GULF COAST BANK & TRUST INVESTING IN ITS PEOPLE

Williams, President & CEO of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. “When we do this, there is a ripple effect–it improves them personally and professionally, and it simultaneously helps our clients and provides the community with stronger leadership at every level.”

Intelligence and Modern Networking. The sessions include guest speakers who live out the leadership practice being covered in that session. They often share vulnerabilities and lessons learned through their personal journeys. During a previous session, Stephen Waguespack, CEO of LABI, challenged the group to consider running for elected office. He reminded the group that businesspeople solve problems, and our state needs more problem solvers serving on school board, in local government and in the legislature.

Upon selection, cohort members undergo an assessment to provide benchmark levels for leadership and a personal skills inventory. It’s followed by a coaching session from a professional certified coach. Then, the participants meet one day per month for six months and attend sessions that are built around best practices of exemplary leadership, including Building Effective Teams, Critical Conversations, Presentation Skills, Time Management, Running Effective Meetings, Emotional

Throughout the six years of the program, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust has placed more than 100 employees in the Next Wave program, and many have gone on to be promoted to higher levels of supervision and responsibility in the organization.

“Without a doubt, the Next Wave program here at the bank is my greatest professional accomplishment and the thing I love most about my job, says Kim Carver, Senior VP of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust and Chairman of LABI’s Education & Workforce Council. “The ability to spend time and effort in sharpening the skills of a dynamic group of eager, aspiring leaders has paid dividends for our team and our organization over and over again.”

UNITING LOUISIANA’S FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS