Banking executive Harvey Brookins served as Executive in Residence for Ferrum College on Wed., Feb. 22, 2012, telling students that the key to success revolves around P.I.E. — Performance, Image and Exposure. Brookins, who is based in Roanoke, is the Market President and Business Banking Manager for Wells Fargo Bank.
“Performance is only about 20 to 30 percent of career success,” Brookins told a large group of students, faculty, administrators and community members during a late morning keynote address. “At Wells Fargo, we are certainly looking for performance, but we are also looking at the image of the ‘brand’ you portray.”
Brookins told students that they should ask themselves, “When other people hear my name, what do they say?” He cautioned them against negative portrayals of themselves on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. He also encouraged students to increase their “exposure” to potential employers by making personal contact instead of simply filling forms on-line. Throughout his talk, Brookins illustrated his points by sharing instances from his own career when he focused only on performance and not as much on image and exposure.
In addition to the keynote address, Brookins also joined students in a number of classes where he exchanged ideas with both students and faculty.
Brookins joined Wells Fargo and moved to Virginia in 2006 after 13 years in retail and commercial banking in the Detroit, Michigan area. He attended the University of Detroit Mercy where he graduated with honors and also earned his Master’s degree. Brookins began his career in retail branch management and moved to commercial banking shortly thereafter.
The Executive in Residence initiative at Ferrum College brings the real world business experience of current and retired business professionals to campus. Guest executives tour campus, audit classes, interact with students and faculty and are asked to deliver a lecture sharing their personal experiences and philosophies. Speakers offer insight on the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities necessary for a successful business career.
