This month we shine the Emerging Leader Spotlight on Roderick Wilson, Senior Vice President Market Sales Manager, Bank of America.

Favorite leadership quote:

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” — Michael Jordan

Why did you choose your current career path?

I chose a career in banking because I have a passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. I have stayed in banking for over 21 years as it has afforded me the opportunity to positively impact many customers and teammates within the Dallas/FT Worth Area.

What is the most important thing you have learned that has been critical to your career success?

Our customers have to be at the center of every decision that we make to deliver shared success. Having a strong ability to connect with your associates around their professional and personal goals will allow you to be a more successful leader by impacting the teammate, the company, and all of our great customers.

What key steps did you take to get to the role you are in today?

I have always tried to display a strong work ethic, something I picked up from my father, Robert Wilson Sr. I worked to be a receptive and giving coach to my teams over the years. I have always been adaptable to change, which is an important attribute in banking. I have challenged myself to stretch my skills through different career assignments and projects.  Those assignments and projects have included Executive Relationship Management, Executive Operations Management, and Associate Development.

In addition, I have been very fortunate over the course of my 18 year career with Bank of America to have many impactful mentors and sponsors that have helped guide and shape my career.

What is your leadership style?

I am a passionate leader who believes in driving exceptional results by leading by example, coaching, recognition, and accountability.  I believe that I am and would be described as a proven leader who is not afraid to make the right decision for our customers, our associates, and our company.

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

I have been involved in multiple leadership programs during my time with Bank of America. I was selected for and completed both a Consumer Leader Development Program (Executive Development Program) and an Emerging Leadership Program. Both of these programs helped to shape my leadership style and success with the firm.

I would also share that my ability to develop a strong peer network, a set of mentors, and a group sponsors that have been supportive throughout my career with the firm.

What steps are you currently taking to develop yourself, professionally?

I continue to focus on learning and growing. I do this by reading various leadership development books and articles. I also volunteer in leadership roles for employee network groups across the franchise. From Jan 2012 – Jan 2016 (4 years) I was the Enterprise Co Chair to our Black Professional Group, and I am currently the Enterprise Partnership Co-Chair for Lead for Women.

Both of these roles have helped with me with developing leadership skills, the ability to influence across the company, and my ability to manage multiple priorities.

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

As I took over the current market I lead in Metro Dallas, I am proud that I positively impacted performance.   I took over leadership in November of 2015 and I was able to move the team’s performance ranking from 395 to 225 out of 405 markets by end of year 2015. The market finished 2016 ranked at 125 out of 405 markets in the Franchise as well as finishing in the top 10% in the Division with relationship deepening, service, and operational results.

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

1) It is very important that you are surrounded by a strong network of peers, leaders a level up, and leaders a level down to help shape and guide your career.

2) Stay relevant in your career by taking stretch assignments in roles or areas of the business that you would typically avoid in order to be proactive in a possible perceived area of weakness

3) Never stop learning and striving to be a better leader.

 Connect with Roderick Wilson on LinkedIn and Twitter.