Industry: Investment Bank

Challenge: One of Europe’s largest banks expanded its investment banking business to the United States. The bank’s managing directors had hefty growth targets to meet in a short period of time. They needed to quickly organize their operations and attract top local talent in order to compete and win in the US marketplace. Those hired – from division heads to analysts – needed to be able to communicate effectively and gain influence with both European management and US-based clients.

 Overview:

The Vice President of Learning and Development contacted The Executive Communicator and asked our President, Susan Farwell, to meet with their Head of Investment Banking. After the first meeting they were confident that we were a good fit. They liked our expertise in cross-cultural and change communication and were impressed with our roster of financial services clients. The engagement began with executive coaching for the firm’s top leadership including Managing Directors and Division Heads. Due to the success of the coaching, The Executive Communicator was asked to facilitate small-group presentation coaching sessions for the firm’s investment bankers and managers, cross-cultural training for new analysts, and management training for European expatriates. All programs delivered received high ratings from participants.

Outcome:

The Executive Communicator’s work with top leadership and the firm’s newly assembled team of investment bankers, managers, expats and analysts paid off, as they have continued to grow their presence in the United States and have been able to adapt their communication style to bridge the gap between European headquarters and U.S. employees and clients. The executives also reported that our coaching helped them understand cultural differences, handle difficult conversations and deliver critical change messages. The firm’s choice to have The Executive Communicator tailor learning for a broader audience of bankers, managers, expats and analysts carried the message throughout the organization that effective communication and leadership were essential components to the firm’s successful expansion into the United States.

Focus Areas:

Executive Coaching, Leadership, Change Communication, Presentation training, Cross-Cultural Training