The Hidden ROI of Generosity: Meghan McKenna on How Human Connection Closes Deals

In a world increasingly dominated by software and automation, how vital are human relationships in banking and finance? In this episode, CJ sits down with Meghan McKenna, founder of Females in Finance (FIF) and a seasoned banker with experience at JPMorgan, HSBC, and Stifel, to explore how trusted connections continue to drive success. As a community builder and banker, Meghan has a unique perspective on the intersection of human connection and capital markets. She explains the philosophy behind her community, which is based on generosity and genuine connection rather than a transactional mindset, and how this has become her competitive advantage. The conversation also covers sales as an essential leadership skill, the rise of the modular banking stack, changes in private credit, the evolving ERP landscape, how a personal touch proved invaluable during the SVB crisis, and career lessons Meghan learned along the way.

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LINKS:

Meghan McKenna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-curtin-mckenna-%F0%9F%94%A5-66a5022b/

FIF Collective:

https://www.fifcollective.com

Meghan McKenna email: meghan@fifcollective.co

CJ on X (@cjgustafson222): https://x.com/cjgustafson222

Mostly metrics:

https://www.mostlymetrics.com

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview and Intro

(02:30) Sponsor – RightRev | Navan | Rillet

(06:41) Connecting People as a Skill

(08:03) Sales as an Essential Leadership Skill

(12:07) The Power of In-Person Community & Events

(14:39) FIF’s Ideal Customer Profile

(15:42) Sponsor – Pulley | Brex | Aleph

(20:05) The Evolution of the Banking Ecosystem

(22:00) Modular Banking Stacks and Fintech Challengers

(24:37) The Rise of Private Credit

(27:32) Banks Adapting to Companies That Stay Private Longer

(30:06) Fintechs vs. Traditional Banks

(31:54) Current Trends in AI and ERP in Finance

(35:07) Importance of Human Relationships When Software Fails

(36:09) Reflecting on the SVB Bank Run & Facing New Risks in Tech

(37:59) Building a Personal Brand in Finance

(39:42) Community Spirit, Giving Back, & Sharing Your Network

(43:25) Meghan’s Early Career and Mentors

(46:15) Long-Ass Lightning Round: Staying Too Long in a Role

(47:49) Advice to Younger Self

(48:24) A Memorable Deal & Client Story

(50:07) Wrap

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