40 Under 40: Nick Wilson works in finance but finds true value in helping his community
Nick Wilson, 32, vice president and senior portfolio manager, First Horizon Bank
Although it's Nick Wilson's job to work with money at First Horizon Bank, he finds value in time.
Wilson devotes himself to community organizations outside work, but his efforts and passions have not gone unnoticed in the office.
His impact on the community has helped him become an exemplary leader in his industry, not just for his financial knowledge, but for his dedication to inclusion within the LGBTQ community and beyond.
More: Announcing the Knox.biz 40 Under 40 class of 2021
More: Top Workplaces: First Horizon puts employees first, and it pays
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?
The pandemic created substantial stress for small businesses in our community. As the government provided economic relief through the PPP Loan program, it became apparent that banks would be challenged to find ways to help businesses access this financial support. I’m proud to have developed and led the initial loan approval process that our team implemented, which helped ensure many East Tennessee businesses could gain access to needed funding often used to keep their doors open and employees on the payroll during the pandemic.
What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
In the finance industry, the perception of a professional’s expertise and authority are often correlated with his/her age. As a young professional, especially one who focuses on making lending decisions, it is a challenge to prove your credibility in the eyes of professionals and clients who often have decades more time in the industry. To overcome this, I always focus on being well prepared and up to date on the latest research and trends in the industry.
What will you focus on in 2022?
2022 is shaping up to be a significant year with many internal and external changes and opportunities. Externally, I will be focused on seeing to completion First Horizon’s large pipeline of financing projects expected to significantly contribute to our community’s growth. Internally, we’ve added several new associates to our team and are also focused on successfully completing our systems conversions and integrations as a result of our recent merger with IBERIABANK. I’m looking forward to being a resource for our new teammates while also helping our clients realize their significant expansion projects over the next year.
What is your biggest professional goal?
To be known in my company and the industry as an expert in my field and known for quality, reputable work.
What mistake did you learn the most from?
I’m a people-pleaser. Early in my career, I accepted every task with the goal of fostering a reputation as being reliable by handling anything that was asked of me. While it is important to be a team player, I’ve also learned that it is important to prioritize work-life balance and to set appropriate boundaries between work and personal life.
What motivates you?
I love helping people solve problems or successfully complete their projects.
What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?
You always hear the importance of “never giving up." While perseverance is important, I think that it can be easy to allow this to result in tunnel vision or getting trapped in the fallacy of sunk costs. I think it is important to be willing to pivot and/or abandon and try something else if the original plan isn't working. In fact, I keep a plaque on my desk with the famous William Arthur Ward quote: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” I think this approach keeps you constantly innovating.
What trait do you most want in a co-worker?
I enjoy working with people who value teamwork, collaboration and the value of doing things right.
What about Knoxville would you like to improve?
Knoxville is an amazing place to work and live. However, we continue to see a lot of young professionals moving to places like Nashville, Atlanta, Austin and Houston. I would love for Knoxville to continue to make it a focus to build our reputation as being a mecca for innovation, entrepreneurship and just an overall great place to be for these folks because at the end of the day, our community has a lot to offer.
Who in Knoxville is underappreciated?
Knoxvillians who work in customer-facing roles have faced an extremely challenging time since the pandemic began. I applaud the efforts of those keeping our restaurants, shops and businesses operational during these unprecedented times.
Family: Dustin Gibson, spouse
Years worked at current company: 7
Degrees and certifications: BSBA in public administration and economics, the University of Tennessee; MBA, Tennessee Tech University
Community involvement: Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, president of the board of directors; United Way of Greater Knoxville's 1922 Society, chair and founding member
This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
— Ryan Wilusz
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 40 Under 40: First Horizon Bank values Nick Wilson's community passion
