I recently went one-on-one with Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Priscilla: I have been lucky enough to work for leaders who believe in stretching people beyond their comfort zones. One was especially fond of developing “utility players.”
If you identified as a marketer, he’d assign you to lead enterprise strategy. If you saw yourself as a strategist, he’d put you in charge of business operations. It wasn’t about misalignment; it was about growth. He understood that true leadership requires a panoramic view of the business, not just mastery of one lane.
Some thrived in those unexpected roles; others stumbled. But the real measure of success wasn’t performance alone; it was the willingness to lean into the discomfort, to learn, and to evolve. That experience taught me that growth often begins where certainty ends. And it shaped how I lead today: by encouraging people to embrace challenges not as a threat, but as a catalyst for transformation.
Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?
Priscilla: Scaling a business isn’t just about rapid expansion. It’s about making smart, sustainable moves that position a company for long-term success. At the heart of a growth strategy, there should be a clear vision for building an organization that empowers people and exceeds your customers’ expectations at every turn.
Invest in what matters – for example, we invest in developing our leadership team because we know that strong leaders create strong teams. Fiscal responsibility – we are equally committed to disciplined financial management, making sure that every initiative is backed by sound planning and measurable outcomes. These approaches, paired with forming the right strategic partnerships and leveraging technology, mean you can scale efficiently without sacrificing core values.
Ultimately, successful growth is the result of collective effort. It’s about bringing together people of diverse perspectives and uniting them behind a shared mission. By fostering a culture where innovation thrives and accountability is expected, you can ensure growth benefits not just the company, but employees, partners, and the communities a company serves.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of marketing and branding?
Priscilla: My best advice on marketing and branding is simple: start with authenticity. Be clear in who your customer is and what they need. Also, know who you are to them and what you’re best at delivering in service to them. Some brands chase gimmicks – flashy tactics that might grab short term attention. That kind of visibility comes at a cost if it’s not authentic. Trust can be lost.
Every business has a ‘why’: a core reason it exists and a need it’s designed to fulfill. When you anchor your brand in that purpose, you create clarity. You give people something real to connect with, and that connection is what drives loyalty, advocacy, and long-term impact. So before chasing trends, go back to the basics. Your ‘why’ isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s your compass.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Priscilla: Effective leadership starts with hiring the right team in the right roles. It’s the most important act of a leader. Full stop.
Great leaders engage stakeholders intentionally, ensuring teams connect to the mission and own the strategy. They also listen as much as they guide. They take time to understand the challenges their employees face and create space for dialogue.
At its core, leadership is about clarity of purpose. Clarity should be the anchor in a sea of competing priorities. At the end of the day, great leaders cascade that sense of purpose throughout the organization. When talented high performers understand the ‘why’ behind the work, they show up differently. This is how leaders build alignment, resilience, and impact.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Priscilla: I’m a big believer in mentorship. I was mentored and have mentored many aspiring leaders. It’s a wonderful way to step into your power while leveraging the experience of those who have gone before you. There’s no set path to becoming a leader; we are each on a unique journey, but mentorship exposes you to possibilities you may not know exist.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Priscilla:
- Lead with purpose, not just via your title.
- Stay curious, continue to learn.
- Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Priscilla: My best advice is to hire people who are smarter than you, who are passionate about their work, and willing to work hard. Lead them with clarity, compassion, and conviction. This requires high expectations and vision.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is “Not to shrink yourself in rooms you’ve earned the right to be in.” It reminded me that my perspective, my voice, and my leadership are not only valid but necessary. I carry that with me into every boardroom, meeting, and when making tough decisions. It’s what keeps me grounded and bold enough to lead authentically.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Priscilla: Getting the call to lead Amalgamated Bank is a proud career moment for me. Being able to work alongside an amazing Board and executive team has been incredibly rewarding. I believe all the work I’ve done in my career has taught me to appreciate the power of good corporate citizenry and the immense role that financial institutions play in society.
