What Leadership Means to Me and How I Lead

Max Meints, Vice President - Centralized Operations at FirstBank

Max Meints, Vice President - Centralized Operations at FirstBank

Max Meints is a dynamic Vice President at FirstBank with expertise in Centralized Operations and Payments. A passionate DEI advocate and nonprofit board member at Elevating Connections, he combines strategic vision with a commitment to innovation and community impact. Meints resides in Colorado, where he loves to ski and spend quality outdoor time with his wife Alex and daughter Zoi.

In this interview Meins reflects on the philosophy of leadership centered on influence, service and fostering a culture of growth and trust. He emphasizes the importance of empowering others, aligning individual strengths with organizational goals and leading by example.

Leadership is not about authority, titles or accolades—it’s about influence, service and fostering a culture where others can thrive. To me, leadership means empowering people to see their potential, guiding them toward shared goals and creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and trust are the norm.

Leadership begins with service. A leader must listen and respond to the needs of their team, organization and community. The best leaders know their success is tied directly to the success of others. My leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, empathy and accountability, prioritizing relationships and cultivating talent to inspire others to bring their best.

Being a Leader in Banking

Leading in banking comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The financial services industry is constantly evolving due to technology, regulatory changes and shifting customer expectations. My role is to guide my team through this complexity while delivering exceptional value.

Banking leadership requires a balance of tradition and innovation. While respecting the trust our industry is built on, I also embrace forward-thinking solutions to remain competitive. A key focus is maintaining a culture of compliance and risk management. Precision and integrity are vital in this industry and I prioritize transparency and accountability to empower employees to act confidently and responsibly.

Leadership in banking also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether driving operational efficiency, implementing transformative technologies, or helping team members grow, the work we do influences clients, colleagues and the broader community.

Building Strengths and Leading by Example

One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is recognizing and nurturing the strengths of others. Early in my career, I learned the value of diverse perspectives and the power of collaborative problem-solving. Today, I strive to create opportunities for team members to leverage their unique skills, take ownership of their work and grow personally and professionally.

“leadership is about impact. I measure success not just by goals achieved but by relationships built, leaders developed and lives touched. Leadership, to me, is a privilege—an opportunity to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.”

Effective leadership requires aligning individual talents with organizational objectives. By helping team members stretch beyond their comfort zones and providing guidance, I ensure they feel seen, valued and supported. Empowering others to lead creates a foundation for long-term success.

Leadership also involves setting a vision and leading by example. Establishing ambitious yet attainable goals and clearly communicating them is essential. A leader inspires the team to take ownership of the mission and aligns their efforts toward shared success.

Actions, however, speak louder than words. Leading by example means demonstrating a strong work ethic, making decisions with integrity and taking responsibility for setbacks. If I expect my team to embrace change, deliver excellence, or tackle challenges with resilience, I must embody those qualities myself.

Navigating Challenges

Leadership often shines brightest during uncertainty. The rapid pace of technological advancements in banking, from AI to digital platforms, presents both opportunities and challenges. As a leader, I prioritize staying ahead of trends while equipping my team with the skills to adapt. This approach allows us to meet customer needs and improve operations.

During challenging times, I focus on transparency, addressing problems head-on and maintaining a long-term perspective. By modeling calm, solutions-oriented thinking, I help my team navigate complexities and deliver results.

Fostering Inclusion and Continuous Growth

Creating an inclusive environment is a cornerstone of effective leadership. The strongest organizations embrace diversity—of thought, experience and background. I encourage open communication and different perspectives, fostering a culture where collaboration and innovation thrive.

In banking, inclusion is especially critical. We serve diverse communities and our teams should reflect the clients we support. A leader’s role extends beyond business objectives; it’s about cultivating respect, empathy and a sense of belonging within the workplace.

Leadership is also a journey of continuous growth. I believe the best leaders are lifelong learners who adapt, seek feedback and grow from challenges. Staying informed on industry trends, embracing new ideas and learning from missteps are all part of evolving as a leader.

The Legacy of Leadership

Ultimately, leadership is about impact. I measure success not just by goals achieved but by relationships built, leaders developed and lives touched. Leadership, to me, is a privilege—an opportunity to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.

As I reflect on my leadership journey At FirstBank, I’m grateful for the mentors, colleagues and teams who’ve shaped me. They’ve taught me that leadership is not about having followers; it’s about creating leaders. That’s the legacy I strive to build every day.

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