“The greatest risk in banking is not taking risks.” — Jamie Dimon

Effective leadership in the banking and financial services industry is marked by integrity, dedication, and a deep understanding of clients’ needs. Leaders who embody these qualities can navigate the complexities of the financial landscape and drive significant economic growth. Jenna Williams exemplifies these traits, making her a standout figure in the sector.

In 2024, Jenna Williams returned to a community bank after committing to 6 months off to heal from a near death experience. With over 20 years of experience, she has built a successful career through her tireless work ethic, tenacity, and winning attitude. Ms. Williams brings proven expertise in business development, business administration, investments, and lending. She works closely with clients, providing them with critical information about receiving and qualifying for SBA loans, ensuring they have the support needed to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

From Restaurant to Financial: Jenna Williams’ Journey

Jenna Williams‘ inception story is one of determination, adaptability, and a relentless drive to achieve excellence. Her journey began at the age of 18 in the restaurant industry, where she quickly became a top product seller. This early success ignited her passion for sales, prompting her to transition into a sales career. She started at Silicon Maps, Inc., where she served as a sales and project manager from 1998 to 2003, honing her skills in customer relations and project management.

Eager to expand her horizons, Jenna moved to Inter-Tel to learn from a former customer, gaining valuable insights into the communications industry. After starting a family and taking a few years to focus on her children, Jenna re-entered the professional world with Wells Fargo in 2007. Over the next several years, she immersed herself in various banking roles, steadily building her expertise and reputation in the industry.

In 2021, Jenna transitioned to Community Banking, where she further refined her skills in commercial lending. Her journey then led her to Fremont Bank, where she excelled as a Relationship Manager before rediscovering her passion for SBA lending landing at Heritage Bank of Commerce. Here, she has been able to balance her professional ambitions with her personal life, an achievement she holds dear.

Jenna’s dedication to supporting women in the industry is evident through her active involvement with Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She has served in multiple board roles, including DEI Director, Programs Committee, Membership Committee, and her current position as Golf Chair. Her commitment to CREW reflects her belief in the importance of women supporting women, a cause she deeply values.

Throughout her career, Jenna has built an extensive and exclusive network in the Bay Area, establishing herself as a prominent figure in lending within her region. Her success is rooted in her excellent follow-through skills, unwavering dedication to fulfilling commitments, and a continuous drive to learn and grow. She has earned a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, qualities that have contributed significantly to her professional achievements.

Jenna credits her success to her integrity and her ability to make others feel valued. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s words on the lasting impact of making others feel respected and heard, she has built a strong network that allows her the privilege of selecting projects that align with her values and goals. This selective approach is a testament to her hard work and dedication to maintaining a positive reputation in the competitive banking industry. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”-Maya Angelou

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jenna is actively involved with Calpaws K9 Rescue (A German Shepherd Dog Rescue), reflecting her broader commitment to civic engagement and community service. On a personal level, she has embarked on a journey of self-investment by acquiring various rental properties, with plans to expand this venture in the coming years. Her passion for Pranayama yoga underscores her holistic approach to life, balancing career achievements with personal fulfillment and community involvement.

Jenna Williams’ Accolades and Honors

Throughout her illustrious career, Jenna Williams has amassed a remarkable array of awards and accolades, earning global recognition for her achievements in the banking and financial services industry. Her expertise and leadership have not gone unnoticed. Recognized by Marquis Who’s Who of Professional Women for Business, Finance, and Leadership, Ms. Williams has consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication in her field. This year, she is a contender for the prestigious Empowered Woman Award and is set to be featured in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine.

In December, Ms. Williams will be honored at the IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, where she will receive the title of Top Small Business Administration Specialist of the Year. This accolade is a testament to her exceptional skills and contributions to the industry.

Stephanie Cirami, President of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), praised Ms. Williams, stating, “Choosing Ms. Williams for this honor was an easy decision for our panel to make. She is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We cannot wait to meet her and celebrate her accomplishments at this year’s gala.”

A Holistic Approach

Ms. Williams attributes much of her success to her unwavering integrity, dedication to fulfilling commitments, and steadfast pursuit of her goals. From a young age, she harbored a love for mathematics, which naturally evolved into a talent for banking and investing. Grateful for the myriad opportunities that have come her way, Ms. Williams remains committed to working hard and leveraging her expertise for the benefit of her clients.

Her acumen in real estate investing is not confined to her professional life. Ms. Williams has successfully applied her knowledge to her personal investments, acquiring residential and commercial properties in California and Nevada. She aims to own more than 20 properties by the time she retires, a testament to her ambitious nature and strategic mindset.

Outside of expanding portfolios, Ms. Williams finds joy in playing golf, gardening, and cooking. She is also dedicated to her well-being, practicing the pranayama yogic technique, which focuses on breath regulation. This practice reflects her holistic approach to life, balancing professional ambitions with personal fulfillment.

Ms. Williams’ journey is defined not only by her professional accomplishments but also by the relationships she has nurtured along the way. She values the connections she has built and remains open to forming new ones, ensuring a dynamic and enriched career and personal life. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and a relentless drive to achieve excellence while maintaining a grounded and balanced life.

Channeling Passion into Profession: Insights from Jenna Williams

For future leaders in the banking and financial services industry, Jenna Williams offers invaluable advice rooted in her extensive experience and success. Here are key takeaways from her journey:

1. Embrace Integrity and Dedication: Uphold the highest standards of integrity and commit fully to your goals. Your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional will be your greatest asset in building long-term relationships and achieving success.
2. Leverage Your Passion: Find what excites you and turn it into a career. Whether it’s a love for mathematics, investing, or another field, channel your passion into developing expertise and excelling in your chosen area.
3. Invest in Yourself: Continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth. Stay updated on industry trends, and invest time in acquiring new skills and knowledge. This will not only enhance your professional capabilities but also keep you ahead in a competitive field.
4. Balance Professional and Personal Life: Strive for a balance between your career and personal life. Pursue hobbies and activities that bring you joy and contribute to your overall well-being. A balanced approach will keep you motivated and prevent burnout.
5. Build and Nurture Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry peers. Networking is essential, but genuine connections built on respect and mutual support will provide the most rewarding opportunities.
6. Set Ambitious Goals: Don’t shy away from setting ambitious goals for yourself. Whether it’s a target for professional achievements or personal investments, having clear objectives will drive your efforts and provide a sense of direction.
7. Give Back to the Community: Engage in community service and support causes that resonate with you. Your contributions to civic and charitable activities will enrich your life and enhance your professional reputation.

Find and Be a Mentor: Mentorship is a key factor in growth. By having a mentor, you gain valuable experience and knowledge. By being a mentor you are in service honoring yourself and your mentor while passing on all you have gained to help someone else become better. “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you”-Bob Proctor.