Every month we ask an emerging leader we admire to share what they’re doing to take the lead in their career. We invite them to share how they achieved their current position, what obstacles they’ve encountered on their climb, as well as tips for how to be a rising leader of influence.

This month we shine the Emerging Leader Spotlight on Kelley B. Hall, Senior Vice President, Southwest Division Production Manager with Bank of America.

Favorite Quote:

“Begin with thoughts, say the words, complete the action, form habits, create character.”—Dr. Preston Rich

Why did you choose your current career path?

After spending 15 years in various leadership roles in our consumer bank financial center organization, I met the executive director leading our national consumer lending organization. The chance encounter at a bank after-hours event had a significant impact on me, and opened my eyes to a different career path, one I had never seriously considered before. The mortgage business is a highly regulated, complex business with some residual effects of what went on in the industry almost 10 years ago. I trusted the vision of the executive, saw it as an opportunity to be a part of the business recovery, and challenge myself in a whole new way while learning a new business, resulting in a role that allows me to help clients make important decisions involving their home. This was, by far, the best career move I ever made.

What is your leadership style?

A focused, thoughtful leader, that believes in the importance of building a culture of individual empowerment, helping leaders to use and develop their critical thinking skills, with a high degree of accountability based on ownership of the results. Encouraging teammates to take risks, not being afraid to fail, but being afraid not to try. And celebrate often.

What leadership tools or resources have you used that have been crucial to your success?

StrengthFinders 2.0, participation in and advocacy with Employee Networks, including our very own Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development (L.E.A.D) employee resource group for women, and proactive network building with maintenance.

What is the next step you plan to take to develop your leadership skills?

As part of my year-end performance discussion with my manager- I set up 1 on 1’s with our Human Resources Executive, and two individuals my manager recommended as potential mentors in different executive roles within our company.

I have also committed to reading 5 books this year focusing on how to be a better leader. One down so far this year – Sometimes You Have to Lose to Win by Lionel Nowell III.

What are some top tips you can recommend to other emerging leaders who want to be recognized as high-potential emerging leaders?

1. Learn from prior experiences, but do not become handcuffed by them.

2. Create a business plan with due-by dates, and who owns what tasks/responsibilities. Share it with your manager without having to be asked. Then execute the plan. Keeping your manager up to date as needed. This is a good practice in helping hold yourself accountable to a high standard.

3. Associate with other high achieving, positive individuals—professional and personal.

4. Declare your career goals, in writing, at the beginning of the year.  Communicate them with your manager, human resources partner, and a personal board of co-workers who will ‘tell you like it is’. Include title aspirations, classes you’re planning on attending, and the formal recognition you desire to receive.

What professional accomplishment or result have you achieved in the past year that you are proud of?

I was asked by the Dean of Business at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas to address business school students on the importance of How to Build Your Personal Brand.

Connect with Kelley on Twitter and LinkedIn.