Kevin Gillen has been a market president for Synovus Bank in Florida since 2020, covering the Tampa Bay and Sarasota-Manatee markets, among other regions. He previously held banking leadership positions for financial institutions in New Jersey and the Washington, D.C. area. On this episode Kevin and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talk about the winding path of Kevin’s career and what has driven him to be a better leader at each bank and organization he has worked for. They also talked about what he looks for in hiring and promoting leaders.

3 Takeaways:

1. (10:00) Passion and a people-first mindset are crucial for leadership
2. (12:15) Great leaders cannot bring their ego into decisions
3. (14:50) Sometimes it is better to sleep on a decision

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Kevin Gillen, Market President, Synovus Bank

(03:00) How Kevin got into banking

(05:20) Getting to Synovus Bank and about Synovus Bank

(09:45) Learning about leadership from his clients

(12:05) What do you look for in leaders?

(13:25) Working with an open door policy

(14:35) Great leadership advice

(15:40) Overcoming setbacks as a banker

(18:20) Mentors over Kevin’s career

(22:00) Synovus Bank in 2025

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