How a Reverse Mentoring Program Empowers Young Employees and Drives Connection with the Next Generation
Leslie DeRoss, a former Division I women’s college soccer player, understands firsthand the significance of teamwork. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasizes the invaluable lessons learned from team sports that transcend into various aspects of life and career. According to DeRoss, each team member brings unique strengths, necessitating strategic positioning to achieve collective goals.
In her current role as head of collateralized loan obligation (CLO) strategy and innovation at U.S. Bank, DeRoss has applied her adeptness at assembling the right talents to several successful initiatives. These endeavors, aimed at enhancing the corporate trust client experience, included establishing a loan agency operations team for CLO clients, facilitating immediate wire payments for corporate trust clients, and exploring the potential impact of blockchain on the global corporate trust and custody business.
DeRoss finds fulfillment in analyzing opportunities and devising strategies to implement them effectively within the organizational framework. Drawing from her extensive experience in operations management roles, she combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs, acquired through direct interaction.
Her proficiency in forming strong teams extends to her approach to career development. Encouraging others to cultivate a robust network and communicate their career aspirations openly, DeRoss stresses the importance of mentorship, particularly among women in male-dominated fields like CLO. She actively engages with a network of female colleagues, competitors, and clients, fostering mutual support and collaboration.
DeRoss's commitment to professional growth is evident in her participation in executive leadership programs and recognition for her achievements within U.S. Bank. Through continuous networking and pursuit of learning opportunities, she remains dedicated to advancing her career and supporting others in their journeys.
Former CEO Richard Davis initiated the reverse mentoring program with the intention of amplifying the voices of younger employees and fostering connections with the upcoming generation of employees and consumers.
Despite attending the University of North Carolina-Charlotte on a full soccer scholarship, DeRoss recalls her soccer journey as one filled with challenges and hard work rather than effortless success. Originally recruited as an outside midfielder, DeRoss displayed versatility by playing every position except goalkeeper, attributing her adaptability to her lack of "acrobatic" skills. She emphasizes the development of a strong work ethic during her soccer career, a trait she continues to uphold.
While DeRoss's active soccer days may be mostly behind her, she expresses willingness to support her two young daughters if they ever express interest in pursuing soccer, indicating her readiness to guide them along a similar path.
“My knees prevent me from playing anymore,” she said while adding, “But if either of my daughters decides they want to play, I could see some coaching in my future.”
In her current role as head of collateralized loan obligation (CLO) strategy and innovation at U.S. Bank, DeRoss has applied her adeptness at assembling the right talents to several successful initiatives. These endeavors, aimed at enhancing the corporate trust client experience, included establishing a loan agency operations team for CLO clients, facilitating immediate wire payments for corporate trust clients, and exploring the potential impact of blockchain on the global corporate trust and custody business.
DeRoss finds fulfillment in analyzing opportunities and devising strategies to implement them effectively within the organizational framework. Drawing from her extensive experience in operations management roles, she combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs, acquired through direct interaction.
Her proficiency in forming strong teams extends to her approach to career development. Encouraging others to cultivate a robust network and communicate their career aspirations openly, DeRoss stresses the importance of mentorship, particularly among women in male-dominated fields like CLO. She actively engages with a network of female colleagues, competitors, and clients, fostering mutual support and collaboration.
DeRoss's commitment to professional growth is evident in her participation in executive leadership programs and recognition for her achievements within U.S. Bank. Through continuous networking and pursuit of learning opportunities, she remains dedicated to advancing her career and supporting others in their journeys.
Former CEO Richard Davis initiated the reverse mentoring program with the intention of amplifying the voices of younger employees and fostering connections with the upcoming generation of employees and consumers.
Despite attending the University of North Carolina-Charlotte on a full soccer scholarship, DeRoss recalls her soccer journey as one filled with challenges and hard work rather than effortless success. Originally recruited as an outside midfielder, DeRoss displayed versatility by playing every position except goalkeeper, attributing her adaptability to her lack of "acrobatic" skills. She emphasizes the development of a strong work ethic during her soccer career, a trait she continues to uphold.
While DeRoss's active soccer days may be mostly behind her, she expresses willingness to support her two young daughters if they ever express interest in pursuing soccer, indicating her readiness to guide them along a similar path.
“My knees prevent me from playing anymore,” she said while adding, “But if either of my daughters decides they want to play, I could see some coaching in my future.”
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