Getting to Know Our 2019 Conference Speakers – Jennifer Flynn

We are so excited to have an amazing line-up of prominent leaders and trailblazers speaking at our 2019 Annual Conference Inspire. Innovate. Ignite! on Thursday, November 7 in Washington, DC.  We will be introducing these dynamic and engaging speakers during the next couple of months here on our blog. We asked our speakers to answer a few questions about themselves, their approach to their career, and their lives.

 

This week’s “Getting To Know Our Conference Speakers” post highlights Jennifer Flynn, Managing Vice President & Head of Small Business Bank at Capital One.

A true champion of diversity and flexibility, Jenn will share her insights on a panel with other leaders.

 

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance: What was the most meaningful piece of leadership advice you have received? 

Jenn Flynn: Set your priorities; make your decisions around those priorities; and, if you don’t like the consequences of those decisions, make another choice. This advice has served me well over the years and has also helped me remove guilt from my vocabulary! When you are confident in your priorities, everything else falls into place.

Through this journey, I also learned the power of using my voice and encouraging others to use their voice. Sharing my priorities with others really helped me find the “and” – the flexibility I need to make things work for both my family and my organization. Don’t underestimate the power of letting someone in.

I am where I am today largely because of the leaders who took a chance on me, stretched me, and supported me on both my personal and professional journey. My goal is to be that person for my team.

DFA: How do you pay it forward?

JF: I make it a point to surround myself with leaders who model the behaviors I value, and I have become a champion for those just starting out on their journey. I am committed to working with my teams to create a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging, an obligation to share a dissenting opinion, and can bring their whole selves to work feeling inspired and respected. It is important for everyone to work for leaders who bring out the best in you and who embrace varying perspectives and see differences as an opportunity to grow. I made a promise to remain true to my authentic self and I want others to feel the freedom to do the same.

I am also actively engaged on the Executive Steering Committee for Capital One’s Women’s Business Resource Group and the Capital One Greater Washington Market President Network, both in McLean. I am an advisor for 1863 Ventures and passionate about helping small businesses succeed.