Name: Laura Higgins
Title: Pacific Head for Diverse Businesses, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking
Experience: I have a long career in banking, primarily in technology leadership roles. During my time in Global Supplier Services, my role expanded into the Supplier Diversity space, facilitating the growth and development of diverse-owned companies. Since taking on my role at JPMorgan Chase, I have become even more involved with diverse-owned businesses.
How would you define a successful banker-client relationship? A successful banker-client relationship is one where the banker and client talk all the time to regularly vet ideas and brainstorm. It is one where the banker is bringing ideas and opportunities to help their client grow and improve their business.
What do you find most rewarding about your work? I love engaging historically underestimated founders and finding ways to support their goals. I also love coaching our bankers on how to use our diverse businesses team to accelerate their efforts by helping demonstrate our passion for supporting communities.
How do you aim to help diverse-owned businesses grow? Every company is different, but I work to identify paths to growth for them. The key is to understand the specific situation with a particular company and then curate actions that will support the leadership in achieving their aspirations.
