Travillian’s Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech, and Michael Perito, Head of Bank Strategy, reunite in this informative Talent Talk episode to unpack what’s really going on in banking leadership this year. From the “Trump bump” aftermath to why CFOs and CEOs are the hottest seats in town. They share fresh updates from across the country, including new leadership placements in Sacramento and Scranton, and break down what’s happening in banking talent right now. Relocation’s tougher, candidates are sharper, and the race for top execs is anything but business as usual.
Tying it all together is a nod to The Breakfast Club, as the hosts compare today’s innovation-hungry banks to teens in Saturday detention. Learning, evolving, and preparing to graduate to a better, bolder future.
Listen to the conversation below or read the summary.
SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS
(00:00) Welcome Back
Brian and Mike reunite for another candid Talent Talk, kicking off with a reflection on how quickly 2025 is shifting the tone across the banking industry.
(03:20) Post-“Trump Bump” Market Whiplash
The hosts discuss how the optimism from early political shifts is wearing off, and what that means for leadership strategy, especially in publicly traded banks.
(09:45) Why the CFO and CEO Seats Are Red-Hot
Mike dives into why these roles are under the most pressure right now, with Brian sharing recent examples from Sacramento and Scranton that illustrate the trend.
(15:10) The Relocation Roadblock
Relocation continues to be a pain point. The team shares why banks are struggling to move execs, and how that’s reshaping candidate pools and expectations.
(21:30) The “New Normal” for Executive Candidates
Today’s top candidates are sharper, more prepared, and have more leverage than ever. Brian and Mike explain what that means for both hiring and retention strategies.
(27:15) The Breakfast Club Analogy
In a nod to the classic film, Brian and Mike compare today’s innovation-hungry banks to high schoolers in Saturday detention—learning, evolving, and preparing to graduate into stronger institutions.
(32:00) Closing Thoughts
They wrap with a few regional updates and predictions for what the second half of 2025 might hold for banking leadership.
