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Emerging Leaders Programming | Annual Convention

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Strategic growth for emerging leaders

Emerging leaders are forward-thinking and adaptable – with the innate ability to inspire and influence others. If you have that desire, capability and initiative at your bank, keep reading; you’re in the right place.

The Emerging Leaders program at ABA Annual Convention provides the professional development opportunities you need to further your career and meet the demands of leadership to serve your bank’s mission at a higher level.

Leave Annual Convention feeling prepared to:

  • Balance  growth, risk and strategic career transformation
  • Maintain a new network with peers shaping the future of the industry
  • Build industry influence and trust
  • Strengthen team alignment and optimize efficiency
  • Navigate change and overcome obstacles
  • Identify and form mentor relationships 

In addition to the Emerging Leaders sessions, attendees can take advantage of the full Annual Convention program. Use our Justification Letter to make your case to attend.

DOWNLOAD LETTER

Emerging Leaders Sessions

EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM: PART 1
Eliminate conflict waste™: how to have conflict and still win together


Monday, Oct. 20, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Eliminate the time, energy and resource waste that occurs when conflict is avoided, mismanaged or escalated too quickly. Strengthen alignment, reduce stress and drive innovation. Turn infighting and dead-end conversations into productive dialogue and collaboration.

Meet your speaker:  Princess Castleberry, Global Speaker and Author on Leadership Performance and Behavioral Risk

Princess Castleberry is a global speaker on leadership performance and behavioral risk, trusted by world-class organizations to help their teams uncover behavioral triggers and make smarter decisions — with less stress, misalignment and conflict waste. What sets Princess apart is the depth of her expertise: a rare blend of international business, instructional design and wellness counseling.

Virtual follow-up opportunity: putting insights into action

Join us for a special post-convention virtual session with Princess Castleberry, designed to help you deepen and apply what you learned on site. This exclusive follow-up offers a chance to revisit key insights, ask questions and explore how the strategies from her session are showing up in your day-to-day leadership.

EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM: PART 2
Next in line: ready or not, here we lead


Monday, Oct. 20, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

What does it take to lead in today’s evolving banking landscape — and what’s next for those on the rise? In this interactive panel, emerging bank leaders share personal leadership journeys, pivotal lessons and real-world strategies. Topics include mentorship, decision-making and leading through change. Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this session offers authentic dialogue and actionable insights.

 

Speed mentoring: fast-paced insights for emerging leaders


Tuesday, Oct. 21, 10:30–11:15 AM

In this exclusive speed mentoring session hosted by the Women CEO Peer Group, you will have the unique opportunity to engage in 10-minute, high-impact conversations with top leaders in banking. Gain valuable insights, ask your most pressing career questions and build connections that can help shape your leadership journey. Don’t miss this chance to learn from trailblazing executives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting!

How to sign up: Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. This session is only open to registered Annual Convention attendees (note our early bird deadline) – after registration, reach out to Caitlin Taylor at [email protected] to confirm your spot in this session. Use our justification letter to get your buy-in to attend.

Other opportunities

  • Emerging Leaders Lounge
    A dedicated space in The Hub designed for Emerging Leaders to network, exchange ideas and connect with one another.
  • Emerging Leader Awards
    The ABA Emerging Leader Awards identify and recognize the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to the industry and their communities. 

Meet your peers in Charlotte

We can’t wait to see you at Annual Convention. Use our Justification Letter template to get the buy-in you need to attend.

JUSTIFICATION KIT    I’M READY TO REGISTER!

Keep Me Informed

Get updates on ABA Annual Convention as we develop this year's program. Contact Traci Leiva if you have any questions.