Jenna Williams, SBA Business Development officer at Heritage Bank of Commerce stands out as a dynamic figure in the banking and finance industry, recognized for her leadership, dedication, and service to small businesses. Recently honored as the Top Small Business Administration (SBA) Specialist of the Year for 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), Jenna’s career exemplifies the power of passion, community engagement, and strong leadership.
A Passion for Small Business Development
Jenna’s career in finance began at Wells Fargo, where her natural passion for helping others quickly became the cornerstone of her work. She was drawn to SBA lending, realizing its vital role in supporting entrepreneurs. As she puts it, “SBA helps the most small business owners or would-be owners.” Jenna’s deep commitment to guiding these business owners through the complexities of commercial lending has made her an invaluable resource, helping them access the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Recognition and Its Impact
Being named the 2024 Top SBA Specialist of the Year by IAOTP is a significant milestone in Jenna’s career. For her, this recognition is not just a professional achievement but a reflection of the relationships she has cultivated along the way. “The impact will be long-term and hasn’t been fully realized yet,” Jenna shares, emphasizing how this honor has introduced her to new opportunities and connections within the industry. It marks a new chapter in her journey, one filled with exciting potential.
Leadership in a Challenging Industry
Jenna’s leadership style is built on the foundation of attitude and focus. “Attitude is everything,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of mindset in navigating the finance world. She believes that in a field where discussions about money can be emotional and challenging, expecting the unexpected is key. Her goal-oriented approach keeps her focused on achieving both personal and professional objectives while being sensitive to the emotional weight of financial decisions for her clients.
One of the biggest challenges Jenna faces as an SBA Specialist is dealing with the varying perspectives of clients, bankers, and her operations team. She overcomes this by asking the right questions, seeking to understand each individual’s needs. “Everyone has their own world view,” she explains, underscoring the importance of empathy and communication in her role.
Community Involvement and Mentorship
Beyond her professional achievements, Jenna is deeply involved in her community, participating in causes that reflect her values. She actively supports women’s empowerment initiatives and a German Shepherd rescue, finding joy and strength in giving back. “The joy in giving back and lifting others up gives me strength,” she reflects, demonstrating her belief in the positive energy that comes from paying it forward.
Mentorship has also played a pivotal role in Jenna’s career development. She recalls Micah Horgen, a mentor from her time at Wells Fargo, who challenged her to step outside her comfort zone—a challenge she initially resisted but later recognized as instrumental in her growth. Now, Jenna is paying it forward, offering her guidance and resources to others in the hope of inspiring them the way her mentor inspired her.
Adapting to Industry Trends
Jenna is keenly aware of the trends shaping the small business lending landscape, particularly the increasing role of technology. She stresses the importance of embracing new tools to enhance value, advising that “the faster we learn and embrace the tools, the sooner we provide value.” Her proactive approach to technological advancements ensures that she remains ahead of industry changes, continually delivering effective solutions for her clients.
Ambition Balanced with Realism
When offering advice to young professionals looking to enter commercial banking and investing, Jenna blends honesty with humor, saying, “Don’t—go chase an easier dream!” While lighthearted, this advice reflects the challenges inherent in the finance and small business lending industries. Nevertheless, her own journey demonstrates that with passion and focus, success is achievable.
Jenna’s short-term goals are clear: financial success. However, her long-term vision goes beyond personal gains—she aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients and the community. This dual focus on ambition and service is a defining feature of her career.
Achieving Work-Life Balance
In her leadership role, Jenna understands the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal time. She prioritizes time management, scheduling personal time and rest each week to ensure a healthy work-life balance. This approach allows her to remain energized and focused in both her career and personal life.
Looking to the Future
As Jenna Williams continues to make strides in her career, her journey is one of leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. She has established herself as a driving force in small business development, helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to thrive. Her recent recognition by IAOTP only solidifies her role as a leader in the field, and her influence will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Jenna’s story is one of commitment and passion. She has consistently proven that success in the finance industry is about more than just professional accomplishments—it’s about making a lasting impact on the community and the lives of others. As she looks to the future, Jenna is poised to continue inspiring those around her, further empowering small business owners and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Visit Jenna Williams:- LinkedIn Profile
Visit LinkedIn Post – Meet Jenna Williams
