Empowering Leadership and Advancing Excellence: A journey of Transformation Through the HITEC-ITSMF Executive Development Partner Program (EDPP)

In March, I was honored to be among the select few nominated to participate in the 2023 HITEC - ITSMF - Information Technology Senior Management Forum Executive Development Partner Program (EDPP), a transformative experience that has significantly impacted my personal and professional growth.? Through this program, I gained valuable insights into strategic leadership, career development, and the importance of building a strong network of support.

The EDPP, a collaboration between my company 富国银行 , HITEC , and ITSMF - Information Technology Senior Management Forum , aims to provide culturally relevant guidance and leadership content to diverse professionals. ?The program’s curriculum delved into critical success factors for leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, confidence, and a commitment to continuous learning.

One of the most (and there were many) profound takeaways from the EDPP was the power of journaling.? By regularly reflecting on my thoughts, experiences, and aspirations.? I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, areas of improvement, and my overall career trajectory.? This practice has become an invaluable tool for personal and professional development.

The program also emphasized the significance of strategic leadership, highlighting the need to calculate interactions and engagements to achieve long-term personal and organizational goals.?? I learned to approach leadership with a focus on business results, career advancement, and personal development, ensuring my actions align with both personal and professional aspirations.

The EDPP challenged me to revisit and critically examine my own definition of success.? By reflecting on what truly is required to excel.? I was able to envision my next two levels of growth and development.? It has instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and determination to purse with unwavering dedication.

Throughout the program, I was fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders and facilitators, including Sherrie Brown Littlejohn , Robert Scott , Fernando Rosario . Their guidance, expertise, and unwavering support will play a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth.? ( Sherrie Brown Littlejohn thank you for your blunt and frank conversations.? You are a gem to this industry, and we are blessed to have your wisdom to tap into…You will be hearing from me for certain!)

Our enrichment of knowledge was increased when we had the opportunity to learn from and connect with exceptional leaders like Harvey Coleman .??His dynamic session left an indelible mark on me and my fellow cohorts, inspiring us with his profound insights on personal and professional development.?? His unwavering emphasis on continuous learning and growth struck a deep chord within me. ?To see the powerful words, “When you’re through changing, you’re through!” serve as a constant reminder of the importance of embracing change and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of our industry.

I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Harvey’s insightful books, “Empowering Yourself” and Rules of the Game for High School/College/Life”.? His wisdom and guidance offer invaluable support for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities that pave the path to success.

The words of Johanna Jones resonated with me, reminding us ‘in the midst’ of uncertainty the power of community and the importance of answering the call to action.? Her story of overcoming fear while ziplining exemplified the spirit of resilience and the transformative impact of community support.

I would also be remiss if I failed to acknowledge our esteemed guest speaker Kristy Williams Fercho , Head of Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion (DRSI).? Her inspiring journey through an executive cohort has resonated with me, as she shared experiences of how these experiences have forged lifelong friendships and shaped her leadership perspective.? I wholeheartedly agree with her emphasis on the importance of executive cohorts across all segments of the bank, as they provide invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Echoing the sentiments of my 'La Familia' cohort member, Nicholas Andrade , I believe that exposing future cohorts to diverse elements of the bank would further enhance the program’s impact.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Melissa Rose Kancov , whose unwavering commitment to serving diverse communities is truly inspiring.? Her genuine care for the success of others, coupled with her foresight in recognizing the value of this program, has had a profound impact on the inaugural group of leaders from diverse backgrounds.? Moreover, her dedication has positively influenced the career trajectories of countless individuals at Wells Fargo.

To my fellow cohorts Drinal Foster, SHRM-CP, PHR , Lawrence Dickerson , Sharika D. Johnson , Martine N. Michel , Kenroy Miller , Nicholas Nwasike , Greg Pankey , Donald Rice , Frederick Scott , Dewayne Walton, J.D. MBA , Michael Pighet , Darren Wylie , Bridgette Wallace , William Edmond Jr , Kevin Loney , Nicholas Andrade , José Blanco , Alex Carao , Miguel Isamat , Claudio Kolodzinski , Deborah P. , John Sampson , Frank Martos , Lydia Rowland, MBA , Lori Haro Lauersdorf Brenda Clem , Antonio Figueroa , Abner Perez , Ayesha Scott, and Shawn Lowery; I extend my congratulations on successfully completing this transformative program.?? Together, we have embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth, and I am confident that the skills and insights gained will continue to shape our careers in the years to come.

I am also deeply grateful to 富国银行 for its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its dedication to empowering employees of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.?? The company’s investment in the EDPP is a testament to its belief in the power of a diverse workforce to drive innovation and success.

I extend my deepest gratitude and respect to my leader, Tina Tiotis , whose leadership, guidance, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement have been instrumental in my growth and development.? Her decision to fly in for the graduation ceremony was a testament to her commitment to her team and her belief in their potential.

The words we shared today at the elevator will remain etched in my memory forever.? As I expressed, I have had the privilege of working under many exceptional leaders throughout my career, and Tina stands at the very pinnacle of that list.

Tina’s leadership has been transformative since her arrival at Wells Fargo.? Her courage, boldness, and unwavering commitment to empowering her team, collaborating with partners, overcoming obstacles, navigating internal conflicts, and fostering a culture of risk-informed decision-making have been instrumental in shaping the organization into the success it is today.

Her dedication to mentoring and encouraging the next generation of engineers and leaders is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside her. Tina’s legacy will undoubtedly be one of transformative leadership, leaving an indelible mark on Wells Fargo and the individuals she has touched.

In conclusion, my participation in the HITEC-ITSMF Executive Development Partner Program has been a defining experience in my career journey.? I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have learned from exceptional leaders, connected with inspiring colleagues, and gained invaluable insights into strategic leadership, career development, and the importance of building a strong network of support.? I am confident that skills and knowledge acquired will continue to guide me as I strive to make a positive impact on the world around me.

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