The Second Issue of the Hawk’s Eye View about Mentors introduces us to the next type of Mentor – “Champion of the Cause.”
The “Champion of the Cause” Mentor is someone who advocates you and has your back. And most importantly, they are ones that can be connectors introducing you to key people in your industry.
1993 led to this next Mentor's introduction as I made my first Firm change leaving Deloitte and moving on to Strothman and Company - new firm , fresh start and partner candidate process led to new relationships and building a client base to be accepted as a partner.
Financial Institutions was the foundation of my client career but now I learned that AAA was more than American Automobile Association but a critical metric with S Corporation shareholders and my tax knowledge expanded beyond the FI’s. During the transition I was becoming more connected to my Bank client Boards as an extension of the management team relationships and by improving “executive presence”.
The thirst for knowledge and being prepared led me to new introductions in learning about the best in the other professions – legal, actuary, IT, HR, etc.
It was with a new connection with an attorney that I met my new and additional mentor who became my “Champion of the Cause.”
I was blessed to meet one of the premier Senior Banking Attorneys in the region. One of my newest bank clients was one he had serviced for years. This new client was one that led to many professional development traits for me and from my newest Mentor – James (Jim) Straus with Frost Brown Todd.
Jim blessed me with his presence and his seasoned wisdom on dealing with banks senior management and board members. His talented abilities to gain the confidence of the room with his knowledge and experience kept my undivided attention.
Our relationship allowed me to grow in the following areas.
A more universal perspective of the banking industry
Serving the client’s bank board
Embracing and building positive relationships with the regulatory agencies
Advocating for clients but maintaining elevated level of professional skepticism
Dealing with issues timely and communicate appropriately
Jim quickly learned of my direct, authentic, trusted and engaged approach to life and client service.
He quickly became my first stop on dealing with client challenges whether for my personal insights or the needs of his legal counsel. We grew into a good team – Jim, FBT , The Hawk and whoever was the Hawk’s Home Firm at the Time.
He embraced my professional commitment and me.
This invested and rewarding relationship was also grounded outside our professional life with the love of America’s past-time – “Baseball” – whether the Cards, Bats, or the Reds – we spent many hours at the Ballpark with clients, family, and friends. A cold beer, the “crack of the bat” and the sound of the fans was always a good way to regroup, refresh and attempt to limit “shop talk.”
