Each March, TD Bank celebrates Women's History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in America's history. This year, the bank is reflecting on the women throughout TD's own history—those who helped shape the organization into what it is today and paved the way for the women who came behind them.
Thousands of women have left their mark on TD. Of course, it would be impossible to acknowledge them all, but four phenomenal former TD leaders recently spoke about their careers and expert advice for the next generation of leaders.
Carol entered the financial services industry right after college in 1979. She later earned a law degree and practiced law at several banks before joining Banknorth, which TD acquired in 2005. During her 22-year tenure at TD, Carol thrived, leading critical corporate functions, including Legal, Operations, Compliance, HR, and Real Estate.
- Inspiration for your career in banking: Although I never said, 'I want to be a banker,' when I was young, my father was a banker and always loved working in the industry, and I think that played a big role in me joining the industry as well.
- Key decision that propelled you forward professionally: Asking to take on more responsibility. Doing so allowed me to get out of my lane, which up until that point was law, and do something different. That led to so many exciting opportunities.
- Biggest career risk you took and the result: It was when I made the switch from focusing solely on law to taking on additional accountabilities. I had always been my harshest critic. One thing this process taught me was to accept failure and learn from it, because alongside any failures are a lot of wins that you can be proud of as well.
- Advice you'd give other women about succeeding in the workplace: Speak up. Be truthful and tell it like it is, but also be willing to withstand some pushback. Speaking up doesn't mean being aggressive; it's about sharing what's on your mind and using the platform you have.
Judy has spent nearly her entire career in human resources (HR) and employee relations roles. She joined TD when it acquired Banknorth in 2005. While at the company, Judy served many HR roles, including as Senior Vice President of Employee Relations and Senior Vice President for Northern New England Commercial and Retail.
- Inspiration for your career in banking: When I was in college, I was selected to interview prospective students. That experience taught me that I enjoyed interviewing people and learning what makes them tick. This passion eventually led me to seek out a career in HR.
- Key decision that propelled you forward professionally: Taking on my first HR role at People's Heritage Bank was a huge turning point in my career. I got to be a part of many firsts for the organization, like helping to stand up our credit department and a call center, and it was very exciting.
- A challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it: Before we became part of TD, we [Banknorth] went through many mergers and acquisitions in a very short span of time. It was a great challenge and really taught me how to navigate change, because we were constantly experiencing change and supporting others through change.
- Advice you'd give other women about succeeding in the workplace: Have a mentor—someone you can be honest with and bounce things off and who will also push you and give you the prop-up you need when you need it. And ask a lot of questions. I personally love to be in a situation where I know what I don't know and can ask questions to learn more.
Wendy got her start in banking in 1983 working on a teller line. She later held roles in commercial banking and loan review before eventually heading up Retail Banking for Banknorth, which TD acquired in 2005.
- Inspiration for your career in banking: I had found myself living in Maine unexpectedly, and banking seemed like a great way to get to know the local community better. After completing a management trainee program, I became a commercial loan officer. Commercial banking affords you the opportunity to meet so many people and learn more about the businesses in the area.
- Key decision that propelled you forward professionally: Earlier in my career I decided to leave one bank for another. Fortunately, it turned out to be the right decision, and I am so glad I took that leap. It also gave me the confidence to say yes to new and unfamiliar opportunities later in my career.
- A challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it: I had a bit of a double challenge. Not only was I a woman in a male-dominated industry, but physically I was also quite short and young looking. I didn’t naturally gain respect. It took time and extra effort to be taken seriously. To overcome these challenges, I just made sure to always do the best job that I could in the most open manner that I could. The results brought the respect that others were given more automatically.
- Advice you'd give other women about succeeding in the workplace: Always do the best job you can. And try to be sure you're enjoying what you're doing and you're enjoying the people you're working with. If you have those three ingredients—which sometimes takes a little luck!—you are sure to succeed!
Linda joined Commerce Bank in 1998, which TD acquired in 2008. During her 19 years with TD, Linda played a critical role in shaping the bank's unique and inclusive culture. She led various store and service operations, including serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Service Strategy.
- Inspiration for your career in banking: I always thought of myself as someone who knew how to run large-scale operations, which led to creating and building exceptional customer and client experiences. I first entered the banking industry when I joined Commerce Bank. I was attracted to them because they had an outstanding reputation for growth and creativity. I thought I'd be able to be a part of building something special, which we did.
- A challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it: Going through the integration of Commerce and Banknorth and becoming part of TD was a huge challenge for me. I had a certain way of operating. Now I was part of a new organization that did things differently, so if I wanted to be successful, I also needed to change. I had to reinvent myself in many ways, while ensuring I didn't lose my genuine, authentic self. Plus, I needed to do it publicly. In doing so, I developed new skills. I became more patient and I became a better negotiator—skills that continue to serve me well.
- Biggest career risk you took and the result: To be honest, retiring was a big risk. I didn't really have a plan for what I'd do next. I gave TD 16 months' notice. I was able to use that time to complete some of the projects and initiatives that were important to me, particularly surrounding inclusion initiatives. I hope I had an impact. It was striking to me when I retired, I wasn't thanked for work I did but for how I made people feel—remembering their birthday, their kid's name, their first assignment with the bank, or simply giving them a hug. People really are watching what you say and do every day.
- Advice you'd give other women about succeeding in the workplace: It's important for women to support, invest in, and recognize other women. I think we can all do a better job with this.