Bank founder focuses on leadership at Chamber luncheon
Florida Gulf Bank founder Bill Valenti believes having leadership qualities play a very important role in business, as it is also essential for success in every day life. He listed six elements of leadership based upon his observations of people he looked up to and learned valuable lessons from at the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon at Kelly Greens Country Club Thursday.
Valenti, who has also served as the Florida Gulf Bank’s president and chief executive officer since the bank’s inception in February of 2001, believes leaders are not just born but groomed.
“I think we are all born with a certain amount of talent, but all of us can learn and develop the strengths of those talents and become great leaders,” he said.
Born on Staten Island, N.Y., Valenti served as a first Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1966 to 1969 before moving his family to Florida in 1977. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters in Business Administration in Finance and began his career in 1964 with the Irving Trust Company (now called Bank of New York). He has held banking positions with Empire National Bank, Flagship Banks, SunBank, American Pioneer Savings Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, South Florida Bank and Fifth Third Bank.
His six elements of leadership involve passion, patience, persistence, pride, principles and balance. He described each one of his leadership ingredients in detail to the chamber business members.
– 1. Passion (most important): “Leadership in my estimation comes from the soul. Passion enables you to enjoy your successes when they come and also allows you to welcome the challenges. As a leader, it’s your obligation to find that passion in others.”
– 2. Patience: “Patience requires leaders to think strategically. A leader is someone who is patient enough to think long term. It is so important to listen. The best leaders are the ones who can recognize the good in every side of the argument and make a decision based on patience and understanding.”
– 3. Persistence: “Never, never, ever stop learning. Always set higher expectations for yourself and others. Grow as your profession grows around you. Most importantly, grow as a person.”
– 4. Pride: “None of us has such a superb intellect that we can’t learn from others. Learn from others and be humble when you do. Choosing great people is critical to your success, your work and your work enjoyment.”
– 5. Principles: “Nothing builds a stronger case of higher standards than leaders who hold themselves to a higher level. Always conduct yourself ethically and personally. We want leaders that are honest.”
– 6. Balance: “Nothing is more important to you than your family. You can’t be a great leader if you neglect those folks around you. No one on their deathbed has ever wished they spent more time in the office. Remember that everybody is entitled to balance, not just you.”
Valenti is on the board of directors for the United Way of Lee County (while serving as past chair of the board and its campaign) and Habitat for Humanity (of which he is on the executive committee) and a member of Leadership Florida. He was a past chairman of the Lee County President’s Council, a past member of the board of directors for The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida and past co-chairman for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
The chamber guest speaker offered final thoughts on establishing leadership roles within a community. He believes the future is bright, the recession is over and everyone should pay forward.
“Now, more than ever, be optimistic,” said Valenti. “Optimism, not resignation, is what’s going to take us through these difficult times. And finally, give back. Our community needs you.”