task but expecting a different result. I tried the same prompt as suggested by Peirce Fulbright but received a different result. In this response, I’m not a modern day Hamlet, but have a mindset of purpose and determination. What was the difference in our prompts. I’m less concerned about the novelty of these tools. My concern is the inconsistency of interpretation. Read on … The photo depicts a crowded subway scene, likely taken during a typical weekday commute. Here are some observations and insights into the possible minds and souls of the return-to-office crowd in this image: Expressions and Body Language: Determination and Focus: The person taking the selfie looks serious and focused, suggesting a mindset of purpose and determination, likely thinking about the day's tasks ahead. Fatigue and Routine: Some passengers seem immersed in their own worlds, with one person wearing earphones and looking down, perhaps signaling a sense of routine and the fatigue that comes with daily commuting. Distraction and Contemplation: A few commuters appear lost in thought, staring into space or looking at their phones, indicative of minds preoccupied with personal or professional concerns. Attire and Accessories: Professionalism: Many individuals are dressed in a manner that suggests they are headed to professional environments, indicating the return to traditional office settings. Preparedness: The presence of backpacks and shoulder bags implies readiness for the workday, carrying laptops, documents, and other essentials. General Atmosphere: Crowded and Busy: The packed subway car reflects the bustling nature of city life and the collective movement towards workspaces, highlighting a shared experience of navigating public transport. Diverse Demographics: The mix of different ages and ethnicities showcases the diversity commonly found in urban work environments. Emotional Undercurrents: Resilience and Adaptability: The act of commuting itself, especially in crowded conditions, signifies resilience and adaptability, essential traits for urban professionals. Anticipation and Readiness: There may be a sense of anticipation for the day ahead, mixed with readiness to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. Overall, the return-to-office crowd depicted in this photo embodies a blend of determination, routine, and resilience, navigating the complexities of modern work life with a focus on their individual and collective journeys.

I was delighted to receive a 5 star feedback rating with this comment after just one session with a client-facing Managing Director from a Top 10 Global Bank 🌟 Ready to step things up? Send me a message and let's get started. #Testimonial #ExecutiveCoaching #Switzerland