California Banker Issue 6 2023

Can you tell us about your journey to become the Chairman, President, and CEO of Commercial Bank of California? What inspired you to pursue A Conversation with Ash Patel Q:

who was also from Zambia — wanted to meet me. They had an opening for a teller position and I took it. I called my dad back home to tell him and his response was, “But remember, we are Indian and we are entrepre neurs. You can work for B of A, but I want you to find out how B of A makes money.” With that, I was curious and determined to find out how banks make money. My curiosity took me on an adventure. I asked every banking industry executive I met how banks make money. Most only understood the transactional side of the busi ness. It wasn’t until I received a job offer from the presi dent of the Bank of Orange County that I got my chance

a career in banking?

Some things in life happen by accident. And some things happen for a reason. I believe the key to success is know ing when to seize an opportunity, no matter the circum stance. My career began as an accident. I came to visit my brother in the United States from my home in Zambia, Africa. It was not my intention to stay, but I did. I sent my resume out to a few banks and a woman from Bank of America —

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