Rewarding career built of human connection, leadership development
Willette Shalishali started her 17-year career at Synovus through the Accelerated Banker program that gives college students an inside look into the banking industry. Today, as the senior director of talent management and development, she leads training programs for the bank’s leaders. In 2024 she was thrilled to be selected as one of American Banker’s 15 Most Powerful Women in Banking: Next. Shalishali is making her mark in her hometown of Columbus, Georgia.
Her recognition as a Most Powerful Women in Banking: Next is a result of her ability to lead with compassion and empathy, demonstrate a growth mindset and think strategically. “I was deeply humbled because you can’t achieve honors like this by yourself,” she recalls.
Shalishali attributes her success to guidance from mentors throughout her career. “I had a great manager who was very empowering. She created an environment that allowed me to bring my ideas to life,” she recalls. “Experiencing the progress and potential helped me feel more engaged.”
Shalishali manages the learning and development, leadership development and succession planning teams. They create ways to support team members in improving their skills, enhancing leadership abilities and identifying top talent.
In 2024, Synovus leadership learning and training programs Catalyst and Ignite won gold Human Capital Management Excellence Awards. Catalyst is an executive leadership readiness program and Ignite is for frontline leaders.
She paid some of those lessons forward to her team and others. “My team would probably describe me as empathetic, empowering and motivational,” Shalishali emphasizes.
“I love guiding people through their leadership journey because you can help them recognize their skills. The more they can use those gifts at work, the better they thrive.”
Shalishali received the 2022 Synovus Emerging Leader award for her contributions toward developing team members and empowering others through her approachable and transparent servant leadership.
Amber Shellman, senior director of optimization and initiatives says, “Willette has distinguished herself and led her team by maintaining a positive and motivating environment.” Shalishali’s team has lauded her care and ability to discuss concerns, demonstrate respect, support balance and create an environment for open communication.
Her drive to succeed inspires her to help others achieve their career goals. “First, understand where you are, then identify where you want to be to reach your goal and how to bridge the gap,” she shares. How she helps develop the bank’s leaders was taken from her realizing the needs of the bank. She’s implemented solutions and enhancements to build leaders’ confidence and capabilities in developing talent, providing coaching, delivering feedback and having regular career conversations.
“I love guiding people through their leadership journey because you can help them recognize their skills. The more they can use those gifts at work, the better they thrive,” she says.
Read more about how Synovus team members are enabling people to reach their full potential.
