Jennifer Chandler is managing director, president of Bank America Dallas and head of philanthropic solutions for Bank of America — and soon she will be on stage at Local Profile's Inaugural Women in Business Leadership Symposium on June 13. As we celebrate the many women who make North Texas businesses successful, they offer invaluable advice for those advancing in their own careers.
Tickets are quickly selling out, secure your spot here!
As president, Chandler directs effective collaboration across multiple lines of business, advancing purposeful engagement with client priorities. Deeply committed to corporate stewardship, she serves on the Bank of America Foundation committee and promotes a culture of volunteerism and community support.
Chandler joined Bank of America in 2001. She earned her B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin in two and a half years and her M.B.A. from the University of Dallas, which honored her in 2018 as a College of Business Hall of Fame inductee.
Here’s what Chandler has to say about business:
What idea has impacted you the most in your field?
The industry has certainly modernized through digital and technology. It is hard to believe we didn’t have iPhones when I started, given how many transactions now occur online. Thankfully, Bank of America has led the way in digital transformations with millions of users and more added each day. The business world has also continued to value diversity and inclusion. Bank of America has been a leader through our employee networks and opportunities to hire, develop and retain diverse talent.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I tackle them head-on and see them as learning opportunities and a challenge. “Bring it on.”
What do you do when an idea strikes?
Write it down and tell someone. I’m more accountable to act on it if I share the idea. My colleagues probably wish I acted on fewer of them!
How do you respond when feeling held back?
I don’t. I deny it and move on. Nothing can set you back — you control your destiny and what you have to overcome.
What is one idea that motivates you?
The Fly Wheel by Jim Collins. We build a lot of our work around the fly wheel concept and believe it helps us continue to improve and excel in a scalable way.
What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your career so far?
To take on new stretch assignments and challenges. While difficult, they are always the most rewarding at the end of the day.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
Not many; the Banking industry has come a long way. We are still underrepresented in the brokerage side of the business so that is a challenge and opportunity. I encourage interested women to apply!
Who is the first person you come to with an idea?
My husband. He is a great listener and will be honest if it is ridiculous.
What is the biggest mistake you see women making when advancing their careers?
Not taking stretch roles and taking on risks.
How do you define success?
Raising our four children to be happy and productive.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be Yourself!
What projects are you currently working on?
Modernizing our grant-making for nonprofits across the country and deploying modernization/automation for good.
What is the best book you read this year?
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven.
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