Dublin-Worthington News Stories

Saturday, March 6, 2021
By: Paul J. Cynkar
Advancing the Leadership Mindset
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, December, 2020
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to help me fulfill the requirements of the Dublin Worthington Rotary Red Badge Program for new Rotarians and get an up close view of the traits and strengths of some of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight:  Jerry Katz
Wisdom, Service, Helping Others to Succeed


Tell us about yourself.  Give us three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.
I was born in Columbus, married in 1962 and I have two daughters and seven grandchildren.  I spent 40 years in the banking industry though I retired twenty years ago.  I sit on the board of a number of not-for-profits and that keeps me connected. 

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership?
I joined in August, 1995.  Dwight Moody was a member and he helped me to join Rotary and the Worthington Arts Council.  Rotary gives me a sense of purpose and the feeling that I am needed.  I appreciate the sense that “someone is counting on me.”

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how?
I feel that my biggest impact came through banking management.  In that role it is easier to see that you are helping others.  One of my career highlights was becoming the first small business unit banking manager for the Huntington Bank.  I took the responsibility for using the resources of that financial institution to help small businesses very seriously.

As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why?

Thirty two years ago, while serving as the manager of the main Huntington Bank office, I started meeting with a group organized to help not-for-profits do their work more effectively.  This was funded by a $50k grant from the Ohio Community Finance Fund.  Today this is a $70 million operation with no delinquencies.  The fund is utilized in every county in the State.  I still serve as chairman of the board.

Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result?
I was a district manager at the Huntington Bank.  We were faced with a huge layoff and I was responsible for overseeing that reduction.  There were many employees who did a good job every day and I had to cut good people who did not deserve to be cut because it was a cost we could not afford.  That was difficult!

What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing?  What makes your heart sing?
I admire people who demonstrate passion but it is something that I have difficulty doing.  Perhaps I am too blasé and even keeled.  I consider myself a global thinker and believe things will get better. 

What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?
I can organize!  I take what people are saying and capsulize it.  I can get a project going without ranting and raving about it.  I’m not sure where I developed this ability but others tell me I have it.

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about?
It’s not about how long I will live.  I want to spend my last decade helping others.  If you have skills you can pass on, you are obligated to do that.  I derive a lot of pride from the success of others.

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?
Barack Obama…even though I have been a registered Republican.  I’ve heard him speak and I think he’s a pretty interesting guy.  He asks deep questions and always looks out for society. I find it interesting that he was the editor of the Harvard Law Review, the most prestigious in the country, yet never wrote an article for that review.





Written by:  Paul Cynkar
 

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