By Susan Caba
Sally Roth was golfing in Ireland when key components of the U.S. financial system went into meltdown, returning amidst news of bankruptcies,
buy-outs and bailouts.
“See what happens when you leave town for a little while,” she said to herself as the plane landed back in the U.S.
Still, she says, “I love banking.” Roth, president and CEO of Regions Bank’s Greater St. Louis market, has worked in the industry for almost three decades. She is also Regions’ area executive, covering 136
branches in Missouri, Iowa and
western Kentucky.
Regions Financial Corp., based in Birmingham, Ala., is one of the largest full-service banks in the country, with $144 billion in assets last year. The private banking firm and its investment affiliate, Morgan Keegan, offers services ranging from investment banking to trust and asset management.
As early as April, Roth noted that many Americans were questioning the stability of the banking industry, an uncertainty that affects even well run banks. But, as the Congress began debating the $700 billion bailout, she predicted, “companies that are strong will stay strong.”
What she couldn’t predict was how long it would take to resolve the crisis: “I’m sure if I knew that, the President would like to know, too.”
What’s the most efficient or
productive time of day for you?
Either early morning or late afternoon. That’s when I’m able to
organize for the next day. In the early morning, I springboard
from there.
What is the most creative aspect of your work?
In banking, it’s identifying and assessing an opportunity, and executing that strategy. It’s really assessing where we have gaps in our delivery of service to our clients and strategizing how to fill those gaps.
What is the least creative or least
satisfying?
Doing expense reports!
How do you use devices and electronics—Blackberries, cell phones, iPods—to manage work flow? Are they, on balance, more often a tool or a hindrance?
This comes up all the time. I actually do use a Blackberry. It does help me to stay connected. I don’t think these tools are a hindrance if they’re used for the right purpose. Blackberries are great for a quick and informal note, but I don’t think they should be used for significant correspondence. Cell phones should not be a source of interruption of meetings. And none of these tools should replace face-to-face interaction.
What is the most distracting element of your workday/workweek? How do you manage it?
The barrage of e-mail. I do try to stick with a specific time of day that I read and respond, once in the morning and once in the evening.
If there is one thing you would like to do differently in the average workday, what is it? Why don’t you do it?
The one thing I would love to be able to do is schedule a regular exercise routine, early in the morning—something before work just to start the day off right. I actually joined with a group that shares a
personal trainer. That makes me get up and get going.
What are some of your rules for success?
I try to do three things. I try to stay as knowledgeable as I can. That’s key. People need to know that you know what
you’re doing.
People need to know that you care about them and you’re open to serving as a resource for them.
And people need to know that they can trust you to follow up on commitments.
What motivates or inspires you?
I really enjoy banking, every aspect of it. It motivates me to learn as much as I can. It’s never dull—how’s that for
an understatement?
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