CityBox Media Spotlights Atlanta and Dallas Trailblazers: Veritex Community Bank's EVP Jeff Kirby and Chandra Fussell, Founder of Chandra Fussell Enterprises Lead the Way in Unleashing Leadership
Interviewed By Maryan Aiken
Embrace Confidence, Radiate Personality, and Expand Your Passion for Effective Networking and Personal Growth.
Jeff Kirby. Executive Vice President. Senior Credit Officer II. Veritex Community Bank
Photography by Beth Stavinoha
Jeff Kirby
Executive Vice President. Senior Credit Officer II
Veritex Community Bank
www.veritexbank.com
8214 Westchester Dr Dallas, TX 75225
jkirby@veritexbank.com
ABOUT VERITEX COMMUNITY BANK
Founded in Dallas in 2010, Veritex has quickly become one of the 10 largest banks headquartered in Texas. We believe that so many Texans have come to trust us with their finances because they recognize our values of truth, transparency, and integrity.
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ABOUT JEFF KIRBY
Jeff Kirby serves as the senior credit officer for Veritex Bank’s $4.3 billion Commercial Real Estate loan portfolio which includes Non-Owner-Occupied CRE and Construction Loans. His primary responsibility is to coordinate deals while maintaining credit quality. Considering the current CRE environment, his recent work has been focused on portfolio surveillance and protecting the bank from adverse grade classifications. By being proactive on loans through periodic reviews, this helps Veritex establish a framework for recognizing potential issues in advance, so they are able to deal with issues timely.
VISION & INSPIRATION
Q: What initially inspired or motivated you to pursue your particular field or industry, and how has that vision evolved over time?
My first job was for one of the largest office building developers in Houston. That started my passion in commercial real estate. In 1983, I started my career in banking and for the next 23 years, I worked for banks that primarily focused on commercial real estate. Even in the past 17 years where my banks were and are more diversified, my primary focus has been in commercial real estate. In commercial real estate, every deal is different, which makes it continually exciting in never knowing how a situation will affect one deal different than the other. Whether the real estate market is prosperous or the market is declining, you have to come up with different ways to come up with a resolution. I have experienced commercial real estate in every major market in the country which presents other challenges in terms of laws and local governments plus understanding the nuances of each specific market. After 43 years in commercial real estate, I still find it exciting every day to keep working in this industry and hope to continue in this business until retirement.
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BUILDING NETWORKS & RELATIONSHIPS
Q: What strategies or approaches have you used to build and leverage networks and relationships, both professionally and personally, to advance your goals?
First, you must have confidence in yourself to take risks. Not everyone is going to be welcoming and some may not respond favorably to someone who is outgoing. Second, show your personality and don’t be afraid to smile. A smile makes someone who may not be able to approach you more inclined to approach you if they feel you are genuine. Third, find activities and organizations that will drive your passion further. It does not have to be in your specific industry. For example, I joined an organization a year and a half ago that has nothing to do with banking or commercial real estate, but it’s expanding my overall knowledge of other industries and it’s a great networking group. Being around people, whether I know them or not, energizes me and makes me want to know more.
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MENTORSHIP & GUIDANCE
Q: Have mentors or guides played a role in your journey?
How have they influenced your decisions and growth, and what advice would you give regarding mentorship? I’ve had two mentors in my business life. Both of them helped me with my confidence to step out and take some risks. They both gave me opportunities that I may not have gotten on my own. They challenged me to take that extra step whether it is further research, inspecting properties, and opening up lines of communications with customers. Without these two influences, I know my career would have taken a different direction. It also caused me to pay it forward and mentor young professionals and students. Over the last ten years, I’ve mentored several young people and still mentor them to this date. I’ve been a coach at University of Houston for the last nine semesters in the Business Ethics class helping students with the presentations they have for the class. I will continue to do this for as long as I can because if I can help one of those students each semester in their future and make a difference, it will be all worth the time.
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With over 200 years of combined experience, the management team at Veritex Community Bank is uniquely qualified to help you with your banking needs. From the top down, our people are the best in the business. Our bankers have the discretion and flexibility to make on-the-spot decisions based on their experience and knowledge of your needs.
For questions about your Veritex account, debit card, or Online Banking please contact your local branch or call our customer support at 833-VERITEX (833-837-4839).
8214 Westchester Drive, Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75225
972-349-6200
Company Established 2010
Number of employees 770
veritexbank.com
Social Media Handles @VeritexBank (Instagram) @VeritexBank (Facebook) @VeritexCommunityBank (LinkedIN)
LEGACY & FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Q: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in your field, and what future aspirations or goals are you currently pursuing?
Did I make a difference in my career? How did I influence others? Those are the two questions I ask myself regularly. I feel that my career has had meaning if these two questions are answered positively. I have built strong relationships over 43 years of my professional career. There have been some toxic relationships but the majority of them have been and continue to be strong. Social media has had a big impact on keeping relationships alive, but it still takes effort on both sides to maintain those relationships. For my future, while my age indicates I’m close to retirement, as long as I have my passion in Commercial Real Estate and continue to be able to have the flexibility to spend time with my family and travel, retirement is not in the foreseeable future for me. I love what I do and want to keep making a difference and continuing mentoring and inspiring young people.
Beyond the Boardroom: Chandra Fussell's Personal Journey Inspires a Platform for Growth and Empowerment in Executive Women
Chandra Fussell. CEO. Founder. Chandra Fussell Enterprises
Photography by Antonio Johnson. A Moment in Shine
Chandra Fussell
CEO. Founder
Chandra Fussell Enterprises
McDonough, GA
cfenterprises@iamchandrafussell.com (470) 776 -1300 www.iamchandrafussell.com
Social Media Handles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcgcc_firm?igsh=bmRoZ3pqd3h1ZG4z
LinkedIn: https: https://www.instagram.com/jcgcc_firm?igsh=bmRoZ3pqd3h1ZG4z
Charity Involvement
Senior Care. March of Dimes. Returning Citizens.
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VISION & INSPIRATION
Q: What initially inspired or motivated you to pursue your particular field or industry, and how has that vision evolved over time?
Chandra Fussell Enterprises was born out of a deeply personal journey and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by Executive Women and Women of Influence. Having spent over 26 years as an administrator in the government sector, I intimately know the complexities and struggles that come with navigating such a demanding environment. The inspiration to establish my coaching business stems from the realization that I wanted to be a significant part of the support system for Executive Women and Women of Influence outside of their professional spheres. Chandra Fussell Enterprises is not just a business for me; it’s a dedication to helping these remarkable individuals harness the power of change and growth. My own experiences in the corporate world have not been easy, and I recognized the need for a support system that goes beyond the workplace. As an Executive Woman myself, I understand the unique challenges those women in leadership roles face. This understanding has fueled my passion to create a platform that directly addresses their needs. Chandra Fussell Enterprises aims to connect with Executive Women on a personal level through motivational speaking, sharing my own experiences, and providing one-on-one coaching. My vision has evolved over time as I’ve brought authenticity to the relationships I build with these women. Aligning with my why has become the cornerstone of my business, allowing me to connect with and empower Executive Women and Women of Influence in a way that goes beyond professional development. I am committed to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and support as they navigate their own journeys of change and growth.
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www.lovelylaguerreglobal.com
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PERSONAL GROWTH
Q: What strategies or habits have you found most effective in your personal development?
I appreciate the opportunity to share the strategies and habits that have proven to be highly effective in my personal development journey. Here are a few key practices that have made a significant impact:
1. Giving Myself Permission to Start Over: One of the most empowering habits I have adopted is acknowledging that it’s okay to start over when needed. Granting myself this permission has alleviated the pressure of perfection and allowed me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. It’s a reminder that personal development is a continuous process of growth, not a linear path.
2. Forgiving Myself for Mistakes: Being a passionate and intentional individual, I tend to invest deeply in my endeavors. However, I recognize that mistakes are inevitable, and I have learned to forgive myself for them. Understanding that errors are part of the learning process has enabled me to bounce back stronger and wiser, without dwelling on self-blame.
3. Quarterly Social Media Detox: Recognizing the impact of external influences on my focus and well-being, I have established a habit of quarterly social media detox. Making my accounts private and clearing unnecessary distractions from my online space allows me to create a more conducive environment for personal development. This intentional decluttering fosters mental clarity and helps me stay focused on my goals.
4. Prioritizing My Relationship with God: At the core of my personal development journey is my relationship with God, which I consider everything. While I admit that I sometimes fall short of allocating dedicated time, I recognize its paramount importance. Regularly reconnecting with my spiritual foundation provides me with guidance, strength, and a sense of purpose. I view this aspect as a high priority, allowing it to anchor and align me on my personal development path.
These strategies collectively contribute to a holistic approach to personal development, allowing me to navigate challenges, maintain focus, and continually evolve towards becoming the best version of myself.
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Q: How do you balance continuous learning with the demands of your career?
Balancing continuous learning with the demands of my career has been a deliberate and strategic process. Given that I started a business with a clear understanding of its demands, I have been fortunate to integrate learning seamlessly into my professional journey. Within my career, I benefit from ongoing training opportunities. Leveraging the skills acquired through these training sessions not only enhances my performance in my current role but also contributes to my continuous learning journey. This dual-purpose approach allows me to align my personal and professional development goals. LinkedIn has proven to be an invaluable platform for expanding my knowledge and network. I am strategic in registering for online classes and connecting with like-minded professionals who share insights and experiences. The platform serves as a dynamic space for staying informed about industry trends, engaging in discussions, and broadening my skill set.
Being a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., a non-profit organization for over 30 years, has further enriched my continuous learning journey. The professional training offered within the organization provides valuable concepts that I can seamlessly integrate into my business. Moreover, the network within the sorority serves as a community where I can share and receive insights, fostering both personal and professional growth. The key to successfully balancing continuous learning with career demands lies in intentionality and leveraging existing opportunities. By strategically incorporating training from various sources, actively participating in professional networks, and aligning organizational affiliations with my business goals, I have been able to create a synergistic approach to learning that enhances both my career and personal development.
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RISK TAKING & INNOVATION
Q: In your experience, how important is a willingness to take risks and embrace innovation in achieving significant milestones and breakthroughs?
The willingness to take risks and embrace innovation has been a transformative factor in my entrepreneurial journey. While I was aware of the concept of risk-taking, it became a consistent and integral part of my approach, particularly in the early stages of building Chandra Fussell Enterprises. In a corporate setting, there’s often a framework in place, making it relatively straightforward to build upon established structures. However, as an entrepreneur, I realized that creating opportunities and taking calculated risks are essential for growth and breakthroughs. One of the most impactful risks I undertook was investing in a professional firm to craft the personal brand for Chandra Fussell Enterprises.
This decision required a significant financial commitment to develop a comprehensive brand guide, design a website, and organize a professional photoshoot, among other elements. The risk was substantial, but it was a strategic move to bring Chandra Fussell Enterprises to life and position it as a powerful and influential entity in the coaching space. Now, looking back, I see that this risk was a pivotal moment that not only shaped the identity of my business but also created a community for Executive Women and Women of Influence. The willingness to step outside my comfort zone, coupled with an embrace of innovation in brand creation, has resulted in the establishment of a platform where these women can unleash their power within.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that a willingness to take risks and embrace innovation is indispensable for achieving significant milestones and breakthroughs as an entrepreneur. It’s about daring to invest in the vision, even when the path forward is uncertain, and in doing so, creating opportunities for growth and community building.
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