SEPTEMBER 20258WHAT LEADERSHIP MEANS TO ME AND HOW I LEADBy Max Meints, Vice President - Centralized Operations, FirstBankLeadership is not about authority, titles or accolades--it's about influence, service and fostering a culture where others can thrive. To me, leadership means empowering people to see their potential, guiding them toward shared goals and creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and trust are the norm.Leadership begins with service. A leader must listen and respond to the needs of their team, organization and community. The best leaders know their success is tied directly to the success of others. My leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, empathy and accountability, prioritizing relationships and cultivating talent to inspire others to bring their best.Being a Leader in Banking Leading in banking comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The financial services industry is constantly evolving due to technology, regulatory changes and shifting customer expectations. My role is to guide my team through this complexity while delivering exceptional value.Banking leadership requires a balance of tradition and innovation. While respecting the trust our industry is built on, I also embrace forward-thinking solutions to remain competitive. A key focus is maintaining a culture of compliance and risk management. Precision and integrity are vital in this industry and I prioritize transparency and accountability to empower employees to act confidently and responsibly.Leadership in banking also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether driving operational efficiency, implementing transformative technologies, or helping team members grow, the work we do influences clients, colleagues and the broader community.Building Strengths and Leading by ExampleOne of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is recognizing and nurturing the strengths of others. Early in my career, I learned the value of diverse perspectives and the power of collaborative problem-solving. Today, I strive to create opportunities for team members to leverage their unique skills, take ownership of their work and grow personally and professionally.Effective leadership requires aligning individual talents with organizational objectives. By helping team members stretch beyond their comfort zones and providing guidance, Max Meints is a dynamic Vice President at FirstBank with expertise in Centralized Operations and Payments. A passionate DEI advocate and nonprofit board member at Elevating Connections, he combines strategic vision with a commitment to innovation and community impact. Meints resides in Colorado, where he loves to ski and spend quality outdoor time with his wife Alex and daughter Zoi. In this interview Meins reflects on the philosophy of leadership centered on influence, service and fostering a culture of growth and trust. He emphasizes the importance of empowering others, aligning individual strengths with organizational goals and leading by example.MY OPINIONIN
< Page 7 | Page 9 >