A lawyer by trade, Bola has been in private banking for over 20 years, with deep experience working with law firms and partners. She is passionate and a huge people advocate—for her clients, team and anyone who is deserving of a chance.
1. Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Nigeria in a big family, as I am one of eight children. I went to law school and graduated with law degrees from Lagos Law School and Ogun State University. Upon graduation, I started my career as a Banking Officer at Citi Trust Merchant Bank Limited in Lagos, Nigeria. It is here that I fell in love with banking. In the early 2000s, I moved to New York to continue my career, where I’ve taken on increasingly senior roles and developed a deep experience working with law firms.
2. Describe your leadership style and how you foster a culture of openness.
I am a huge advocate for my team. Everyone has a chance to be a superstar, and it’s important to create an environment where everybody believes they can shine. By focusing on everyone’s unique strengths and creating a supportive environment, I can cheer each team member on and we can all succeed. This also includes the support and development of future leadership, which I am extremely passionate about.
3. How would your colleagues describe you?
Extremely passionate, empathetic and candid. I am tough, but I always go the extra mile. Excellence and empathy are two qualities that I believe are a truly powerful combination, and as such, I strive for excellence while showing others—my team, clients, colleagues—that I genuinely care.
4. What’s the best piece of advice that you were ever given?
Believe in yourself. Your dreams are valid.
5. Why are diversity, equity and inclusion important to you?
I am a big believer that we can all come together to create opportunities for everyone to thrive. This often includes speaking up for what’s right and going to bat for everyone who deserves a chance. At my former firm, I led the Private Bank Diversity Committee with the goal of bringing individuals together to create a better and more inclusive workplace while advocating for what’s right. Diversity, equity and inclusion are very big passions of mine, and they feed my soul.
6. What excites you most about joining J.P. Morgan Private Bank?
The brand, the people, the platform and the firm’s client-first approach. I am so impressed by the people I’ve met, and continue to meet, especially their unwavering commitment to delivering what’s best for clients. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase as a whole has so much to offer its clients. The opportunities to partner with colleagues across the firm are endless.
7. What do you hope to accomplish in your first year?
Learn first. Build on the success of the team. Then supercharge it! Taking the time to connect the dots and bring together the full strength of the entire firm to our clients will allow us to become our clients first and only call.
8. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love spending time with my husband and my (almost) 14-year-old daughter, who is the light and joy of my life. We love to travel and experience cities as locals do. We love to learn from people and cultures all over the world.
Learn more about Bola and how we work with partners and law firms to offer the full power of J.P. Morgan.
