KBA Education and HR Committee Chair Deanne Engstrom, First Security Bank in Paola, kicked off this year’s annual event held March 21-23, at the Wichita Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The first speaker, Dima Ghawi, provided an inspiring, emotion-filled message. Growing up in a conservative small community in Amman, Jordan, Dima was taught, at an early age, to be a follower: quiet and subservient. She shared the struggles and triumphs of dealing with the fear of failure, worries about being judged, and the pursuit of perfection. Dima dared each individual to look deeper into their own internal limitations and take the steps to “shatter” them.
The next presenter, Phillip Van Hooser, during his session “Leading with Power and Purpose: Becoming the Leader Others Choose to Follow,” explained that leading effectively has never been a spectator sport — and never will be. The very best leaders in banking — women and men — are those who are intentional in everything they do. Such leaders lead with power and purpose, commitment, and confidence.
After lunch, the conference moved to afternoon breakout sessions.
Breakout Session 1
- “Service Excellence: Go from Good Service Provider to Awesome Finance Professional in 5 Easy Steps” — Joe Micallef, Grow UP Sales
- “Gender Dynamics on Teams” — Catherine Nestrick, ABA
- “Earning the Right to Be Heard: A Proven 5-Step Process for Selling Your Ideas to Decision Makers, Growing Your Influence, and Increasing Your Opportunities” — Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Breakout Session 2
- “Service Excellence: Go from Good Service Provider to Awesome Finance Professional in 5 Easy Steps” — Joe Micallef, Grow UP Sales
- “Gender Dynamics on Teams” — Catherine Nestrick, ABA
- “Fearless and Female — Self Defense” — Cindy Coughenour
Closing the day was a panel discussion facilitated by Amanda Rolfs, Central National Bank. Panelists were Julie Huber, Equity Bank; Teresa Randle, The Plains State Bank; and Tasha Bucher, The Trust Company of Kansas.
Welcoming the attendees to the final day of the conference was Vice-Chair of the Education & HR Committee Kaylene Plummer, Farmers State Bank in Westmoreland. Following her was one of KBA’s highest-rated presenters, Honey Shelton, with her session, “Coaching Yourself and Others.” She explained that people who are highly successful have learned the vital importance of knowing who they are. Gaining an understanding of why and how we affect other people the way we do and why other people affect us the way they do enables us to learn to make better choices when engaging with others.
Joe Micallef, Grow UP Sales, took the podium next with his presentation “Be the Confident & Courageous Champion Your Colleagues, Customers and Competitors Will Admire,” where he provided his perspective on overcoming obstacles that are prohibiting success. Cultivating self-belief and focusing on personal growth can help individuals push through their doubts and fears, enabling them to make significant strides toward success.
Wrapping up this year’s conference was Danni Boatwright with “Don’t Just Survive, Thrive.” Danni outlasted, outwitted, and outplayed her competition on Survivor: Guatemala — ultimately winning the $1 million grand prize in the show’s eleventh season finale. She shared the challenges she faced during her time competing and reminded attendees that it is important to have the courage to embrace the wisdom that can only be found in the darkness so that we can stand in the light.
Mark your calendars! The 2024 Women in Banking Conference will be held March 20–22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Overland Park .
