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Today, I'm excited to share that I am starting a new role as SVP in the Business Management Office at Truist.
This milestone means a lot to me because, like many colleagues and professionals, the last 13 months have been filled with uncertainty, disappointment, and unexpected turns.
A year ago, I was impacted by organizational changes and released from a bank where I had proudly spent 14 years. At the time, I felt like my career was on top of the mountain - and suddenly everything changed.
Five months later, I was fortunate to secure another opportunity with a different bank. Ironically, on my very first day, it was announced that the bank had been acquired. Once again, uncertainty entered the picture.
Throughout this journey, there were countless applications, interviews, networking conversations, rejections, and moments when it would have been easy to become discouraged. Over the last 13 months, I applied for more than 37 roles at Truist alone. For many, I never received a call back. For others, I went through multiple rounds of interviews, was one of the final candidates - and still wasn't selected. Some opportunities were put on hold or eliminated at the last minute.
Every rejection was difficult. There were moments when I questioned what I was doing wrong and wondered if the right opportunity would ever come. But looking back, I realize I couldn't see the path ahead. What felt like rejection was often redirection.
The role I'm beginning today is one of the best I applied for in the last 13 months - one that aligns perfectly with my experience, strengths, and passions. And ironically, it was one of the last positions I applied for during this entire journey.
For anyone currently navigating a job loss, career transition, or unexpected setback: don't give up. Keep learning. Keep networking. Keep showing up. Don't let rejection convince you that you are not worthy or qualified.
Sometimes the path forward isn't straight, and the opportunities you want most aren't the ones you're meant to have. There may be a better opportunity waiting - one you simply can't see yet.
One of my favorite verses, taped to the bottom of my screen where I saw it dozens of times each day, is Isaiah 43:19: "For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."
Today, I begin a new chapter with gratitude, humility, and excitement for what lies ahead. I am incredibly thankful for my family, friends, former colleagues, and everyone who encouraged, supported, and prayed for me throughout this journey.
Never give up. Your next opportunity may be closer than you think. Feel free to reach out - I'm glad to walk alongside you.