20. Tracey Brophy Warson, Citigroup

Head of Citi Private Bank, North America, Citigroup

For Tracey Brophy Warson, there's little difference between building relationships and building her business.

"Being the client's first call, being the trusted adviser — that's what we want to be," said Warson, the head of Citi Private Bank in North America. "I think a lot of it comes down to listening, and listening with real care, indicating that you do care, and connecting with people."

Warson has nearly 30 years of practicing those skills in her work with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and institutions.

In 2014, she moved to New York City and took the reins of Citigroup's private banking activities in 25 offices throughout the United States and Canada. Warson's team helps manage the fortunes of people with more than $25 million in net worth and has $154 billion in assets under management overall.

Previously, Warson was western region market manager for the private bank, based on the West Coast. She admits that she misses San Francisco, and she frequently travels back there for business.

In 2010, she founded the Citi Women's Network in the Bay Area. A year later, she helped start the private bank's North America diversity operating committee.

Warson has strong advice for other women rising in their careers.

"When I started out, I was always really serious and I thought I had to be serious to be taken seriously," said Warson, the mother of two daughters in their 20s. "But the more I'm just my authentic self — and allow my warmth and who I am to fully come through — the more successful I am.

"I hope that more young women can think about that when they are developing in their own careers."

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Community banking Women in Banking
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER