Nicole Fielder, the Vice President of Market Lending at Pilot Bank had the opportunity to participate in an exciting movement during a world pandemic!
For more than 30 years, Leadership Tampa Bay has promoted the prosperity and vitality of the Tampa Bay region, enlightening their leaders to the importance of the area as a whole in the state of Florida. Their mission is to engage their members with businesses and community leaders to enhance knowledge of regional assets and issues. The program is designed not only to identify their regional strengths and build on them, but to delve into issues facing the region and explore ways to bridge our differences.
Nicole’s experience was far above amazing as she started the retreat at the InnisBrook grounds where there were guest speakers, team building and of course karaoke! Over a time span of several months Nicole attended in depth excursions which allowed her to tour and learn about Tampa Bay. Every stop along the way there were well spoken professionals to educate the attendees and many of them were Leadership Tampa Bay alumni’s. The group even had the opportunity to visit Tallahassee to see firsthand how our government works. This was a treat for many as they were indulged deeply and witnesses how much negotiation is done behind closed doors. After speaking with Nicole, she shared the following: “My favorite “tour” was Law Enforcement day. We went to the East Hillsborough Sheriff’s Training site and went through several scenarios where we learned that police officers must make split second decisions every day that make a difference between life and death. We also visited the FBI building and the Chief of Police from the Tampa Airport Police spoke to us about the challenges of protecting an international airport.”
Before COVID struck the world in unforgettable measures, Nicole was able to attend her last in person get together. Thankfully, the organization did an amazing job ensuring the material was not spread thinly after March! When COVID struck- Tampa Bay Leadership struck back harder and kept the momentum going virtually. In August, the class of 2020 was able to have one last retreat and a formal graduation at the TradeWinds.
This journey was challenging and enlightening for Nicole, “My time with Leadership Tampa Bay has not come to an end as I have volunteered for the Alumni committee where I will help plan events for the alumni so we continue to grow in our Leadership and stay in touch with our friends.”
This is a huge accomplishment for not only Nicole but the Tampa Bay Community. Pilot Bank is a strong supporter of Leadership Tampa Bay and sent several associates through the program. To learn more about Pilot Bank please visit https://www.pilot.bank/.
