Notes of Growth
June 22, 2026
Executive presence is one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership. Recently, I joined Ryan K. Calkins and Ernest Epley on the Leading Ain’t Easy podcast […]
June 22, 2026
Small Business Payments Are Not a Payments Decision by Frank Hopkins Why the next small business loan may already be lost before the borrower asks for […]
June 22, 2026
What Community Banks Sell Is Not What They Think They Sell by Frank Hopkins. The product is not the loan. It is the trust behind it. […]
May 5, 2026
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] What Community Banks Sell Is Not What They Think They Sell by Frank Hopkins. The product is not the loan. It is the trust […]
May 5, 2026
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Small Business Payments Are Not a Payments Decision by Frank Hopkins Why the next small business loan may already be lost before the borrower […]
March 6, 2026
Executive presence is one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership. Recently, I joined Ryan K. Calkins and Ernest Epley on the Leading Ain’t Easy podcast […]
January 21, 2026
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Sometimes it’s hard to see who benefits from a decision—until it’s too late. It doesn’t matter if it’s a third-party provider or a larger institution. […]
January 14, 2026
In leadership, the hardest part isn’t just learning new skills; it’s letting go of the old ones. Unlearning is an underrated but crucial part of growth—shedding […]
January 7, 2026
Knowing whether you need a team or a working group can be game-changing in community banking. Teams are built for collaboration, where everyone is rowing in […]
December 31, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]When pressure mounts to grow deposits, reduce costs or boost earnings, short-term solutions can seem like the answer. But be careful—tempting options, such as adopting […]
December 24, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] The most successful community banks understand that real strength is built over years, not reporting periods. While quarterly results matter, they are outcomes, not […]
December 17, 2025
Community banks face traps in the form of flashy vendor pitches, regulatory shortcuts or “silver bullet” strategies. These traps are tempting and seem like quick fixes, […]
December 10, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Leadership in community banking starts with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to core values that don’t shift with market noise. In […]
December 3, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Getting out of a bad situation isn’t as easy as walking away. Whether it’s a poorly negotiated contract, a cultural misstep with your team or […]
November 30, 2025
Let’s be honest—one-size-fits-all leadership just doesn’t cut it anymore. Real leadership means knowing your strengths and staying true to them. When you embrace what makes you […]
November 19, 2025
Knowing when to bring in a team versus a working group is crucial. Working groups are perfect for tasks with clear parameters and specialized skills. Teams? […]
November 12, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Change isn’t just coming—it’s here and it’s constant. The leaders who thrive are those who don’t just react but anticipate. When you approach every challenge […]
November 5, 2025
Leadership isn’t about piling on more tools; it’s about rethinking the entire toolbox. Ask yourself, are the approaches that worked yesterday really serving you today? True […]
October 29, 2025
The way teams and working groups tackle goals and accountability couldn’t be more different. In a working group, you have individual ownership over tasks, and it’s […]
October 24, 2025
What Intelligent Systems Are Revealing About How Banks Really Lead Every community bank runs two systems. One is visible: the reports, ratios and regulations everyone can […]
October 22, 2025
Community banks have always known that people are their greatest asset. But this isn’t just a feel-good mantra; it’s a strategy. Invest in understanding and developing […]
October 15, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Here’s the thing about building a strengths-based culture: it makes your organization bulletproof. When each person is working to their strengths, you’re building a team […]
October 8, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] One of the most effective ways for banks to strengthen their own decision-making is by studying where others have stumbled. The industry offers no […]
October 1, 2025
A team leans on each member’s strengths, creating a setup where people support and build off one another. Working groups, on the other hand, focus on […]
September 24, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Trust is non-negotiable. It’s the currency your community banks on, pun intended. Every decision you make is an opportunity to show that integrity isn’t just […]
September 19, 2025
Community banks exist for trust. They power local economies, know their customers by name and the decisions they make ripple through families, businesses and entire communities. […]
September 17, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Even from where I sit in the leadership realm, tech is transforming banking—but here’s the key: it’s not about replacing relationships but enhancing them. Use […]
September 10, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Building the right structure is about more than just getting things done—it’s about creating a place where people do their best work. Whether it’s a […]
September 3, 2025
Imagine a workplace where everyone knows exactly what they bring to the table and feels empowered to use it. That’s the goal. When people understand and […]
August 27, 2025
Here’s the thing about community banks—you’re the heartbeat of local economies. You’re not just pushing numbers; you’re fueling dreams, funding growth and shaping a resilient future […]
August 20, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Communication naturally evolves based on how people are organized and expected to work together. In working groups, communication is largely transactional. Information is shared […]
August 13, 2025
Individual talent is only part of the story. Real leadership is about getting the whole team moving as one. Community banks need leaders who don’t just […]
August 6, 2025
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Strength in banking? It comes from a partnership. Partnering with local businesses and leaders isn’t just good PR; it’s how you build something sustainable. When […]
July 30, 2025
When your team pulls together, you build a foundation that can weather any storm. True resilience doesn’t come from individual efforts but from a cohesive, unified […]
July 23, 2025
Banking today is a different world than it was even a year ago, and adaptability is the name of the game. As the landscape shifts, leadership […]
July 16, 2025
Community banks matter. They’re not just smaller versions of big banks—they’re the foundation of local prosperity. And if we don’t advocate for the policies that protect […]
July 9, 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of community banking, there’s a question that often lingers in the minds of many: What does the community owe us? This question, […]
July 2, 2025
In the dynamic world of community banking, it’s crucial to differentiate between steering a conversation and genuinely engaging. Understanding this distinction can significantly impact your interactions, […]
June 25, 2025
Selling 101: The Intersection of Coaching and Selling Coaching and Selling: Parallel Skills and Outcomes Both coaching and selling involve understanding the client and helping them […]
June 18, 2025
In today’s world, it’s all too easy to become cynical. The news cycle is filled with negativity, and social media often highlights the worst aspects of […]
June 11, 2025
In these times of challenge and change, resilience has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But how do you build resilience? It starts with […]
June 4, 2025
Let me tell you a story about some of the biggest names in business—IBM, AT&T and Microsoft. These companies spent enormous resources fighting efforts to break […]
May 28, 2025
Technological disruption is no longer a future concern in today’s rapidly evolving world—it’s happening right now. As community banks, we’re no strangers to change, but the […]
May 21, 2025
The concept of empowerment is all about seizing control of our lives and achieving greatness. But here’s the thing—only a fraction of people actually think about […]
May 14, 2025
Every journey begins with a single step. The Pyramids of Giza weren’t finished in a day. In fact, their construction spanned years and required immense planning […]
May 7, 2025
In the world of community banking, generosity doesn’t mean offering services for free; it signifies a commitment to creating value that exceeds the cost. This principle […]
April 30, 2025
In the world of community banking, our core values are rooted in trust and transparency. In order to thrive, it’s imperative to avoid the overused and […]
April 23, 2025
As community bank CEOs, your commitment to excellence is paramount. Yet, we’ve all seen what happens when an organization loses its drive. There’s a nearby bank […]
April 16, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, as community bank CEOs, you often find yourselves searching for a safe path—a secure way to achieve greatness for your bank. Let me […]
April 9, 2025
In the dynamic landscape of community banking, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service are paramount. The LCP 360 assessment offers a valuable tool to enhance personal […]
April 2, 2025
Managing a team, especially at the executive level, is rarely straightforward, and it’s only getting more challenging as our environment grows more complex.You might often wish […]
March 26, 2025
In high-stakes leadership and management, the best leaders often make their work look effortless. This is not because the work is easy but because they have […]
March 21, 2025
For years, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) have been central themes in business leadership, with a focus on demographic representation and equity initiatives. But these traditional […]
March 21, 2025
Success isn’t just about technology, strategy or products—it’s about people. High-performing teams are the backbone of every great organization, and the key to unlocking their potential […]
March 21, 2025
In community banking, operational silos are more than just inefficiencies—they are risks to competitiveness and resilience. These silos form when teams prioritize their own objectives over […]
March 19, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, you know that community banking is all about relationships and trust. But in a rapidly evolving world, even those strengths need to be […]
March 12, 2025
As someone who grew up right beside the Mississippi River, I’ve seen how its course can reshape everything around it. My family’s farm used to sit […]
March 5, 2025
In the world of community banking, leadership isn’t just about making strategic decisions or managing operations. It’s about confronting and overcoming a pervasive and often invisible […]
February 26, 2025
The idea of empowerment is associated with the notion that we can take control of our lives and create something great. Unfortunately, only a few people […]
February 19, 2025
Ladies and gentlemen, leadership, at its core, often comes down to decision-making. Decisions are the heartbeat of every business. They’re made every day, at every level, […]
February 12, 2025
Leadership often comes down to decision-making. Decisions happen all the time, everywhere, in every business. Your people make them every day. It occurs in your job, […]
February 5, 2025
The importance of leadership becomes especially pronounced during times of significant change. As we recognize inherent flaws in our current understanding and implementation of work—highlighted by […]
January 29, 2025
As community bank CEOs, you’re often presented with multiple-choice decisions, whether it’s about product offerings, strategic initiatives or vendor selections. The options seem straightforward, and someone […]
January 22, 2025
Community banking is about more than numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about the embodied energy—the trust, relationships and local expertise—that fuels every decision and action […]
January 22, 2025
In the fast-paced world of community banking, staying ahead requires more than keeping up with regulations and technological advancements. It’s also about securing the right talent […]
January 15, 2025
When I was learning to drive, my instructor gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me ever since: “Don’t look at the parked […]
January 8, 2025
In the ever-evolving world of community banking, distractions often pull your focus toward things that seem important but don’t truly make an impact. Picture yourself browsing […]
January 1, 2025
As leaders of community banks, you face an ever-evolving landscape—regulatory shifts, technological advancements and changing customer expectations. These external forces are like the wind: no matter […]
December 25, 2024
When you think about your bank’s position in your local communities, here’s something to consider. When you think about the leadership challenges in community banking across […]
December 18, 2024
In one of his recent blogs, Seth Godin asks why do we often fall for the pitches of smooth talkers, con artists, demagogues and tricksters? As […]
December 11, 2024
In the community banking world, where trust and reliability are the cornerstones of every decision, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. […]
December 4, 2024
In the fast-paced community banking world, the principle espoused by Seth Godin: “the best available option is always available,” holds profound significance. For CEOs, Seth’s mindset […]
November 27, 2024
“Jean-Michel Basquiat was afraid he’d be a flash in the pan, worried about paying rent, even as Andy Warhol reassured him otherwise.” This story isn’t just […]
November 20, 2024
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]In the world of community banking, a fascinating paradox often emerges: we tend to celebrate those who excel in crisis management while overlooking the quiet […]
November 13, 2024
In the dynamic world of community banking, understanding the distinction between a team and a working group is crucial for fostering a productive and collaborative environment. […]
November 6, 2024
As we look to the future, the evolution of leadership in community banking and beyond hinges on creating transparent, strengths-based cultures. This approach requires moving away […]
October 30, 2024
In Steven Pressfield’s book, “The War of Art,” he talks about ‘Resistance’ as the collective term for the internal psychological barriers we all face—fear, self-doubt, complacency […]
October 23, 2024
As community bank CEOs, you know that the small things really do matter. Overlooking the importance of details in preparation or planning can significantly impact our […]
October 16, 2024
In the fast-paced world of finance and business, we often celebrate the heroes who step in during crises—the ones who put out fires, stabilize operations, and […]
October 9, 2024
In his book, The No Complaining Rule, Jon Gordon emphasizes the power of turning complaints into opportunities. At first glance, complaints can seem like nothing more […]
October 2, 2024
In the dynamic world of functional teams, apologies are not just a formality but a stepping stone to success. Your true power lies in recognizing that […]
September 25, 2024
In the annals of business history, Alan Mulally’s stewardship of the Ford Motor Company from 2008 to 2014 stands out as a stellar example of effective […]
September 18, 2024
Most of my banking clients consider predicting human behavior to be crucial to their success. It’s an essential part of our risk management and strategic planning. […]
September 11, 2024
I want to write about something becoming increasingly relevant in community banking: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative and professional/banking work. Embracing AI can […]
September 4, 2024
In the realm of leadership development, we are on the cusp of recognizing two pivotal trends that we’ve overlooked in our advisory roles with community bankers. […]
August 29, 2024
Talented employees are probably walking out your door right now because they can’t stand their boss. Or their manager expects too much from them. Or maybe […]
June 13, 2024
Our community banking clients often discuss strategy, technology and competition, but at the core, it’s all about people. Each person is unique with their own strengths. […]
June 6, 2024
Building a culture of accountability within your organization starts with leadership. As a leader, you must first hold yourself accountable before you can expect it from […]
June 5, 2024
It’s easy to think that being decisive, making good decisions, and being tough is all there is to effective leadership. While those traits are important, being […]
May 29, 2024
One key insight we bring to banks is the power of feedback in boosting productivity. Often, organizations focus on identifying what’s wrong rather than recognizing what’s […]
May 15, 2024
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Uncover the importance of a clear, compelling purpose in steering your team toward success, and how leaders can inspire every decision through consistent, passionate communication. […]
May 8, 2024
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Learn how tapping into the collective wisdom of a team, more than merely gathering smart people, can foster a culture of innovative thinking and meaningful […]
May 1, 2024
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Learn how effective leadership involves more than decision-making. It’s about fostering an inclusive culture that amplifies individual talents for overall team success. The strongest leaders […]
April 24, 2024
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Explore how embracing continuous learning and development transcends traditional training in the finance world, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and the ability to learn from […]
March 13, 2024
In the banking industry, sustainable growth isn’t just a goal; it’s essential. Community banks, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in fostering growth while maintaining […]
March 13, 2024
Breaking Barriers. Building Success. In our journey toward excellence in community banking, leadership transcends the mere management of operations; it embodies the essence of fostering an […]
March 5, 2024
In the world of community banking, continuity and stability are necessities due to the pivotal role these institutions play in local economies and relationships with customers […]
December 22, 2023
As we enter this Christmas season, it’s important to embrace the values that have stood the test of time. First and foremost, let’s remember the importance […]
December 20, 2023
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Investing in dignity is investing in your people and your workplace. When you know your people well, you will criticize the work instead of the […]
December 14, 2023
People can only see what you do and hear what you say. Make sure that those two things are the same and stay consistent. What you […]
Build an Institution Worth Keeping
Growth matters. Independence matters.But both require leaders who can see clearly, act deliberately and build institutions capable of enduring.