In June, First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc. hosted its Annual Summer Conference at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida.  FNBB has hosted this conference each year since 1983, and it has become an annual event for many Bank executives of financial institutions from throughout the Southeast and beyond.  This year’s keynote speaker was Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State, who had a fascinating Q&A format focusing on world events and world leaders.  Past speakers have included Amy Purdy, Drew Brees, and Marcus Luttrell (the real-life lone survivor).

This year’s conference included a “CFO Roundtable” which provided an opportunity for bank Chief Financial Officers and like-minded executives to make new contacts and share common experiences.  During our first meeting we focused on “what we do” as CFOs.  A pre-conference survey was performed to determine each participant’s involvement in various banking activities.  Survey respondents indicated the amount their involvement/time was in key bank processes.  CFOs can play very different roles from one organization to the next, and survey results were diverse.   Financial Reporting and Asset Liability Management led the survey with most involvement.

In the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of banking, the need for networking, collaboration, and participation in round table groups cannot be overstated. As a CFO, I have witnessed firsthand how these activities can greatly benefit not only individuals but also the entire banking industry. In this blog post, I will explore the significance of networking, collaboration, and roundtable groups, and why they should be a priority for all banking professionals.

1. Networking: Building Strong Connections

Networking is the art of developing and nurturing relationships with fellow professionals in the banking industry. It is a powerful tool that allows us to expand our knowledge, explore new opportunities, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments. A few key reasons why networking is crucial for bank CFOs:

• Knowledge Sharing: By connecting with other finance professionals, we can exchange ideas, share best practices, and gain valuable insights that can help us improve our own practices.
• Career Advancement: Networking offers opportunities for career growth and development. It allows us to connect with potential mentors, advisors, and industry leaders who can provide guidance and open doors to new avenues.
• Business Development: Building strong connections through networking can lead to new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and collaborations that can ultimately benefit our bank.

2. Collaboration: Fostering Innovation and Efficiency

Collaboration is the essence of a successful banking ecosystem. In an industry that is heavily regulated, complex, and interconnected, the ability to work together with others is crucial. Why collaboration is essential for bank CFOs:

• Innovation: Collaborating with colleagues, other banks, and even fintech startups can foster a spirit of innovation. By sharing ideas and expertise, we can collectively develop new and improved solutions, products, and services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
• Efficiency: Collaboration allows us to pool resources, leverage collective expertise, and streamline processes, leading to increased efficiency within our bank and across the industry. This can result in cost savings, improved operational performance, and better risk management.
• Risk Mitigation: By collaborating with industry peers, we can collectively identify and address emerging risks and challenges. Collaboration can enable us to stay ahead of potential threats and enhance the overall resilience of the banking sector.

3. Roundtable Groups: Collective Wisdom and Problem-Solving

Participation in roundtable groups is another valuable opportunity that should not be overlooked. Why roundtable groups are important for bank CFOs:

• Collective Wisdom: Roundtable groups bring together professionals from various banks, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. The collective wisdom and diverse perspectives that emerge from these groups can be instrumental in solving complex challenges and guiding strategic decision-making.
• Best Practices: Roundtable groups often serve as platforms for sharing best practices, benchmarking, and learning from industry leaders. By participating in these groups, we can gain insights into what is working well for others, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative approaches within our own bank.
• Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Roundtable groups provide an excellent networking and collaboration platform. They bring together professionals who are motivated to learn, contribute, and support each other. Engaging in discussions, workshops, and collaborative projects within these groups can lead to fruitful partnerships and knowledge sharing.

In conclusion, networking, collaboration, and active participation in roundtable groups are vital for the success and growth of bank CFOs. These activities not only provide opportunities for personal and professional development but also contribute to the overall progress and resilience of the banking industry. By investing time and effort in roundtable groups, bank CFOs (and other C-Suite executives) can position themselves at the forefront of innovation and make a significant impact in their organizations and the industry as a whole.  If you are a bank CFO looking for a group to share insights, experiences, questions, etc., feel free to contact me or your FNBB representative and we’ll include you.  We are working to establish quarterly zoom roundtables and potentially add a forum before our next Summer Conference in 2024!