This three-part virtual leadership series is designed to equip bankers with the essential skills and mindsets needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic environment. Through interactive discussions, self-reflection, and applied learning, participants will explore a variety of topics, including trust, values based conversations and conflict as a catalyst.

The 2026 series—Emotional Intelligence, Building Trust, and Fearless by Choice—delivers a connected learning experience that builds leadership capability over time. Through structured accountability exercises between sessions, participants will continuously apply new skills in the workplace, driving stronger engagement, deeper behavioral change, and lasting value for both employees and the bank.

Virtual Series Information

All sessions will be presented via Zoom and will run from 9:00-10:00 a.m. (EST).

Session 1: October 16, 2026
Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Skill That Drives Performance

Technical expertise may earn someone a leadership position, but emotional intelligence is what determines how effectively they lead. In today’s banking environment, leaders are expected to inspire high-performing teams, build trust, navigate difficult conversations, coach employees, and strengthen relationships with both colleagues and customers. Emotional intelligence is the leadership skill that makes all of those responsibilities more effective.

In this practical, brain-based keynote, leadership and resilience speaker Monica Guzman shares research-backed strategies that help leaders increase self-awareness, strengthen emotional regulation, communicate with greater intention, and build stronger workplace relationships. Participants will leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to improve leadership effectiveness, increase employee engagement, foster accountability, and create a culture built on trust and high performance.

Session 1: November 13, 2026
Building Trust: The Leadership Skill That Changes Everything

Trust is the foundation of every high-performing team. When trust is strong, communication improves, collaboration increases, accountability grows, and employees are more engaged and committed to achieving organizational goals. When trust is absent, even the most talented teams struggle with miscommunication, low morale, disengagement, and inconsistent performance.

In this practical, brain-based keynote, leadership and resilience speaker Monica Guzman explores the leadership behaviors that build trust every day—not through grand gestures, but through consistent actions, communication, and credibility. Participants will learn how trust is formed in the brain, why it directly impacts employee performance and retention, and how leaders can intentionally create an environment where people feel respected, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

Session 3: December 11
Fearless by Choice: Leading with Confidence Through Change

Today’s banking leaders are expected to guide their teams through uncertainty while maintaining performance, engagement, and trust. Whether navigating mergers and acquisitions, evolving technology, economic pressures, shifting customer expectations, or organizational transformation, leaders set the emotional tone for their teams. The ability to remain steady, adaptable, and confident isn’t a personality trait—it’s a leadership skill that can be developed.

In this dynamic, brain-based keynote, leadership and resilience speaker Monica Guzman shares practical strategies to help leaders manage uncertainty, strengthen resilience, and lead with confidence when the path ahead isn’t always clear. Grounded in neuroscience and real-world leadership experience, this session equips participants with actionable tools to overcome fear, communicate with clarity, maintain momentum, and help their teams stay focused on what matters most.

Meet the Speaker!

 Monica Guzman
International Keynote Speaker | Leadership, Resilience, & Emotional Intelligence

Monica Guzman is an award-winning leadership and resilience keynote speaker, executive coach, and author with more than 20 years of experience helping professionals and organizations perform at their highest level. Drawing from her background in counseling psychology, executive coaching, and leadership development, she delivers practical, research-based strategies that inspire audiences to lead with confidence, communicate with influence, navigate change, and build lasting resilience.

Monica has partnered with organizations across the country, delivering keynotes and leadership training for clients including the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Cisco, Chevron, Disney, McDonald’s, Mondelez International, Clayton Homes, Direct Communications, and educational organizations nationwide. Her presentations are known for blending engaging storytelling, evidence-based insights, humor, and actionable takeaways that audiences can immediately apply in their work and lives.

She is the founder of Excellence by Monica Guzman and the author of “Fearless by Choice,” a book that challenges individuals to overcome fear, build confidence, and take purposeful action toward their goals.

Whether speaking to executives, emerging leaders, financial professionals, healthcare teams, or conference audiences, Monica equips people with the mindset and leadership tools needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing workplace. Her mission is simple: to help people become more resilient, more confident, and more effective—both professionally and personally.

Registration Information

Registration Fees	Member	Non-Members
Each Session	$175	$425
3-Part Series	$395	$895
Bank License	$3,500	$4,000

Register Now!

Registrants will be sent the Zoom links to register and receive their personalized Zoom access link in September. 

Session Recordings

Session recordings will be available for 60 days after each session.