ABA Banking Journal Podcast, Community Banking, Technology
Listen to the podcast here: https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2020/02/podcast-one-bank-ceo-on-how-diversity-fuels-innovation/
It takes a “diversity of imagination” to drive innovation in community banking, says Lead Bank CEO and Vice Chairman Josh Rowland on the latest episode of the ABA Banking Journal Podcast, sponsored by Franklin Madison. Rowland — who has been recognized as one of the most innovative community bank CEOs — explains Lead Bank’s board diversity strategy, which has resulted in the majority of the bank’s independent directors being women.
“There’s this vast resource of incredibly energetic and experienced women and people of color who should be asked to join our banks,” he says. “Being more representative of our community so that we could help them achieve success was very obvious as a starting point.”
Rowland also discusses how the “creative friction” of diverse points of view has helped Lead Bank develop fintech partnerships that drive its financial inclusion strategy.
About Lead Bank
For 90 years, Lead Bank has remained a strong, independent commercial bank dedicated to delivering smart financial solutions for business owners, managers and their families and communities. With locations in Garden City, Lee’s Summit and the Kansas City Crossroads, Lead Bank continues to provide treasury management, lending services, and personal client products. The flagship location in Kansas City’s dynamic KC Crossroads District introduces clients to a new “era of banking.” A recipient of multiple local and national awards for innovation and culture, Lead Bank is the 2018 recipient of the prestigious “Mr. K Award”, named after the late Ewing M. Kauffman. This award goes to companies who has shown growth and sustainability of their business, a positive company culture and a record for giving back to the community. Lead Bank was also named in the Top 10 of United States banks as a “Best Place to Work” in 2019 by the American Bankers Association. For additional information, call (816) 220.8600 or visit http://www.lead.bank/